Chapter 276: The International Banker

“I know you!”

The first words from the man who had briefly been Lynch’s competitor left Lynch with an indescribable feeling.

This wasn’t like when others said I know you, meaning I know what you’ve done. This was literal—I know you as a person.

Though subtle, these two meanings of know were entirely different. The limits of language made it hard to convey the difference, but it was real.

Lynch looked at the man and pressed his lips together. They were sitting in a quiet café by the roadside.

Under dim, slightly intimate lighting, they were the only customers. The bartender listlessly watched a TV drama, occasionally flashing a faint, almost unconscious smile before returning to a worried expression.

Passersby hurried along outside, unaware of the two men sitting face to face or of their differences.

“I don’t know you yet, sir,” Lynch said playfully. “You know me, but I don’t know you—that’s not fair.”

His words carried the mischief and innocence of a child, the kind of naïve belief in fairness that fades with adulthood.

Lynch wasn’t pretending to be childish; he really was young. The man opposite took an exquisite cardholder from his coat and handed Lynch a gilded metal business card. “Now it’s fair.”

Lynch was surprised. Metal cards, especially with gilded edges, were rare and delicate. The card had only a name—Herbes Zizifonko—and an address on the back, unknown to Lynch.

He examined it carefully, then slipped it into his own cardholder. His artistic taste was limited, but he could tell the card’s style was unlike that of the Baylor Federation.

Baylor’s style was either minimalist or flashy, but always petty at its core—probably due to its origins.

A nation founded by exiled criminals, fallen nobles, mad pirates, and desperate gold seekers, none cultured, naturally lacked cultural depth.

Its early culture was a hodgepodge of borrowed elements, and only after several presidents forcibly incorporated indigenous culture did the federation develop its current identity. They denied their few centuries of history, claiming a thousand years of civilization, with recent centuries only modern development.

This card felt rooted.

And Zizifonko wasn’t a Federation surname—at least Lynch had never heard it before.

Herbes spoke naturally of matters related to Lynch. “You mentioned economic warfare at the president’s celebration and joined some radical salons afterward. Honestly, it’s hard to believe such ideas come from someone so young. Mr. Lynch, you’re an interesting man, and I’m honored to know you.”

Both paused briefly, then Herbes continued, “Some of your views actually align closely with mainstream international opinion.”

“Since we’re here, let me formally introduce myself: Herbes Zizifonko, a royal from a small country. You may call me prince.”

“But I prefer you call me by another title—International Banker.”

Herbes shifted, explaining his role. Unlike national bankers, international bankers operate across two or more countries. Being called an international banker meant Herbes was a key figure—perhaps a director or major shareholder—at a major international bank.

As Baylor Federation opened to the world, so the world opened to it—a mutual process. Early arrivals were international banks scouting locations for national branches.

Not everyone trusted the federation or its banks, especially after they harshly dealt with those trying to withdraw funds, imprisoning or expelling them and freezing money.

This damaged trust in Baylor’s banking system. They needed a trustworthy institution to handle things.

This wasn’t simple—many political factors were involved. The rivalry between international and national financial bodies was constant, so Herbes’ bank sent him personally to oversee matters.

Today was a coincidence: while observing the financial climate in York Province, he heard about a small internal auction.

Such auctions were common internationally—financial disputes brought to third-party institutions. Herbes came to watch.

Seeing the incredibly cheap items, he chose to bid. He sought only reasonable profit, confident even at Lynch’s prices there was profit margin for use or resale.

Though his actions seemed a bit excessive, bankers chased profit more aggressively than merchants—who didn’t trade money itself. Herbes’ bid was understandable.

Lynch shrugged. “But, International Banker, you just cost me over a million!”

Herbes laughed lightly. “Look at it another way—you bought my friendship for a million.”

“Many would pay more for that chance, but I don’t give it easily. You actually profited.”

It wasn’t far from the truth. Members of international banks’ boards often remained anonymous except for a few public faces. Few knew their names or how to reach them.

So Lynch’s million bought goodwill—not a bad deal.

Lynch’s smile was clear; his gaze sharp. “I hope my million wasn’t wasted.”

Herbes smiled. “I guarantee it.”

Their talk then grew simpler, drifting to international affairs. Perhaps Lynch’s views, aligning with or exceeding mainstream global opinions, had attracted Herbes.

The core of the Allied Victors, Gephra, was stirring trouble, demanding weaker trade partners use its currency for settlements.

This troubled many countries and capitalists.

To maintain close trade with Gephra, one had to hold a certain amount of Gephra’s currency, the Gael.

Holding more Gael crowded out other funds, causing some international banks to adjust their reserves, increasing Gael holdings.

The demand pushed Gael’s exchange rate higher and strengthened Gephra’s trade position—more people using their currency expanded its circulation, allowing them to buy more with less money.

An economic or monetary model once unexplored was now under serious study.

Some joked that although the world war left the world in chaos, it at least tightened global connections.

In the past, countries mostly kept to themselves. Only neighboring nations maintained close ties. Beyond that, except for a few merchants willing to risk pirate attacks, international connections were weak.

But now, because of a world war, the entire world is experiencing a strange trend of integration.

Military, economy, and culture will become a new form of warfare in the next decade—one as significant as war itself, even more covert and powerful.

Though young, Lynch sensed the pulse of the times. Herbes believed that, barring unforeseen circumstances, he might collaborate with Lynch on international projects.

Lynch agreed. If Herbes proved useful, the million was well spent.