Chapter 319: Profits Move the Heart

No plan ever unfolds exactly as its creator envisions; many uncertainties interfere—unexpected problems or small setbacks occur frequently and are normal.

Lynch’s original idea differed from what he was doing now. His plan was to persuade the local rulers and the theocratic powers to become partners and share in the profits.

But when he actually got involved, he realized it wasn’t that simple. Mr. Preyton and his trading company had already become the third largest power in Nagaryll.

Whether the theocracy and government acknowledged it or not, Preyton’s status was firmly established—he controlled the resources, effectively choking Nagaryll.

To get rich in Nagaryll, you had to face Preyton’s company head-on. They wouldn’t allow Lynch to take their profits without resistance. So at this stage, Lynch’s true opponent was only one: Mr. Preyton and his company.

How to defeat them?

It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Preyton’s network had deeply penetrated every level of Nagaryll—from the lowest to the highest—with agents protecting their interests. A rash confrontation would only provoke a full-scale backlash. So Lynch revised his original plan.

Before, he wanted to get rich alone. Now he planned to get rich with others, but control the source and claim the biggest slice of the cake.

This was why he had been aggressively promoting his experiences lately—all leading up to an exhibition in Eminence a few days later. He intended to showcase everything he brought back from Nagaryll fully and thoroughly.

He wanted people to see how little he had spent and how valuable those things were. Only then would they be motivated to act.

Then the conflict wouldn’t be Lynch versus Preyton’s company—it would be the federal capital forces against a few capitalists. Preyton and his company would be crushed.

Truman quickly understood Lynch’s ideas. They weren’t extraordinary but very effective.

This aligned with Truman’s recent interest above all theory: with enough profit at stake, war can turn to peace instantly, and peace can just as easily be consumed by war.

All morality is a façade; only profit is real and eternal.

Hearing Lynch’s words, Truman was moved. His biggest political problem was how politicians viewed the world.

In recent years, to appease the public, many radical politicians were purged and replaced by conservatives who hadn’t yet shifted their mindset. They clung to outdated, ignorant positions, refusing to attack and only wanting to defend.

This was Truman’s biggest obstacle. They had just removed the president and installed a new one. It was not yet time to take action against congressmen or state rulers—a transition period was needed.

Convincing them wasn’t difficult—if someone was willing to pay, they’d eventually nod to certain policies. But no one was willing to pay.

Lynch’s plans showed Truman an opportunity. Once capitalists smelled profit, they would spend money to organize lobbying groups to persuade conservative politicians opposing international engagement.

No one could stop capitalists from using money, power, or bullets to seize profits.

“This is risky, but we should try. What you said at the salon was right—each of us is an explorer; every step forward is an adventure!” Truman affirmed Lynch’s idea, seeing a great opportunity.

Lynch smiled. When he saw Truman attend his speech, he knew Truman was essentially seeking supporters too.

The next day, Mr. Wadrick rarely took the initiative to contact Lynch. Lynch booked a suite at Eminence Grand Hotel and had the front desk hold his messages.

Later, Lynch met this influential federal figure at Wadrick’s estate.

A brief incident occurred: Severella, seemingly unaware Lynch was coming, greeted him with surprise and seemed to want to speak but was sent away by her father.

Entering a study resembling a small library, Lynch lingered, observing the dense rows of books.

The collection was massive—nearly four meters high, ten meters long, about one meter deep, with six double-sided bookcases equipped with rails and ladders for access.

The vast number of books was impressive but also intimidating. These weren’t picture-heavy books but almost exclusively text, meaning reading one thick volume would take ten to fifteen days.

There were likely millions of books here, perhaps far more than ten thousand.

Wadrick noticed Lynch’s gaze and smiled.

He approached a bookcase, took a book, and flipped through it casually.

“Knowledge lights the path of human progress. Books are humanity’s greatest treasure.”

Lynch snapped back and nodded.

“Have you read all these, Mr. Wadrick?”

Lynch’s question was unlike something he usually said, but it perfectly invited Wadrick to answer. Wadrick walked inward and invited Lynch to sit.

“I’ve only read a portion. The rest were passed down by my father, grandfather, and ancestors.”

“Some I’ve never read. Time and energy are limited, but I’ve absorbed and transformed their knowledge into experience in other ways.”

Wadrick’s face held a reserved smile that masked pride and arrogance—not arrogance without cause, but justified pride.

Knowledge has long been a monopoly of the upper class, especially before education was widespread. Access was limited and selfishly guarded.

Since ancient times, nobility and rulers have monopolized knowledge to maintain control. Even today, much knowledge remains hidden from ordinary people.

This library’s contents proved the prominence of Wadrick’s family.

Whether the books bear a dark history or once belonged to others was another matter, but at this moment, they were a source of pride.

Lynch sat and laughed.

“I couldn’t read so many books. Sometimes I admire older people—they’ve been tempered by time and know much more than I do.”

Wadrick’s pride briefly stiffened before turning to a smile.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is one!” Lynch wasn’t shy about his teasing.

Their meeting was harmonious and cordial—a good sign.

After a pause, Wadrick gathered his thoughts and spoke about the main reason for inviting Lynch:

“How well do you know Nagaryll?” Then added,

“I don’t want to hear what you say outside. Tell me something that interests me. You know what I mean.”

Wadrick was not the only one to see through Lynch’s intentions. From the moment Lynch made a big media splash for his return, Wadrick vaguely understood his plan.

Though people were uncertain about Lynch’s gains, the goods he displayed after disembarking hinted at their value.

Whether the living exotic birds and beasts or the massive ivory pillars suitable for porches, these were money—valuable money.

Though ivory isn’t rare, ivory this large is scarce and expensive.

What do most people do when they find a profitable path?

Simple—they quietly get rich without boasting, avoiding drawing others into the same business to keep competition low.

But Lynch didn’t do that. He constantly promoted his experiences and organized an “exotic culture exhibition,” making his intentions clear.

After a moment’s thought, Lynch asked, “Are you interested in gold?”

Seeing Mr. Wadrick briefly lose focus, Lynch knew he was. He continued, “In Nagaryll, religious forces are strong. Every year, during many festivals, most middle-class families offer treasures.”

“From pure gold items to thickly gold-painted vessels and various jewels and gems, all prove Nagaryll has abundant gold mining resources.”

Wadrick snapped back and asked uncertainly, “But I checked—there are no geological reports internationally.”

Lynch smirked and replied teasingly, “If there were reports, do you think it would still be… available to us?”

“Mr. Wadrick!”