Chapter 326: Great Morality

Truman and his men believed a second world war would happen. Lynch spoke their fears without hesitation.

Last time, they escaped disaster by relying on the previous president’s avoidance. What about next time? Will they just keep running from war? No, they can’t escape it.

Though this war was large, no country suffered severe losses—mainly for two reasons.

First, poor transportation meant even if parts of enemy territory were occupied, vast distances could quickly lead to loss of control. Stationing troops might help, but how many would be needed to secure occupied areas in a hostile country? Hatred and hostility from war don’t vanish with peace—they ferment like wine in an oak barrel.

Second, no truly deterrent strategic weapons existed yet. Warfare was still primitive, despite being hot-weapon based.

People fought by exhausting populations, much like old cold-weapon wars. Bigger countries with larger populations had the advantage and greater war potential.

That’s why some countries could be hurt but not broken; population became a renewable resource, promising explosive future conflicts.

With these reasons in mind, during the coming peace, every country would race to advance technology, seeking dominance in the next world war by minimizing weaknesses.

Once breakthroughs happen—like advanced turbines boosting ship speed, more powerful engines increasing train cargo, or more efficient fuels—the shadow of war would darken the world again.

Any tech with military potential is basically war preparation; every nation develops quietly.

But here’s a problem: even if the Baylor Federation matches or slightly leads others technologically, it may still fail to dominate or win.

Countries with war experience know how to fight; the Federation does not.

Baylor’s military strength is unproven internationally—no large-scale battles fought. Many only see them as ruthless killers of defenseless natives, with no notable achievements.

So training soldiers is crucial. Though the Federation works on this, it’s not enough.

Tech and material reserves matter, but sadly, the Federation isn’t fully ready.

Lynch read Truman’s silence and knew this before Truman spoke.

“Nagaryll can help us with part of this. It’s rich in resources—metals and energy minerals.”

“Some are wealth sources for stable supplies. We can also train troops there.”

“Nagaryll’s governance is fragmented and hostile—central versus local, political versus religious powers filled with grudges and conflict.”

“Also, during my visit, I saw the people openly despise their rulers. Though brainwashed from childhood, they express their hatred in other ways.”

“We can exploit this,” Lynch said, sipping tea with a sly smile. “We sell weapons to those seeking revenge on rulers, help them overthrow corrupt powers. A nationwide war for justice will erupt.”

“We’ll play a key role—testing weapons, tactics, and refining our military system.”

“Enough!” Truman interrupted, face grave. “Your ideas are dangerous, Lynch. You want to spark civil war?”

Lynch looked wronged. “No. I only want to help the oppressed rise. All people are born equal and free. If freeing them is a crime, I’m willing to be a sinner.”

“This isn’t for me, but the Federation and all who deserve justice and freedom.”

Truman’s sternness eased. “You’re special, Lynch. You’d make a politician, not a capitalist.”

Lynch disagreed. “Politicians can’t do what we can. Besides…” He sneered, “Politicians living well are seen as corrupt; we live well, people envy us.”

“I like fine wine, money, and falling asleep to different women’s skin…”

He paused, then refocused. “We must prepare before the next world war. Time is short, Truman. Change presidents or politics, and we risk repeating mistakes—any progress could be lost.”

Truman nodded. “You convinced me. I’ll discuss this with the president. Maybe we’ll regret it.”

“Regret what?” Lynch fired back. “Preparing for war or bringing sunlight to those in hell?”

Truman sighed. “Because many will die because of us.”

“Let the critics go to hell. Only God can judge us.”

The next day, Lynch sent a letter to Nagaryll’s governor via express ship.

In it, Lynch explained plans to transport industrial machines, invest in factories, and help Nagaryll build industry.

He enclosed photos of ports stacked high with framed machinery under tarps—impressive, overwhelming.

But there was a problem: embargo.

Nagaryll, though not in the war, wasn’t an allied nation. Without diplomatic ties to Baylor, industrial equipment couldn’t be shipped.

New allied agreements banned such transfers to non-member countries, to prevent aiding enemies.

Lynch wrote he tried to open channels but failed. His promises might not come true unless Nagaryll joined the alliance and established relations with Baylor.

Four days later, the governor received the letter. Seeing the machines, he hesitated.

Nagaryll’s divided governance made unified decisions difficult. Even if he agreed, the central government might not—unless they benefited.

He wanted to delay but, recalling global rapid development and those photos on his desk, he couldn’t resist. He decided to negotiate with the central government.

He was ready to establish relations with the Federation provincially if needed.

Fortunately, it wasn’t as dire as feared. The whole world was advancing quickly—backward countries were desperate too.

Nagaryll’s government and governors negotiated and finally agreed to try this plan.

In late May and early June, about a month after Lynch returned to the Federation, Nagaryll’s central government formally expressed its intention to establish diplomatic relations with the Baylor Federation and sent a delegation to discuss the matter.

The Allied nations had no objections—gaining an ally meant increased influence and strength compared to the defeated alliance.

The defeated nations were still scrambling to form alliances and paid little attention to mere diplomatic ties, especially with such a backward and ignorant country.

Everything proceeded according to plan…