Chapter 332: Setting the Tone

“Sir… do you have any evidence that all this was orchestrated by the international businessman named Preyton?”

The Nagaryll translator carefully conveyed the question. “And how can you prove your claims are true, not just fabrications?”

Over the years, Preyton’s trading company and Nagaryll had become deeply intertwined—distorted as it was. They knew these issues but were too ashamed to discuss them openly. Their denials were merely to save face.

Glancing at the translator, Mr. Truman quickly fell back on his expertise—what every politician masters: lying.

“We have been watching him for some time. As you know, our country is actively expanding foreign trade and engaging more internationally. During this process, we discovered a pirate group led by Preyton operating in the Eastern Ocean!”

“They pose a severe threat to merchant ships. Commissioned by the federation’s traders, we have launched an investigation into Preyton and his gang.”

“During the investigation, we found he has businesses worldwide, including Nagaryll…”

This was an era of upheaval; international news spread not only information but culture and legends.

People craved such legendary tales—this was why Lynch’s fabricated Lynch Adventures had been accepted by mainstream federation society. People longed for exciting lives.

Lynch had compiled his adventure stories into a book titled Lynch Adventures. Fox Studios was reportedly adapting it for film.

People loved legends, adventures, and were curious about pirates.

When Mr. Truman uttered pirates, even the feigning ladies perked up, intrigued.

“Attacks, ship sabotage, trade monopolies imposed on weak nations—our investigation revealed that Preyton not only commands a terrifying pirate fleet in the Eastern Ocean but also uses their force to monopolize the foreign trade of many island and small countries, controlling their economies!”

At that moment, several journalists and staff entered, though they were initially barred. Who knew if any had ulterior motives?

But now, the priority was damage control. Truman intended to rally the federation’s people behind him by revealing the truth.

The venue became his solo stage. “These attacks were instigated by Preyton and his interests. We had already deployed numerous agents to protect everyone here, ensuring no guests were harmed.”

People naturally imagined those unnoticed waiters or seemingly invited guests who were actually security agents. Truman’s words sounded credible.

“As for your doubts, I believe Mr. Lynch can clarify…” Truman looked at Lynch. Lynch paused, then placed his wine glass on a tray held by a waiter.

After saying Thank you, he walked to the stage originally set for the band and stood beside Truman.

Handing Lynch the microphone, Truman whispered, “I can’t keep this up. You finish it for me…”

He squeezed Lynch’s wrist. “This is a good chance to win over our skeptics!”

Lynch maintained a warm but restrained, calm and steady smile. He nodded slightly and greeted Truman’s elderly mother, who smiled back and gestured him through.

To outsiders, their exchange might seem casual or friendly, but only Truman understood Lynch’s true meaning.

Standing behind Lynch, watching his back, Truman never saw him as a mere youth but as an equal.

A twenty-one-year-old wouldn’t sit opposite him one afternoon discussing how to spark civil wars abroad. Economic domination wasn’t a young man’s concern or mindset; Lynch was a monster in youthful guise.

His mind and soul far exceeded his years. Truman trusted Lynch wouldn’t mess this up.

“You may call me Lynch, or some call me the Adventurer…” Lynch’s opening line lightened the tense atmosphere. “As you know, I stayed in Nagaryll for some time. During that period, Preyton invited me to join his trading company.”

“That company monopolizes nearly all Nagaryll’s import and export trade.”

“As the mastermind, Preyton controls the profit distribution of every deal. Everyone must accept his terms or face pirate attacks on the sea.”

“He exploits the people, paying daily wages under one federation sol while forcing them to work over twelve hours without any insurance or protections…”

“I witnessed many disabled workers living miserable lives; even more suffer unequal treatment…”

“He corrupts local officials, buying their loyalty. Those who refuse are ostracized.”

“Most local officials receive salaries from both the government and Preyton’s company…”

“They monopolize the market, suppress merchants, and restrict trade…”

As Lynch spoke, the federation’s ladies and gentlemen gasped in shock. They couldn’t believe Nagaryll was such a backward and chaotic country.

On the Nagaryll delegation’s faces, darkness deepened. They didn’t want to question further. Though they knew Lynch spoke truth, it was painful to hear.

Sensing the moment was right, Lynch shifted to his core point. “This attack…” He paused deliberately, choosing attack rather than riot or protest, a word with heavy, aggressive meaning.

“This attack was orchestrated by Preyton to sabotage Nagaryll’s search for a new path!”

“If the federation and Nagaryll establish diplomatic relations and become allies, we can help Nagaryll break free from pirate merchant control!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Baylor Federation is far stronger than you imagine!”

“We have thousands of warships, countless soldiers ready to deploy anywhere, and unwavering resolve to defend federation interests and world peace!”

“Because we are so powerful, Preyton and his group fear us. They fear our righteous aid freeing Nagaryll from his shadow!”

He looked at the Nagaryll delegation. “Their crude tactics to undermine our friendship only prove their fear.”

“This is not an insult to you. We should rejoice. Preyton’s group has revealed their true, weak nature—they’re not as formidable as they appear.”

“Before the Baylor Federation, they are helpless. They resort to vile tricks to try to change an unshakable decision!”

“This banquet will not end because of this, nor will our diplomatic plans falter.”

“On the contrary, we will expedite signing diplomatic agreements and help Nagaryll shake off these interest groups’ control, so they can bask in the sunlight with us.”

“This is no longer a mere diplomatic issue. From the moment these people entered our federation, they targeted not only Nagaryll’s delegation but provoked us!”

“They staged terrorist attacks on our soil, trying to incite conflict between us and Nagaryll. This is a declaration of war on the Baylor Federation!”

“This is a battle between justice and evil!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot remain silent. We cannot avoid this like we did in the past. We have grown—we will no longer run away. We will face it head-on!”

“The brave people of Baylor and our courageous soldiers will make them realize how grave their mistake was!”

“The sword of justice will cut through all shadows. Justice will prevail, and the federation will triumph!”

“Long Live the Federation!”