Chapter 337: Choices for the Future

Under Lynch’s influence, Mr. Truman’s thinking changed dramatically.

He had previously valued establishing diplomatic relations with Nagaryll mainly for resources and other benefits, but also to surround the Baylor Federation with allies.

Everyone was confused about the future path—whether it would be smooth or mired in difficulties. More allies meant shared pressure and greater confidence to refuse demands.

Now, Truman’s mindset shifted. He didn’t want to admit that a young man had convinced him, but he was persuaded.

Lynch’s words struck his most vulnerable nerves, stirring him with passion and determination.

Every soldier wants to earn glory through war, defend their country’s honor with courage, and sacrifice for national strength.

Lynch’s speech appealed deeply to the military-minded Truman. Once convinced, Truman sought to persuade the president as well—this time, he came with two others.

One was the National Security Council’s operations chief; the other, the Deputy Minister of Defense. The three appeared together in the president’s office.

In recent days, it became clear that the Preyton Pirate Group they faced was likely a pawn supported by the Gephra Royal Navy.

Some actions, like attacking enemy merchant ships or fishing boats, are difficult for a nation to openly undertake without causing controversy.

Gephra, a monarchy, values its reputation greatly and prefers to support proxies to do dirty work—a tactic favored by many politicians.

If the naval battle to eliminate the pirates begins, it could push the federation into uncharted territory.

After a long silence, the Conservative Party spoke out, harshly criticizing the Progressive Party’s plan to attack Nagaryll, warning it could damage the federation’s newly built positive international image.

They did not inform the public that the Preyton Pirates might actually be impersonators backed by Gephra’s navy, to avoid public panic and protect their interests.

They only aimed to end what they saw as a pointless diplomatic venture without causing social unrest, urging that aid resources for Nagaryll stay domestic.

They also raised questions challenging the alliance with Nagaryll, asking why help others instead of keeping opportunities at home.

In confusion, many citizens were drawn to these views, and some took to the streets, disrupting the diplomatic efforts. Protests near the presidential palace chanted Take care of our own first, echoing Conservative rhetoric.

They demanded the government redirect aid resources back inside the federation.

Meanwhile, the president’s situation improved but new challenges emerged. Just as he wavered, Truman arrived with his two persuaders.

“Are you aware of what happened yesterday?” Truman asked after introducing his companions.

The president nodded. “Yes, you told me last night.”

Truman had briefed him on the negotiation and his coordinated performance with Lynch but held back deeper details until he brought the two helpers to persuade the president.

“We signed a confidentiality agreement before coming. What we’re about to discuss is known only to the three of us and you,” Truman said.

The president looked surprised; such secrecy was rare and implied great consequences. He became serious.

“I didn’t finish my report last night. After talking with Lynch, he believes what we really need isn’t allies, but the ability to defeat our enemies.”

The president frowned. “Our enemies?”

“Yes,” Truman repeated firmly. “We must create an enemy and defeat it. Through war, the federation can gain everything it needs to develop, build the people’s confidence, unite us as one, and prepare us to overcome the next challenge.”

The president shook his head slightly. “That’s what you talked about? It’s frightening.”

Though unspoken, everyone understood this was imperialist ambition—expanding power through conquest, clashing with the federation’s spirit of freedom and peace.

Every ruler desires to expand their domain, for greater power, but it takes more than words—it requires real strength.

Imperialism is no longer popular internationally after the world war changed many things, including power structures.

Pillage doesn’t always mean land grabs; it can take other forms. Imperialism persists, just in new guises, its essence unchanged.

Truman showed no guilt. Instead, his face glowed with a certain light—as if blessed.

“Mr. President, our war with the pirate group stems from our need for victory. We need a great triumph to rally the federation. Defeating the Preyton Pirates will secure a long-term, stable source of raw materials.”

“But Nagaryll seems to have reached some agreement with Preyton and plans to abandon talks with us. If that happens, we face serious problems.”

“First, the Conservatives may rise. They’ve started attacking some of your new policies in the media. We can’t quickly open the international stage, causing negative effects.”

Though the president and cabinet have done well, the Baylor Federation is only there to divide spoils. This means people dislike him, and few benefits or orders come their way.

On the contrary, with limited market opening, foreign goods have flooded the federation, especially in three southern free trade zones.

Cheap, quality foreign products crush local goods. Small merchants ship these products everywhere, squeezing the market and striking hard at struggling domestic businesses.

These problems are subtle but sway some people toward the Conservatives.

They argue there are no benefits, only more factory closures. If more diplomatic allies mean more shutdowns, better to keep avoiding engagement.

“Second, a failed alliance will cause deep disappointment, undermining confidence and worsening social issues and conflicts—possibly erupting.”

“Third, if a backward small country like Nagaryll can embarrass or mock us diplomatically, and we cannot restore our dignity, our international image and status will only decline.”

“People don’t respect peace-loving fools—they fear butchers wielding scythes.”

“Gephra’s status today isn’t from loving peace or helping small nations develop, but because their warships patrol the entire world.”

“Mr. President, this is why I came today. If this diplomatic effort fails to meet our expectations, I hope you will authorize us to launch this war.”

The president furrowed his brows deeply and waved his hand. “Let me get this straight—are you sure you just said war?” His expression was serious. “I thought we were only going to fight a group of pirates.”