Chapter 344: A New Choice

Nagaryll had become a huge treasure in many eyes, especially within the Progressive Party.

From the president down to ordinary members, everyone clearly understood one thing: Nagaryll possessed everything the federation urgently needed. Otherwise, the federation wouldn’t go to such lengths for a Preyton pirate force.

Some knew exactly what interests were involved—these were often the planners who understood the benefits of their actions and chose to act accordingly.

Others were less clear, instinctively following the trend and the bigger movement.

At this moment, Landon, mayor of Sabin City, who had led Lynch into the Progressive Party and helped him rise, privately asked to arrange a meeting with Lynch to see if he could gain some important political resources.

At the mayor’s level, advancing to governor or congressman was less about personal ability—individual talent had become less relevant.

What mattered was how many people were willing to support you.

This was crucial. Every ambitious politician in the federation knew a formula: money equals upward mobility.

Money holders, capitalists, could invest to revitalize the local economy, create jobs, and put money into people’s pockets.

They could diversify market goods, bringing more products into ordinary homes and raising happiness.

They also brought progress in healthcare, education, industry, and technology—all tied to money and those who controlled it.

If the mayor could benefit from Nagaryll’s development, even a little, it would be a huge step forward.

He didn’t aim to become governor but saw no problem becoming a congressman.

Thanks to good relations with some businesses and a private friendship with Lynch, he might join committees connected to capitalists—giving him the capital to become a congressman.

Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members come from both, but there are differences.

For example, a congressman holding multiple committee positions had far more status than one with none.

By law, Congress can have up to twenty-four committees: eight permanent ones, including the military, development coordination, and budget committees.

Six of these belong to the Senate, two to the House.

Then both chambers form eight temporary committees to handle national affairs, such as a Medical Reform Committee, which may form or dissolve based on proposals or presidential priorities.

Overall, the Senate holds the most critical committees; the House has more members but fewer opportunities.

Whether Senate or House, permanent or temporary committees, money is essential.

Money is a powerful asset.

If his nephew Mark could secure large funds from Nagaryll’s development and gain support from local capitalists—who naturally want a political advocate, even a symbolic one, to represent their interests—this would help.

Congress carries more influence than a mayor, sometimes even more than a governor.

This was why the mayor sought Lynch—to see if there was a chance for himself and Sabin City.

Lynch thought briefly. He too needed allies. Every successful businessman or capitalist needed political advocates to voice their interests.

He recalled a joke about politicians debating who should go to the front lines to die. They argued all night with no resolution, each unwilling to go.

Exhausted, they finally agreed to pause so an elderly gentleman could take a break.

After he left, someone suggested, “Why not let the old gentleman represent us?” because he was highly respected.

The all-night dispute was instantly resolved, all voting in favor, and they told the old man their fair decision when he returned.

The story wasn’t funny but thought-provoking.

Sometimes when facing huge problems, you don’t need someone to solve them for you—you need someone who can say No for you.

Having or lacking that makes a world of difference. No one cares about silent voices.

Lynch needed political representation. Established politicians already had legions behind them. Lynch’s business couldn’t yet expand to Eminence, so investing in the mayor might be a smart move.

After a pause, Lynch shared his views.

“We have to abandon some of our current ideas,” he said calmly. “We don’t really have any strong advantages. Light and processing industries can quickly form supply chains wherever there’s investment.”

“Do you understand what a supply chain means?”

The mayor nodded; it wasn’t a difficult concept.

“What we have, others have—sometimes better. So we must give up industries where we can’t compete and look for new directions.”

“Local industries won’t change, but what we do in Nagaryll will be different.”

At this, Lynch asked, “What do you think about using human resources?”

It was a difficult question that reminded the mayor of several major social development periods in federation history, when large numbers of cheap foreign laborers were brought in by criminal groups.

Their wages were a fraction of federation workers’, but they worked longer and harder.

They were consumed like expendables, building vital transport routes, rivers, and structures.

Afterward, most were deported since the federation no longer needed them.

This was a history all federations preferred to forget—not out of guilt but because no one wanted to stain their fine clothes with dust.

Even history books ignored this part, leaving future historians puzzled about how certain railways and canals appeared—some might call it a miracle.

People hadn’t fully forgotten. The mayor quickly realized Lynch’s meaning.

“You want to deal in human labor?” he said, adding, “Human trafficking is banned internationally. If we do this, we’d be condemned. Not just you, the federation too.”

Lynch shook his head. “No, it’s labor export. We organize Nagaryll’s surplus workforce to work abroad and earn foreign exchange. I’ve observed many places in Nagaryll recently and formed a clear idea.”

“Most Nagaryll people’s daily routine is just waking up, waiting for meals, then waiting to sleep.”

“You’ll see many lying by the roadside, doing nothing all day, just lying there.”

“On one hand, Nagaryll women have low status, and men leave the work to them—it sounds ridiculous.”

“On the other, it’s hard for most to find stable, paid jobs beyond temporary work. So they’d rather lie still, conserving energy, than move around.”

“That’s money!”

“Gephra’s construction in Amellia has gradually started. Do you know their hourly wage there?”

The mayor’s attention snapped back. He instinctively asked, “How much?”

“Sixty-seven Gael per hour.”

Gael is Gephra’s currency unit, but for large sums, people prefer calling bills by nicknames: Gold Emperor (100), Silver Emperor (50), Prince (20), and Minister (10).

Lynch’s answer made the mayor raise his eyebrows slightly—the wage exceeded his expectations.