Chapter 357: The Spirit of Internationalism

Any negotiation terms are flexible and open to discussion; those can easily change. What is truly difficult to change is the attitude.

Now, the attitude of the Nagaryll delegation has shifted again—perhaps Lynch intimidated them.

How could a country that can’t even produce its own bullets or fuel without importing from the Preyton Trading Company talk about military power?

They have no real strength of their own. Their police and soldiers only show force when driving away or beating ordinary citizens.

As for fighting the Baylor Federation on the battlefield? That will always remain a fantasy of their rulers half-awake. When they truly fall asleep, their subconscious refuses to acknowledge such a possibility.

If they cannot gain respect through their own strength, is relying on Gephra’s power a good choice?

Using Gephra’s military might to fight the Baylor Federation is equally unwise. The whole of Nagaryll would become a frontline, bombarded with shells. The war would destroy their homes, and whether Gephra or the Federation wins, Nagaryll would face an even worse fate.

War reparations and the cost of hiring wars are often the same thing—extortion and blackmail.

After careful consideration, the delegation reached a consensus, though no one knew that their opinion did not align with the central government of the Kingdom of Nagaryll.

The central government preferred to delay, waiting for the Baylor Federation and Gephra Royal Navy to clash at sea before making any decisions.

Whoever wins, they would side with them.

This decision maximizes Nagaryll’s interests—they avoid war on their soil, avoid paying excessive costs or reparations, and can fully stand with the victor.

A nice thought, but the problem is they lack the capability to pull it off.

Unknown to everyone, the Nagaryll delegation decided to conduct the next negotiations themselves, which is the main reason their attitude shifted.

They planned to disregard Nagaryll’s internal stance and negotiate cooperation directly with the Baylor Federation while still representing Nagaryll officially. This is the biggest issue of Nagaryll’s social system, reflected even in its name—the Kingdom of Nagaryll.

The delegation members, determined to protect their own interests, had no deal they wouldn’t accept.

Lynch believed that if Mr. Truman were firmer and had someone continue to intimidate the delegation, they might even agree to let the Federation’s Sol become legal tender in Nagaryll, at least in some provinces.

This doesn’t sound like diplomacy, but this is the most normal kind of diplomacy—carrots and sticks coexist.

“I want to add some supplementary clauses…” After reviewing the full minutes of the third negotiation, Lynch proposed some ideas.

Mr. Truman poured wine for both of them, sat opposite Lynch, and took out a notebook and pen, ready to record everything Lynch said.

Seeing him so serious, Lynch smiled, “You’re making me a bit embarrassed.”

Mr. Truman answered earnestly, “This is my respect for you. At least to me, although you’re a businessman, you care about this country more than many politicians do.”

This was a heartfelt remark from him. Previously, Truman wasn’t very friendly toward merchants or capitalists; he disliked those who only saw profit.

But recent events had gradually changed his worldview. Compared to politicians who abandon their positions for money or other gains, Lynch’s ideas better serve the country’s long-term development.

Lynch’s expression shifted slightly. He didn’t know what had happened while he was away from Eminence, but he sensed that Truman’s mood and attitude were different.

If Truman wanted to share, he would; if not, Lynch wouldn’t pry.

He dismissed the fleeting thoughts, gathered his points, and began, “First, let’s talk about something that’s not quite appropriate to reveal openly…”

Lynch took a sip from his glass. The whiskey, chilled with ice, was less harsh, easier to drink, yet still potent.

He held up two fingers casually, pointing without targeting anything, “Preyton cannot die. Or rather, if he dies, we must create the illusion that he’s still alive.”

“I’ve thought it through these days. A living Preyton—in any sense—is far better for our interests in the Eastern Ocean than a dead dog.”

“We all know he’s the pirate leader. To prevent retaliation from him and his remaining pirate forces, we need to establish safe shipping routes in the Eastern Ocean for merchant vessels—including but not limited to those of our country and Nagaryll.”

Truman’s aide, who had been writing furiously, suddenly stopped, looking at Lynch in surprise.

“For a moment, I thought I was sitting in the throne hall of Gephra’s ruler!”

The throne hall is where the Emperor of Gephra handles affairs and is part of the palace. Every few days, Gephra’s most powerful people gather there to discuss state matters.

His meaning was that Lynch’s words had no Federation tone; they sounded more like an imperial minister spouting imperial hegemonism.

Establishing safe shipping lanes in the Eastern Ocean essentially means armed naval patrols in a non-war state.

The benefits are obvious. The Federation navy would monitor the entire Eastern Ocean, clearly understand coastal defenses and resource distributions, and be ready to respond quickly to conflicts, all while maintaining stealth. This serves as a deterrent to all countries.

No one knows where those warships are at any moment; they could be far away or strike a coastal city within minutes.

But such moves are unlike the Federation, which has never shown such aggressive traits.

Lynch gave some justification: Preyton must not die, and his pirate group cannot be entirely wiped out. This excuse allows Federation warships to remain on constant alert, leaving no room for criticism.

Mr. Truman sighed, wondering who could be more patriotic than Lynch?

While politicians debate how much to benefit interest groups, Lynch focuses on expanding national influence and power in the Eastern Ocean. It was Lynch who changed Truman’s opinion about merchants.

Lynch laughed, “Should I take that as a compliment?”

They laughed and raised their glasses. Lynch continued, “We need supply points. Forget other places for now—we need to designate a deep-water port in Nagaryll as a Federation naval base for resupply and repairs in the Eastern Ocean.”

After a short while of writing, Truman stopped and frowned.

“That might be difficult. If we place the navy right at Nagaryll’s doorstep, they will be worried we could attack anytime.”

Lynch’s mind raced. He said straightforwardly, “What if Preyton’s pirates keep harassing their coastal areas, carrying out vengeful raids and attacks?”

Leaning back on the sofa, crossing his legs, and brushing off some dust, he said, “Continuous harassment—they can’t attack a coastal city, but they can plunder resources and burn key buildings.”

“They can endure it once, twice, three times… This is the Kingdom of Nagaryll, each province is like…” Lynch paused and shook his head, “No, each province is its own kingdom. Someone will agree.”

“Once we secure this naval base in Nagaryll, our armed deterrence in the Eastern Ocean will increase dramatically!”

Mr. Truman added, “Preyton and his pirate forces get chased everywhere, so we build more naval bases to protect more people. Is that right?”

Lynch nodded. “That’s true. It’s a great and selfless spirit of internationalism.”

“Yes, yes, such noble sentiment. When you shamelessly say that, you really sound like a politician!” Mr. Truman laughed heartily. Sometimes he found it strange that he had become close friends with Lynch, who was much younger than him.

It was remarkable. He had tried to connect with other young people, including his own children, but failed.

Maybe Lynch was unique—the only one.

When his laughter died down, Truman looked at Lynch with a flicker in his eyes. “Have you ever thought about going into politics?”

“The Federation’s charter and laws allow politicians to have jobs outside government, including business,” he said with hopeful expression. “You don’t have to give up anything you hold now to become a politician. That status brings many benefits and conveniences.”

“If you became a member of parliament—no, you will become one—you wouldn’t need anyone’s political influence to make your voice heard. Isn’t that good?”

At first, Truman wasn’t very keen on party politics; Eminence was full of political cliques, and he hadn’t joined many.

But recent events made him realize that one person alone couldn’t do much. To truly serve the country and its people, you needed allies.

Lynch was a great choice. They worked well together on some issues and had no conflicts of interest.

Facing Truman’s gaze, Lynch shook his head. “No, I haven’t thought about it. At least, not for now.”