Chapter 98: The Pursuit of Dining Levels

In the Baylor Federation, people often half-joke, half-resign themselves that taxes and death are inevitable.

Besides taxes and death, there is another unavoidable thing—political stance, no matter birth, aging, sickness, or death.

The Baylor Federation’s constitution requires three major parties to always compete for power: the Federal Progressive Party, the Federal Conservative Party, and the Federal Socialist Party. Though the political environment appears loose and free, these factions can be highly aggressive.

Even prisoners must declare their political affiliation in court questionnaires, which determines their prison and cell assignments.

The mayor was very satisfied with Lynch’s political stance—his final question. If Lynch’s views differed, the mayor would downplay Lynch’s role, even urge local capitalists to replace him and push him out.

It is impossible for an opposition capitalist to thrive in the Progressive Party’s territory unless the mayor sacrifices his political career or switches sides to help Lynch.

Politicians and capitalists depend on each other: capitalists provide donations, jobs, and urban development projects; politicians reciprocate with favorable policies and tailored growth plans.

This relationship requires mutual trust and closeness; outsiders are not trusted, only insiders with shared political goals.

Lynch’s answer pleased the mayor, who welcomed him into the Progressive Party. Capital influence invading political parties is no scandal in Baylor—every prominent politician is backed by capitalists or consortiums.

Without such support, even the greatest politician cannot achieve anything here.

The political environment is loose on the surface—no persecution of civilians; people can switch parties without penalty, though they might be called shameless by ordinary folks.

But beyond the lower class, in the upper-middle class, political stance shifts are far stricter, especially for capitalists and politicians, where mistakes cause trouble.

There are more complexities, but irrelevant here.

Lynch researched the Progressive Party before the meeting. His praise was sincere, not mere flattery.

He saw the Progressives as far better than the ruling Conservatives, whose platform is inward development and isolationism.

Baylor has avoided international conflicts, focusing on technology and industry, achieving progress, but at a hidden cost.

With technological advances, Earth will transform from a planet into a global village.

Currently, reaching the distant Kingdom of Nagaryll takes about one and a half months via land and sea. People feel detached from such remote nations.

But future faster travel—planes or beyond—will drastically shorten distances, turning distant countries into near neighbors.

Rejecting the outside world now guarantees future isolation. When others advance rapidly through international exchange, Baylor will fall behind and eventually be eliminated.

While Conservatives sing isolation’s praises, Baylor already faces problems that, if unresolved soon, will affect its future.

Compared to Conservatives, the Progressives’ platform better matches world trends and Lynch’s vision.

Integration with the world is the right choice.

Lynch’s critical views on the Conservatives resonated deeply with the mayor.

Sometimes criticizing an opponent earns more respect than praise.

“Your insights are very progressive…” the mayor smiled. At that moment, the door opened; Ferrell checked their expressions and announced lunch was ready.

Their warm atmosphere relieved Ferrell. Lynch seemed young and shy but was strong-willed and firm. Ferrell worried they might clash, but they got along well.

“Shall we eat first?” the mayor asked with a consultative tone and a smile, surprising Ferrell. High-ranking officials rarely show preference openly but signal it subtly.

This rare consultative tone made Ferrell increasingly impressed by Lynch.

Lynch stood and straightened his clothes. “Of course, sir.”

They entered the dining room with only two seats and two sets of cutlery. Ferrell did not dine with them, though he was the mayor’s aide.

Originally, Ferrell was to leave, but he stayed to listen to how Lynch convinced the mayor.

Once seated, the mayor glanced at Ferrell opening wine, then looked away, trusting Ferrell to understand some matters are private.

Lunch was a combination of steak and fish fillet cooked on a T-bone base—one dish offering three distinct flavors and rich taste variations. This is the luxury of the wealthy.

While the poor focus on filling their stomachs, the rich pursue taste complexity, layered textures, and lingering flavors.

For the poor, eating is simply eating—just to fill the belly.

For the rich, eating is enjoyment; swallowing food is merely an unavoidable step.