Blackstone Code-Chapter 289:

"I suggest we adjourn for now…" The representative from the Athletes' Association dabbed at the faint beads of sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. In an instant, the situation had spiraled beyond his control.

Whether to continue and support this matter or interrupt and restart it—this was not a decision he could make alone. He needed to consult with the higher-ups in the Athletes' Association before any resolution could be reached.

Everyone present understood the implications of the representative's statement. There was no need to force a conclusion during this particular meeting.

The session had lasted less than an hour from start to finish. As soon as it ended, the young representative from the Athletes' Association immediately called the York State branch to report some of the issues that had arisen during the discussion.

Meanwhile, Lynch had just left the hotel when someone approached him.

"Mr. Lynch, Mr. Adlai would like to invite you to lunch. Do you have time?" The man wore a somewhat old-fashioned suit. By "old-fashioned," it meant the garment lacked any trendy lines or color blocks. Suits could still be fashionable through fabric choices, base colors, or how certain edges were tailored. But this man's attire was rigidly plain, which allowed people to quickly identify his role.

In federal society, there was a peculiar talent for distinguishing between different types of authority figures, much like how one could easily tell apart police officers from detectives. And here, too, the man's stiff appearance signaled his identity: a government worker.

His conservative dress was intentional, meant to project seriousness—a crucial trait for those working in government, especially at lower levels. They could rigidly follow rules and procedures without deviation, but they couldn't afford to stand out, innovate, or be different.

When someone adhered strictly to outdated processes and made mistakes, people might say, "It's not their fault; the system is flawed." But if someone who strayed from convention erred, the reaction would be more damning: "I knew he'd mess up," or "He never follows the rules—he was bound to fail." Such perceptions could be fatal.

Thus, it was better to appear dull than distinctive—a rule ingrained in the lower echelons of government bureaucracy.

Lynch stood by the roadside, sizing the man up. By now, the staff sergeant and a few others had subtly surrounded him, encircling the person trying to engage him as well.

Lynch had brought along some employees from Blackstone Security. After expressing radical views at several salons frequented by extremists, Lynch had gained recognition among both supporters and opponents. Wherever there were supporters, detractors inevitably followed—it was natural. But certain matters couldn't be judged by ordinary standards, particularly those tied to politics.

Some individuals may harbour apocalyptic mindsets, believing certain ideas could destroy the world. To prevent such destruction, they would seek to eliminate dangerous thoughts. History was rife with attacks stemming from ideological differences. Hence, since returning from Bupayne, Lynch had been accompanied by additional security.

"I'll take my car—you just lead the way," Lynch said curtly, leaving no room for refusal as he climbed into the vehicle prepared for him by the hotel.

The man inviting Lynch hesitated briefly before getting into his own car to guide Lynch. Though Lynch's attitude left him uneasy, he had no choice but to endure.

Not long after, Lynch arrived at a secluded little restaurant where he met Adlai. Adlai was already seated at a table, and with the help of the waiter, Lynch quickly joined him.

"Thank you, Mr. Adlai," Lynch began, unfolding his napkin while offering his gratitude.

Adlai waved dismissively, smiling. "I didn't do anything. You should trust that justice will prevail, and the law will deliver its fairest judgment."

They were referring to Vera's case—a minor issue spun off from a larger scandal. Cases like these rarely went to trial or required a jury. The outcome rested entirely on the judge's subjective discretion.

This meant Vera could either be found guilty or innocent.

Previously, the governor had vowed to investigate the Listoan Group thoroughly, essentially setting the tone that all related offenses were presumed guilty. However, thanks to Adlai's intervention, the judge dismissed the prosecutor's charges due to insufficient evidence and lack of motive, resulting in Vera's acquittal.

Without Adlai's influence, Vera might already have begun serving her sentence.

A simple word of thanks dispelled the initial awkwardness between them. Once the main course arrived, they delved into more substantive topics.

"Some documents sent from Bupayne to York State included a free trade permit—with your name listed first," Adlai remarked, scrutinizing the young man before him. He still found it hard to believe that Lynch had managed to win over both the President and Truman during their first encounter.

"I'm curious—how did you convince them? Would you mind sharing?" Adlai raised his hands slightly in a gesture of reassurance. "Let me clarify: I won't share this with anyone. I'm simply intrigued. It might help me analyze the next phase of national policy. Is it okay to discuss?"

After a brief pause, Lynch nodded. "Of course. If you've paid attention to my speeches during my time in Bupayne and observed the broader issues facing our nation, you'd understand better than I do—we need victory!"

"We need victory." On the surface, it seemed unrelated to everything else, yet it precisely pinpointed the crux of the Baylor Federation's current predicament and its solution: victory!

Economic failures, diplomatic setbacks, declining international status, strategic missteps—the federation had suffered too many defeats in recent years. People yearned desperately for a triumph to alter the status quo.

Nothing inspired hope quite like the prospect of victory. Lynch's proposals in radical circles—economic warfare, dominance in international trade, exploiting unequal conditions for gain—all aimed to evoke this atmosphere.

We need victory, and we can create it! Resources acquired from abroad would rejuvenate the federation's society, restoring people's confidence in the once omnipotent, vibrant slogan: "Everyday is a new day."

We need a monumental victory. Though Lynch's rhetoric sounded extreme, it addressed what the federation urgently required. This was why he had swayed Truman and the President.

At its core, whether progressive or conservative parties, they were manifestations of societal and international demands under specific historical contexts.

When caution prevailed, conservatives rose to power. When innovation was desired, progressives took the helm. Often, national strategies weren't conjured out of thin air by individuals or political groups—they evolved naturally from domestic social needs.

Had the populace not feared war, international involvement, or sacrifice six years ago, the conservative president wouldn't have ascended to office, nor would his isolationist policies have resonated.

Perhaps voters might have chosen a progressive leader, leading the federation to participate more actively in global affairs, even clashing with other nations. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Now, with isolationism and conservatism deemed unsustainable in the new era, the progressives must step forward.

Though the current president leaned toward cautious engagement with the international community, moderation wasn't permanent. If circumstances demanded, he could become radical or resolute. Changing him didn't require complex political maneuvering—only the people's will mattered.

Lynch offered a novel solution and revealed the public's hunger for victory. Why not try?

With Truman backing him, Lynch swiftly secured approval to engage in international free trade.

In truth, none of this was overly complicated. With Adlai's experience and acumen, he could grasp the essence of the matter in no time. Yet, pressed for time, he invited Lynch to meet face-to-face.

Adlai couldn't focus solely on one issue; he had countless matters across the state vying for his attention. Sometimes, aides like Adlai functioned more like governors than the actual governor himself. At least they knew daily happenings statewide, whereas the governor relied on their planning to dictate his next moves.

After a moment's reflection, Adlai felt he understood. Looking at Lynch, he sighed deeply. "You're braver than I imagined. Do you realize how dangerous this is?"

Lynch shrugged, popping a piece of beef into his mouth. The burst of tender juice tasted richer than any seasoning. Swallowing, he smiled. "I know. But someone has to do something."

"If neither you nor I step up, and we expect others to, while they're expecting us to, we'll wait forever and never achieve victory."

"Rather than being disappointed every time hope arises, I'd rather seize victory myself!"

Lynch's spirited determination was admirable, though what he was attempting was perilous. A misjudgment of international dynamics could make him a scapegoat for failed policies.

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