Blackstone Code-Chapter 690: Observing Quietly

People often only see the massive profits of big companies, but they fail to notice that when a crisis hits, these same companies sometimes fall faster than smaller ones.

Profit and risk go hand in hand—the more you earn, the more risk you carry.

Take this time, for example: if the motor company had completed the contract with Soren, their profit would’ve exceeded one hundred million, with future recurring income from services like maintenance.

But the risk was just as high—like the nine hundred million in penalty fees.

If Mr. Wadrick could save the consortium from that penalty and avoid other associated losses, something once out of reach—joining the board chairman group—might become possible.

Pressed by Lynch’s relentless questioning, he finally spoke the truth. The moment he did, he felt a wave of relief sweep through him.

“Yes. If you can get Soren to propose a settlement, I’ll be able to join the board chairman group.” He repeated it, as much to Lynch as to himself.

The voice on the other end of the phone was noticeably more relaxed. “Every effort deserves a reward. I’ll talk to Soren. You handle your end and let me know…”

If Mr. Wadrick became one of the chairmen of the Merrick Consortium, he’d be a major ally for Lynch.

Unlike other countries, the Federation’s political system had long been penetrated by capital. From mayors to congressmen to presidents, no politician could avoid the influence—or assistance—of capitalists.

As the CEO and board chairman of a mid-generation major consortium, Mr. Wadrick carried significant weight and influence.

Politicians might not act because Mr. Wadrick said so, but they’d certainly hesitate if they thought, Mr. Wadrick wouldn’t want me to do this.

After the call, Lynch thought for a moment and made a call to Governor Sedel—he planned to visit.

This would be his second official visit. The first hadn’t been pleasant—he could tell Sedel wasn’t happy with him. He understood it, but that was all.

This time would be different.

Because their respective positions had changed.

That evening, Lynch arrived at the governor’s residence alone. Given his international status, whether he brought a female companion no longer mattered—this was a privilege of the powerful. Besides, he wasn’t married.

“You didn’t need to bring gifts…” Governor Sedel came to greet Lynch personally. He didn’t really want to—but he had to.

This man, who he initially dismissed as insignificant, had stirred changes that touched the global balance of power. Sedel wasn’t sure it was all Lynch’s doing, but Lynch was certainly involved.

He immediately noticed the two bags in Lynch’s hands. When Lynch explained they were gifts, Sedel smiled politely.

“A fine bottle of Federal red wine and a box of Pure Blends—I hope you’ll like them,” Lynch said simply, handing them to the governor’s butler.

Governor Sedel casually gestured, “Open the wine later—we’ll have a taste together.”

The butler bowed and retreated. It wasn’t just the wine; they would enjoy the Pure Blends too, but after dinner.

As they chatted, the governor led Lynch into the drawing room.

The large room held only the two of them. They each sat on a chair beside a low table.

“You look well,” Lynch offered a polite compliment as soon as they sat down. In situations like this, flattery was a necessary social tool. It might seem excessive, but compliments were also a way to show goodwill.

No one flatters an enemy. Even if the words sounded nice, the tone would be sarcastic—or they’d say nothing at all.

Lynch’s words made clear he wasn’t there to cause trouble or confront. The atmosphere softened immediately.

“I’ve had more time to rest lately. Security across Amellia has been stable. I no longer worry about being woken up by bad news. That’s thanks to you.”

Sedel didn’t shy away from the subject. It wasn’t until he’d taken a hit that he began to take Lynch seriously. And Lynch was now a noble of the Empire—Sedel felt no shame in adjusting his posture.

With a reserved smile, he added, “Jania asked me not long ago if I had your contact information. I didn’t give it to her. Perhaps you should give her a call when you have time.”

“I will,” Lynch replied. With small talk out of the way, they moved on to serious matters. Sedel did need to speak with this vanguard of reform.

“His Majesty has high hopes for the Imperial Special Zone. He wants us to produce different results. Honestly, I don’t know much about these things. Mr. Lynch, what do you think the Governor’s Office should do?”

Sedel’s tone was earnest, almost as if he were genuinely asking for advice.

Lynch didn’t believe he was clueless. The Gephra Empire wouldn’t make Amellia a pilot zone without a comprehensive plan. Sedel’s question was likely just a test—filling in gaps, seeing where Lynch stood.

These thoughts passed through Lynch’s mind quickly. Without much pause, he began to answer. The two discussed for a while, and only when the butler interrupted did they stop.

Dinner was lavish. Though transportation was limited and supplies were scarce, those problems only affected the lower classes.

While people outside the Empire Zone went to sleep hungry, Governor Sedel and Lynch were enjoying top-grade Kulrik steak in the Governor’s Mansion.

“A wonderful meal…” Lynch said as he laid down his knife and fork. He dabbed his lips with a napkin and added, “This is a style I’ve never tried before—delicious!”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

The two entered the governor’s study, led by the butler—a clear sign of deepening trust. Lynch noticed immediately that the Pure Blends he brought were now on the desk.

Two had already been opened and trimmed, each placed on a single-stick stand.

Beside them was a silver-and-gold lighter, its handle inlaid with colorful gems. A cutting knife lay nearby—casually placed, yet exuding luxury and status.

“Please…” Sedel gestured for Lynch to sit, then motioned toward the cigars.

Lynch picked one up. The butler approached and, after receiving Lynch’s silent consent, lit it for him with the jeweled lighter.

Soon both men were puffing gently. Sedel smiled. “I enjoy a few puffs after dinner. It helps cleanse the palate. Not everyone enjoys rinsing their mouth.”

Mouth-rinsing was a typical aristocratic habit. But not all nobles liked it, so they’d drink flower tea, nibble on something refreshing—or smoke. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Sedel sighed softly. “Honestly, I’m under a lot of pressure. There’s still some domestic opposition to the Imperial Special Zone. If it goes well, fine. But if it doesn’t, those people back home won’t let me off the hook.”

“Mr. Lynch, I have one final question. I hope you can clear it up for me.”

Lynch nodded slightly. “I’ll do my best, Governor.”

“If something happens here—something outside our expectations or rules, and we can’t tell whether it’s right or wrong—what should we do?” This was his final question of the day.

He had asked Lynch many questions—some of their views aligned, others didn’t. But those questions all had answers. Whether or not they were standard, at least he had a sense of direction.

But not this one.

This path had never been taken by the people of Gephra.

Establishing a special zone, reducing the aristocracy’s role in capital markets, letting the market and society develop freely—this made the Gephrans uneasy. It made the Governor uneasy.

If, in the process, things occurred that were unanticipated and morally ambiguous, it wouldn’t be surprising. Precisely because his position was so sensitive, he had no answer.

It wasn’t a lack of conviction—just the natural uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown.

After a brief pause, Lynch smiled and responded.

“Governor, every reform is the pain of an era. We—and this society—should not reject reform just because we feel pain. On the contrary, we should observe it carefully, and experience it fully.”

“I believe the things you’re worried about will happen here. My view hasn’t changed: we simply observe. There’s no need to intervene.”

“As long as the outcome isn’t catastrophic, we can let it unfold.”

“Without blood or pain, reform can never succeed.”