Darkstone Code

Under Lynch's influence, some of Mr. Truman's ideas also underwent significant changes.

Previously, he valued establishing diplomatic relations with Nagariel, not just because of the resources or whatever else Lynch mentioned, but more likely because he hoped to surround the Bail Federal with a group of allies.

Everyone is very confused about the future path. They are unsure if the next step is on a big road or sinking in mud. If the Federation has more allies, there will be more opportunities to share the pressure and more courage to refuse.

But now, his ideas have changed. He doesn't want to admit that an adult was persuaded by a young man, but that's the fact, he was convinced.

Lynch's words miraculously pierced into his central nervous system from the most "fragile" spot, making him shiver and his blood boil.

All soldiers are willing to use glorious wars to write their medals, to defend the dignity of the country with iron and blood, and to bleed and sacrifice for the country's prosperity.

Lynch's words fit well with Mr. Truman's appetite, who comes from a military background. After being persuaded, he would persuade the President as well. This time, he not only went by himself but also invited others.

One was the Operation Director of the National Security Committee, and another was the Deputy Minister of Defense. The three of them appeared together in the President's office.

In just these two days, everyone realized that the Pretton Pirate Group—the opponent they would face next—was likely a pawn supported by the Gafura Royal Navy.

It is well known that some actions are inappropriate to take as a nation, like attacking merchant ships, fishing boats, or even cruise ships of hostile countries.

If any country deploys its army to do such things, it will inevitably cause a public opinion uproar.

Gafura is a monarchy, and the Emperor cherishes his reputation very much, so supporting someone else to do the dirty work became his best choice, which is also loved by most politicians.

Once this naval battle to exterminate pirates starts, it's very likely to push the Federation into an unknown place.

The Conservative Party, which has remained silent for a long time, also stood up in recent days. They heavily criticized some ideas of the Progressive Party in the media, believing that blindly launching military strikes for irrelevant Nagariel could have terrible consequences for the Federation's newly established positive international image.

They didn't inform the public that the Pretton Pirate Group might actually be the Gafura Royal Navy in disguise, as this would cause panic and unrest throughout the Federation, which does not align with their interests.

What they need is just to end this diplomatic activity, which they view as valueless, rather than causing social upheaval and public panic. So they merely told the public that doing so does not meet the Federation's current interest demands.

Of course, they also took the opportunity to raise some issues about establishing relations with Nagariel, posing some seemingly soul-searching questions like, "Why help others develop instead of leaving the opportunities at home?"

In times of confusion, various ideas will emerge, and the public will be firmly attracted by different ideas, with some indeed standing on their side.

In these few days, there have already been some spontaneous demonstrations disrupting the continuation of this diplomatic establishment. Some even went outside the President's Mansion to protest, their slogan being "Take care of ourselves first," which aligns well with the Conservative Party style.

They utilized mostly similar slogans to urge the Federation Government to keep the resources and wealth intended to aid Nagariel within the country.

In short, while the President's situation is improving, he is also facing some new problems. Just when he was uncertain, Mr. Truman found him with two persuaders.

"Did you already know what happened yesterday?" After introducing the identities of his accompanying personnel to the President, Truman asked a question.

The President nodded, "Yes, I already knew. You told me about this last night!"

After the incident, Truman had already informed the President about some things that happened during negotiations and his tacit performance with Lynch, so he could be prepared, but the deeper content was not revealed until he found two people he thought could help persuade the President.

Mr. Truman looked at the two beside him, then at the President, "Before we came, we signed confidentiality agreements. What we are going to say next, only the three of us will know, apart from yourself."

The President was somewhat surprised, and his expression showed appropriate astonishment. It's rare for high-ranking Federation officials to be required to sign confidentiality agreements, only those contents that could bring unpredictable massive impact would require such. His demeanor immediately became serious, and his expression turned grave.

"In fact, the report yesterday wasn't complete. I later talked with Lynch, and he believes what we really need now is not for someone to stand with us but for us to defeat our opponent!"

The President's expression remained serious, and his brows furrowed, "Our opponent?"

This is a standard interrogative sentence, ending on a slightly weak tone, maintaining its original meaning.

"Our opponent!" Mr. Truman repeated, and this sentence became very affirmative, "We need to create enemies and then defeat them. We can gain everything necessary for the Federation's development from war and simultaneously build the nation's confidence, uniting us to defeat the next opponent!"

The President slightly shook his head, "This is what you discussed; it's terrifying!"

He didn't say why it was terrifying, but everyone in the room knew that this was exactly the imperial hegemony, expanding and plundering all around to strengthen one's own power, which strongly contrasts with the spirit of free and peaceful Federation.

It's not that anyone really thinks these are not good enough. Every leader, the country's ruling class, wishes their country could expand to every corner of the world.

Only when the domain of control expands does the power in their hands become more delightful, but sometimes, things are not as simple as talking; they require corresponding strength.

Currently, imperial hegemony... is no longer very popular internationally. The World War changed many things, including some ruling class's forms.

Looting doesn't necessarily mean annexing the other's territory; it can be done through other ways. However, this doesn't mean that hegemony will disappear completely; it just changed forms, continuing to exist in other ways, without essentially changing.

Mr. Truman did not show a certain kind of guilt he should have displayed?

Perhaps he should feel guilty for his thoughts, but at this moment, his face showed a different kind of brilliance, a kind that seemed like being favored by some power.

"Mr. President, the war between us and the Pirate Group stems from our need for victory. We need a massive victory to rejuvenate the Federation from top to bottom. By defeating the Pretton Pirate Group, we can gain a long-term and stable source of raw materials."

"But now, it seems those in Nagariel have made some agreements with Pretton. They intend to abandon diplomatic relations with us. Once they do so, we will face enormous troubles."

"Firstly, the Conservative Party might rise with the situation. They have recently started attacking some of your new policies in the media, and our inability to quickly open up the international market has also brought some negative impacts on you."

Actually, the President and his Cabinet have done very well, but the problem is Bail Federal is here to divide the cake. Just this point alone doesn't endear them, and naturally, it cannot bring many benefits and orders to Bail Federal.

On the contrary, as some freedom of market is gradually opened, some foreign goods have begun flooding into the Federation, with the three Free Trade Zones in the south being the most severe.

A large quantity of good-quality, low-cost foreign goods has completely overwhelmed domestic goods. Many small merchants package and transport these goods to various places, squeezing the market share of similar products, delivering a heavy blow to some struggling domestic enterprises.

These are all issues, just not very apparent yet, but some already wavered have started siding with the Conservative Party.

In their words, there are no benefits at all for now; instead, more factories are closing down. If more diplomatic ties result in more factory closures, then it's better to continue "escapism."

"Secondly, the frustration from diplomatic failure will leave citizens with a heavy sense of disappointment, making us less confident, leading to increasing social issues and contradictions, even erupting."

"Thirdly, a backward and ignorant small country like the Nagariel United Kingdom can embarrass us diplomatically or even ridicule us. If we cannot wash away the shame, our international image, status will only fall lower."

"People don't respect peace-loving fools; they only fear the butcher wielding a scythe."

"Gafura holds its current status, not because they love peace so much, nor because they helped many small countries develop industry and economy, but because their warships are spread across the world!"

"Mr. President, that's why I'm here today. If this diplomatic activity doesn't meet our expectations, I hope you can authorize us to launch this war!"

The President's brows nearly knitted together. He waved his hand, "Let me sort it out; are you sure you just used the word 'war'?" His expression was solemn, "I thought we were just going to fight a group of pirates."