Darkstone Code

In the same room, light music was playing, Lynch sat on the sofa, and Provincial Governor Drag sat across from him.

Besides the Provincial Governor, there were several accompanying staff members who were in private contact with Lynch.

Although such things are not strictly against the rules, they are not entirely appropriate, as such private contacts can easily be misunderstood. However, neither Mr. Truman nor the Nagariel delegation seemed to mind.

The current situation has become somewhat complicated. After Preton brought in the Gafura Royal Navy, his passivity not only wasn't resolved, but began heading towards an unknown direction.

There is also domestic discourse in Gafura about the inevitable naval battle that might erupt, with some even suggesting to fight a 'war of national defense' against the Federation on Nagariel United Kingdom's land.

The proponents of this idea are fundamentally similar to the Federation, or rather like Lynch and his people, greedy for the resources on this land.

In any case, fighting a war might be justified. If there are resources, they can offset the military expenditures and various costs Gafura incurs while assisting Nagariel United Kingdom against the aggressors.

If there aren't, that's fine too. From an imperialist standpoint, converting Nagariel into a cash cow is not a difficult task for Gafura.

This idea has garnered support within Gafura, as Nagariel can compensate for some of the unrecouped benefits they lost during the world war.

However, there is still some hesitation, particularly concerning the estimation of the Federation's combat capabilities.

Although they instinctively believe the Federation Navy is weaker, there is a small degree of uncertainty, which is rather common.

Until a war breaks out and results are in, no one dares to claim victory with certainty.

History has seen many battles and wars where initial strength disparities were reversed.

Gafura's current notion is somewhat contradictory; they want to evaluate the Federation's combat capabilities while being greedy for Nagariel's tangible and intangible assets.

At the same time, they are unwilling to entangle themselves in a prolonged war, depleting their already limited war potential.

This contradictory mindset leads to another phenomenon, where Nagariel cannot make any decisions either.

This is the plight of small countries, devoid of autonomy even in diplomatic and sovereignty issues, forced to constantly shift positions based on the whims and intents of major powers.

Everyone in the room remains silent; the message from within Nagariel is to continue waiting. But Drag, along with some others, can't wait any longer; it's torturous.

It also makes them feel an urgent need for change, realizing they need to grow strong enough to not be at the mercy of others.

As the main representative promoting this diplomatic event, Drag now shoulders the vital task of communicating with the Federation, despite the domestic advice to delay as long as possible. The delegation must also consider their own stance.

Nagariel is not a unified country, though it may not appear obvious.

For instance, Provincial Governor Drag doesn't care about the fate of the Nagariel United Kingdom, focusing only on the potential changes for his family and the Magulana Province if war truly breaks out.

As for the others?

Who cares about their life and death!

Provincial Governor Drag lacks acquaintances in Gafura, which undermines his basis for communication there, so he can only turn to Lynch.

"I, along with everyone present, support establishing diplomatic relations with the Federation...," Provincial Governor Drag began, glancing at the others, who nodded in agreement, representing various Provincial Governors or districts.

His gaze returned to Lynch, "Before the next formal negotiation begins, we would like to discuss what we might gain if an agreement is reached to establish amicable diplomatic relations."

This is a gesture of sincerity. Discussing post-establishment matters—what could be more sincere?

Simultaneously, it's a helpless choice; having to choose one, why not a more suitable option?

Compared to Preton's conditions—offering more profit shares and lowering import prices—they still lean towards establishing diplomatic relations with the Federation.

If Preton hadn't brought in the Gafura Royal Navy, Nagariel might have already submitted credentials to the Federation.

To some extent, Pretton Trading Company actually controls Nagariel's customs power, concealed cleverly without arousing resentment, yet facts are facts.

If Preton could be driven out and customs power reclaimed, alongside gaining the Federation's technical support, it seems like a viable option.

Listening to Provincial Governor Drag, Lynch slightly shook his head, "We've already offered the most favorable conditions, and these conditions...," he chuckled, "might change because of your arrogance."

Provincial Governor Drag showed a hint of confusion, "I don't quite understand."

Sometimes, people mistake respect for reverence when given face.

Lynch set down his wine glass, "Let me put it this way, both the Federation Government and I are very dissatisfied with your wavering stance. Some have taken advantage of this situation, making the Federation Government quite passive, and all this is due to your inability to withstand pressure."

"All previous agreements are nullified. There will be new content, and it won't be as favorable as before."

Lynch looked at Provincial Governor Drag, watching the changes in his expression and eyes, "Speaking confidentially, the Federation Government now prefers if you refuse diplomatic relations, so we can engage Gafura in a revenge battle around Nagariel's seas and land."

"You all, the lands, resources, and everything of Nagariel, will ultimately be divided and controlled by the victors."

"The constant shifting attitudes and positions are disagreeable, Your Excellency, and both Mr. Truman and I are weary of it."

These words were quite blunt, though Provincial Governor Drag did not take offense. His facial expression showed some emotions and changes, but overall, he maintained composure.

"I understand!" he said, making Lynch smile. He understood Lynch's sharp words and changes in diplomatic attitudes.

Ultimately, it boils down to him and Nagariel not being strong enough to do anything.

"I will actively persuade the delegation to make a decision, but what should I use to convince them?" Faced with the somewhat aggressive Lynch, Drag's attitude and tone remained largely unchanged, whether due to constraint or genuine composure, he had to endure.

Lynch pondered briefly, "If you had maintained such an attitude from the start, some disputes wouldn't have erupted. Preton is just one man, a pirate merchant; he represents no one, let alone a country."

"Once the Federation's fleet destroys his final reliance at sea, he'll have no path but to be hanged as a pirate!"

After a brief pause, Lynch continued, "Most of what we discussed won't change, but some details will."

"Firstly, the Federation's financial aid to you can only be used to pay for hiring Federation staff and constructing our designated factories and facilities, to introduce specified products and raw materials. It must not be used elsewhere and must be utilized under our supervision."

This was much stricter than before; earlier, only half of the funds were subject to supervision and designated use, but now it was entirely.

However, for Provincial Governor Drag and others, it wasn't significant. They only received a small share; the bulk still belonged to the Central Government, the nominal highest authority in Nagariel.

Without much discussion, they nodded in agreement with Lynch's viewpoint.

"Secondly...," he raised two fingers, "in the agreed factory and facility construction projects, over seventy percent of workers must be Federation citizens."

"During subsequent production in these factories, Federation workers must not fall below thirty percent."

This condition was somewhat harsh. However, after some discussion among Drag and others, they saw no issue; although they would pay Federation workers considerable wages, it was essentially Federation's money, so they had no losses and didn't oppose it.

Lynch's smile widened, "Thirdly, Federation Sol must become the Nagariel United Kingdom's legal official currency."

Upon proposing this third major condition, or opinion, Provincial Governor Drag didn't agree immediately, discussing with others while Lynch observed their expression changes.

Besides Drag and a slightly younger Provincial Governor or representative, the others appeared indifferent.

Some even felt the proposition was good, as Federation Sol is a widely circulating international currency, usable directly in many countries, whereas their own currency's official exchange rates were hard to find applicable.

Provincial Governor Drag wasn't sure about the specific implications of this demand but instinctively sensed a potential trap.

While it may seem like a trap, it was more of a gigantic surprise.