Darkstone Code

Bargaining is normal; Lynch can propose something, and likewise, the Nagariel representatives can refuse.

They rejected the condition, Lynch proposed new terms, and both parties continuously changed strategies and methods, aiming to meet each other's demands under the premise of not harming their own interests. This is negotiation.

Confidently, Lynch didn't look at anyone, his gaze fixed on the Nagariel representative, pursing his lips, "We emphasize the legitimacy of Federation Sol circulating within the Nagariel United Kingdom and even hope it can become a legal currency, not out of some selfish motive."

"Once the Nagariel United Kingdom establishes friendly and equal bilateral diplomatic relations with Bail Federal, the first thing we face is the issue of cross-border, cross-currency settlements."

"Given the current large fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Galil and Sol, and the international community's lack of confidence in the Galil, and since you disagree to set Federation Sol as a legal currency or legitimate circulation currency, this causes great inconvenience to all Federation developers, workers, and related industries and individuals within the Nagariel United Kingdom."

"But considering our mutual desire for friendly relations, we have relaxed our demands for the second time, requiring only that your United Bank and other banks with official backing, guaranteed by the Central Government, acquire no less than fifty billion Sol in foreign reserves in one go, and at any time reserves should not fall below forty billion Sol, respecting the above three principles about foreign exchange freely fluctuating rates. I believe negotiations can move to the next phase."

Lynch's expression was calm as he looked at the people sitting across the table, "We have an old saying here: 'Rejecting someone the first time is a reasonable request; rejecting them a second time is respecting them; however, if you intend to reject them a third time, it then becomes an insult to their respect...'"

This statement was a threat, which instinctively silenced the Nagariel representatives and Drag Provincial Governor, swallowing the words "impossible."

They whispered in their native language, and after a few minutes the Nagariel representative cautiously said, "We need further discussion and deliberation before we can provide an answer, as this indeed involves..." He shook his head as if shivering, "The issue of acquiring fifty billion Sol in foreign reserves."

"Instead of that, perhaps we can discuss some commercial collaborations first..."

At this moment, Lynch stood up abruptly, disregarding the expressions of the Nagariel delegation, turning to Mr. Truman, "I suggest today's negotiations end here; until the final condition is met, there's no need to delve deeper, as it'll only waste time!"

This demand isn't excessive, for the following discussions are actually based on establishing diplomatic relations, and if the key issue of diplomatic relations can't be agreed upon, discussing subsequent matters would be laughable, like trying to build a skyscraper without a foundation.

No matter how well the discussions go or how perfect the future is depicted, ultimately if a fundamental principle can't be agreed upon, everything must be abandoned. So, there's no need to negotiate further.

Without even entering the doorway, discussing what to do, who is playing tricks?

Mr. Truman, after a brief consideration, nodded and stood up, "I agree with your request, so today's negotiations will end here. You can also return to discuss things with your think tank, perhaps they can offer you excellent advice."

With Mr. Truman's words, today's afternoon negotiations ended, and although the Nagariel delegation was somewhat reluctant and appeared unhappy, they still stood up.

Both sides shook hands and then parted, but as they shook hands, Lynch continued holding the Nagariel representative's hand without releasing it immediately, looking at the counterpart, "Last time, I wasn't joking with you; if you insist on wearing out our patience, then I suggest you buy a ticket back to Nagariel this afternoon and pray to God that the Gafura Royal Navy wins."

"Otherwise, our anger will eventually ignite the forests and grasslands of Nagariel!"

Lynch let go of his hand, looking at them with slightly contemptuous attitude, "You may consider this a warning or a reminder..."

He paused slightly, his face gradually growing into a proud smile, "Good afternoon, gentlemen!"

With that said, he turned and left without looking back.

Mr. Truman offered no explanation or additional words; he quickly caught up with Lynch, whispering, "I've never heard of that saying, the first, second, third—you heard it from somewhere?"

What Lynch said had profound philosophy; it might not stand out at first listen, but upon deeper thought, isn't that the truth?

The first and second concessions could be seen as gentlemanly behavior, but a third concession would be weakness.

Anyone with a bottom line and perseverance would never retreat a third time, and now they happened to be standing on that third line.

To speak such wise and philosophical words, one must be a great man, at least a great man. Mr. Truman was eager to know who it was and to read more of his works, hoping to discover wisdom within.

Lynch slightly lifted the corner of his mouth, "I made it up on the spot..."

Mr. Truman's foot, just raised, paused in mid-air; he was momentarily 'blank.' By the time he regained his senses, Lynch was already several steps ahead.

He caught up again to walk side by side, "Should I say something?"

Lynch chuckled, "You can compliment me; I won't be modest."

Mr. Truman shook his head with a wry smile, "I won't let you be satisfied...", quickly changing the subject, "Considering what we discussed in the meeting room, what if they agree to acquire fifty billion Sol?"

"Impossible!", Lynch stated firmly, "You don't know Nagariel well enough because you haven't been there. Your understanding of this country all comes from others' explanations, but I have been there."

"In this country, ninety-five percent of wealth is in the hands of one percent of people, in a real sense."

"If they agree to this condition, it means those rulers must provide fifty billion, which is around five trillion Galil to acquire these foreign reserves."

"Never mind if all their notes together accumulate to five trillion Galil; even if they have it, they won't spend, as only the ruling class could afford this."

"In other words, it's cutting into the ruling group's flesh, sacrificing themselves for the nation. These people aren't that noble, otherwise, Nagariel wouldn't be what it is today."

Mr. Truman listened intently, and he felt the problem wasn't significant, akin to an uncontested country demanding the Federation to provide five trillion Sol for so-called peace.

Federation Government certainly couldn't afford it, and capitalists wouldn't willingly convert this amount into another currency, especially if eighty percent was restricted from free circulation.

Undoubtedly, capitalists would immediately change camps, just as Nagariel's rulers would if Lynch described them accurately.

But we can't think too simply, too perfectly, too absolutely; he murmured, "If there's a chance, even one in ten thousand..."

"If they agreed…" Lynch paused, standing on the steps outside the door. The sky's strong sunlight shed onto the earth, eager to leave its mark on Lynch's handsome face, but a shadow coincidentally blocked his face.

He looked at Mr. Truman, "If they actually did that, their own finance would go bankrupt. If roughly eighty percent of a nation's wealth is artificially frozen, it would be a catastrophic disaster for any country practicing a free economy. Slightly squeezing, we could easily topple their economy, market, and even their regime!"

Mr. Truman's thinking had caught up with Lynch; he took a deep breath. Indeed, if eighty percent of the Federation's notes were locked in a vault and only twenty percent could circulate, the country's market and economy would instantly collapse.

But he frowned again, asking, "What if they crazily print new currency?"

Lynch sneered, "Then we deploy our forces against them, after they've fleeced us for fifty billion, averaging a loss of hundreds per Federation person, and by then even if we don't propose it, the people will demand sending troops to reclaim justice on our behalf!"

"Mr. Truman, do you think if the Federation had a territory on Belmont Continent, the Congress lords would be happy?"

With that, Lynch slightly nodded goodbye, leaving here, as he had a private engagement to attend. When he returned, Mr. Wardrick eagerly wanted a chat with him.

Standing on the steps watching Lynch enter the car and leave, Mr. Truman suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

He always had a feeling Lynch was stirring him to send troops to Nagariel, yet if that day truly came, it seemingly aligns with all Federation people's interests.

Of course, it's foreseeable Lynch would naturally feast on the meat, yet such a fact that always irked Mr. Truman (capitalists' naked pursuit of profit) became acceptable.

The sun scorched his cheek, almost preventing him from opening his eyes, as Lynch's luxury car had long vanished amidst traffic, with only the metallic Federation symbol on the square's fountain glittering in the sun.

A sudden thought struck him—national interest towers over everything!