Blackstone Code

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In backward regions and nations, are the rulers as ignorant as the people they govern? Absolutely not. Ignorance, backwardness, and isolation are tools used by rulers to control their subjects. It's akin to how the noble class once monopolized knowledge—rulers incapable of true leadership don't want their populace to think independently.

They prefer everyone to be fools or idiots, simply following orders without question. The more people think, the less stable their rule becomes. For instance, when people begin to ask, "Why me?" panic sets in among those in power. Because after "Why me?" comes "Why not you?" and then "How can we change this?"

So even in the most ignorant regions, the rulers themselves are rarely ignorant—like the High Priest standing before Lynch.

The High Priest had many children, several of whom were atheists, especially the youngest ones. They were born into what the High Priest considered a golden age: communication, transportation, societal progress—all advancements that allowed these children to study abroad and encounter cutting-edge science and culture on the global stage. These young minds had transcended ignorance and begun scrutinizing the society from which they came.

Knowing full well that sending one child overseas could introduce instability, why did the High Priest still send them away—and now plan to send his last remaining child abroad? Because he wasn't ignorant—not in the way others imagined. He understood that while the masses could remain ignorant, rulers couldn't afford to be.

If a fanatic believer ascended to the position of High Priest, it wouldn't bring prosperity to the religion but rather its destruction. What he truly desired was for one of his atheist children to infiltrate the ranks of believers and assume the mantle of High Priest, taking over his reign.

In truth, the High Priest himself might already qualify as an atheist. His role had made him acutely aware that there were no gods in this world—or if there were, they had long since rested or departed. Decades of prayers and sacrifices had yielded no response from any deity.

Then his father, the former High Priest and undisputed religious leader of the province, told him plainly: there are no gods in this world.

In that moment, his faith crumbled—but he endured. He transformed into the image expected of him, becoming enigmatic, approachable yet distant, seemingly favored by the divine, often receiving supposed revelations.

But this charade couldn't last forever. As international exchanges expanded, foreigners flooded into Nagalier, bringing ideas impossible to suppress. No matter how closed-off the nation tried to be, nothing could stop the "gold rushers" driven by greed. And with them came dangerous thoughts—ideas that would awaken those deceived by political and religious authority.

Their predictions proved accurate. Some merchants spreading subversive ideologies were expelled, while others who colluded with the regime stayed, perpetuating exploitation. But this arrangement was unsustainable. Whether it took years, decades, or generations, everything would eventually collapse. And when that day arrived, what would the enraged populace do?

They would tear down everything above them, dismantling old hierarchies to build new orders. The priests and aristocrats who now held such prestige would face ruin when the "Great Collapse" came.

Thus, when Lynch casually mentioned that even absurd religions like advocating eating horse dung for healing found followers in the Federation, the High Priest's interest was piqued. This presented a perfect escape route—a beautiful one at that.

The Federation was wealthy, though its people weren't much smarter than locals here. While he didn't expect his beliefs to rival the largest religions in the Federation, even ten thousand followers would suffice. If each donated just one buck per month, that amounted to ten thousand federation thors—roughly a million galiars. Such funds would ensure his family lived comfortably, regardless of losing everything here.

With this realization, the High Priest began reconsidering his plans. Initially, he intended to send his youngest, most beloved son to Gevra, currently the world's most promising nation. But now, the Federation seemed the better choice.

Lost in thought, time slipped away unnoticed. Coming back to himself, he offered an explanation fitting his status: "The gods called to me…" Then, feigning forgetfulness, he asked, "Where were we?"

"The Federation and those ignorant religions," Lynch prompted gently.

"Yes, the Federation and religion." The High Priest nodded noncommittally, swiftly changing the subject. "I hear you're leaving soon. Will you return?"

Many knew Lynch was returning to the Federation, including the High Priest. Yet uncertainty lingered—would Lynch come back? Frankly, the Provincial Governor's recent actions created obstacles for Lynch. Initially indifferent, the High Priest now worried about the shortsightedness of those fixated solely on immediate gains.

He feared Lynch might leave and never return, which wouldn't bode well. Thankfully, Lynch reassured him: "Why wouldn't I? I enjoy it here. I'll be back. This trip is merely to transport goods and explore potential collaborations."

Relieved, the High Priest leaned forward slightly. "My youngest son is of school age—still younger than you. Traveling abroad can greatly benefit a young person's growth. What do you think of sending him to the Federation?"

Lynch, unsurprisingly, agreed—it aligned with his own plans. "It's an excellent idea. Though the Federation hasn't participated in this World War, showcasing neither military nor technological prowess, our scientific advancements remain at the forefront globally. We may have stumbled under a foolish president, but we won't continue down that path. In the Federation, your child will experience the best education, the freest environment, unparalleled anywhere else."

This wasn't an exaggeration or boast. In semi-feudal countries like Gevra, people were forbidden from discussing the royal family or anything related to them. They couldn't talk about the nobility or sensitive current events either.

But in the Federation, even if someone stood outside the Presidential Palace holding a sign that read, "The President is an idiot," they'd be left alone—as long as they didn't disturb the office's operations with loud noise or trespass into the restricted area marked by yellow lines around the palace grounds.

According to the Federal Constitution, the right to express, disseminate, and share ideas was a fundamental human right. Yet, in many other nations, such freedoms remained elusive.

Convinced, the High Priest decided immediately. "He'll accompany you. Any objections?" Lynch shook his head. With a decisive slap on the armrest, the High Priest declared, "Then it's settled."

On the surface, it appeared the High Priest sought Lynch's help in caring for his favored son during travel and beyond. In reality, it served another purpose. Tensions between Lynch and certain provincial figures remained unresolved; threats circulated that Lynch wouldn't leave unscathed—or worse, wouldn't be allowed to return.

Departure posed challenges, but the High Priest saw an opportunity. By linking his son to Lynch, anyone attempting interference risked alienating both Lynch and one of Magura Province's most powerful factions. Few dared provoke such consequences.

Of course, the High Priest genuinely hoped Lynch would assist his son in the Federation—a favor extended with expectations of reciprocity. Both men understood this implicitly, sealing the agreement silently.

Initially, the High Priest planned to remind Lynch of the value of local religious beliefs today. Instead, Lynch subtly steered the conversation, leaving the High Priest disinclined to discuss divine supremacy further. After casually asking whether Lynch felt comfortable here and offering a few gratuitous blessings "from the gods," he dismissed him.

Once alone, the High Priest sat in the empty room, his expression complex—part amusement, part mockery, part self-deprecation.

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