Blackstone Code

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Standing on the port, Lynch, as a key participant, naturally became one of the welcoming personnel.

The push for Nagalier's diplomatic relations didn't create much buzz. On one hand, Nagalier was a backward, feudal nation, and the Federation instinctively disliked these people.

As some developments progressed, the Federation government would surely publicize aspects of Nagalier, even showcasing its positive side. However, for the Federation's populace, this was a repressive society difficult to accept—they disliked this country and its rulers.

Nevertheless, they felt sympathy and pity for the common people at the bottom of this nation.

On the other hand, the outcome of these negotiations remained uncertain. Before a definitive result emerged, the Federation society wouldn't amplify the publicity.

If over-hyped and the results turned out disappointing, the contrast would bring an unbearable sense of humiliation, especially since Nagalier was just a small, backward country.

The Federation and its people, who were demonstrating their value in the international community, didn't consider themselves inferior to Nagalier, so they couldn't endure a significant letdown or reality.

Seeing the cruise ship appear over an hour later than scheduled, some gentlemen stepped out from the port's bar.

The sea breeze was strong, and curious onlookers watched the scene. "Watching foreigners" had become an amusing activity popular around the port.

These foreigners were different from those seen on TV—more real and of higher status.

As the cruise docked, a group of Nagalier natives, clearly distinct from Baylorians, disembarked.

Their skin was darker than Baylorians', with mostly deep brown or black hair, and they were shorter, generally smaller than the average Federation person.

To display Nagalier's culture and signify their identity, they wore traditional Nagalier attire—long skirts paired with outer garments.

They adorned themselves with animal-derived ornaments like bird feathers, animal teeth, gold, and gemstones.

When these individuals came into public view, some visibly showed discomfort, perhaps deeming them too barbaric. A recent report highlighted this sentiment.

The report claimed that Nagalier people plucked feathers from beautiful birds alive to craft exquisite decorations.

Birds that flew freely in forests all their lives ended up losing their freedom upon encountering humans, ultimately becoming delicacies on plates.

Federation people, who cherished freedom and valued it above life, despised such barbaric acts. This also became one reason why some animal protection organizations opposed the Nagalier people. Incidentally, most members of these organizations weren't vegetarians; they ate meat and enjoyed it more than anyone else.

Among this group, Lynch quickly spotted the Provincial Governor, who followed in the middle of the procession.

The welcoming party included the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, a 46-year-old mid-level official who graduated from the Society of the Sacred Harmony's alliance institutions and was also a member.

This official had a bright future. People generally believed that if the President could defeat the radical faction representative fielded by the Progressive Party in the election seventeen months away, this Deputy Minister would likely advance further.

Lynch glanced at Mr. Truman, who stood a step behind him. Mr. Truman's face bore a faint, indescribable mocking expression, seemingly unimpressed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs ahead of him.

Perhaps Lynch's gaze was distinctive; Mr. Truman soon sensed someone watching him and quickly identified the observer.

Seeing it was Lynch, he subtly raised an eyebrow in a concealed smile before shifting his gaze. The hidden mockery vanished, and he stood there meekly, appearing quite ordinary.

In fact, Lynch didn't know that the President had certain plans. Having been in office for only three months, his control over the presidential cabinet and various domestic departments was virtually non-existent.

Although he placed some "his people" in crucial positions, these "his people" were actually "party members," not his true confidants. His stance on certain issues also differed from these officials.

For instance, he recently advocated for giving Mr. Truman more significant responsibilities, but some within the Progressive Party disagreed, causing him distress.

The key conflict was that the "International Policy/Affairs Research Office" overlapped in some authorities with the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs." Enhancing the former's power would encroach on the latter's authority, harming the interests of the Foreign Minister and Deputy Minister.

Where there are people, there are conflicts of interest. Though the surface seemed calm, opposing tensions had already emerged.

What Mr. Truman lacked now was a "justification." Otherwise, he, not this "young" Deputy Minister, would be leading this foreign affair.

Once the Nagalier delegation fully disembarked, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs proactively approached them, delivering greetings from the Foreign Minister and the President, and ensuring sufficient media coverage, which would become a highlight of his resume.

Subsequently, both sides began introductions. Lynch was fortunate to be among the reception team, albeit positioned last.

According to plan, after publicly welcoming the foreign diplomatic delegation, the next step was escorting them to a local hotel for rest and preliminary discussions. Afterward, the delegation would split into three groups to visit and negotiate with the Federation.

The most important group, comprising officials from Nagalier's central government, would travel with the Deputy Minister to Bupayne, the nation's political, economic, and cultural hub, better suited for handling these affairs.

The second group would tour the Federation's customs and local cultures—an official statement. In reality, these were members of Nagalier's ruling class. Their purpose in visiting the Baylor Federation was simple: to have fun.

They wouldn't participate in any official or commercial negotiations; they were here to consume. Ostensibly, they were here to understand this potentially allied nation.

Thus, closely engaging with people's lives and everything here posed no issues.

The third group focused on commercial negotiations. They would visit the Federation's main industrial cities, tour key factories, and aim to secure technology transfer contracts to establish Nagalier's industrial foundation.

This was the primary reason driving this diplomatic activity. As a nation reliant on Pretton Trading House for importing even bullets, seeing other countries rapidly develop made them increasingly uneasy. Achieving a degree of self-reliance had become urgent.

Not everything needed to be self-produced, but at least things like bullets should be domestically manageable.

Lynch was responsible for this third visiting group, tasked with receiving them and reaching some trade intentions. Mr. Truman suggested achieving at least something minor.

However, the Deputy Minister had different ideas. He previously discussed with Lynch, insisting on securing some heavyweight trades. Why? Probably to showcase how successful his led negotiations were.

As everyone prepared to leave, Delage, the Provincial Governor of Magura Province, approached Lynch. "The stuff you mentioned..." He glanced around. "Is it piled here?"

Lynch nodded. "In the nearby warehouse. Want to take a look?"

Delage nodded, said "Wait a moment," then spoke briefly with others. When he returned, two additional delegation members accompanied him.

These two had lighter skin tones compared to the others, possibly mixed-race based on appearance.

"My assistants. Can we see those embargoed devices?"

Facing Provincial Governor Delage's request, Lynch reported it to the Deputy Minister, obtained approval, and subsequently, a group boarded two vehicles heading to Lynch's rented warehouse.

The Baylor Federation had more than one deep-sea port, but this was the most convenient. The direct distance to Nagalier was shorter, reducing sailing time and naturally cutting various costs.

With the warehouse workers' help, the group entered the warehouse and removed dust covers.

Delage's two assistants immediately moved to the machinery, notebooks in hand, checking equipment models, names, and critical parts.

Lynch didn't stop them, allowing full inspection. Not long ago, these machines produced goods, and afterward, dedicated personnel maintained them, ready for immediate use.

After randomly examining some equipment, the two conversed in Nagalier dialect with Provincial Governor Delage for several minutes. Eventually, Delage nodded, expressing satisfaction.

On the way back, sharing the same vehicle, Delage slightly disclosed some information to Lynch: Pretton Trading House intended to sabotage this diplomatic visit.

This was crucial information. Whether true or not, it was best treated as genuine. And Lynch believed it very likely was.

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