Darkstone Code

Chapter 1241 - 1239: Erupt or Perish

The young Count’s expression was somewhat subtle. When Lynch asked him when the nobles planned to act, his hands subconsciously folded over each other, pressing on his knees.

He wore an expression of "I’m damn near embarrassed to say," and then his hands parted, awkwardly placed at his sides, looking a bit uncomfortable.

Lynch looked at him, and finally, he had to simply reveal some of what was happening here.

"There are still some unresolved issues over at the Secretariat. I’ve heard they plan to act in the first quarter of next year, but some say it’s in the first month, and others even the first day. I’m not quite sure."

Mr. Truman couldn’t get more detailed information, which Lynch didn’t find surprising. After all, he doesn’t work in intelligence and is not privy to many insider matters.

The young Count himself is a noble and, relatively speaking, an important member; he knows more about these matters than Mr. Truman or the Federation’s special agents.

Lynch was a bit surprised, "Is there something I don’t know?"

The young Count smiled and said, "I don’t need to tell you; you’ll find out soon enough!"

Lynch’s arrival in Gafura quickly spread among those attentive individuals. By the time he reached the Imperial Capital, the emerging nobles had already organized a grand ball to welcome him!

It was because of Lynch’s advice that they took all their possessions and avoided this Main Island, which had no survival space left, and went to develop in the Amelia Region, where nobles were less willing to visit. In just two years, they amassed astonishing wealth!

As nobles, they inherently wield certain privileges, and now, with their increased wealth, these people have subtly grouped together to form a new faction.

This description is somewhat complicated. They did not connect through the Secret Society but as a merchant group.

On ordinary days, they discuss what kind of business is the most lucrative, or how to enjoy the material wealth money brings.

These are things they didn’t have before. If they had been wealthy from the start, they wouldn’t have risked everything to go with Lynch to Amelia.

People always hold a grudge against past misfortunes, and when they have the means to retaliate, they certainly won’t hold back.

Spending lavishly may be revenge against poverty. The ball they held for Lynch was indeed grand, inviting many famous actors, models, and notable figures from Gafura.

People revolve around wealth, also around power, with flowers, fine liquor, and beautiful women!

The ball was held at the mansion of the young Count. Lynch had been there all morning, and there was still some time before the official start of the ball. Lynch, the young Count, and some other nobles were gathered in a room.

The mansion had many rooms, and only the steward might know which room was for what purpose.

They randomly found one and sat down. The servants brought in fragrant, high-quality tea, along with other beverages and assorted desserts and fruits.

People sat around Lynch, with a glow of admiration in the eyes of those young nobles!

Like the young Count, they had unconditional trust and admiration for Lynch. The older ones were a bit more reserved but still somewhat shared the sentiment.

"...The value of the World Development Committee lies in providing us with more trade opportunities!"

Lynch was seated in the center, with every person’s mind firmly tied to his words, influenced by his every move.

What he was discussing with them now was the value of the World Development Committee to them.

In Lynch’s view, these new generation nobles indeed had the lowest sense of recognition and loyalty to this country and the Noble Group!

They were unlike those experienced nobles in the Secretariat, who, having been tempered by time, were the survivors that endured.

Their family histories were essentially histories of the Gafura Dynasty. They accompanied the Gafura Empire, which had once created brilliant achievements, from its inception to today. In a sense, they, like the Imperial Family, are the masters of the Gafura Empire!

Therefore, they have a sense of belonging, considering themselves an inseparable part of the Gafura Empire.

But the new generation nobles are different. They lack a long history of settling, becoming nobles for various reasons, and have little involvement in the country’s construction.

More frighteningly, the division of noble power on the Main Island was completed over a hundred years ago. There’s no room for the new generation of nobles to take root here, which has led to conflicts between the new and established nobles.

It’s not right to just give them titles and not care about their survival, is it?

Indeed, that’s what they do. Most of these new generation nobles were poor, unable even to afford hosting a ball.

They could only share a small portion of the profits from obscure industries with merchants. If they dared to touch those high-profit industries, prominent nobles awaited them!

In such circumstances, how could they feel any sense of belonging to this country?

Of course, they didn’t!

They were more acutely aware than anyone else of the harsh reality that when they were without money, anyone could mock them.

When they had money, the great nobles in the Secretariat finally regarded them seriously.

It was Lynch who allowed them to be treated equally.

Everyone’s attention was focused on Lynch’s voice. They were convinced Lynch’s analysis wouldn’t be wrong, just like in countless instances before!

"...We can tap into internal trade potential through this organization; sometimes, products that are outdated to us become advanced goods in some countries."

"These require us to mine personally. Twenty-four countries, gentlemen, excluding Gafura and the Federation, we have twenty-two countries as sales markets."

"Even if our sales make up only a small fraction in each country, it’s nonetheless an astounding fortune!"

"Moreover, we can establish a trade barrier through the World Development Committee, protecting us from external influences."

"Just like our current embargo list, we could also have other member countries prohibit importing certain items from outside the membership and, instead, obtain them from us in specific ways!"

"Whether export or import, mastering the World Development Committee means complete control over the trade market of twenty-four countries!"

"More importantly, looking at today, the number of member countries in this trade alliance will only grow, expanding our market ever larger!"

"Naturally, the money will also continue to increase!"

The young Count’s eyes glittered with a bright gleam, as did almost everyone’s. They had gradually begun to understand why the Federation was committed to promoting the World Development Committee.

The young Count took a sip from his glass. Having recently come of age, he was now allowed to drink alcoholic beverages.

In fact, nobles could secretly drink from a very young age, and no one would reproach them. After all, they were nobles, and the Gafura Empire belonged to them. Who would criticize them for such a trivial matter?

After drinking a bit of wine to steady his nerves, the young Count asked about something he was concerned with, "Mr. Lynch, the conflict between the Federation and Peng Jieao shows us that this world isn’t as peaceful as it seems. War is bound to break out in the future!"

He seemed quite certain, "If war breaks out, when do you think it will be?"

This question also intrigued many other nobles, whose worldly knowledge was still somewhat lacking compared to those seasoned nobles, with some being mere "upstarts."

In simpler terms, they were former jesters who became nobles by currying favor with the Emperor or Imperial Family. They were not politically astute nor had a broad perspective.

Recently, Gafura has sold many interests for trilateral peace talks, with some domestic voices alleging that the current Prime Minister’s team, for some undisclosed purposes, was selling national interests.

All of this was to prevent war from breaking out as much as possible.

These issues compelled people to ponder one question—Is war far away?

Lynch pondered seriously for a moment, "No more than five years!"

The young Count eagerly asked, "Why do you conclude that?"

This attitude of inquiry creates a pleasant atmosphere and makes one eager to reveal their thoughts!

Lynch looked around at the surrounding nobles, who were either seated or standing. Instead of answering directly, he posed a question for them to consider.

"Whether it’s the Federation or Gafura, every year, we invest huge sums of money in developing new war equipment."

"Some equipment, the moment it’s made, experiences fresh breakthroughs in technology."

"It’s been over six years since the war ended. During these past six years, each of our countries has undergone a re-equipment phase."

"These newly re-equipped military weapons are already obsolete by today’s standards."

"We’ve spent too much on armaments, with the military budget severely dominating more of the national finances!"

"Everything is prepared for a war that has no known start date. The longer peace persists, the greater damage is done to each country’s finances."

"More and more resources and money continue to be put into military use after our enemies unveil new equipment, leaving us with no funds for essential areas. Our financial systems become distorted, yet we can’t stop."

"So, at that point, what should we do?"

Lynch looked at the others, each with a very solemn expression.

The conflict between the Gafura noble group and the Imperial Family has some connection to the financial issue, albeit not as pronounced.

The issue Lynch raised also led people to contemplate the situation Gafura is facing.

To surpass the Federation in military hardware, reportedly, sixty-five percent of this year’s budget has been allocated to various military projects!

If...these investments don’t achieve their intended purpose...

What will happen to this country?