Blackstone Code-Chapter 467: What Is Money?

Before long, Lynch’s arrival made Rika realize how the High Priest of Nagaryll knew the word “fund.”
Unlike foreigners settled locally who feigned respect for local religious customs, Lynch didn’t fake prayers or gestures wishing everyone happiness. He simply looked calmly and said, “Hello.”
Even to the High Priest, Lynch only said “Hello” as a simple greeting.
He glanced at Rika, who lowered his head under Lynch’s gaze, still somewhat fearful—the pain from his broken bones was hard to forget.
Rika’s retreat and lowered head went unnoticed by the High Priest, whose lingering hope faded and turned into indifference.
“Leave for now. I have matters to discuss with Mr. Lynch,” the High Priest said. He looked at his favored youngest son, who bowed, spread his hands, and backed away.
He did not resist because neither Lynch nor the High Priest were forces he could oppose. He neither wished nor was able to resist.
After Rika left as Lynch mentioned, the High Priest stood and walked to a spot not far from Lynch. Facing this young man, he could not sit cross-legged—that would be disrespectful to a strong person.
Lynch might not be a traditional
strong man
with immense physical power, but he was a man of wealth—and wealth was a greater power than mere physical strength.
Naturally, respect had to be shown in his presence.
“Please, this air isn’t good…” The High Priest invited Lynch to walk past the room’s furnishings and through a small, inconspicuous door on the side of a wall. Beyond it, everything brightened.
The environment rivaled the provincial governor’s residence—a cluster of tropical tall trees and a clean stone path.
Cool breezes refreshed the spirit. Both the governor and the High Priest knew how to enjoy life.
“Boloreika told me about his time in the Federation, but he didn’t tell everything. He hid some things, which I can tell. I want you to tell me—besides the usual things he mentioned—what else happened?”
As they walked, the High Priest expressed his doubts.
He could see his youngest son had grown a lot. As a father, though the children might think he cared little, he always cared deeply, especially about this son.
He knew what a terrible child he was—always a brat from birth. Born into this family, with the High Priest as father and Rika’s status above even the governor’s sons, he could do anything without restraint.
By age fourteen, he was no longer a child. He liked to torment and bite others, unpredictable in mood.
But that didn’t matter—he was born into privilege because of his past life’s good karma, and this life as the High Priest’s son was his due.
Every believer thought the same and believed enduring unfairness now meant someday being born into powerful families like the High Priest’s or governor’s, enjoying the power and pleasures today’s rulers inflicted on others.
Rika had returned from the Federation changed—calmer, more restrained, less flamboyant. He finally seemed like a normal person.
This pleased the High Priest, but he was curious about what caused such growth.
It was a good change, especially since he couldn’t always protect his son with power. Every growth lessened future danger.
He looked at Lynch seriously. “Even if there were… I wouldn’t mind. I’m just curious what made him grow.”
Lynch didn’t hesitate or hesitate to answer. He said simply:
pain
.
“I broke his bones, while he was conscious. Of course, I had my reasons.”
“You know, the Federation is a society governed by law. What seems normal here would imprison him for life there. So I used pain to teach him a lesson.”
“In the Federation, he is just an ordinary person, no one’s child, with no privileges!”
The High Priest nodded repeatedly. “Good. You did well. I’m too old to punish these little brats sometimes. You filled that gap.”
Though his face was lined and tattooed, he looked kindly now—but no one knew he had recently ordered the protector deity to kill those who destroyed temples.
His mercy and leniency were feelings reserved only for his own children.
For others’ children? That was a luxury.
“I never went to school, no formal education like you, but I know people learn to walk and run through falling. Different forms, same truth.”
“Boloreika talked with me after returning. He hopes the whole family will settle in the Federation. And I’ve learned some…”
He smiled. “Intelligence: my old rival has already sent his family on the Federation-bound ship. Is that so?”
They walked toward brighter light, about to exit the forest.
The strong light outside made it hard for Lynch to see what lay beyond but he focused on the High Priest.
“Yes, I saw them board.”
“I agreed with Boloreika’s request. I’m sending several children to the Federation. They don’t know the environment there, and I worry they might make mistakes.”
“So…” The High Priest paused, “I hope you can help manage them, discipline their behavior, and teach them how to live in the Federation.”
“I also have one more favor…”
“What?” Lynch asked.
“Help me establish a foundation. I worry my money will cause my children to hate each other, even do foolish things. I fear scammers might take everything from them.”
“You’re the only one I can trust, Mr. Lynch. If you help me, just ensure their livelihoods.”
As they neared the forest edge, the High Priest stopped, looking at Lynch with cloudy eyes shining faintly.
This decision wasn’t easy—entrusting his life’s savings to a stranger, his children under that person’s control, didn’t seem wise.
But it was a wise choice. The High Priest had long been regarded as a mouthpiece of the gods, but his greatest skill was reading people.
He’d seen many—poor, rich, rulers, outcasts. He understood human nature deeply.
From Rika’s reluctance to mention his conflict with Lynch, to his submission when facing Lynch, the High Priest understood a profound truth.If Lynch harbored any ill intentions, none of his children would escape. They were on Nagaryll, the High Priest’s territory. Even his most favored child dared not resist Lynch’s gaze. Once in the Federation, if those brats showed any sign of rebellion, they might already be begging for mercy.
Rather than letting them possess wealth beyond their station and attract malicious eyes, it was better to use part of that wealth to secure their stable lives.
The High Priest had about ten more years to live. Any money he earned afterward wouldn’t need to be shared with Lynch.
This was a deal: the operation rights and shares of a foundation in exchange for his children’s quiet and prosperous life.
“Why not?” Lynch agreed without hesitation. “I’ll send them to school, hire professionals to teach them the knowledge necessary for life in the Federation, and handle the trouble they cause within my ability. I’ll do my best!”
Hearing this, the High Priest breathed a sigh of relief and beckoned, “Follow me. I’ll show you something good…”
They passed through the forest, crossing the boundary of light and shadow. After Lynch’s pupils adjusted quickly to the brightness, a mountain of gold appeared before him.
A mountain of gold in every sense—piled gold bars and gold ingots forming a small hill over two meters tall, with bars and ingots scattered around.
The High Priest picked up one piece, weighed it in his hand, then tossed it to Lynch.
The shock Lynch felt faded quickly. He caught the gold ingot and examined it carefully.
He soon realized the pile wasn’t as valuable as he had imagined. Its purity seemed low.
Some areas were obviously pale, others slightly purple or red—signs it wasn’t pure gold, mixed with many other metals. Calling it a gold alloy was more accurate.
The High Priest stood before the golden mound, looking at the glittering pieces, and sighed deeply. “This is what I’ve accumulated in my lifetime…”
“How much do you think it’s worth?”