Blackstone Code-Chapter 579: Means

Lynch had no idea his plan nearly failed because of the curiosity of the Emperor of Gephra. Nor did he know that the army minister’s
incompetent image
had unexpectedly saved the situation. If he had known, he would have sent the army minister a thank-you letter too.
The delegation’s roster was finalized, and the Federation delegation’s visit was scheduled for March, just a month away. This gave Gephra some time to prepare for the reception.
State visits between great powers were never simple—they had to show national strength while subtly conveying harmlessness.
For the Federation, they also had to display social unity across all classes. Gephra was different: a monarchy where, as long as the monarch was secure, the country was stable.
The whole nation began mobilizing around the upcoming international visit. As the emperor put it, they had to show their nation’s strength and not lose face.
On the international stage, the Valier currency entered a steady growth phase, rising or falling slightly each day, with no dramatic fluctuations.
Stability in exchange rates was the best outcome—it meant no uncontrollable swings.
Holders of Valier, including hot international money and speculators, had no short-term plans to sell. Nagaryll’s development was now clearly visible, riding this wave of Valier’s sharp rise.
People were curious how a country’s currency could double in value and still maintain steady growth—almost a miracle.
Attention turned to Nagaryll, and what they saw was astonishing.
“Viewers, we’re at one of Nagaryll’s Eastern Ocean ports. Over the coming period, we will reveal the miracles happening here!”
ers speaking various lingua francas and media from many countries, including TV stations and documentary teams, had gathered. They saw a prime story.
Nagaryll of today was unrecognizable compared to before. Streets were filled with people from around the world, drawn by the sudden boom.
Demolition was everywhere, and factories were under construction just beyond. Even locals felt like they were living in a different world.
But amid these positives came negatives—like the rampant foreigners.
The mayor held a press conference to warn visitors that Nagaryll was no paradise. The wilds were dangerous.
He cited a recent case: a foreign mother and son who arrived to tour Nagaryll. Despite their knowledge, they underestimated the dangers.
On February 5, during a routine hunt to clear harmful animals near the city, two bodies were found in a newly established wolf den.
Clues confirmed they were foreign tourists who had entered on tourist visas. The mayor sternly warned all tourists not to go where guides forbid and to stay indoors after dark.
“Poor souls,” Lynch muttered. Jardon, sitting nearby, twitched. He sensed Lynch’s words carried a hidden meaning.
Jardon wasn’t sure if Lynch had uncovered the truth behind the incident, but he felt his own actions were suspected.
The mother and son were Simon’s original wife and his favorite son. They had come to Nagaryll recently to contest his inheritance with Jardon, demanding everything be handed over, leaving nothing for Jardon or his mother.
Before further contact, the pair had already begun seeking buyers for Jardon’s properties. Although Lynch promised to support local capital staying local, Jardon was uneasy.
So he spent some money arranging
accidents
for the mother and son—binding their hands and feet, inflicting wounds, and dumping them in the wild.
The wolves took care of them, proving his point.
They hadn’t been seen since—until today, when news related to them suddenly aired.
Jardon wasn’t sure if Lynch had deliberately played that news now, or if it was a hint. Either way, Jardon was nervous.
Though he’d matured through hardships, he was still a boy facing people far stronger. He reverted to Simon’s
obedient son
—timid, sensible, yet cowardly.
Looking away, Jardon noticed a sharp gaze sweep his face. He resisted the urge to meet that look and pretended to focus elsewhere.
Lynch withdrew his gaze. Many in the city knew Jardon was responsible, but without proof or necessity, no one exposed him.
After all, only two foreigners had died; it wasn’t their concern.
Lynch knew this too and didn’t care. Nagaryll’s money had to stay in Nagaryll; no one could take it away.
Those who tried before ended up dead. It had been so before, and it would be so again.
Clearing his throat, Lynch said, “Our city is improving—cleaner roads, new spirit among people—but we also face challenges.”
“The news about tourists running wild is one. Their reckless behavior endangers themselves and harms our international image.”
He looked at the merchants and officials present. “Regulating outsiders’ conduct is imperative. We cannot tolerate foreigners’ carelessness. When necessary, we must correct their behavior and attitude.”
“The police must devise specific measures. To facilitate enforcement on foreigners, we should introduce
foreign police
.” He glanced at the police chief, who nodded in understanding.
Lynch nodded with satisfaction. “Next, I propose mobilizing the public to protect their lives and property, and wage a
decisive battle
against these beasts.”
“The Joint Development Company will buy back these carnivores’ pelts at market price. I will push for training on taxidermy. Live capture would be even better.”
“We must turn danger into wealth and learn to use our advantages.”
Lynch spoke confidently to the city’s most powerful rulers from the main seat. Bureau chiefs and agency heads sat quietly below him, like his subordinates, listening to his orders.
Jardon sat at the back, representing local merchants. Seeing Lynch, not much older than himself, issuing commands like a provincial governor stirred an unspoken excitement within him.
Age was not a barrier to greatness; it was its foundation.
After Lynch finished assigning tasks and dismissed everyone, Jardon prepared to leave. Lynch called him aside.
Jealous eyes watched Jardon, unaware how wildly his heart pounded.
Standing still, afraid to look up, Jardon saw Lynch play with his pen, then smile and shake his head.
“Not very clever, you know?”
“Just now, nearly half the people here knew you were behind that incident. You can’t hide it.”
“This is the first time, and I hope the last. Civilized society should not solve disputes with violence. What do you think?”
Facing Lynch, only a few years older, Jardon finally understood what Simon had felt: why Simon was so cautious and humble before Lynch.
The pressure was immense—his limbs tingled, and he almost begged for mercy, clenching his teeth until they bled.
After a tense silence, he nodded. “I know I was wrong, Mr. Lynch.”
“Good boy. Next time you face a problem like this, use your brain. God gave you a head to think.”
“Or you could come ask me…”
Jardon paused. There was no doubt this was said with kindness, and the tension in the room instantly vanished.
Sometimes things were just like that—when he felt uneasy, the pressure was overwhelming, but sensing a positive direction made it disappear.
He looked at Lynch, feeling… a bit confused.
Lynch smiled faintly. “Consider this both a warning and a friendly reminder. You may leave now.”
After saying goodbye, Jardon left, still thinking that Lynch meant if he ever got into trouble, he could turn to him for help—and he believed it.
Watching Jardon’s retreating figure, Lynch’s smile grew brighter.
No matter how good foreigners were, they couldn’t compare to locals. He wanted to support a
young leader
from Nagaryll—and he thought Jardon was promising.