Blackstone Code-Chapter 682: Ambitions

“Mr. Lynch, I’ve heard Blackstone Security has been expanding rapidly and winning numerous overseas contracts. We could establish a solid partnership in this area.”

“The most advanced weapons, the best prices—from a single bullet to an armored vehicle, I can guarantee the lowest rates!”

Orne was blunt. He had done his homework on Lynch and knew how to speak to him.

These days, many in the Federation regarded Lynch as one of the most prominent figures among the new generation of capitalists—possibly even a representative of the group.

But unlike others, public perception of Lynch wasn’t negative.

The emerging industrial capitalists often clashed with the established mid-generation and old-guard capital groups—conflicts born from a finite market, where gaining more profit meant increasing one’s own share while shrinking the competition’s.

This new generation held no reverence for the old order. Their ventures into various sectors showed they were far more aggressive and unpredictable than their predecessors.

Lynch, however, was different. His core industries were based abroad, avoiding direct conflict. That’s why people like Orne and Mr. Wadrick treated him differently.

As for Lynch’s anti-submarine aircraft project and his new company?

No one saw it as a threat. Aircraft had existed for many years, yet the military-industrial sector had mostly stopped investing in them. Until there was a technological breakthrough, they had no plans to resume large-scale development.

It sounded odd, but it was the truth.

Flying wasn’t the issue—any serious aircraft manufacturer could ensure stable flight. The real problem was takeoff and landing, especially the latter.

Crashes or incidents occurred almost every time. Some had considered single-use aircraft, but nothing came of it. Most companies had shifted their focus to the army and navy, where profits were tangible and measurable.

Until major breakthroughs occurred, only opportunists and a handful of civilian enthusiasts continued working on aircraft.

Lynch’s investment in this black hole project meant no direct competition with other groups—which made him a potential ally.

Lynch thought for a moment. “I support your plan in principle, but the details will need to be discussed.” 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Orne laughed heartily. “I knew you’d understand. We’ll go over the specifics later in the meeting. In any case, thank you for supporting our vision!”

“Let’s talk more at the meeting…”

After a handshake, they parted ways. Lynch watched as Orne approached someone else for a chat. He suddenly realized—this might not be as simple as it seemed.

“I don’t agree with this plan!”

Later at the meeting, a young man with a cold expression voiced his opposition to the Defense Ministry’s proposal. As Lynch looked at him, a stranger beside him quietly provided an introduction.

“That young man is Chairman Geruno’s grandson…”

Lynch glanced at the man, introduced himself, and exchanged business cards.

This was the privilege of status—he didn’t have to ask. Others proactively addressed issues that wouldn’t have troubled him much anyway.

Still, courtesy mattered. Lynch was a man of etiquette.

“If large quantities of weapons enter Nagaryll, we can’t guarantee they’ll stay in the right hands. Once weapons leak out, they could pose a serious threat to us!”

The young man’s concerns resonated. Nagaryll wasn’t exactly stable—it had become increasingly unsafe.

Conflicts between decaying local ideologies and modern imported ones, cultural clashes, and sweeping social reforms had created invisible unrest.

Not in society’s structure, but in the hearts of its people.

People had lost their fear of authority. The fact that some dared storm the royal palace showed how things were deteriorating.

If those mobs got their hands on deadly weapons, it would be a disaster for the Joint Development Company.

In front of a bullet, there’s no difference between a president and a peasant.

Orne replied with a calm expression, “We won’t sell to any illegal groups or individuals. And I believe our partnership with the Defense Ministry and military will ensure that no weapons are leaked.”

“All transactions will occur domestically. I trust you understand what I mean.”

Gone was the relaxed demeanor from his earlier chat with Lynch. Now, Orne displayed the composure expected of a major figure.

The Defense Ministry representative continued, “Our deployed soldiers will receive their full gear and registration before departure. Every bullet, every gun, every shell will be tracked.”

“Who received what, and when. If something goes wrong, we can quickly trace it and resolve the issue. I hope everyone understands—this plan isn’t for a few people. It’s for all of us.”

He distributed a document to everyone. Once all had a copy, he began his presentation.

“Our personnel will, to a certain extent, replace Nagaryll’s national defense forces. That’s a good thing for all of you, not a bad one.”

“In essence, we gain control over the nation’s largest violent institution. When necessary, military actions, suppressions, or reinforcements can proceed without needing local authorization.”

“Compared to such convenience, I believe that even if some weapons fall into native hands due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s acceptable.”

He paused briefly. “Also, I expect this meeting’s contents to remain strictly confidential…”

No one objected. After all, a meeting that bordered on subverting another country’s sovereignty directly contradicted the Federation’s values of freedom and equality.

The Federation would never do such a thing—so this meeting would never be made public. Unless someone wanted to make enemies of everyone else in the room.

The young man from the Duncan family pursed his lips. The proposal was tempting, but he had another condition. “If you want my support, then I must be the one to assign personnel on my end.”

He spoke vaguely, but the implication was clear: he wanted to replace local provincial military forces with his own men—not with those assigned by the Federation.

The Defense Ministry representative immediately responded, “All armed forces are subject to unified deployment. We can place your people in key positions, but that’s our bottom line.”

“We must ensure this force isn’t exploited by individuals—either through collaboration with local powers or by internal infighting among yourselves.”

The young man from the Duncan family frowned and threw out a statement that sounded contemplative but was more of a threat: “If my people aren’t used, the local rulers may not allow the Federation to take over their military institutions.”

The room stirred with murmurs as Lynch also pondered the matter.

Drag was unlikely to easily agree to having Federation troops protect him. With the fall of the monarchy, the ideological conflict between central and local governments had ended, the royal family had lost its influence, and Drag’s clan had begun to take control of the regional military forces.

He wouldn’t easily accept the Federation’s request, even if it came under the pretense of military aid.

The Defense Ministry representative smirked slightly. “They’re not the only option.”

A louder wave of discussion erupted in the room. Clearly, the Defense Ministry’s stance had caught everyone off guard.

What did he mean by they’re not the only option?

It was easy enough to understand: if someone disagrees, replace them.

The Defense Ministry gave off a strange vibe—just a short time ago, they had been urging everyone to lay low, saying no one can win.

Now, in the blink of an eye, they had turned aggressive and assertive, still under the same reasoning—no one can win.

This sudden shift felt jarring, but it undeniably fueled the capitalists’ ambitions.

After a brief stir, the room fell silent.

Then someone asked, “There will always be people who refuse. You can’t replace everyone.”

The Defense Ministry representative responded almost without pause, “Based on intelligence we’ve received, there may be a brief civil war. Once that ends, all the problems will be resolved.”

His stance reflected not just that of the Defense Ministry, but of the military as well—backed by powerful interest groups behind the scenes.

When everyone pushes in the same direction, miracles happen.