Darkstone Code

Chapter 1257 - 1256: Lively

Standing up, Lynch had a smile that was different from the Gafura nobility; it wasn’t arrogant, it was amiable, and his confidence was also visible.

But if someone underestimated him because of this, they would notice the hidden sharpness in his eyes.

He slightly bowed, which was the attitude of a non-hereditary baron towards a hereditary duke, then straightened up and nodded, "Indeed, Your Grace Duke Phoenix."

Duke Phoenix’s temple twitched. He thought Lynch might be here to cause trouble, but wasn’t quite sure.

He felt Lynch had no need to do so, as he actually wasn’t aligned with the Imperial Family at all.

Even at this time, Duke Phoenix and the Prime Minister were very aware of why Lynch was creating conflicts between the young Count, Kipling, and his wife’s aristocratic father. This was igniting the potential tension between the old and new nobility in advance, under relatively fair circumstances.

Therefore, they allowed this approach, as they were not part of the Imperial Family and could not support them.

But for some reason, Duke Phoenix always felt that this young man’s intentions weren’t entirely innocent while watching Lynch.

"Then are you willing to share it?" The Duke regained his composure and smiled to show his grace.

If you disregard the noble’s starting point and attitude towards benefits, and that stench of arrogance, sometimes they can be more polite than ordinary people, and much more so.

"Of course!"

Lynch paused slightly, and the subtle discussions in the room also ceased, "My question isn’t actually complicated. Is the trial of the Eldest Prince before the populace a singular occurrence or a regular practice?"

"Each institutional change brings significant impact. If the Eldest Prince can be judged before the populace, does it mean nobles must also face public trial in the future?"

"If it is, then..." Lynch shook his head, "For us, it would be a disaster; no one wants their humiliating moments to be seen by those outside."

"If it’s not, then that’s certainly best!"

Duke Phoenix’s brows had already furrowed, and the noblemen around him were similarly affected.

Lynch’s question seemed rather childish, asking a pointless question, but they wouldn’t think so.

These noblemen, who had transitioned from military to political focuses, possessed an innate sensitivity to politics; Lynch’s words appeared unremarkable.

Singular or regular, they can say anything.

But in fact, that is not the case, he complicated a simple problem!

And this method, of complicating simple matters, is itself a very distinctive political tactic!

If the answer is singular, there’s no doubt that Lynch, even the Royalist Party, would definitely use this to do something, with a great probability of success.

Duke Phoenix already had some opinions and speculations on this.

When he and the Prime Minister discussed the future of Gafura, their direction was unified: let the civilian bear more responsibility.

It sounds a bit off, but it’s the truth. Currently, the entire responsibility of Gafura falls on the shoulders of the Imperial Family and nobility, which is a bit unsuitable for the developmental pattern of the future world.

Parliament, popular elections, must be introduced. While retaining authority, the civilian shares the responsibility. Although this approach is somewhat unscrupulous, it suits the present Gafura.

In the past the "world" was relatively "small," perhaps for Gafura, the entire world was just the mainland nearby.

They had little opportunity to make choices, which also meant fewer mistakes.

But now, as the world expands, decisions must be made frequently, and a wrong choice means those decision-makers bear a terrifying responsibility.

This is actually not beneficial for national development; it might cause the rulers to make conservative decisions due to fear of errors.

In certain times, Gafura’s nobleman envy the Federation’s system of "national responsibility"; when politicians made mistakes, people thought, "We voted for the wrong person."

They of course consider how incompetent and foolish the politicians are, but this ideology isn’t so intense as to drive the other to be unable to survive in society, providing an opportunity for timely corrections.

For instance, the Federation’s conservative policy implemented for many years was suddenly changed overnight without any blockade, simply a world miracle!

Gafura people often look down on the Federation and the Federation people, just a place for Gafura to exile criminals; Federation people are descendants of criminals and free men, the Federation Government was also established by these people.

But now, they need some of the Federation’s modes to help Gafura progress.

Public opinion will become increasingly important, there is no doubt about it; once public opinion becomes especially important, "singular case" will become the cause of undermining the solidarity between Gafura’s rulers and the lower classes.

It’s impossible for a government to state it’s a singular case when attacking rivals and a regular practice when not; facing such a government, the general public would be extremely disgusted.

As for regular practice...

Duke Phoenix looked at those noblemen below the stage, knowing clearly that once he spoke the word "regular," it would cause significant issues.

Actually, this was a very simple matter, no one spoke, occasionally broadcasted a noble’s trial, it just got done.

It could even be treated as if it didn’t exist; no one would care about this issue, because they simply didn’t value, didn’t pay attention, didn’t concern themselves with this question.

Until Lynch raised the question.

Is it a singular case?

Or is it a regular occurrence?

Duke Phoenix glanced at Lynch again, quite rudely, before speaking, "It’s just a singular case..."

The nobles’ solemn expressions immediately softened, some even smiling, as Lynch sat down with a smile after responding, "I have no more questions."

People began discussing the sight of the Eldest Prince on trial on TV; it must be quite interesting.

Meanwhile, Duke Phoenix pondered why Lynch asked such a question, wondering if there was a deeper meaning behind it.

He looked at those around Lynch and suddenly frowned—Amelia!

This question must be related to Amelia, which caused him some headaches.

You know your potential opponent is setting a trap for you, but you can’t figure out what it is or how to avoid it.

From now on, it seems you can only take it one step at a time.

As the discussion was about to end, Duke Phoenix, as customary, asked if anyone had any further questions, and an old noble angrily stood up.

He swallowed his anger and first expressed respect for the high-ranking nobles on stage, then began accusing Lynch and the young Count of their atrocities yesterday!

"... My leather shop and financial company were completely burnt down, causing me to lose millions or even tens of millions!"

The old Count’s eyes were red; losing so much money overnight made him so anxious he couldn’t sleep!

The economic and financial ecosystem on the Main Island wasn’t good to begin with, as the nobles had long monopolized all lucrative opportunities. With Amelia’s open policies enticing some capitalists away, the economic situation on the Main Island worsened.

While the nobles are actually very wealthy, their wealth is often tied up in real estate, art, and various assets that can’t be immediately liquidated.

Is someone like the young Count poor?

He’s not poor at all, with heaps of estates and castles, and various art pieces—it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he has assets worth billions or more.

But despite being wealthy, he doesn’t even have the ability to host a ball, having to pawn off various art pieces and investment products at low prices each time a ball is necessary.

So for the nobles on the Main Island, cash is also a very important factor.

His financial company was burnt, meaning at least millions in cash were lost.

Don’t underestimate the "pure kindness" of the Gafura commoners—trying to get these people to repay a loan without a receipt?

What a joke!

They absolutely will not repay, and this isn’t the Middle Ages where people lived on some noble’s estate and had to repay debts with or without receipts.

This is a new era; borrowing money without receipts means there’s no money owed!

With so many nobles in Gafura, if one stops lending them money, there will always be another!

This fire truly made the old Count feel heartache, as he breathed heavily with his face somewhat twisted in expression.

The young Count, however, leisurely stood up, having learned from Lynch the ability to display a higher demeanor in front of others.

"Why don’t you mention that you also burned down my financial company, causing me to lose millions in receipts?"

"You even ransacked my other businesses, causing me tremendous losses?"

"Don’t make it seem like you’re the only one suffering; your current demeanor disgusts everyone!"

"You’re a noble, not a shrew; mind your manners, sir!"

With a mocking smile, he said, "Ah, I forgot, my damned uncle failed to usurp my title and stole my father’s inheritance to side with you."

"I remember you strongly supported his attempt to take my title—you truly embody the noble spirit!"

In the end, the young Count couldn’t help but curse; sometimes people are like this—the more you think, the angrier you become. He was originally calm, but the more he spoke, the angrier he got, swearing without a second thought, suddenly feeling incredibly relieved.

Sometimes, when swearing is necessary, a bit of swearing can’t be helped.

Kipling also stood up, pointing at the young Count and began criticizing him, and the number of participants in the quarrel increased.

The surrounding nobles watched with joyful smiles as these two groups yelled at each other in the Secretariat; it hadn’t been this lively in a long time.

Suddenly, Lynch grabbed the cup on the table and threw it over, instantly escalating the "confrontation," almost leading to a physical fight!

Duke Phoenix couldn’t help but slam the table heavily a few times, "How long will you continue this nonsense?"