CHAPTER 334: 0332 FIRST, GET THE ATMOSPHERE GOING.

"This... sir, you claim that all of this is the doing of an international merchant named ’Preton.’ Do you have any evidence?"

The translator for the Nagariel United Kingdom is dutifully translating the words of the person beside him, "Moreover, how can you prove that what you say is true and not just a fabrication?"

In recent years, Pretton Trading Company and Nagariel have become highly integrated, a twisted integration. In reality, they are aware of these issues but are too ashamed to discuss them; refutation is merely a way to save face.

Glancing at the translator, Mr. Truman quickly immersed himself in the work he excels at, or rather the work every politician excels at—lying.

"We’ve been watching him for quite some time. It is well known that our country is actively expanding foreign trade and participating in more international affairs. In these processes, we’ve discovered a Pirate Group led by ’Preton’ occupying the East Ocean!"

"They pose a significant threat to passing merchant ships. At the behest of Federation merchants, we’ve already begun investigating Preton and his gang."

"During the investigation, we found that he has businesses worldwide, including Nagariel..."

This is indeed a tempestuous era, where what’s being disseminated internationally is not just news but also culture and some legendary stories.

People greatly yearn for those legendary tales, which is also why Lynch’s fabricated "Lynch’s Adventure" is accepted by the mainstream society of the Federation. People yearn for these interesting lives.

Lynch not only organized his adventure stories in a self-narrative way and published a book titled "Lynch’s Adventure," but it’s also said that Fox Film Corporation is in the process of adapting Lynch’s adventure stories into a movie for the big screen.

People love legendary stories, love adventure stories, and are equally curious about stories of pirates.

When Mr. Truman said the word "pirate," even those ladies pretending to faint also woke up and took an interest.

"Attacking, shipbreaking, accompanied by a monopoly on trade with smaller countries without strong military capabilities. In our investigation, Mr. Preton not only organized a formidable Pirate Group on the East Ocean but also utilized the armed forces of the Pirate Group to monopolize foreign trade in many island nations and small countries, holding the economic lifeblood of these countries!"

At this moment, several reporters led by some "staff members" came in. They were originally not allowed in here, who knows if someone with ulterior motives might be hiding among them.

But now that the issue has arisen, what’s necessary is to correct some matters. Plus, Mr. Truman intends for the entire Federation to be on his side, so he must let the people understand the "truth."

The venue seemed to turn into his personal podium, "This attack actually comes from Mr. Preton and his vested interest group. In fact, we’ve long arranged a large number of Special Agents to protect everyone here to ensure our guests do not get harmed."

People naturally imagined those inconspicuous waitstaff, or those they thought were invited guests, but were actually Security Committee Special Agents. Mr. Truman’s words seemed not to be lies, which made his words more convincing.

"As for your doubts about me, I believe Mr. Lynch can clarify for you..." Mr. Truman looked at Lynch, who hesitated for a moment, then casually placed his wine glass on the tray of the approaching waiter.

After saying "thank you," he walked onto the stage originally prepared for the band at the banquet, standing beside Mr. Truman.

"I’m now handing the microphone to Mr. Lynch, who will dispel your confusion..." When Mr. Truman held the microphone, he leaned in and whispered in Lynch’s ear, "I can’t continue, you’ll have to cover the rest for me..."

His hand squeezed Lynch’s wrist, "This is a great opportunity to persuade those who don’t support us!"

Lynch maintained that kind of gentle but not enthusiastic, reserved and yet stable smile on his face. He nodded slightly, offering a greeting to Mr. Truman’s elderly mother, to which Mr. Truman returned with a smile and nodded as he stepped aside.

Those unaware might even think they were discussing something or were very close, but only Mr. Truman himself knew what Lynch had just said.

He stood behind Lynch, watching Lynch’s back. He never truly regarded this young man as a young man but treated him as a peer.

A twenty-one-year-old young man couldn’t possibly sit across the table one afternoon and discuss with him how to incite civil wars in other countries, and how to use economic dominance over a country. Those weren’t topics or thoughts for a young person. This was a monster with the appearance of youth.

He possessed thoughts and a soul far beyond his years, so Mr. Truman believed Lynch wouldn’t mess this up.

"You can call me Lynch, some also call me Mr. Adventurer..." Lynch’s opening remarks were unique, easing the rather solemn atmosphere on-site instantly, "Everyone knows, I stayed in Nagariel for quite a long period before this. During that time in Nagariel, I was invited by Mr. Preton, who invited me to join Pretton Trading Company."

"It is an incredibly monopolistic trading company, controlling almost the entire import and export trade of Nagariel with an iron grip."

"Mr. Preton, as the soul of Pretton Trading Company, orchestrates the profit distribution for each import and export trade; everyone must accept the benefit scheme he proposes, or he will incite pirates to attack those disobedient merchant ships at sea."

"He exploits and oppresses the masses, offering them barely one Federation Sol a day as daily wages, demanding they work over twelve hours without any insurance or safeguards..."

"I’ve witnessed many injured workers personally; they live a life worse than death, and more workers suffer various unequal treatments..."

"He corrupts local officials, paving the way with benefits, gathering many grassroots officials around him. All those unwilling to affiliate are ostracized!"

"Aside from receiving wages from the government, most local officials also receive an additional salary from Pretton Trading Company..."

"They monopolize the market, suppress merchants, restrict trade..."

As Lynch disclosed these matters, those ladies and gentlemen from the civilized society of the Federation continually exclaimed, finding it hard to believe Nagariel was such a... backward and chaotic country.

Meanwhile, the faces of those from Nagariel darkened further, as they didn’t want to ask anything else. Despite knowing Lynch spoke the truth, these truths were too hurtful.

Feeling the time was about right, Lynch finally delved into the content he wanted to express after these setups, "This attack..." He paused slightly here, as he didn’t use the words turmoil or protest but instead used attack—a term with severe implications, differing in both meaning and nature from what came before.

"This attack indeed stems from Mr. Preton, whose purpose in doing so is essentially to sabotage Nagariel United Kingdom’s discovery of a new path!"

"Once the Federation establishes diplomatic relations with Nagariel, becoming a relationship of friendly and mutual assistance, we’ll be able to help the Nagariel United Kingdom escape the control of pirate merchants!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, Bail Federal is far stronger than we imagine!"

"We possess thousands of warships, countless soldiers ready to deploy to the battlefield anytime, anywhere. We have the resolve to protect the Federation’s interests, and the confidence to uphold world peace!"

"It is precisely because we are so mighty that Mr. Preton and his vested interest group fear us so much, fear our righteous assistance to help Nagariel United Kingdom out of his shadow!"

At this point, he turned to the Nagariel diplomatic visiting team, observing them, "He is using such clumsy tricks to ruin our amicable diplomatic relations, which precisely indicates their true fear."

"This is not an insult to you. I think we should instead rejoice, as the Preton Interest Group has revealed their real, weak form. They are not as frightening as they seem."

"Before the Bail Federal, they are no match; they can only use such despicable means to attempt to change the unshakeable decisions they face!"

"I would say this banquet shall not end because of this, nor will our diplomatic relations stall because of this."

"Not only will it not halt, but we should swiftly submit the diplomatic contract, enabling us to help Nagariel United Kingdom break free from the control of certain interest groups, allowing them to bask in the sunshine like us."

"This is no longer a simple diplomatic issue. From the moment these people entered the Federation, their target was not only the diplomatic delegation of Nagariel United Kingdom but also a provocation to us!"

"They have orchestrated terrorist attacks on our soil; they aim to incite conflict between us and Nagariel United Kingdom. This is a declaration of war against Bail Federal!!"

"This is furthermore a duel between justice and evil!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot remain silent, we cannot evade everything like before; we have grown up, we will no longer flee, we must confront it!"

"The brave people of Bail and courageous soldiers will let them understand how wrong their decision was!"

"The sword representing justice will ultimately tear through all shadows, justice will triumph, the Federation will triumph!"

"Long Live the Free Federation!"