In the Federation, who can influence governnt decisions?
Ordinary citizens?
Well-known social activists?
Scholars and experts?
No. The real influencers are capitalists—big capitalists.
Lynch’s words sparked many assumptions, especially since he was still living in the provincial governor’s residence. Their relationship was clearly more than just friendship.
Just as people hoped Lynch would say more, a door opened. Everyone fell silent and returned to their seats.
The mayor stood at the doorway, nervous. Not long ago, he had been the police chief. Now, as mayor, he felt uncertain and tense.
He wasn’t sure if he could satisfy those above him. This new role was unfamiliar—he couldn’t command people like he did with a baton. In fact, he didn’t even have a baton.
Before entering, he straightened his clothes, making sure there were no wrinkles. He couldn’t wear a utility belt anymore, and his empty waist felt strange.
He took a deep breath and stepped into the eting room, facing his first real test as mayor.
Upon entering, he caught sight of Lynch and briefly wanted to greet him. But Lynch’s earlier instructions rang in his mind: I’ll be there that day. Pretend you don’t see and follow the speech I gave you, understood?
He rembered clearly, looked away from Lynch, and approached the podium. He’d always watched mayors from below this platform, but today he was the one standing here—a unique feeling.
The crowd that once felt imposing now seed less intimidating.
“Ladies and gentlen from around the world, dedicated to helping Nagaryll escape poverty and develop its economy and industry, good morning…”
“I’m very pleased to et you all here today. This is my first ti eting you as mayor.”
“So of you I already know, so may still find unfamiliar. Let introduce myself—I’m Avleon. You may call by my full na or just Ave.”
Only recently did Lynch realize that in nas like Asel and Avleon, the A wasn’t really a na but a particle reflecting class.
Ordinary and low-born people used this A particle in their nas. The new mayor, forrly a police chief from a minor branch of a small clan, wasn’t truly part of the ruling class. That was why he ended up as a police chief—essentially a lackey.
So his na included the A particle, roughly aning that guy or sothing similar.
In Nagaryll culture, class divisions were an unavoidable chasm, embedded even in people’s nas.
Commoners and low-born were discriminated against from birth, marked by their nas.
Nobles, rulers, and major clans did nothing to prove their status. Even without noble attire or mannerisms, their nas alone commanded respect.
This was a twisted country—but they didn’t see it that way.
What he said next was familiar to Lynch, who had morized it thoroughly and could speak without notes.
An old literary expert once told Lynch that writing was about arranging fixed words in various but regulated orders depending on context—a deceptively simple yet challenging craft, requiring careful study of every word.
The mayor’s speech mainly apologized for the recent unrest and expressed sympathy for victims and families—formalities any new mayor would make. He was adapting well and showing genuine emotion. 𝘙𝓪ɴ𝘰ꞖƐ𝒮
After the formalities, he moved to concrete asures.
“First, considering your efforts to co from all over the world to help Nagaryll develop, our governnt will offer encouragent and rewards. We plan to reduce business tax to seventeen percent!”
This policy instantly ignited enthusiasm. Nagaryll’s business tax had been a staggering forty-five percent, plus many surcharges—but the ruling class was exempt.
The heavy tax burden was imposed on those rising from the common class—successful rchants striving to succeed.
With limited resources, the ruling class used taxes as their strongest weapon to maintain privilege.
Many grassroots rchants and erging capital markets were crushed by these taxes.
Now, the tax dropped to seventeen percent—about ten points lower than the Federation’s approximate thirty percent floating tax rate. This was a welco surprise.
Seeing the crowd’s reactions, Avleon felt a strange satisfaction. These foreign dignitaries weren’t so intimidating after all. A single sentence could lift their spirits—or bring sorrow.
But when his gaze t Lynch’s, that uneasy feeling vanished instantly. He lowered his head humbly, like a loyal dog greeting its owner.
“Gentlen, please remain quiet. Additionally, infrastructure investnts and production within my jurisdiction will enjoy full tax exemption!”
“This is our way of thanking those who traveled great distances, braving unknown risks, to help us achieve prosperity.”
Lynch nodded slightly and led the applause, which the crowd warmly joined.
Infrastructure companies were fully exempt. Federation rchants had countless ways to prove their goods were for infrastructure.
Even if they couldn’t, they could set up infrastructure companies to buy their products cheaply and resell at market prices—there were always ways.
The Federation’s economic history was essentially a struggle between labor and capital, capital and governnt, money and taxes—intense but fascinating.
As the excitent waned, the new mayor cleared his throat and continued.
“Second, we will establish an Office for Foreign and Joint Ventures (including but not limited to governnt collaboration) to assist foreign enterprises in local establishnt, docuntation, and investnt.”
“Enterprises eting our standards will receive conveniences and subsidies.”
The mayor smiled faintly, “Though modest, these are our tokens of gratitude.”
The crowd applauded again, briefly but enthusiastically.
“Third, in light of the recent turmoil’s negative impact—especially on foreign investors—Magulana Province will implent a comprehensive gun ban and assign special police for investors’ safety.”
“Selective firearm permits will be issued to security companies to strengthen personal and property protection.”
“Please believe that we have always regarded you as our best partners, even as family. There is no hatred between us. More than anyone, I want you to invest here and make money here. At the sa ti, I want to emphasize one word: win-win!”
Win-win was the core the Lynch set for this discussion. It wasn’t about fully siding with investors or completely betraying Nagaryll’s interests—that would go against Lynch’s vision.
Win-win is a great concept: investors want to profit, Nagaryll wants developnt. The more investors earn, the faster Nagaryll’s economy grows and industrializes. People can clearly see the city’s daily progress.
As their lives improve quickly, they might feel confused, sensing a gap between what they experience and what they expected. They will seek the truth—and eventually see it.
To help them realize this truth faster, a little artificial acceleration isn’t too much to ask.
User Comments
0 comments from readers