For those in power, the biggest taboo is continuously changing stances.

When those in power change their stance, it forces those below to react in a passive and constrained manner. While it might not seem immensely different, those below inherently have less ability to withstand risk compared to their superiors. A rapid change in stance by those above can easily lead to hidden threats and losses if those below can't shift quickly enough.

A few days ago, Governor Sedel subtly encouraged everyone to fiercely compete with Lynch, assuring them not to be afraid as he would be the support for these merchants. Now, word has come from home hoping that he would open a door for Lynch to acquire the project, thus gaining the Federation's newest power plant secrets from it.

Can he do it?

Disregarding other factors, he could; it would only take a word. But in reality, he cannot do it. If he did, people would find it difficult to trust him in the future, and he would also lose his own majesty.

A ruler who cannot keep promises will not be trusted and relied upon. Losing the support of those backing him means he will have nothing left, not to mention that this also involves a form of competition.

In fact, in such an environment where competition is evident, those in power oftentimes act more like a banner, an unwavering banner.

Beyond this issue, if the Federation people succeed on their first project here, defeating the Gafura Commerce Association despite the unfavorable situation, it will fuel the Federation capitalists' arrogance and be a huge blow to Gafura's domestic merchants.

Once the Amelia Region enters the "Federation mode," it will cause significant trouble for Gafura's rule.

Governor Sedel, along with the nobles and ministers of the Empire homeland, even if unwilling to admit, have no choice but to acknowledge one thing: The Federation's system is more enticing than Gafura's.

Freedom, equality; these words sound too wonderful. So wonderful that people almost completely believe in that system.

Governor Sedel looked very serious as he contemplated countermeasures. Firstly, giving up resistance is impossible. Not in this lifetime can he abandon resistance. As long as he is governor, he will not allow the Federation people to stir trouble here.

Secondly, he does not believe this is real news. It's just a bargaining chip, a smokescreen, and could easily be dismissed with an excuse when it comes time to fulfill it.

As he was pondering, suddenly the ringing of the phone startled him, causing a slight tremor in his hand.

He never used to be like this until he became governor of the Amelia Province; the unexpected ringing would make his heart race and hands tremble.

Those damned anti-government organizations are to blame. They constantly brought bad news, making the governor uncontrollably angry and fearful whenever he heard the phone ring for a time!

He picked up the phone after it rang twice.

The call was from the Emperor of the Empire. The purpose of his call was obvious, "We need this technology."

"It can save us billions, and solve power shortages in some regions. We need it!"

Governor Sedel was silent for a moment before speaking, "But this should not come at the cost of sacrificing the Empire's interests."

"Sacrifice the Empire's interests?"

"Who is sacrificing, and how?"

"How come I don't know that using the Federation's technology would be sacrificing the Empire's interests?"

The Emperor, with a series of questions masking some anger, felt that Governor Sedel might be losing sight of reality.

He knew about Sedel's previous thoughts and actions, and though he hadn't expressed it, he didn't see a problem with them.

Politically, it's indeed necessary to curb the spread of the Federation's values of freedom and equality on the Empire's territory. In a monarchy, a nation with rigid social classes, speaking of freedom and equality implied brewing trouble?

But isn't the current situation different?

This is a tangible benefit, after all. The more developed a country is, the more advanced it becomes in utilizing electric energy.

No one knows if new energy sources will appear in the future, but at least over the next twenty years, electrical energy will become an apparent trend.

"I have to consider the stability of this area. The locals are not Gafura people after all; the Federation's system is highly provocative. If we cannot suppress Lynch and these Federation people now, they'll soon replicate their system from Nagariel here."

"You chose me to be governor not to vacation. If we can't suppress the Federation people, and they incite the locals to completely oppose us, we'll have to continue to escalate the conflict."

If the locals desire freedom and show such a longing, then aside from oppression, the only thing left for them is massacre — something Governor Sedel wishes to avoid. Therefore, he must deny the situation from arising at all cost.

Speaking very seriously, Governor Sedel referred to Lynch and the United Development Company. Their actions in Nagariel were hardly a secret.

The complexity of the Amelia Region exceeds that of Nagariel. At least initially, the Nagariel people sided neither with the Federation people, but in the end?

They ended up becoming puppets of the Federation, manipulated to challenge their own royalty, storm the Royal Palace, and even invoked a National Congress Party that killed the King!

Yes, to Sedel and many others, the party that invaded the Royal Palace and killed the royal couple was a Federation-supported organization. They used these people's hands to eliminate a potential trouble-making king, avoiding certain issues.

Under the enchantment of the Federation, seeking freedom and equality, the Nagariel people even dared to kill their king!

In Amelia, the local residents inherently loathe the Gafura invaders. The numerous resistance organizations reflect their attitude towards Gafura, and these people are more easily exploited by hatred.

Only by making them feel hopeless, making them resign, will they gradually succumb to the Empire's rule.

If given the slightest hope, they will become uncontrollable.

If Lynch wins in this already semi-public competition, it signifies that the Empire's regulations and systems couldn't contain him, which is very dangerous!

If a lion cannot occasionally display its dominion over the savannah, even wild dogs would dare to bark at the lion.

"This is the most crucial part of the imperial strategy. Compared to some uncertain patented technology, I need you to stand with me, Your Majesty."

"We can spare more money annually, but we cannot be without Amelia!"

"As for what you want, I don't think it's an issue..."

"We can directly discuss bringing it in, without allowing Lynch to succeed. Federation capitalists are different from those we know; they are willing to do anything for money!"

"For the sake of profit, they can sway votes and elections, so naturally, they will also discard some principles for enough money!"

"As long as we present them with a sufficiently large order, there's nothing they can't sell!"

Governor Sedel effectively persuaded the Emperor. In hesitation, the Emperor expressed his stance, "Perhaps I should listen to you; Amelia is your domain. I'm merely offering some of my views."

"You will not be disappointed, Your Majesty!"

"Let's hope so."

After hanging up the phone, Governor Sedel pursed his lips. He glanced towards his son sitting not far away, "I need you to visit the Federation. We cannot just defend against Lynch's offensive without counterattacking."

"Go contact the company holding the technological patents, tell them if they're willing to cooperate with us, all thermal power plants in the Amelia region will source from their company."

"Also, I recall from someone that Lynch isn't entirely clean. Maybe you can find some trouble for him?"

Governor Sedel's son nodded once, "I know what to do. I'll have someone book the ship tickets immediately..."

"So… should I go now?" The young man stood up, ready to leave if Governor Sedel had no further instructions.

The Governor nodded, and after watching the young man depart, he dialed another number. Shortly after, the local commerce association president arrived in the study.

"Governor...", the once aspiring commerce president who wished to embarrass Lynch now displayed no president-like demeanor at all. A slightly obsequious smile undermined the domineering vibe of the wealthy man.

He held a small box in his hands, placing it on the table and nudging it forward, "Just a small token, hoping you'll like it!"

Nobles accepting gifts from civilians is almost customary. In the past, even civilians themselves were the property of nobles, so sometimes distinguishing between gifts and bribes was difficult.

The Governor opened the box lid; inside lay a gold artifact. Judging by its color, its purity wasn't high, which meant it wasn't very valuable.

But whether this thing is valuable wasn't predicated on its purity. It was an artifact, an antique.

The Governor nonchalantly nodded, closed the lid, and turned his gaze back to the commerce president, "Have you been feeling pressured these days?"

The news he knew, these merchants also knew. Behind them were nobles of various colors supporting them. In the miraculous country of Gafura, without noble support, merchants found it difficult to grow and expand.

The commerce president awkwardly smiled and nodded, "Yes, sir, a bit of it."

He had just offended Lynch. If the Governor shifted stance, it wouldn't matter to the Governor, but it would trouble the commerce president.

He could offend someone without reaping benefits, not only leaving his dignity and prestige in ruins, but he could also be mocked and laughed at, possibly losing everything - someone disgraced should not occupy high positions.

His pressure was not just significant.

It was immense, truly immense!

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