An office in the Crimson Lightning Company's headquarters building.
All the warmth vanished abruptly from Raymond's smile. His expression regained its solemn authority as he tapped his fingertips against the desk.
"That boy's matter has been dealt with. How is little Anna?"
"The young lady was unharmed, merely badly frightened. The psychological support staff have already attended to her. She has calmed down and returned to the Manor."
At the mention of Anna, Cole hurriedly delivered his report with utmost respect.
"As long as she's all right. Those bastards in the Crimson Prison Society apparently won't know pain until we shatter their bones. Tell the Guard Army that the Crimson Lightning Company is willing to supply new detection equipment and energy weapons, on the condition that they step up their efforts to purge the Crimson Feather Society's cultists from Forest City."
Raymond paused, his voice turning utterly cold.
"And clean out the traitors within the company as well. The entire Rose Lineage is to be brought to account. Revoke all privileges to cooperate with the corporation, reclaim all industrial assets and resources, remove everyone holding internal positions, and block every star-domain channel. From this day forward, erase them completely from the company's sphere of influence."
Cole could not help feeling startled. He spoke with some hesitation.
"Chairman, I've already investigated the relevant information on the Rose Lineage. Those chiefly responsible for colluding with the Crimson Domain cultists belong to Weiss's branch. The other two branches weren't involved. Perhaps..."
"Even if they weren't involved, they certainly knew. Knowing and failing to report it means they were still harboring hopes of getting lucky. In that case, uproot them entirely, lest more ingrates who bite the hand that feeds them appear within the corporation."
Raymond spoke mildly, his tone calm, yet that casually