Ronan wasn't sure what had triggered the memory, and he had no time to think about it now. Because the Martial Emperor had already spoken:
"ZM's situation is exactly the right time to buy low. Raven needs someone to speak for her publicly, and we need some income as well, to offset the losses from the recent string of experiments."
The Martial Emperor lifted her gaze from the scripture and swept it across the other two people in the Reception Room.
Ouyang Chen held a teacup in one hand while operating the Virtual Work Area with the other, looking thoroughly occupied.
Ronan, lacking any relevant experience, met the Martial Emperor's sharp gaze head-on.
"Professor Ronan, when will your Blood Intent Ring Fortress remote offense-and-defense project begin Series A Financing?"
"I don't have any plans for that at the moment... uh!"
Ronan realized halfway through that he had stepped on a land mine. He wanted to change his answer, but it was already too late.
The Martial Emperor smiled and nodded. "Then the expenses for the experiment on the night of the twentieth can only be settled through your personal account?"
Before Ronan could explain, the Martial Emperor settled the matter.
"I understand. But there's no need to worry. With your credit authorization in the Association, expenses under one hundred million Credit Points have a twelve-month payment term. It won't be too late to repay it this time next year, provided the Headquarters still recognizes it—or provided the Headquarters still exists by then."
The Martial Emperor paused slightly.
"Of course, if Earth is gone too, it may be even easier to handle."
"..."
Ronan didn't know how to respond for a moment. Ouyang Chen cleared his throat beside him and set down his teacup, seemingly intending to smooth things over.
But