Topaz and Madam Jade arrived together at the reception room on the upper level of the airship.
The little white-haired old man had been waiting there for some time.
Seeing the two arrive, Old Audie let out an odd laugh:
"Ho ho ho ho ho!"
"Two intelligent and beautiful ladies, welcome aboard my [Fleeting Starlight]!"
He extended a hand.
"Come, have a seat! We must have a good chat!"
Madam Jade and Topaz exchanged a glance, then calmly took seats across from Old Audie.
Old Audie said happily:
"Ho ho ho ho ho! Welcome, welcome aboard, ladies!"
"My apologies for the poor hospitality. I kept you waiting outside for quite a while, didn't I?"
Madam Jade smiled faintly.
"Not at all, Mr. Audie."
"It is our honor to meet you."
Topaz nodded in agreement.
"You may not know this, but The Biography of Audie Evfa is required reading for all new employees of the Strategic Investment Department."
"After all, in many people's eyes, you are a legendary figure who single-handedly propped up Penacony's economic system."
At that, Old Audie laughed even more happily.
"Ho ho ho ho!"
"As expected of two of the Ten Stonehearts from the Strategic Investment Department. You ladies certainly know how to converse."
"Old Audie likes talking to smart people. It saves us the need for pleasantries and empty formalities, allowing us to get straight to the point!"
"Since I invited Company representatives aboard this time, I suppose you two can guess what I wish to discuss?"
Madam Jade stared into the old man's cloudy yet shrewd eyes.
"[Penacony's future]—if I am not mistaken, that is what you wish to discuss."
"Wow, ho ho ho ho, correct!"
"Such a simple phrase, yet the interests entangled within it are countless and complicated!"
"Take that blond kid who