Himeko dialed the number, put it on speaker, set the phone on the table, and asked the companions on the other end of the line:
"Who do you think should rightfully control Penacony?"
Replies soon came through the call.
"Of course, the Nameless!"
"Could this planet have been built without the organization founded by Mikhail and the other two? The Family and the Company can both get lost!!"
At those words, Old Audie's smile abruptly vanished. He then looked at Himeko in surprise.
"So, you truly had plans of your own?"
Himeko smiled faintly.
"Sorry, Yan Huan is just a child who likes to talk nonsense."
"It seems asking for their opinions was an unwise choice."
She hung up.
Jade looked at the expressions of the other two parties and smiled lightly.
"Hehe, isn't that precisely what makes this whole matter so delicate?"
"No one can guarantee Penacony's ownership. Everything depends on self-awareness and mutual respect."
"But I promise you this: if Mr. Audie is more sensible, the Board of Directors will at least show some consideration for the dignity of Family heads like yourselves."
"..."
Old Audie thought for a moment before replying.
"...I see."
"I understand the Company's sincerity. As the head of the Clover Family, I do not oppose the Company's plan to establish a presence here."
"As for the Star Rail Express..."
"As the foundation upon which Penacony was built, and the greatest contributor to this incident, it naturally has a right to speak as well."
"However, I have a question."
Old Audie looked at Jade and spoke seriously.
"When I was a child, I often heard the elders recount tales from the ancient Amber Era."
"[Harmony] Xipe ascended, while [Order] Ena fell."
"In those ancient times, [Order] and [Preservation] were so close."
"As followers of