Lately, Tamazawa Shuxin had put on a remarkably amicable front toward Rum, accepting every assigned task without exception and handing over data directly without even glancing at it. In secret, however, he had systematically replaced the managers of several key node projects with his own people. By the time Rum noticed, it was already too late. While the overall territory technically still belonged to Rum, the individuals in charge at every crucial intersection of the projects were now Glenlivet's subordinates.
Rum had ruled autocratically for too long, leading to a momentary lapse in vigilance that allowed Glenlivet to slip through the cracks and create the current impasse. Having brewed this bitter pill, Rum had no choice but to swallow it alone.
"Glenlivet, why are you withholding the background information of the three coded agents under your command from me? You should know the most basic protocol; I need to check their records." This time, Rum's voice was exceptionally calm, clearly aware that Tamazawa Shuxin would pull such a stunt. Tamazawa Shuxin answered with blunt candor.
Chapter 16