Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste-Chapter 665 - 622: Private Consultation

Under the influence of public opinion, the Imperial Center convened another court meeting. This time, as a major minister of the Empire and Lord of the North, Perfikot attended the meeting.

Unlike the last time, she was not excluded from the meeting.

After all, the topics of this meeting were closely related to the Northern Territory. Excluding the Lord of the North would be somewhat disrespectful to Perfikot.

To put it bluntly, even if they could pass any resolutions without Perfikot's inclusion, without the support and recognition of the Lord of the North, it would be impossible to implement them there.

Thus, for this court meeting, Perfikot was properly invited to attend. Before the meeting started, Duke Gloucester even sought her out privately to discuss and attempt to reach a consensus before the meeting began.

Of course, this could also be viewed as an attempt by Duke Gloucester and the Royalist Party to test Perfikot's stance.

In the past, Perfikot was always seen as a member of the Royalist Party, given her well-known relationship with Eldest Princess Annie. It could be said that she was a loyal supporter of the Royal Family.

Moreover, the Royal Family itself greatly valued Perfikot. The Empress and Eldest Princess Annie both showed her significant favor and trust.

But with the deterioration of the relationship between Perfikot and Eldest Princess Annie, and the conflicts of interest between the Imperial Center and the North, Perfikot's current stance is intriguing.

Whether she is still with the Royalist Party or the Northern political forces have become a separate faction is significant enough to impact the rise and fall of the entire Empire.

"Count, what is your view on the public opinion calling for the restructuring of the Noble Council and the elected assembly into a National Assembly?" Even Duke Gloucester must maintain enough respect when facing Perfikot now.

This respect comes from strength, as well as the confidence that strength brings.

"What do I think? Just watch it, as it's nothing more than a farce, isn't it?" Perfikot casually replied, looking at Duke Gloucester and saying, "Instead of worrying about what system to use, why not think about how to gain enough influence within that system. Don't you agree, Your Grace?"

Faced with Perfikot's gaze, Duke Gloucester felt a bit of pressure, but he nodded and continued the conversation: "Though what you say is true, the restructuring of the National Assembly has stirred up emotions throughout the Empire, and if handled poorly, it may lead to civil unrest.

Although you, Count, could suppress such riots with your army at any time, ultimately, it would still be a disruption to the Empire's political situation, which is not beneficial for maintaining the Empire's stability."

Duke Gloucester remembered that Perfikot's most valued aspect was the stability of the Empire and brought up this topic to catch her interest.

However, Perfikot simply shook her head and said, "In the past, maintaining the Empire's stability was necessary because only a stable Empire could complete the Northern Territory construction plan, allowing the Empire to stand firm through the winter of the apocalypse.

Now that this plan has been successfully completed, and the Empire has smoothly transitioned to a new era, stability is no longer the top priority for the Empire. It should resolve the hidden problems at this time.

The Noble Council and the elected assembly were originally products of compromise between the Reform Faction and the Conservatives. After so many years, the long-standing contradictions would erupt even without this apocalyptic winter.

So, it's better to resolve it than to suppress it. At this time, if we still think about covering things up and compromising, it's better to consider how to quell potential rebellions and maintain the continued existence of the Empire!

Do not forget, if I hadn't blocked the possibility of the New Continent's independence, the Empire would now have to fight a war beset by internal and external troubles to prevent the New Continent's independence."

Perfikot was, of course, referring to the Seventeen Days' War and the New Continent Independence Movement back then.

If it weren't for her blocking these two events, it's very likely that the Empire would have been in the position of sending troops to suppress the New Continent, while also dealing with the interference and pressure from the Old World's countries, potentially even escalating into a war among the Old World powers.

Considering the situation the Empire faced three years ago, this was not an impossible outcome.

Duke Gloucester naturally knew this, which is why Perfikot was previously seen as a member of the Royalist Party.

Because she truly exerted great effort to safeguard the Royal Family and the Empire.

But now, it is clear that Perfikot has expressed the fact that her attitude has changed.

However, Duke Gloucester still picked up on her intentions from her brief statement earlier; she wants to resolve the Empire's current internal contradictions, not to overthrow the existing order of the Empire.

"Count, are you intending to participate in this National Assembly restructuring?" Duke Gloucester did not bother with the roundabout noble pleasantries with Perfikot, as their status rendered those so-called 'noble formalities' unnecessary. Being direct saves everyone the trouble.

Perfikot gave a definite nod and immediately said, "I need a channel to voice my opinions in the National Assembly, and I should also hold influence there commensurate with my status, shouldn't I?"

If possible, Duke Gloucester would prefer that the Northern faction not wield too much political influence in the National Assembly.

But that is impossible, as the North is no pushover.

If Perfikot was concerned about issues such as the Empire's stability, she might make some concessions, which, before coming, was one of the more likely scenarios anticipated by Duke Gloucester and his advisors.

Yet, from the current situation, it is clear that Perfikot has no intention of making any concessions.

This prompted Duke Gloucester to marvel at how, just three years ago, a young girl ignored by the Noble Council could grow into a pivotal figure within the Empire in such a short span of time.

Now, Perfikot's attitudes and opinions could determine the future of the entire Empire.

Thinking about this, Duke Gloucester couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

However, he did not let up and continued to speak with Perfikot: "Shouldn't the election of members of the National Assembly follow the public's will?"

"As long as it is fair, just, and open, I will adhere to the so-called 'public will'," Perfikot replied, playfully looking at Duke Gloucester, not viewing it as a big deal.

If the forces represented by Duke Gloucester are willing to play within the rules, Perfikot sees no need for underhanded tactics; she wouldn't mind losing as well.

But if some are not intending to follow the rules, she doesn't mind giving those people a surprise.