Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste-Chapter 672 - 628: Eldest Princess Annie’s Reaction_2

Although Perfikot herself might not have such intentions, the Northern Territory is not solely hers anymore. She needs to consider the thoughts of her subordinates and the expanding desires of the Northern Territory as an interest group.

If there are no enemies or restrictions, the Northern Territory will eventually turn around and devour the Empire.

Therefore, Eldest Princess Annie has no objections to Perfikot deliberately falling out with her previously; instead, she cooperated to a certain extent.

After all, although she lacks talent, she is not a fool, and she can manage to cooperate with Perfikot.

For this reason, she took the responsibility to recover the colonies, thereby accumulating enough prestige and achievements to stand against Perfikot.

Even though she disliked doing so, Eldest Princess Annie understood this was the responsibility she must bear as the heir to the imperial throne.

However, after finally suppressing and reclaiming the Empire's most essential colonial land of Morvo, she received news that internal reforms within the Empire had begun.

"If little Perfikot becomes the prime minister of the Empire, then perhaps everything would reach the most ideal state, wouldn't it?" Eldest Princess Annie let out a long sigh, feeling this might be the most ideal scenario.

She was not a competent and wise monarch, but entrusting governance to someone capable might not be a bad choice.

Especially since the parliament and cabinet can both restrict the prime minister and aid in governing the country, Eldest Princess Annie thought this was truly an excellent system.

Even though she perceived that this move would immensely weaken the Royal Family's power, even causing the imperial power to lose most of its authority, it was beneficial for the country.

At least in the future, if the Royal Family produced talentless or incompetent rulers, with the support of the prime minister and cabinet, the country could still operate, rather than being plunged into chaos by an inept monarch, potentially leading to national demise.

"If you think this way, Count will surely be disappointed." Upon hearing Eldest Princess Annie's words, Scott, who was sent by Perfikot, suddenly spoke up, challenging her perspective.

"Mr. Scott, I believe when entering a lady's chamber, you should at least knock first." Eldest Princess Annie was somewhat displeased, but not overly upset, rather curious about Scott's reasoning: "But why do you say that? Is it not good for little Perfikot to have control over the Empire's power?"

"Sorry, Princess, I did knock, but you were so focused on your thoughts that you probably didn't hear it." Scott explained again, reaffirming that he had indeed knocked and did not rudely intrude.

At this time, they were on the Flying Airship from Morvo Colonial Land heading to the next target, the Australasia Colonial Land. Naturally, there was some noise, and while deeply contemplating, Eldest Princess Annie might indeed have missed the sound of knocking.

About this, Eldest Princess Annie did not delve deeply but continued to ask, "Answer my question, Mr. Scott. I want to understand why you say that Perfikot would be disappointed to become prime minister."

"Because for Count, she has never truly wanted power." Scott replied succinctly.

"Then tell me, what does Perfikot desire?" Eldest Princess Annie was aware of this point but suddenly wanted to hear how others viewed Perfikot, especially someone among Perfikot's ranks. "Be aware that many in the Empire regard little Perfikot as ambitious, thinking she wants to seize imperial power!"

"If incompetents occupy positions and lead the Empire into an abyss, naturally it would be better for Count to wield great power. But this does not mean Count desires such power; what she truly wants is the development and prosperity of the Empire. As for achieving all this, whether it's her or someone else, Count would prefer the latter." Although Scott had not been acquainted with Perfikot for long, he had put substantial effort into understanding the idealistic inheritor of the old royal prince.

To Scott's words, Eldest Princess Annie did not retort but nodded and said, "For little Perfikot, she desires to do what she wants, joyfully inventing, using her wisdom and abilities to improve people's lives."

"Indeed, for Count, what she wishes to see is the Empire's improvement. If someone could better qualify for the role of Empire's prime minister, she would genuinely be happy." Scott seemed pleased to reach a consensus with Eldest Princess Annie, continuing with a smile: "But if there were no one else fit for the prime minister's role beside her, for Count it would be a disaster, as this implies that the entire Empire lacks qualified talents, thus forcing her to take the helm."

"Hearing this, it really makes one feel that the Empire is doomed! Isn't there even one person who can surpass little Perfikot?" Eldest Princess Annie sighed but quickly asked again: "Do you think aside from little Perfikot, there's anyone in the current Empire who could qualify for the prime minister's role?"

That's a tough question. Up till now, there hasn't been anyone capable of standing against Perfikot. Among others, there might be a few deemed fit to become prime minister, but if they cannot restrain both Perfikot and the Northern Territory, even securing the prime minister's position will only make them puppets.

Because the Imperial Center is now under the Northern Territory's influence, everyone lives as if breathing the Northern Territory's air. A prime minister unable to effectively constrain the Northern Territory indicates that the Imperial Center will be suppressed by it, contrary to the initial intention of appointing other individuals as prime minister.

"Duke of Gloucester may have such capability, but I doubt he can constrain Count. After all, this Duke's management of the Noble Council can only be said to be stronger than others, but limitedly so." Scott held the Duke of Gloucester in low regard, despite the Duke being the longest-serving president of the Noble Council since the queen's accession, perpetually showcasing considerable political dexterity.

This situation somewhat mirrors what Eldest Princess Annie faces. The Duke of Gloucester is a competent Noble Council president, but only in peaceful times.

He can effectively harmonize various conflicting interests and demands, implementing the queen's will across the Noble Council, steering it toward the direction desired by the queen, sufficiently demonstrating the Duke of Gloucester's prowess.

However, when the Empire requires swift decision-making in crisis situations, the existence of the council alone is slower, not to mention the severe internal conflicts among nobles greatly delaying their progress.

Originally, everyone had adapted to this situation with little urgency, but with Perfikot's emergence and the coming of the apocalyptic winter, everything changed.

What the Empire needs is efficiency, and Perfikot requires a council president who can keep up with her pace.

Clearly, the Duke of Gloucester, like Eldest Princess Annie, lacks such decisiveness.

"The Duke of Gloucester... Regardless, he served as the Noble Council president for many years, tirelessly striving, not to mention possessing some capability." Eldest Princess Annie's evaluation of the Noble Council president was fairly positive. After pondering, she said: "Perhaps he could fit the position of national parliament president?"

"For this Duke, the position is likely tailored to him." Scott agreed with this viewpoint.

Yet, the conversation quickly circled back: aside from Perfikot, doesn't the vast Empire have anyone capable of serving as prime minister, standing against Perfikot?

Evidently, neither Eldest Princess Annie nor Scott could come up with a suitable candidate immediately.