Soaking in the hot water of the bathtub, the warm sensation quickly cleared the slight drowsiness from Perfikot's mind.
Although last night's banquet was quite lavish, and Perfikot achieved her goal by raising a substantial amount of funds for the "polar research" project from the nobles, she, not particularly fond of socializing, was almost drained of her last bit of patience during the event. By the time she went to sleep, her mind was so groggy that she almost fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
Even with the support of the Royal Family and the call of the Eldest Princess, getting money out of the pockets of those nobles was no easy task.
Initially, Perfikot was confident that as long as she dangled enough benefits, these nobles would flock like hyenas. But if Perfikot couldn't spark interest in the so-called "polar research" among them, they might not refuse outright, but neither would they be as "generous" as they were last night.
It was only because Perfikot secured sponsorship and support from the Royal Family, along with some major nobles being aware of the impending disaster, that they were so willing to part with their money.
Yet, even so, Perfikot had to expend considerable effort persuading the lower and middle-ranked nobles, as well as some major nobles who were unaware of the impending crisis.
To tackle this crisis, the more funding, the better, whether it be for building the Flying Airships or shelters; there are plenty of areas to spend money on.
Moreover, the resources held by these major nobles controlling aspects of Langton and even the entire Victor Empire are far more valuable than money.
While the Royal Family holds a vast amount of resources and industries, Perfikot's "polar research" plan is an undertaking behind the scenes by the Royal Family. It's not an official government or national activity, so there's a limit to the resources that can be mobilized.
Additionally, to avoid clashing, the Royal Family and major nobles control different industries; though the Royal Family's industries aren't lacking, they aren't necessarily the best either.
For example, the Royal Family possesses the largest shipyard in the Empire, whereas the largest steel plant is in the hands of a certain major noble.
Therefore, obtaining the support from these nobles would greatly enhance the success rate of Perfikot's plan and allow more people to be saved in the future.
This is why, despite her reluctance and dislike for socializing, Perfikot resorted to every trick in the book last night to engage those nobles, trying every possible way to entice them to invest in the so-called "polar research" plan.
Nevertheless, Perfikot's efforts were worthwhile; last night, she managed to raise at least two hundred seventy thousand gold pounds, along with verbal promises of support from multiple influential nobles.
Although verbal promises can't be fully relied upon, if need be, these promises would more or less be fulfilled, even if just partially.
Of course, a significant portion of the influential nobles willing to support Perfikot are members of the crisis management committee; they are aware of the apocalypse.
Therefore, Perfikot isn't too worried about them just offering verbal support or providing everything but support.
Compared to the crisis management committee, which is still embroiled in disputes and entanglements over interests, Perfikot's plan, unobstructed and equipped to mobilize all Royal Family resources, is evidently more executable and likely to succeed.
After all, while funds are already being gathered and preliminary preparations are underway here, the crisis management committee hasn't even come up with a relatively viable plan.
In the eyes of these nobles, Perfikot's new plan is seen as the Royal Family's expression of dissatisfaction with the crisis management committee's inefficiency, and also as a backup plan prepared by the Royal Family.
At the very least, when the crisis management committee fails to play its role, the Royal Family would have a backup plan to ensure its members' safety.
With this understanding, it's clear that these major nobles won't miss the opportunity to board the Royal Family's ship.
Their own interests may delay and obstruct the establishment and operation of the crisis management committee, but that doesn't mean these nobles are foolish enough to treat the apocalypse lightly...
Okay, granted, there are some old folks who consider it just a major snowstorm, not seeing it as serious, but the vast majority of nobles, while seeking profit, are also concerned for their lives.
They aren't the kind who would sell the rope to hang themselves; the nature of feudal nobility compels them to feel an obligation to the state, the monarch, and their serfs to some extent.
Even today, while there aren't many among the nobility who still remember this, they wouldn't joke about their own lives.
Even if they don't believe in the apocalypse, they'd leave an out for themselves rather than block it entirely, just in case.
So investing with Perfikot is seen as a safety net, so if the disaster strikes and the crisis management committee doesn't succeed, at least with Perfikot there'd be a path to survival, right?
For these major nobles, money is never lacking; it's idle regardless. Besides, according to Perfikot's presentation, this investment has potential returns.
This is why, after Perfikot's persuasion last night, those major nobles were willing to contribute so generously.
Otherwise, under normal circumstances, such a so-called scientific expedition fundraiser would raise a few thousand gold pounds at best, and tens of thousands would only be possible with major noble sponsorship.
"Well, at least with the support of these nobles, the number of Flying Airships can be increased by two, and the shelters on the New Continent can be expanded from one to three." Perfikot lay in the bathtub, pondering the impact of this fundraising on her plan.
As the water cooled, Perfikot stood up from the bathtub, and the maid automaton approached to wipe the water drops from her body.
Watching the maid automaton serving her, Perfikot couldn't help but feel grateful that she had transmigrated into a noble family with an alchemist background. Otherwise, forget about someone serving her bath; surviving safely and healthily in this era would be a tremendous challenge.
It's worth noting that, despite the presence of alchemy and various mysterious forces, the medical field in this world is far less advanced than in the world before her transmigration. Doctors are still stuck with the trio of bloodletting, amputation, and branding; forget about disinfection, there isn't even anesthesia.
When Perfikot first transmigrated, out of curiosity, she attended a public surgery by the medical department of Langton University, which left a profound impression on her. It also made her lose all hope for the medical practices of this era.
After all, for someone with modern medical knowledge, having a doctor who ties a patient to an operating table without anesthesia or disinfection, then uses saws and axes followed by branding irons—turning the operating table into something akin to a slaughterhouse—to treat you is a terrifying prospect.