However, regarding such extravagant behavior, Perfikot couldn't help but frown and then asked a soul-searching question: "Aunt Annie, do you know exactly how many clothes you own?"
"Uh... probably enough to fill two warehouses? Maybe that's an understatement. Besides the Royal Family's acquisitions, I haven't really bought any new clothes over the years." Eldest Princess Annie thought for a moment and gave a rather outrageous answer.
To this, Perfikot could only sigh at the Royal Family's extravagance, but still said to Eldest Princess Annie, "Aunt Annie, do you just leave those clothes you don't wear anymore in the storage room? Just like this dress I'm wearing, even though it's likely you'll never wear it again?"
"Little Perfikot, what do you want to say? Just speak your mind, it doesn't matter." Eldest Princess Annie noticed that Perfikot seemed to have something unsaid, so she put down her knife and fork, rested her chin on her hand, and motioned for Perfikot to speak freely.
Perfikot organized his words a bit and then said, "I think Aunt Annie, you could auction those clothes that have been stored for at least three to five years. With your status as Eldest Princess, these clothes are certainly made of luxurious materials and exquisitely crafted. Even if the fashion trend is over, clothes under the Royal Family's name will still be sought after.
Although I don't know what price these clothes can fetch, I think a significant amount can be raised. If we could rally other noble ladies or let Her Majesty the Empress donate a few old clothes, that would be even better.
We could use these funds to improve the environment of the Langton City slums, and establish some hospitals, schools, and canteens.
This matter could even be turned into a long-term project, thereby both dealing with the long-accumulated old clothes of the Royal Family and genuinely doing something for the common people of Langton."
At this point, Perfikot showed a slightly regretful expression: "Unfortunately, the impending disaster is coming, making it impossible to do this for long."
"Why is it impossible?" Eldest Princess Annie was obviously very interested, and she said enthusiastically, "According to your plan, the Empire will establish sanctuaries in the New Continent. You don't think those nobles will lead a life of frugality in the sanctuaries, do you? There will always be people in need! We can do what we can..."
Just as Eldest Princess Annie was talking enthusiastically, her butler came to report a visitor, interrupting the conversation between the Eldest Princess and Perfikot.
——————————————
"Mr. James, has no one ever told you that interrupting two ladies during their meal is quite rude?" Looking at James, who stood in front of her, still wearing a cheap and ill-fitting rental suit, with a face that seemed exhausted from overindulgence, Perfikot instinctively expressed disgust.
"I sincerely apologize; I've gotten used to staying in the New Continent. If I have offended, please forgive me." Facing Perfikot's disdain and reproach, although James felt a flash of embarrassment, he still insisted and said, "Duke Gloucester heard that you intend to visit the New Continent for inspection, considering I have some living experience there, he specifically sent me to await your commands.
Furthermore, the Duke also specially instructed me to convey his apologies to you regarding inviting you to join the Crisis Response Committee. The Duke has been too constrained to utilize your talents effectively, for which he feels deeply sorry."
Hearing these apologetic words, Perfikot couldn't help but feel a wave of helplessness and also felt anger arise within her.
The situation has reached the brink of apocalyptic crisis, yet those stubborn old men cling to the old ways, wasting her time and dragging the entire world into the abyss.
But Perfikot restrained her anger, merely responding coldly to James, "I have received Duke Gloucester's apologies, please convey my regards to the Duke. If there's nothing else, please withdraw for now, as the Eldest Princess and I still have to dine.
As for you? I have no interest in philanderers, nor do I wish to have someone with a questionable personal life around me; it would cause very serious damage to my reputation.
I already have enough to worry about and do not wish to waste my energy on idle gossip."
Faced with such a cold response from Perfikot, even James, known for his thick skin, felt awkward and at a loss on how to react.
Though he was, in some sense, a playboy, and had been told much worse when flirting with girls, this situation—where he seemed to be looking for a scolding while unable to retort or leave—left him feeling lost.
Fortunately, at this moment, Eldest Princess Annie spoke to smooth things over for him: "Alright, little Perfikot, be a bit more forgiving! This poor gentleman is almost driven to utter embarrassment by your words."
After speaking, Eldest Princess Annie turned her gaze towards James or rather at a uniquely shaped brooch pinned to his chest and then waved her hand to signal the maids to withdraw.
Though Windsor Castle also employed maid puppets, adhering to the Royal Family's long-standing tradition, the castle was still normally served by human maids.
Compared to alchemy-made puppets, even royal-trained maids could pose a leakage risk in matters of confidentiality, which is why Eldest Princess Annie dismissed them.
And this is one reason why Perfikot's alchemy puppets became wildly popular in Langton's high society; after all, nothing can keep a secret better than a non-speaking, lifeless puppet.
Seeing the Eldest Princess ask the maids to leave, Perfikot showed a hint of puzzlement on her face. She looked up at Eldest Princess Annie, waiting for her explanation.
"You must be with Intelligence Section Six, right? Since when could Duke Gloucester command intelligence bureau personnel?" Eldest Princess Annie looked at James with a lazy demeanor, but her eyes already revealed sharpness.
James hurriedly explained: "I am an intelligence operative from Section Six embedded in the New Continent, primarily responsible for gathering information on independent factions there. Previously, the Belona's expedition to the New Continent attracted the attention of these factions, so I was dispatched to provide intelligence support to the expedition team.
After the expedition team completed its survey, I returned to Langton with them to report, and afterward, I was reassigned by Intelligence Bureau to Duke Gloucester, responsible for providing him with intelligence analysis and consulting on matters related to the New Continent."