"Why do you object, my lord? On what grounds are you opposing?" Perfikot's heterochromatic eyes fixated on the noble who had raised the objection, and her expression was as calm as water, with no hint of joy or anger. Her tone was so indifferent it seemed as if she were discussing the weather.

Yet no one dared to believe that Perfikot was truly indifferent. After all, as they were meeting, the Imperial Intelligence Department and military intelligence, the Knight Order of Eldest Princess Annie, the Judicial Court of the Church, and various other departments were conducting a joint law enforcement operation, launching a large-scale investigation into corruption at the relief points within Langton City.

This kind of investigation wasn't about arresting, sentencing, or imprisonment. Instead, if anyone was found guilty of embezzlement or other illegal activities, they were executed on the spot.

The large-scale investigation had started yesterday and continued throughout the night, and the entire Langton City was now drenched in the smell of blood.

To Perfikot, of course, she knew this held no great practical significance; killing could not solve the problem.

The human heart is ever greedy. Even if a batch of corrupt officials is removed and replaced, those new might not be corrupt at first, but over time, they too would be corrupted and start engaging in graft all over again.

This situation, from ancient times to the present, regardless of the era, has never been fully eradicated.

However, from another perspective, eliminating a group of corrupt officials could at least maintain control for a while. After all, people are fearful; when the previous officials' heads are still hanging, the new ones will naturally be more restrained.

Perfikot wouldn't mind employing even more severe means for those truly audacious and reckless persons daring to commit crimes amidst such circumstances.

Though she tried to remain calm and rational under her crown, this wouldn't affect the means she employed. She would simply think more rationally about the method that would achieve the maximum effect.

Even though the rampant slaughter would spread fear, it might also be a method to stabilize the situation.

As long as stability could be maintained temporarily, Perfikot could start new development plans to shift the entire situation to the direction she desired.

After all, what she wanted was just temporary stability, not permanence.

Yet someone opposing her development plan made Perfikot feel slightly displeased.

Though she knew matters involving the interests of most people would inevitably face opposition, she didn't wish for vocal opposition right from the start.

"Count, since the Empire possesses resources for large-scale development, why not channel these resources to the Northern Territory? Wouldn't further development there shelter more people?" The opponent did not answer Perfikot's question; instead, they questioned her back.

Perfikot instantly felt sickly at the opponent's retort and immediately questioned him, "Do you think the natives of the Empire don't count as people?"

"No, that's not what I meant!" the opponent hastily denied, as such an accusation could escalate from a standpoint issue to a political issue if admitted.

Perfikot took a deep, meaningful look at the opponent but remained disinterested in saying much, only asking as she continued to gaze at him, "What do you mean then? Whether from the Northern Territory or the Empire, the Empire's citizens are equal and treated as one.

Although the Empire's previous plan was to abandon the mainland, such abandonment was about focusing the response to the apocalyptic disaster in the Northern Territory, not about abandoning the mainland's citizens altogether!"

"But Count, if the resources intended for local development were invested in the Northern Territory, could it not shelter more of the Empire's elite class? You should understand that for this Empire, only the nobility and the managerial class are the true foundation!" The opponent passionately argued with a righteous demeanor, gaining visible support from many present.

To this, Perfikot expressed no definite opinion, merely thinking that during the original French Revolution, the guillotine truly was an efficient method of purification.

However, it was just a thought; whether influenced emotionally before or rational now, she was not suited for mass slaughters of the opposition.

Moreover, Perfikot could see that the objecting person was merely a representative put forth, backed by a supporting interest group involved in complex benefits and political stances.

In a way, this related interest group could even be seen as Perfikot's prior supporters.

Because their goal was to protect their own interests, under the premise of the apocalypse, supporting the Northern Territory was the best choice.

Thus, previously, their support for Perfikot was justifiable.

Even now, they still support the Northern Territory plan, and could be seen as a faction on Perfikot's side.

But their stance with Perfikot was purely for benefit, not as loyal followers.

Once Perfikot's interests conflict with theirs, the relationship would immediately become a contradiction between opposing sides.

The opponent present was largely a probe thrown out by them. Since before this meeting, Perfikot had already communicated her plans with the relevant departments, it wasn't surprising the opposing group found out.

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