CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 203 INSIDE THE VENUE_2

Regarding the governor’s praise, Perfikot merely shook her head indifferently and replied, "Rather than my looks, I hope people remember my talent. Becoming the Northern Territory Count of the Empire relies not on beauty."

It’s evident that Perfikot dislikes people discussing her appearance, yet as a woman, it seemed inevitable.

Especially as she was indeed very beautiful, her looks even rivaled her talent.

Perhaps this is why Perfikot rarely dresses up, preferring comfort above all.

Despite her wealth and status, she could easily lead a luxurious life and dress as fashionably and splendidly as she wished.

"Of course! When people first see you, Countess, they are attracted by your beauty, but once they know you, they understand you are one of the Empire’s foremost talents." The governor continued his flattery, sincere in his words.

Perfikot was indeed a genius. People heard more of her alchemical achievements than her stunning looks.

This also related to her being an orphan from a Baron’s family two years ago and her exceptionally young age.

"Alright, enough of the compliments. How are the preparations for today’s venue?" Perfikot raised her hand to stop the governor’s flatteries and shifted to business.

Seeing this, the governor composed himself and replied to Perfikot, "Rest assured, we have verified the identity of each guest present, ensuring there are no imposters or replacements. The venue is securely locked.

Currently, the area around the venue is under police quarantine. They will ensure that apart from those with invitation cards, no one else can enter the street where this hotel is located during the exhibition."

Although the governor didn’t care much for Perfikot’s antics, he still provided diligent security.

After all, if something were to happen, he couldn’t bear the responsibility.

"Good, but what if the thief didn’t enter the venue today and came earlier instead?" Perfikot looked at the governor, posing a seemingly absurd yet plausible question.

Faced with this question, the governor paused but soon replied, "Impossible, before guests were permitted, my staff thoroughly inspected the venue multiple times to ensure no one hid there beforehand."

Saying this, the governor confidently assured Perfikot, "I understand your concern about a repeat of the previous incident, so this time even the hotel waiters were verified, ensuring all are genuine hotel staff and not anyone impersonating them.

This time, the governor’s office has invested adequate security resources, guaranteeing absolute safety and no errors.

Besides, I believe the thief wouldn’t dare challenge again. He is merely a petty thief; stealing from you last time was pure luck, thinking he can come again?"

The governor scoffed coldly and then laughed, "I fear this petty thief doesn’t have the courage to face the challenge and has long since fled New Shaker City."

"Really? I don’t think so." Perfikot shook her head, but said no more than advising the governor, "Let’s wait and see; I have a feeling there might be surprises today."

The governor had no objections to this, as whatever Perfikot decided wasn’t something he could hinder.

Hence, he merely shrugged with a hint of helplessness and gestured politely to invite Perfikot.

Perfikot nodded courteously before stepping into the venue, followed closely by Samantha in knight attire and Claudia still in her assassin garb, always by her side.

The previous incident had made Perfikot more mindful of her security. Now Samantha and the Imperial Guard Knight squad were practically inseparable, and Claudia likewise guarded her even while she slept, ensuring utmost safety.

Anyone attempting to approach Perfikot would be met with vigilance, and anyone coming within five meters of her would be secretly targeted by Claudia with weapons, potentially being attacked with any threatening gesture.

Because of such vigilant protection, Perfikot remained surrounded by open space despite the bustling venue.

Apart from her specifically designated relaxation area, no one dared approach Perfikot.

Perfikot felt satisfied with this arrangement; despite organizing the exhibition, she disliked socializing and unnecessary pleasantries, enjoying the serenity.

This setup allowed her ample time and focus to use the Eye of Omniscience to observe each person present, trying to identify the elusive thief among the crowd.

Based on Claudia’s earlier descriptions, Perfikot suspected the thief’s magical disguise was likely aided by some alchemical artifact or magical tool.

Such items would appear as conspicuous as fireflies in the night to her Eye of Omniscience.

While Perfikot observed the guests around, a gentle voice suddenly arose, prompting her to withdraw her gaze.

A delicate noble lady appeared before Perfikot, speaking in a soft voice, "Sorry to disturb, may I rest here a bit? I’m not well, and your area is the only one with seating in the venue."

Perfikot appraised the delicate noble lady, showing a hint of interest in her eyes.

She was an extraordinarily pretty young lady, though slightly less so than Perfikot. Still, her exquisite, delicate features paired with proper attire and gentle demeanor exuded a unique charm.

Perfikot believed if she sought help from others, most gentlemen wouldn’t refuse her requests.

Evidently, she hadn’t sought assistance from the remaining gentlemen in the venue but came to Perfikot for help.

This might be due to her fear of unfamiliar men, quite understandable, given her genuinely delicate pose and seemingly timid nature.

She resembled a well-protected but physically frail noble lady, probably accompanying her family to experience the world, hesitant to engage with unfamiliar men, only asking help from the solitary female she spotted.

Looking at the timid noble lady and her expectant gaze, Perfikot nodded slightly, "Please have a seat, Miss. Such delicate blossoms shouldn’t be mistreated by the storms."

Although Perfikot’s last sentence seemed to tease the delicate noble lady, she courteously thanked Perfikot, then sat obediently on another single sofa, keeping a distance from Perfikot.

Observing her actions, Perfikot subtly curled her lips and continued, "My fair lady, may I know your name?"

"My name is Kallen, I’ve come with friends," the noble lady softly replied to Perfikot’s question.

"Kallen? A beautiful name." Perfikot chuckled, then looked at Claudia beside her and instructed, "Claudia, prepare a calming drink for the lady, it will be beneficial."

Then she explained to the self-proclaimed Kallen, smiling, "Claudia is my guard, skilled in pharmacology. When I struggle to sleep, I often have her make a calming drink. It not only helps me sleep peacefully but keeps me energized daily."