The story of Prince Edward is a cliché, lacking in novelty, and even made Perfikot feel sowhat nauseous.
But she didn’t have much room to comnt on it, after all, the people involved had been dead for many years, and Prince Edward in front of her had already harbored a desire to die. If Prince Edward himself didn’t ntion it, no one would actually know about it anymore.
So besides hearing once more the scandalous story of a nephew having a secret admiration for his aunt, which she had already suspected, Perfikot had nothing else to say.
However, she could understand why such things happened.
At that ti, Prince Edward’s parents had both passed away, and as a young child, he was taken in by the previous Emperor. Due to his age, he was entrusted to the care of Queen Mary at that ti.
In the process, the young boy gradually developed a fondness for his aunt, which could be considered a natural human emotion.
Just as in the original world’s psychological research, young boys and girls often develop so affection and admiration for adult mbers of the opposite sex around them, referred to as the Oedipus complex and the Electra complex.
This is quite normal; most people might just prefer their father or mother, or other adults fulfilling a similar role.
And as they grow up, this emotion gradually disappears, transforming into familial affection.
Of course, there are so cases where such emotions do not properly dissipate, leading to genuine romantic feelings. Obviously, the old prince was such a case.
However, the old prince didn’t actually do anything. Queen Mary, who was the biological mother of Her Majesty the Empress, was a woman who embodied the noble ideal. She not only had a gentle deanor and graceful presence but was also competent and astute, managing the previous Emperor’s harem well.
Queen Mary gave birth to three daughters and one son in her lifeti. Her Majesty the Empress was Queen Mary’s second daughter, and the only son was the youngest, who died before reaching adulthood.
It was the loss of the youngest child that severely affected the wise queen’s ntal and physical health, leading to her passing away before Her Majesty the Empress ascended the throne.
That happened to be around the ti Prince Edward was at an age of burgeoning interest in romance, and experiencing such awakening of feelings only to have his beloved pass away was likely an event that left a profound mory and scar on him, so much so that he would rember it for the rest of his life.
"I have no intention of delving into your love story, but this matter must be taken to the grave, isn’t that what you want?" Perfikot made it clear to the old prince without any pleasantries.
The old prince naturally had no objection to this matter, rely nodding slightly: "Of course, I also don’t want Mary’s reputation to be tarnished after so many years of her death."
"Alright then, let’s leave it at that. As for you..." Perfikot looked at the old prince, hesitating a mont before saying, "If you wish, I can arrange for you to go to the Northern Territory. Nominally, it would be exile, but given the current state of the Empire, as you know, it’s really just a title that sounds unpleasant.
I can arrange a residence for you in Beloburg, ensuring you can enjoy your old age in peace.
After all, you are a prince of the Empire and also my grandfather’s old comrade-in-arms; killing you isn’t quite worthwhile, especially since you don’t have many good years left anyway."
Perfikot was never soone who was bloodthirsty or cruel, although the ans she displayed were more ruthless than any notorious tyrant, but this ti she truly didn’t want to kill Prince Edward.
The sordid story of the old prince did indeed make her uncomfortable, but it wasn’t a matter that warranted heightened attention.
In fact, it really wasn’t too much of a problem, considering the ssy affairs among nobles are far more nurous and serious than imagined, much worse than the old prince’s stories.
For instance, to maintain "pure" bloodlines, nobles commonly practiced intermarriage. For one or two generations, it’s fine, but as ti goes on, the bloodlines beco indistinguishable, and it often results in a brother marrying a sister or a nephew marrying an aunt.
Even during feudal tis, for the so-called preservation of blood purity, certain nobles even married their full siblings.
So the old prince’s little affair is genuinely not a concern.
Apart from these, the old prince has actually made very significant contributions and achievents for the Empire. Especially since this ti, his aim was to remove unstable factors for the Empire, which in Perfikot’s view was a plus, so she naturally didn’t want to kill this old prince.
From another perspective, an experienced elder like the old prince has lived through so much; their experiences and wisdom are extrely valuable. If such an elder’s help could be gained, it would be significantly aningful for Perfikot to stabilize the current situation in preparation for the end tis.
But the old prince simply shook his head and said, "No need, follow through with the way you planned earlier. As you said, I don’t have much longer to live, and I’ve already lived enough.
Those from my era are either aged or dead; now it is your young generation’s ti. These old bones of mine should make way for the young."
Little girl, this country was Mary’s most cherished possession in her lifeti. I have guarded it for my entire life, and now that I’ve done the last thing I can for it, it’s ti to pass this burden onto you young ones."
At this point, a mischievous smile suddenly appeared on the old prince’s face as he asked Perfikot, "What’s the matter, little girl, are you afraid to take on this responsibility?"
To the old prince’s straightforward provocation, Perfikot simply rolled her eyes, too lazy to engage.
However, she still asked, "Have you truly lived enough? Do you really want to end everything this way?"
"Alright then, just say it directly if you don’t trust these old bones of mine. I could let you watch take my last breath, or you could take action yourself to make sure I’m dead." Prince Edward waved his hand dismissively and said in a casual manner, "In principle, during this stormy period for the Empire, I shouldn’t just abandon the ship, but I am indeed exhausted, and have lived long enough. So don’t stop an old man from pursuing his final rest.
As for other matters, don’t worry, I’ve already made all the necessary arrangents, ensuring you won’t be troubled, and I’ve even prepared a gift for you, which I believe will aid you in what you are currently pursuing."
"A gift?" Perfikot displayed a curious expression, truly not anticipating a gift from Prince Edward, nor knowing what gift he might provide her.
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