Perfikot's requests were quickly confirmed and fulfilled, and a letter was sent to Prince Edward on behalf of the Royal Family. After receiving a definite reply, they arranged for Perfikot to arrive at the estate where Prince Edward resided.

It was a picturesque estate, with meticulously designed gardens surrounding the elegant and compact main building, making the entire estate look like a young noble maiden awakening to love, with a blend of innocence and liveliness, yet not lacking in solemnity.

However, when Perfikot arrived at the estate accompanied by two knight companions, she immediately saw that the entire estate resembled a fortress of war, reduced several times over and covered by intricate gardens.

It had a complete defense system, with towering water towers and bell towers serving as lookout points and high grounds, capable of overseeing and suppressing any light infantry within the estate's perimeter.

The crisscrossed greenery resembling a labyrinth would perhaps be better understood if viewed as trenches and ramparts, forming the estate's defensive depth.

As for the main building of the estate, that three-story compact villa could be seen as a fully functional and well-equipped castle, capable of holding off at least tenfold enemies with just dozens of soldiers defending it.

"Which Imperial army did Prince Edward serve in back then?" Perfikot asked suddenly, looking at the meticulously designed estate, directing her question to the Royal Knight beside her.

Though the old prince had long left the military, his past achievements were well-known, making it a common thing for older individuals to mention the unit number of the prince's past service.

Not to mention, the Royal Knight beside Perfikot came from the Royal Family and was specifically assigned to assist Perfikot, having served under the old prince, thus being well-versed in this information.

"The 7th Regiment of the Royal Guards Dragoons, a unit full of honor and legend, at least a third of its reputation comes from the time when Prince Edward was part of it." The Royal Knight answered Perfikot's question and added, "At that time, the regiment commander was your grandfather, the late Baron Brandelis, and the 17th Guards Division was a new unit formed after he received his promotion."

Upon hearing the Royal Knight's explanation, Perfikot slightly nodded, but couldn't help feeling emotional about the long historical ties and entanglements between her family and the Royal Family.

Perfikot was not one to indulge in pleasantries or chatter; she displayed no interest in the estate's latent threats concealed under its exquisite designs. She simply walked through the courtyard and knocked on the door of the small fortress.

In fact, this could already be considered targeting Perfikot.

For despite receiving prior notice, the host had not opened the door to properly prepare to welcome the guest, which was quite a breach of noble etiquette.

However, Perfikot did not mind, while the old prince deliberately acted this way, rendering what was deemed disrespectful in noble etiquette unnoteworthy, raising no waves.

But when Perfikot finally met Prince Edward, the old prince's first words were: "You little girl are steadier than your granddad; had it been him, he'd have already punched me in the face."

After speaking, the old prince noticed Perfikot's curiosity and shrugged his shoulders with a helpless expression: "Back in the day, I definitely took quite a few punches from your granddad, and they hurt enough. How about I take it out on his granddaughter now?"

Prince Edward's words caused others' expressions to change instantly, as they prepared to demand an explanation and prevent any harm to Perfikot.

However, at this moment, Perfikot suddenly raised her arm slightly, stopped everyone, and looked at Prince Edward, saying, "The biggest difference between my granddad and me is that he was a Knight, while I am an Alchemist.

He would give you a punch with a knight's approach, but I would merely turn you into stone."

Having said that, a Golden Touching Rod appeared in Perfikot's hand, subtly lowered and vaguely pointing at Prince Edward's feet.

Regarding Perfikot's vigilance, Prince Edward merely eyed the Golden Touching Rod in her hand, then burst into hearty laughter.

"As expected, you are indeed your granddad's blood, just like him!" Praising Perfikot, Prince Edward then showed her a kindly smile: "Come with me, little girl. I suppose you have many questions for this old man, don't you?

Follow me, we can sit down and chat slowly! If you don't mind, you can also keep this old guy company for a drink. Your granddad back in the day adored my treasured whiskey, a twenty-year double-cask aged in seventy-year oak barrels; you'll love it!"

"I am not yet 16, leading a minor to drink—if the Empire's prince is such a terrible adult, then there's no hope for the Empire." Perfikot seemed to imply something, finishing with a mischievous glance at Prince Edward.

Prince Edward was embarrassed by Perfikot's gaze and awkwardly said, "Alright, alright, I'll drink by myself then! Why are you just like that little girl from my family!"

At this moment, Prince Edward resembled an old child playing rogue in front of his junior, grumbling as he begrudgingly asked Perfikot, "Do you need me to prepare milk for you?"

"I don't think that's necessary. My maid carries red tea with her. You can try her skills." Perfikot said, gesturing to Beifa, who stood by her side.

Prince Edward scrutinized Beifa, a glint of surprise crossing his eyes, though he soon shrugged, "A lifeless automaton, her skills lack soul.

Though I have automatons too, they are indeed excellent, but still not as adept as humans in these matters."

"Whether it has a soul, you can only know by trying it." Perfikot was unconcerned by Prince Edward's attitude and merely chuckled lightly.

The seemingly simple dialogue between the two appeared to experience a brief confrontation; though Prince Edward, full of oppressive presence, commanding the home field advantage, could act freely, Perfikot also handled herself without faltering, maintaining composure throughout.

"Let's go, let's sit down and chat. I can't wait to have a good talk with old Brandelis's granddaughter." Having said that, the old prince took the initiative to beckon Perfikot towards the inner part of the estate.

Perfikot raised an eyebrow and said to the two Royal Knights beside her, "Please wait outside for me, there should be plenty of topics for the prince and I to discuss. Don't worry about my safety."

After speaking, Perfikot and Beifa followed the old prince's steps.

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