The sudden assassination shocked everyone, but the Northern Territory's armed forces were fortunate enough to control the situation in time, preventing the assassination from causing serious consequences.
The people at the scene were frightened, but the infantry regiment that had been dispatched beforehand effectively fulfilled their duty to maintain order, quickly restoring calm among the panicked populace.
Although the people remained somewhat fearful and tense, they instinctively heeded the infantry soldiers' commands to stay put and not move, especially as Steam Knights began apprehending suspicious individuals.
After all, people are herd animals and fear death; facing the infantry's guns, most remained rational and understood what they had to do.
As for the nobility, they were even easier to manage. Already positioned in safer locations and protected by Steam Knights, they were naturally more composed than the common folk.
Conversely, their interest in the event undoubtedly ran deeper than that of the ordinary citizens.
The one who was assassinated was the Lord of the North, the Empire's most talented Alchemist. Her assassination was a matter significant enough to shake the political arena of the Empire.
Not to mention, this Countess has a fearsome reputation; no one knows if she might once again instigate a bloody massacre.
Of course, the crucial question everyone wanted answered was whether Perfikot was unharmed and if the assassination had affected her.
They quickly got their answer, as Perfikot continued her speech without pause, standing on the balcony as if nothing had happened.
This reassured the people of the Northern Territory instantly, leading them to believe it was just a sudden accident with no severe repercussions.
After all, if the Lord herself showed no reaction, it was enough to indicate the matter was not grave.
In the eyes of ordinary citizens, these nobles were greedy and cowardly, expected to flee at the first sign of danger.
The fact they remained still indicated there was indeed no danger.
These ordinary people might not understand much, but they knew one simple fact: the nobles' lives are worth more than theirs. If the nobles weren't scared, they needn't be either.
Moreover, even the Lord herself who was attacked had no reaction, indicating everything was under control.
The situation was straightforward with simple logic, so despite the assassination, the scene at the Chernobyl inauguration remained peaceful.
But just as everyone thought the matter was concluded—with the assassination seemingly ending with a whimper—a blast echoed from within the Lord's mansion. Follow current novels on NoveI[F]ire.net
This did not draw public attention, but the nobles could not sit still, considering their proximity to the Lord's mansion.
Fortunately, it was at this moment that Perfikot's speech concluded, and as everyone thought things were over, another Perfikot appeared on the balcony.
"Two Lords?" Everyone was bewildered. What was going on?
The nobles on the balcony, comparatively, understood more easily what had happened; they quickly surmised that the earlier speaking Perfikot was likely a doppelgänger.
This is not difficult to achieve with alchemy—as long as the body type isn't too mismatched, disguise is quite feasible. Especially since Perfikot herself is a master Alchemist specializing in human transmutation, it was even easier for her.
They all speculated that this must have been a prepared doppelgänger by Perfikot, with the truly remarkable thing being the doppelgänger's psychological fortitude, remaining calm even under assassination, seamlessly continuing the speech.
The nobles had caught on, and although the populace reacted slower, they weren't completely ignorant of what happened.
"I am deeply pained by the assassination today," said the second Perfikot with a voice filled with sorrow, condemning the attackers: "For their selfish desires, they disregarded the peaceful lives of the Northern Territory and New Continent's inhabitants, audaciously attempting to use my assassination and that of the Empire's officials to disrupt the Northern Territory and New Continent, instigating a dreadful war!
This is pure selfishness and shamelessness! Unable to inspire people with a better life, they resort to such means to fulfill their ambitions and desires! My loyal subjects, can you allow this?"
Perfikot didn't delve into grand reasons but simply informed the populace that those who attempted to assassinate her aimed to ruin their current lives and plunge them into warfare.
This was unacceptable to ordinary people.
Life in the Northern Territory might not be exceptionally good or seem to have great disparities compared to Langton.
After all, the Northern Territory is just a newly developed land.
But at least for ordinary folks, they truly felt a sense of hope for life.
Compared to the relentless exploitation by native Empire capitalists, Perfikot at least does not bleed the populace dry.
What she seeks is for people to work, but not to squeeze them to their last drop of sweat and blood.
As a rational Alchemist, Perfikot prefers the most efficient method, instead of the most "profitable" approach.
This undoubtedly sets her apart from those streetlamp accessories of the Empire, although this difference means little to her.
Reducing work hours by an hour or two each day, providing workers with a not delicious but filling lunch, raising their basic unit pay, offering overtime pay…
These sound like small, cost-effective measures, unlikely to spend much, but to ordinary citizens, they are acts that can change their living conditions for the better.
Indeed, these measures have improved the life of Northern Territory folk, giving them breath under life's pressure, lessening their fatigue.
As a result, Perfikot has gained decent standing among the people of the Northern Territory. While it's not about worship or loyalty, there is no opposition or thinking she is a villain.
In such circumstances, someone intending to assassinate a benevolent lord? Wanting to ruin their current life? Even drag them into war?
Though the ordinary populace may lack education or sophistication, they know what is beneficial to them.
"Absolutely not!" The populace was incensed.
Watching all this, Perfikot's face bore a smile.