Though he had bowed to Perfikot, the young nobleman was not disheartened.
After all, he was well aware that the Perfikot family indeed held a baronial title and maintained close ties with the Eldest Princess and the Duke of Gloucester. Inheriting the title in advance or even changing it to a baroness was not impossible.
In fact, a large part of his entanglement with Perfikot was due to this fact.
As the second son in his family, although he had inheritance rights, he could only inherit the family title if his brother died.
So for a noble second son like him, who almost had no chance to inherit a title, a noble girl like Perfikot with inheritance rights was the ideal perfect match; marrying her could elevate him to true nobility.
But Perfikot was not one of those ordinary noble ladies he usually encountered at salons or banquets who would be easily swayed by his flowery words honed at places of amusement.
Furthermore, Perfikot once straightforwardly set a trap for him due to impatience with his pestering, causing him to lose face in the noble social circle.
Although he did not suffer social death due to family background, he was mocked for nearly a year.
Because of this, he had no feelings for Perfikot herself, not to mention the anger that arose, already having secretly resolved to make Perfikot "die of illness" after achieving his goal.
At present, he felt it necessary to conceal his intentions somewhat and appear as attractive as possible to Perfikot, even though he knew achieving his goal through normal pursuit was virtually impossible.
After the greetings, he asked Perfikot without much courtesy: "I heard Brandelis Baroness sold your alchemy workshops and shops; is there some place you're needing money?"
"If you need money, just speak up, I still have..."
"If you don't even know why I sold my properties, then you're not qualified to discuss this topic with me." Perfikot interrupted him without ceremony, not waiting for him to finish: "Ask your father, if he knows what the Duke of Gloucester is busy with lately, then he might have the qualification to discuss this with me. As for you?"
Perfikot did not finish her words, merely gave him a disdainful glance, the implication clear.
The young noble evidently couldn't bear the affront and wanted to retort, but seeing Foster next to Perfikot and Oliver intervening, calling security, he could only glare fiercely at Perfikot and leave crestfallen.
Watching the young noble leave, Oliver wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead and snuck up to Perfikot, whispering: "Miss Brandelis, it's admittedly unwise to offend Mr. Theodore, the Blackwood family has some influence in Langton, the Blackwood Viscount still holds some sway in the military."
"Indeed the Blackwood Viscount has some influence in the military, but if he doesn't know why I sold my properties, he isn't qualified to threaten me." Perfikot gazed at the stout man before her, decided to offer him a chance: "I recently gained Royal Family support and am overseeing the North Pole expedition, I assume you're aware.
Yesterday at Windsor Castle, the Eldest Princess Annie held a charity ball, raising twenty-seven thousand gold pounds for the entire expedition."
At this point, Perfikot clearly saw the merchant's eyes light up at the mention of "twenty-seven thousand gold pounds," the longing and yearning in his expression were undeniable.
Perfikot believed it was genuine excitement from the greedy merchant.
"Miss Brandelis, should there be a need for the humble shop, please do not hesitate to ask!" Oliver, facing Perfikot now displayed an unprecedented humility and devotion, looking at her as if gazing upon the goddess of wealth.
Facing such demeanor, Perfikot merely smirked, then said: "Mr. Oliver, we've known each other for quite some time, I am fully aware of your capabilities, do not let money cloud your judgment.
You might want to use your clever mind to ponder why I was able to raise such a substantial sum, and whether the North Pole expedition truly requires such expenditure.
My words end here; if you can't figure it out, there's nothing I can do. But if you do, come find me at Brandelis Manor."
With that, Perfikot said no more and left Oliver's Alchemy Workshop.
Watching Perfikot's departing figure, Oliver's perpetually smiling face finally settled into a serious expression, clearly, he understood Perfikot's words and was deeply contemplating their meaning.
Oliver could infer from Perfikot's implications, as a shrewd businessman, his sources were reliable, his awareness of the North Pole expedition was a testament to his resourcefulness.
Though the matter had spread among the elite, as a businessman, acquiring such information required a degree of capability and connections.
However, at this moment Oliver appeared rather hesitant, almost indecisive.
"Boss, has Miss Brandelis declined your offer?" A worker approached Oliver, curiously inquiring.
"No, quite the opposite, she extended an invitation." Oliver shook his head slightly, then sighed with admiration: "Remarkable youth! Matters unknown even to a lord, Miss Brandelis has truly presented me with a dilemma!"
After expressing his admiration, he slapped the worker on the back of the head: "Don't pry into matters best left unknown, get back to work!"
Chasing away the curious worker, Oliver gazed at the workshop's worn-out sign, self-mocking: "Truly, the older one gets, the more timid, yet allowed oneself to be cornered by a young girl!"
Although speaking thus, Oliver's expression had shifted from hesitation, it was apparent he had reached a decision.