Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 313 Grace: You're cheating on me to my face, aren't you?

(Thanks to readers "醉梦殒恤岁月" and "寂寒祈雪" for their generous donations, thank you so much!)
As things have progressed, even Grace has begun to wonder who the woman who made a cameo appearance as Mrs. Cohen really is.

Grace deliberately kept a cold expression, her voice carrying the authority and unquestionable air of a direct descendant of the imperial family:
"Go find it!"

Saxon acted with extraordinary speed. Before long, he found a recording stone, infused it with magic, and the scene of the auction reappeared before everyone's eyes.

Grace stared at the image on the magic circle, and soon, an elegant woman wearing a purple fitted halter dress and black satin open-toe stilettos came into the princess's view.

Of course, there were also the intimate actions of the two after the auction, which everyone present clearly saw as a romantic relationship.

Saxon looked at Grace expectantly, ready to watch the princess beat up the scumbag, but what Grace said left everyone present speechless:

"Oh, it's Mavis. This is my sister. She's rather mischievous and often likes to impersonate Yaen's wife. Your Highness must have misunderstood."

Saxon stared wide-eyed at Grace, whose face had regained its composure.

younger sister?

What sister?
I've never heard that His Majesty Eberron of the Eastern Empire has any other daughters!
King Gaius's gaze also became somewhat strange. He even wondered if the princess of the Eastern Empire in front of him had had her soul replaced by someone else. Was this still the arrogant princess of the empire in his memory?
This young master was someone who dared to beat up the marriage proposal delegation from the Southern Empire when she was only twenty years old. Even the handsome and dignified first in line to the throne of the Southern Empire, the eldest prince Gregor Alvis, was beaten black and blue by her men, which made the relationship between the two empires very tense for a time.

King Gaius naturally did not believe Grace's words. What sister? The Eastern Empire has only ever had one princess.

In this case, there is only one other explanation: the other party already knew that the Pirate King had other women by his side, the kind of sisters who were in the same family.

Gaius felt his brain was a bit overwhelmed. Are young people these days so open-minded?
It was one thing for the Golden Winged Daughter and the Elven Princess to share husbands with other women, but now even the darling of the Eastern Empire was tacitly acquiescing to her fiancé having another woman. This world had truly gone mad beyond his comprehension.

With Grace's words finished, the matter of the One Piece's alleged infidelity was put to rest, but at the same time, an awkward situation arose.

The Saxons, including Gaius who had been watching the whole thing unfold, all assumed that Yann Hughes was unable to extricate himself from the incident involving the suspected infidelity of the Eastern Empire's princess and could only rely on Ceylon. Therefore, they didn't care even if the Saxons' act of informing on Yann offended him.

To their utter surprise, the princess knew about this matter and even tacitly approved of it. In this case, the Saxon's actions were highly inappropriate. If this affected the cooperation negotiations between the two sides later, it would truly be a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead.

King Gaius reacted quickly, immediately giving a deep look to the Saxon whose face had become extremely embarrassed and annoyed.

Saxon shuddered, went up to Cohen, and humbly apologized.

Cohen, however, waved his hand very magnanimously:

"It was my fault for not explaining things clearly beforehand, which caused His Highness Saxon to misunderstand. Well, I won't take it to heart, and this matter won't affect our negotiations later!"

Saxon's face turned bright red.

The more Cohen said this, the more it showed that he would use this as an excuse to make exorbitant demands.

Gaius clearly understood the implication in Cohen's words, and his expression became somewhat solemn. Before the negotiations had even begun, he had already given the other party a handle to use against him.

This matter could be considered a minor or major issue. On the one hand, it could be a trivial misunderstanding. On the other hand, Saxon's actions could be seen as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the marriage alliance between the Pirate King and the Eastern Empire, thus disrupting the hard-won emotional life of the Eastern Empire's eldest princess.

The banquet continued as if nothing had happened, with both sides exchanging bland small talk. However, whenever Gaius tried to talk to Cohen about the ghost ship, Cohen would cleverly change the subject.

Gaius felt a strange sensation rise within him, but he quickly understood Cohen's intentions from his actions.

The other party was forcing him to take a stand—to punish the Saxons for their deliberate framing, otherwise cooperation would be out of the question.

Gaius narrowed his eyes, remained silent for a long time, looked at Saxon who had been silent all along, and said calmly:

“Saxon, you should go and deal with Gavin’s case first. We can handle things here.”

Saxon's face paled instantly. The punishment had finally arrived. Telling Saxon to leave at this moment meant that the Third Prince's forces could no longer interfere with the cooperation between the Third Prince and the Pirate King.

A ghost ship, a ghost ship from ancient times!
The Saxon was now filled with regret.

He wanted to say something to explain, but the unquestionable expression on Gaius's face prevented him from opening his mouth.

He gave a low reply and left silently.

The eldest prince, Orlando, showed no particular expression, only glancing at Cohen almost imperceptibly, while the second prince, Charles, couldn't hide the smile on his face.

The navy is his territory, so having one less person involved can only bring benefits and no harm.

After Saxon left the banquet, Gaius looked at Cohen with a gentle smile on his face:

"Mr. Yann, I didn't have time to introduce you in detail earlier. These are all senior officers of our Ceylon Navy."

This is Commander Norn, who is in charge of the entire Ceylon Navy. You should have dealt with him before.

This is Vice Commander Gaston Davenport…

Gaius stood up and introduced the high-ranking officers and generals of the Ceylon Naval Command to Cohen in turn, including the commanders of the four fleets. Of course, now there should be three fleets, as the North Sea Fleet no longer exists.

When Gaius introduced the North Sea Fleet, he made no attempt to hide anything and spoke very frankly about how it had been personally destroyed by Cohen.

This is an attitude. You silently annihilated a fleet of our Kingdom of Ceylon, and our Kingdom of Ceylon did not pursue any responsibility. We even treated you as an honored guest. You've been putting on airs for so long, surely we should give you some response?

Cohen chuckled softly and finally brought up the topic Gaius most wanted to discuss:
"To be honest, Your Majesty, the reason I came to our Kingdom of Ceylon with His Highness this time is for this very reason."

As soon as Cohen said this, the atmosphere in the banquet hall changed instantly. Everyone put down their cutlery, stopped their casual conversation, and all eyes fell on this mysterious descendant of the ancient pirate king.

Gaius's expression became much more serious. With a glance, the banquet hall immediately fell silent. The Foreign Minister and the Naval Commander Norn moved closer, taking out their prepared documents and treaties, ready to await His Majesty's summons at any moment.

Gaius paused, his tone still amiable:
"Mr. Yann, please speak."

Cohen said, enunciating each word clearly:

"Let's collaborate to build a 'ghost ship'!"

A fleeting excitement flashed in King Gaius's eyes; everything he had done today was for that one sentence from the other party.

Ghost ship!
The greatest reliance of the ancient pirate king to dominate the endless sea!
Gaius stared intently at Cohen, waiting for his terms.

Cohen's voice rang out immediately afterward:

"I will send a few technicians to assist in the construction. The ghost ships that are built will be divided 30/70 according to the number of ships, with me taking 70%."

Gaius's expression darkened slightly. He only sent a few technicians, and the rest of the resources, facilities, and funds were provided by the Kingdom of Ceylon.

The other party wants to take the lion's share of the ghost ship that was built; this condition is too harsh.

Even if Gaius didn't know the specific construction method of the ghost ship, he could guess that the resources and funds required would definitely not be small. The other party only sent a few people and wanted to take the lion's share. That was wishful thinking.

The attendees also wore solemn expressions; Cohen's proposed condition was far too harsh.

King Gaius glanced discreetly at Prime Minister Yud Merrick, who stood up immediately, understanding the implication, and said:

"Mr. Yann, how much would it cost to build a ghost ship?"

Cohen did some mental calculations. Based on the success rate, two to three main battleships could guarantee the evolution of a ghost ship. Add to that the eyeball of the Gold-rank Weeping Banshee and the top-grade dark-attribute magic crystal to activate the "Psionic Core"... Cohen quickly quoted a price that made Gaius and the others somewhat uneasy:
"It's about five times the cost of building a capital warship."

Upon hearing Cohen's answer, Prime Minister Merrick's breath hitched, and the expressions of the high-ranking naval officers attending the banquet nearby changed slightly.

King Gaius's pupils constricted slightly. He had anticipated that the construction cost of the ghost ship would be very high, but Cohen's offer was still far beyond his expectations.

According to Cohen, if the Kingdom of Ceylon wanted to build a ghost ship fleet with the capability of long-range operations, it would need to spend the resources of building five conventional fleets.

In addition to the 70% that Cohen still needs to build, it means that the Kingdom of Ceylon must pay the price of more than ten fleets to get back this ghost ship fleet.

It was only when you did the math that Gaius's expression changed in shock. Since its founding, the Kingdom of Ceylon has only ever had four naval fleets, one of which was recently destroyed by Cohen.

It would cost the expense of more than ten fleets to assemble a ghost ship fleet, which would practically exhaust all the resources and accumulation of the Kingdom of Ceylon over thousands of years!

The price is simply too high.

Many people present also realized the problem, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Gaius said in a deep voice:
"Mr. Yann, would you be willing to disclose to us the specifics of the expenses?"

Gaius suspected that the other party was making an exorbitant demand. Based on the last naval battle in the Northwest Sea, the Crimson Raiders had more than a dozen ghost ships. If the cost Cohen mentioned was accurate, the cost of these dozen ghost ships would be equivalent to that of a complete North Sea Fleet.

It was simply impossible for a small pirate crew to build it.

Cohen, of course, saw through Gaius's suspicions and stated them directly:

"My ghost ships were all built with the princess's financial support. Without the support of the princess's 'Flaming Red Lips' trading company, I would not have been able to build so many ghost ships."

Gaius frowned. Cohen's explanation was reasonable, but it did not dispel his doubts.

Cohen continued:

"As for Your Majesty's question... I'm sorry, that's my biggest secret, and I can't tell Your Majesty."

Gaius's eyes flickered with concentration, and after a moment of silence, he said:
"I won't ask about the cost anymore, but I hope we can discuss the distribution ratio after the ship is completed with Mr. Yann again."

Cohen waved his hand casually:
“That’s easy to say, but… Your Majesty, I think it’s better to leave this kind of matter to the lower ranks to discuss. What do you say?” Gaius snapped out of his reverie, a gentle smile returning to his face.
"I was too hasty. Let them talk then."

Cohen smiled faintly and said:

"I will have a few subordinates coming over in a few days to be in charge of negotiating the cooperation between the two parties."

Gaius's smile widened as he looked at Prince Charles:
"When the time comes, you should choose a mature and reliable person to be in charge of liaising with Mr. Yann's people."

Charles immediately agreed.

With the most important matter settled, the atmosphere in the banquet hall changed dramatically. Cohen took the initiative to raise his glass and toast with several high-ranking officials from the Navy. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, making it hard to believe that just a few months ago, the two sides were engaged in a life-or-death battle on the high seas.

The souls of those soldiers who died in the Endless Sea, including Bet, the commander of the North Sea Fleet in the Burning Legendary Realm, would never know that in less than three months, the lord they served was already sitting down with the culprit who killed them, chatting happily and drinking together.

……

The banquet lasted until late at night before everyone dispersed.

The smile on Admiral Norn's face didn't completely freeze until His Majesty the King and Prince Charles had left.

He stared at the note in his hand, lost in thought. It was left to him by Prince Charles before he left.

The content above was very simple, but those few simple words caused him an indescribable pain in his heart—

We must win over Yann Hughes at all costs; he is of utmost importance to us!

Would they spare no expense to win over the enemy who killed their comrades and subordinates?
Norn felt a chill run through him, and an overwhelming urge to vomit welled up inside him. He couldn't face the families of the fallen soldiers, nor could he bear the gaze of the Beth family.

"Commander, are you... alright?"

Norn turned around, and his deputy, Gaston, cast an inquiring glance at him. Norn composed himself and asked:

"They're all gone?"

"They've left. His Majesty has arranged for them to stay at the Pearl Palace."

However, they didn't go there; instead, they found a place themselves—the most luxurious hotel in town.

Norn's face showed an indescribable expression:

"Even if I had such a huge treasure in my hands, I wouldn't listen to other people's arrangements."

The most luxurious hotel... is it Julian's Snow Peak Estate?

Gaston responded and said:

"The Princess's Fiery Red Lips Trading Company has a branch on the first floor of Snow Peak Manor, and they should be staying there."

Norn's gaze became much more serious:

"You've spent more time with them, what's your take on it?"

Gaston's answer was flawless:

“He is extremely ambitious. Ceylon must be on high alert when cooperating with him.”

Norn was clearly satisfied with Gaston's answer, his expression softening considerably, and he continued:

"His Majesty and the Second Prince have asked our navy to select a general to negotiate with Yaen. What are your thoughts on this?"

Gaston was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

“I’ll do it. I’m already a defeated general who has been captured once, so it doesn’t matter if I’m branded with the infamy of making peace with the enemy.”

A surge of intense emotion flashed across Norn's face; his facial muscles twitched, his lips moved, and finally, a soft sigh escaped his lips.
"I'm sorry to trouble you. I'll explain to Bate's family on your behalf. It's all for the country, and they'll understand."

Gaston, as if trying to convince himself, repeated Norn's words:
"Yes, for the country!"

……

Cohen strolled hand in hand with Grace through the streets of Quesaon. It was a truly exhilarating feeling for the ruler of a nation to walk so brazenly on the most bustling street in the enemy capital.

Even after leaving the banquet, the two remained very intimate, truly like a sweet couple in love.

It was Grace's first time going shopping with a man, and the novel experience was unforgettable. Holding Cohen's hand, she wandered through the most bustling shopping mall in Quesaon, trying on all sorts of clothes and shoes.

Seeing that the princess was in such high spirits, and feeling guilty for leaving her on Scarlet Island for several months without any regard for her, Cohen didn't say anything that would spoil the mood. He could only secretly pray that Windsordler wouldn't show up in public. If they were to run into each other, then all the old and new grudges would be settled at once.

It seemed as if fate had heard Cohen's devout prayers, for he did not encounter Windsordler along the way.

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was lost in thought, Grace, who was trying on high heels not far away, called out irritably:

"Why are you so cold? Haven't you ever gone shopping with a girl before?"

Come help me!

The high heels chosen by the princess were clearly ill-fitting; her beautiful black-stockinged feet squeezed into them, her insteps tense and stuck in the middle.

Cohen snapped out of his daze and hurriedly ran over, bending down to grab the princess's delicate feet. Grace felt a jolt run through her body, and her cheeks flushed an alluring blush.

Cohen felt the princess's warm ankles and the strange sensation of her black stockings brushing against his palm, and he couldn't help but feel a little fond of it.

Seeing Cohen fiddling with her delicate feet without moving, Grace was furious, her voice tinged with shame and anger:
"What are you doing? What's so interesting about touching a foot? Hurry up!"

Cohen coughed lightly, braced himself against the shoe upper, and with a little force, freed Grace's delicate feet from the tight shoes.

Looking up at the incredibly alluring Grace, a surge of heat rose in his heart. This little vixen truly lived up to her succubus bloodline; every move she made exuded a captivating allure.

Grace felt hot all over under Cohen's aggressive gaze, looked away, and snorted softly:

"Can't take your eyes off it?"

"Well, do you think I'm in no way inferior to your queen, the most beautiful woman on the continent?"

Cohen blinked, his gaze roaming unabashedly over Grace's body. After a long while, he gave a serious assessment:
"When I'm dressed, I'm a little less like the Queen. I wonder what I'll look like without clothes. If Your Highness really wants to know, you can let me give my opinion tonight."

Grace's alluring face quickly flushed a seductive blush again. She steeled herself and coldly sneered:
"Alright, if you have the guts, I'll be waiting for you in my room tonight!"

Cohen was just talking nonsense; Windsordler was waiting for him in Quessarion. If he got caught red-handed, it would be a big problem.

Cohen repeatedly said that he was just joking. Seeing Cohen's statement, Grace felt even more indignant and muttered something under her breath.

As night deepened, Grace had finished her shopping and returned with Cohen to the Snow Peak Manor, the accommodation arranged for her by the Fiery Red Lips Quisson branch.

The Fiery Red Lips room is a long-term private room on the top floor of Snow Peak Manor. Grace had stayed there before when she came to Quissaon on a business trip. She led Cohen up the stairs without encountering anyone along the way.

As soon as we entered the top floor, a provocative voice rang out from afar:

"It's enough to put on an act in front of others, but you still won't let go here. I say, Your Highness, the apple of the eye of the Eastern Empire, why do you have to steal someone else's man?"

Windsordler, with a cool and aloof expression, appeared in their field of vision, her gaze fixed on Cohen and Grace's still tightly clasped hands.

Both of them were startled when they saw the elf lady. Grace turned to look at Cohen:
"You bastard, what are you doing bringing your queen to my residence?"

Cohen looked completely wronged:

"It wasn't me, I didn't give Windsor the address."

He then looked toward Windsordler.

Windsordler blinked:

“I contacted the stationmaster of Quesaon station, and he told me about it.”

Cohen put his hand to his forehead. Snowpeak Estate was originally Julian's property, and Windsordler was now the well-known Princess Effie. Julian certainly wouldn't dare to hide it from her.

Julian is just too inconsiderate. In this respect, he is not as good as the head of general affairs, Viser, and the head of communications, Dono. If they were in this situation, they would definitely have notified him in advance.

Windsordler continued to speak without holding back:
"Hey, let go! Don't you know this is someone's husband?"

Grace lost her temper, giving Cohen a cold look as he tried to pull his hand away. She snorted, raised her clasped hands, and said, enunciating each word clearly:

"Your Highness, please understand: he is now the leader of the Crimson Raiders, the son-in-law of the Eastern Empire, and my fiancé, Yann Hughes, not your king!"

Windsordler narrowed her beautiful eyes, staring into Cohen's eyes:
"Still not changing back?"

Cohen felt endless torment and wished he could just escape into the Shadow Dimension. Looking at Windsordler's unfriendly expression, his face flashed red and he returned to his original appearance.

Grace bit her red lips, still refusing to let go:
"No matter what he looks like, he is now my fiancé. This is the VIP room of Fiery Red Lips. Get out!"

Windsordler chuckled and flashed into view in front of Cohen. Ignoring Grace, who was still holding hands with Cohen, she wrapped her arms around his neck and offered him her alluring red lips for a deep kiss!
(End of this chapter)