Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 318 The Long-Silent Name of Corleone!

Saxon immediately understood the meaning behind Prime Minister Merrick's question, and a surge of undisguised shock rose within him. He blurted out:

"The Prime Minister suspects those soldiers are not Ceylonians!"

Prime Minister Merrick nodded emphatically:
"Although His Highness brought a small number of men, they were all highly skilled royal guards. The Gavin family should not have the strength to annihilate the guards so quickly."

I suspect... Eifine's orc army is among them!

Prime Minister Merrick's words immediately stirred up a huge wave of controversy in the meeting hall.

No matter how powerful the Gavin family is, they are still just a family, and their territory is merely a duchy. Their strength is nothing to Ceylon.

But if the other side were to join forces with Efein, it would pose a great threat to the Kingdom of Ceylon!

The Imperial Council descended into an unprecedentedly heated debate. If Effie were to intervene in the Gavin family's affairs, it would inevitably lead to a further deterioration in relations between the two countries, and might even escalate into a war.

Gaius's expression was more serious than ever before. He had always suspected that the Gavin family was colluding with the Windrise Kingdom, but he had overlooked the inconspicuous Effie standing next to him.

Although King Alfiein once made a name for himself in Florence, when it comes to the true national strength of the two countries, Alfiein is no match for Ceylon.

Wars are ultimately about economic strength and political resources. King Efein's orc army is indeed formidable in combat, but if a war between the two nations were to break out, it would ultimately depend on the strength of their respective nations.

The powerful Ceylon could easily wear down Efein through a war of attrition.

Therefore, Effie was never Gaius’s biggest enemy. But everything that is happening now proves that Effie really did get involved. We don’t even know what conditions he promised, but he incited the Gavin family to rebel, ignoring their patriarch who was still in prison!
Gaius felt an overwhelming rage. An ancient noble family that had existed since the founding of Ceylon had been swayed into rebellion by a small duchy with just a few words. As a noble lord, Gaius felt he had been greatly insulted.

The heated debate finally ended with Gaius's final decision:

"First, mobilize the five field armies of the Northwest Theater Command and their 5,000 elite troops to enter a state of first-level combat readiness to attack Gavin Territory."

Second, the King of Ceylon issued a decree to summon the Duke of Eisenhail, the Viscount of Veritas, and the Viscount of Lorthermar...

Each of the aforementioned families is required to send one legendary-level transcendent, five gold-level transcendents, and a 1,000-strong 'regular-level' army, led by a direct bloodline heir, to assemble at the Northwest War Zone Command within ten days!

Third, send an investigation letter to the God-Demon Charter Covenant Organization, demanding that the five great empires thoroughly investigate the relationship between Effie and the Gavin family!

As Gaius issued his command, the entire nation of Ceylon was shaken!
Upon learning the details of the final order, an earthquake struck the entire Northwest Continent.

The northwestern states immediately understood from Gaius's attitude and actions that the Gavin family was the instigator of the rebellion!
The King of Efein, the Lord of Shadows, the Son of Prophecy, the husband of the most beautiful woman on the continent, the lover of the Daughter of the Golden Wing, and the lord of the Dragon Riders, His Majesty Cohen Corleone, who had been lying low for more than a year, has finally made his move!

These heroic figures, who could only appear in ancient epics, have once again come to life, and their very actions have ignited the entire Northwest Continent.

Instigated a rebellion by the Gavin family, the founding fathers and hereditary dukes of the Kingdom of Ceylon!

His Majesty Cohen Corleone's move terrified everyone!
……

In the Kingdom of Wind's Breath, in the capital city of Landu, King Horn Windrider gazed at the intelligence report in his hand, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

Prince Airo, standing to the side, spoke with great excitement:
"Good heavens, this King Effie is really something, he actually managed to incite the Gavin family to rebel?"

King Horn's face also showed undisguised surprise, and even a hint of fear.

Having fought against the Kingdom of Ceylon for many years, Horn knew the Gavin family of Ceylon very well. They were the very family that had entered the country with the founding emperor of Ceylon. In terms of ancestral lineage, few families were more pure than the Gavin family.

This Cohen is both admirable and frightening that someone of his caliber can rebel against Ceylon.

Prince Airo composed himself and asked:
“Father, should we add fuel to the fire now? According to our agreement with His Majesty Corleone, it seems we have to support his princess.”

Furthermore, we must also help uncover the sins committed by Gaius's lineage.

Horn smiled faintly and said calmly:
"No rush, let's wait for the big boss to make his move before we follow up!"
However, we can do some preparatory work in advance.

Prince Airo looked thoughtful and asked:

"Mobilizing the army? But under what pretext will we send troops?"

A cunning look appeared on Horn's face:

"Cohen certainly won't rely on just a few nobles to defeat Ceylon. He's gone to so much trouble; sooner or later he'll have to get involved himself."

That kid definitely has a plan to send troops in a legitimate and legal way. We'll just follow them and see how they plan to deploy their forces!

……

In the Western Regions Empire, in the capital city of Zelo, Emperor Monroe handed the intelligence he was holding to several ministers in the room.

Those present were all core members of the Western Regions Empire, and also the officials whom Emperor Monroe relied on and trusted most.

In order were his brother-in-law, Archduke Roland; Prime Minister and Cardinal Dönitz of the Church of Light; Minister of War and Grand Marshal Perola; and cabinet members, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Duke Foch.

Emperor Monroe's voice carried a hint of the strange:
"You've probably heard that the Gavin family has actually been incited by that kid to rebel against the Ceylon royal family. What do you think?"

Grand Duke Roland concealed the strange look in his eyes and spoke first:
"Should we fulfill our promise to the Daughter of the Golden Wing and issue a related statement?"

Emperor Monroe did not answer, so Prime Minister Dönitz continued:
"It's not that we can't issue a statement, but the princess of Ceylon who restored the kingdom hasn't even made an appearance yet, and the Gavin family is still considered traitors. If we rush to take sides like this, wouldn't our stance be a bit too biased?"

Foreign Minister Duke Foch began:
"I share the Prime Minister's concern; we need to be mindful of our international image."

Furthermore, since the Golden Wing's daughter didn't say when she would make an appearance, it's best to wait and see.

And I'm also very curious whether this young King Corleone has won over other forces.

The Duke of Foch's words clearly pleased Emperor Monroe, who then made a decision:

"Then let's wait and see. The person the Golden Winged Daughter has taken a liking to is not so simple. Let's see what other tricks he has up his sleeve!"

……

Quisaon, the royal prison.

This place holds high-ranking superhumans or noble officials; Duke Gavin is currently imprisoned here.

This was the first time King Gaius had met with Duke Gavin since he was accused of treason.

Duke Gavin was dressed in ordinary prison clothes, and his face remained calm. Even when faced with Gaius's sudden arrival, he did not show any unusual emotions.

Gaius stared at Duke Gavin for a moment, then said slowly:

“Antoine, your ancestors survived the war between gods and demons alongside my ancestors and together founded Ceylon.”

I simply cannot understand why you made such a choice.

Betraying one's ancestors, betraying one's country?

The Duke of Gavin looked up at his king and calmly replied:

"Has His Majesty come to persuade us to surrender?"

Gaius said in a deep voice:
"What conditions did the king of Effie promise you, and why are you listening to him?"

The Duke of Gavin smiled faintly:
"If I said that everything I did was for Ceylon, would Your Majesty believe me?"

Gaius's voice suddenly turned stern:

"For Ceylon?"
Colluding with an enemy country to rebel—is this what you call doing it for Ceylon?

"Why doesn't Your Majesty wait a little longer? Perhaps you will soon understand what I mean."

Gaius's face showed anger.

The Prime Minister, standing beside him, frowned deeply and began to speak:

“Antoine, stop struggling. Do you want to see the country your ancestors fought for fall into civil war?”

For the sake of the people of Ceylon, and for the sake of the people in your own territory, you should stop this farce!

The Duke of Gavin's voice remained calm and unhurried:
"A farce? Does the Prime Minister still consider this a farce?"

Prime Minister Merrick replied in a deep voice:
“Antoine, do you really think that you can stand up to us Ceylon with just a little Effie?”
You should know better than I how powerful the Kingdom of Ceylon has become!

Duke Gavin smiled, turned to look at Gaius, and asked:

"Your Majesty Gaius, did the Third Prince find a small bronze box in my study when he searched my house?"

Gaius frowned slightly and replied calmly:

"What small box?"

The Duke of Gavin suddenly laughed heartily:
"Your Majesty, it seems your son is not so loyal to you either."

That little box was a surprise I left for Your Majesty; only Your Majesty's unique soul imprint can open it.

Your Majesty should ask the Third Prince to come over as soon as possible, otherwise it would be bad if you missed any important information.

Gaius's face turned cold, he gave a soft snort, and left the prison with Prime Minister Merrick.

Back at the palace, he summoned Saxon and questioned him about the box. Saxon's expression tightened; he had indeed found a box in Gavin's study, encased in an extremely complex magic array, which many people had been unable to open.

Saxon speculated that something valuable was inside, so he did not report it immediately.

Now that Gaius had asked, he could no longer hide it and sent someone to fetch the box.

Gaius directly channeled his soul power into the box, and a flash of light appeared. The box slowly opened, revealing not some priceless treasure, but a stack of documents.

Gaius frowned, picked up the documents from the box, and began to look through them.

The document contained a person's detailed information. Gaius had only been looking at it for a short while when his expression suddenly changed drastically, and a murderous intent unconsciously emanated from his body.

Prime Minister Merrick, who was standing nearby, was also taken aback. It was the first time he had ever seen His Majesty the King so out of control.

Gaius stared wide-eyed, suppressing his emotions, and finished reading the documents in his hand. His body had become ice-cold.

He slowly handed the documents to Merrick beside him. Upon seeing them, Merrick was also violently shaken and looked at Gaius in disbelief.

Gaius closed his eyes, remained silent for a long time, and his voice carried an icy chill:
"Send someone from the Church of Saints to get Antoine to talk and find out where this so-called princess is!"

The information that Duke Gavin left for Gaius was surprisingly all about Freya.

There are still surviving members of the legitimate royal bloodline!

Upon seeing this news, Gaius immediately understood the Gavin family's plan and knew where their rebellion lay!

Prime Minister Merrick nodded gravely, understanding the immense turmoil and harm that the so-called princess's appearance in Ceylon would cause.

However, before the two could take any action, a flustered figure rushed into the king's office.

Gaius’s expression turned cold as he realized that the person who had barged in was none other than his eldest son, Orlando Cromwell.

Orlando was always the most composed of the three princes, so the fact that he was so alarmed that he stormed into the palace must mean that something extraordinary had happened.

Before Gaius could ask a question, Orlando's slightly frightened voice rang out:
"Father, something terrible has happened! Duke Gavin is in grave danger!"

King Gaius's expression turned cold, and he said in a deep voice:

"I just got back from Gavin's place, what could possibly have happened to me?"

Orlando took a breath and said:

"No... no, it's not that something happened to Duke Gavin, it's that something happened to Duke Gavin's case... Anyway, Father, you can see for yourself!"

Orlando took out a photographic stone, on which an image was clearly playing.

When Saxon saw the scene, he felt a loud buzzing in his head and stood frozen in place like a statue.

There are three main characters in the picture: himself, Andrei of the Eastern Empire, and Viscount Greenan who defected from the Kingdom of Windbreak.

It was the scene where the three of them secretly plotted to frame the Duke of Gavin's family!

King Gaius and Prime Minister Merrick both showed shock on their faces. Gaius glared at Saxon. Once this video was released, one could imagine the consequences—a prince conspiring with an outsider to frame his own duke. Gaius felt a headache just thinking about it.

However, before Gaius could even get angry, Orlando's words sent chills down the spines of everyone present:
"Father, this footage has been made public!"

Gaiusten stood up, his eyes filled with murderous intent:
"What happened? Who did this?!"

Orlando stammered out a name:
"Pale Wings..."

Gaius smashed the stone table in front of him with a loud crack:
“These bastards!
They had planned this all along!

So this was their trump card!

Orlando continued:

“Father, officials at all levels in the court are now demanding that Third Brother explain this video.”

Not only domestically, but also the Charter Alliance, the Northwest Alliance, and the envoys of the four major empires (excluding the Eastern Empire) and various kingdoms stationed in Quesaon have all sent notices inquiring about this matter. Father, we must deal with it as soon as possible, otherwise, if it deteriorates further, it will be extremely detrimental to our situation.”

A prince of a country, colluding with outsiders, framed a veteran official and hereditary duke who had served three reigns. If not handled properly, Ceylon could be thrown into chaos in an instant.

The sudden emergency forced King Gaius to put aside the matter of the princess of the fallen kingdom and even halt the saint's interrogation.

At this critical moment, the Duke of Gavin cannot afford any mishaps, or he will truly be branded as a murderer.

The royal council was convened very quickly. Representatives of the major powers and high-ranking officials and nobles in the country had been waiting outside the palace. After receiving the royal decree, they quickly entered the conference room.

The meeting had barely begun when someone stood up and launched into a tirade against the third prince, Saxon, who was in attendance. This was especially true of the ministers who had previously sided with the Duke of Gavin, who now showed no regard for the prince's status and uttered extremely offensive words.

The meeting immediately descended into an exceptionally heated argument.

Seeing that public opinion was becoming increasingly difficult to control, Prime Minister Merrick stood up and said:
"Please calm down, everyone. The evidence against Antoine Gavin was collected by me and His Highness the Third Prince together, and we also investigated the case together. I will take responsibility if anything goes wrong."

Seeing that the Prime Minister had taken the initiative to shoulder the blame, the atmosphere in the meeting room eased a little.

Prime Minister Yod Merrick still enjoys high prestige among the people. As for investigating cases... everyone present is a seasoned veteran. Who can fool whom? The same case will naturally yield different results depending on who investigates it.

It mainly depends on the attitude of those in high positions.

Just as everyone was discussing it, another bombshell announcement came out:
The Kingdom of Windbreak has published an investigation report claiming that Viscount Los Greenan, who recently defected to the Kingdom of Ceylon, is actually a spy for the Eastern Empire!

When this news came, the Imperial Council was in an uproar.

The Ceylon Foreign Minister stood up and said in a loud voice:
"Your Majesty, things are already very clear. This is yet another trap that bastard prince of the Eastern Empire has set for us in Ceylon!"

He's here to sow discord between the Ceylonian monarchy and its officials!

The head of the House of Lords was even more direct, angrily rebuking the Saxons:
"Your Highness, weren't you already tricked by that Andrei in Florence last time?"

Why would someone fall into the same pit twice?

Prince Charles, the second prince, is also constantly fanning the flames:
“That Xia Zuo from the Eastern Empire lost face in Florence, even having his beloved goddess snatched away by King Efein. That’s why he’s been trying to manipulate us in Ceylon to be his pawns. Third brother, you certainly didn’t think things through in this matter.”

Gaius's face turned extremely gloomy. The speed at which things were developing caught him off guard. He had a vague intuition that an unseen hand was secretly controlling everything from behind the scenes.

But the current situation left him no time to think. He could only try his best to quell the public's anger, and looked at Saxon, who was already stunned like a statue, and said coldly:

"Saxon, give everyone an explanation."

Saxon shuddered; faced with the condemnation of everyone, he was speechless.

It is a fact that he conspired with Andrei and Grindelwald to frame Duke Gavin. Regardless of whether Gavin actually betrayed them, this one act alone was enough to arouse public outrage.

Gaius didn't expect Saxon to offer any explanation that could change the situation. After waiting for a while, he announced:
"Immediately release the Duke of Gavin from his confinement, temporarily halt the campaign against Gavin's territory, and temporarily strip the Third Prince Saxon of his right to succession for misconduct, and send him to the palace for confinement."

A joint investigation committee composed of the Cabinet and the House of Lords will be formed to investigate this incident!

Gaius's actions temporarily quelled the anger of the crowd.

The day after Gaius announced the exoneration of Duke Gavin, the Pale Wings released another video to the continent, once again shocking the entire Kingdom of Ceylon and causing a chain reaction that was a hundred times stronger than before.

Because this time, the protagonist of this secret video... is none other than the King of Ceylon, Gaius Cromwell!

The footage shows the scene of Gaius and Brennan's secret deal not long ago!
Gaius himself admitted that it was his grandfather who usurped the rightful throne of Ceylon.

Along with this video, there was also information about Princess Freya, the legitimate heir of the royal bloodline, and a historical secret from over a hundred years ago. This information spread throughout the entire Kingdom of Ceylon overnight through the hands of the Pale Wings!
It also brought a devastating earthquake to the entire northwestern continent.

As if to put the final straw for Quesaon, on the very day the news spread, Iphielo Gavin used an image propagation array in his territory to broadcast live to the entire continent the scene of welcoming Princess Freya Cromwell back home.

At the same time, Iphiel also issued a declaration to the entire continent—

The Gavin family has always been a supporter of the legitimate royal family of Ceylon. A century ago, it was under the secret protection of the Gavin family that a young prince of the legitimate royal family was able to survive.

Later, to escape the pursuit of Gaius's lineage, the Gavin family sent the young prince to the "Lost Lands".

Now, they welcome back the prince's descendants and call upon all forces and individuals across the country who are still loyal to the legitimate royal family to follow Her Highness the princess and take revenge on the usurpers!
The declaration plunged the entire Kingdom of Ceylon into chaos.

King Gaius, after all, was a monarch who had weathered many storms, and faced with the deteriorating situation, he immediately came up with the simplest and most direct method.

The crime of usurping the throne cannot be washed away, but even if he usurped it, he is still a descendant of Cromwell, and that princess who appeared out of nowhere is most likely a puppet put out by the Gavin family to realize their own ambitions.

As long as you insist that the other party's identity is false, there is still room for maneuver.

The day after the declaration was released, the Quissaoon side refuted all the information released by the Gavin family regarding the princess of the restored kingdom, and issued a statement to the mainland, saying that they would invite a prophet of saintly rank from the Prophecy Church to verify Freya's identity.

Gaius was confident of this, since his grandfather had wiped out the entire legitimate royal bloodline, and it was absolutely impossible for a princess to spring up from the "Lost Land".

That Freya is definitely from the Gavin family, and it's even highly likely that she was forged by that bastard King Effie!

It simply cannot withstand the scrutiny of the prophetic church.

As long as it can be proven that her identity is fake, then the Gavin family will still be considered treacherous and ambitious. Even if their lineage's throne came in a somewhat dishonorable way, they still have Cromwell's blood flowing in their veins and still possess the only legitimacy!
However, just when he thought all of this would settle down with these strong pieces of evidence, a message from the center of the human continent—the Central Continent—left him completely stunned!

(End of this chapter)