Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 320 Gaius's Decapitation Plan!

Upon hearing Windsor mention his mother, Cohen realized that the other woman wasn't playing any romantic games, but genuinely had something serious to ask.

He replied:
"He should have the strength of a high-level legendary rank, what's wrong?"

Windsordler was slightly startled; the strength matched. She then asked:

"Did your mother arrange any marriage for you before she disappeared?"
Adeline doesn't count.

Cohen's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but speak:
"You...how do you know?"

Windsor Derrick stood up abruptly, shocked:

"Is there really a marriage agreement?"
who is it? ”

Cohen quickly covered Windsordler's red lips and whispered:

"Don't be so loud, even Adele doesn't know about this yet."

Windsordler was both angry and anxious, and twisted Cohen's arm:
"Tell me quickly, what engagement? And to whom?"

Cohen then spoke slowly:

"I'm not entirely sure either, and my mother didn't tell me I was engaged."

Windsordler frowned and asked:
"What exactly happened?"

Cohen recounted an incident from the past:
"Do you still remember Grand Duke Roland of the Western Regions Empire?"

Windsordler nodded:

“I know him. He has a good relationship with your family. When he was young, he even went on some dangerous adventures with our parents.”

Cohen continued:

“After the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, Archduke Roland stayed in Florence for a while. We often talked about the past. At that time, Archduke Roland told me that his father had mentioned to him that his mother had found him an excellent fiancée and asked if he knew about it.”

At first, I thought Grand Duke Roland was referring to Adele, but he told me with certainty that it was definitely not Adele.

My father also had reservations about this matter, believing that my mother had wronged Adele by arranging a fiancée for me without my consent. (Chapter 1 of this volume)
After listening to Cohen's account, a complex expression appeared on Windsordler's face. She was now certain that the man in front of her, with whom she had slept countless times and exchanged fluids countless times, was her best friend, the mysterious fiancé of Empress Shanis Klein, the strongest empire in humankind!
Upon realizing this fact, Miss Elf was immediately at a loss.

What's going on? She finally found a good man, how come he's Shanis's fiancé?
So, after all that, I've become the latecomer?

Furthermore, Shanis must have known about this for a long time, yet she kept it from me and even tacitly allowed me to marry her fiancé and become a princess. Could Shanis have some kind of special fetish?
Windsordale's mind was a jumble of chaotic thoughts, her heart in turmoil.

Seeing Windsordler sitting there motionless, her expression shifting back and forth, and considering her earlier question, Cohen was also quite suspicious. He tentatively asked:
"Windsor, do you know who my fiancée is?"

Windsordler snapped out of her daze and quickly made up her mind.

Since Shanis was unwilling to tell Cohen the truth, he would continue to remain silent and pretend he knew nothing.

In response to Cohen's question, Windsordler shook his head and replied:
"I don't know. Okay, I don't have any other questions."

Windsordler's obviously perfunctory answer made Cohen even more suspicious, and he wanted to ask more questions.

Windsordler removed her robes, revealing her mature and alluring curves, stretched out her jade-like feet, and whispered:

"I was interrupted by Shanis before I could even begin. Now you continue serving me!"

Are you trying to shut yourself up with a honey trap?

Okay, Cohen willingly fell into the trap!

……

In the Western Regions Empire, Emperor Monroe stared at the announcement sent by the Central Empire, his heart filled with doubt.

He looked at the officials and ministers below the stage and asked:
"Doesn't this Central Empire have a grudge against Effie?"

"I remember during the Northwest Region Exchange Conference, the Central Empire lost several legendary figures, and even their airship was captured by Effie. Why would they speak up for Effie now?"

Shanis's public statement quickly swept across the entire continent. The various forces that had previously questioned Freya's identity no longer dared to question it, even if they wanted to.

No one dared to disregard the statement issued by His Majesty the Emperor of the strongest empire in human history. With His Majesty Klein's support and endorsement, even if Freya herself came forward to say that she was a fake, no one would believe her.

The ministers of the Western Regions Empire were also shocked by this sudden news. They thought that Cohen would have a trump card, but they never expected that this trump card was so amazing.

This young king actually won over the emperor of the most powerful empire in humankind without saying a word!

Everyone turned their attention to Grand Duke Roland. As everyone knows, Grand Duke Roland has the best relationship with the Effie royal family, so he should know the most about any news.

Grand Duke Roland, facing the probing gazes of the crowd, smiled wryly and said:
"I'm not entirely sure either, but His Majesty Corleone's recently married queen has a close relationship with the Empress of the Central Empire. Could that be the reason?"

A thoughtful look appeared on everyone's faces, but Emperor Monroe remained skeptical. In his mind, the young and beautiful emperor of the Central Empire was not the kind of person who would let personal feelings affect official business.

Emperor Monroe concealed his doubts and addressed the crowd:

"Since the Central Empire has taken the lead, let's also fulfill our agreement with the Golden Winged Daughter."

The Duke of Foch, the Foreign Minister in charge of foreign affairs, replied in response:
"Yes, Your Majesty."

Prime Minister Dönitz began by saying:
"Your Majesty, should we send someone to Ceylon?"

This incident occurred in the Northwest Continent, and we should, in principle, send someone to further monitor the development of the situation.

Judging from the footage released by the Pale Wings, the Eastern Empire will definitely send people to intervene, and it's even possible they will secretly support a certain faction to stir up trouble in the Northwest Continent.

Dönitz's words were met with approval from everyone present, and Emperor Monroe nodded slightly as well:
"The Eastern Empire has indeed overstepped its bounds. We haven't even settled accounts with them for what happened at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, and now they're stirring up trouble in the Kingdom of Ceylon again. We need to teach them a lesson!"

After Emperor Monroe finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Archduke Roland, who was standing to the side.

The person sent must be able to represent the Western Empire in giving a warning to the people of the Eastern Empire, while also being careful not to interfere with Cohen's plans.

Both publicly and privately, it is most appropriate for Archduke Roland to handle this matter.

Grand Duke Roland did not refuse, saying:

"Then I'll go to Ceylon."

Emperor Monroe smiled and said:

"In that case, this Golden-Winged Daughter should be happy to join our Western Regions Empire in attacking the Dwarves!"

……

Upon receiving the reports from the Central Empire and the Western Empire, King Horn of the Windrise Kingdom, Landu, did not hesitate and immediately issued a similar announcement as previously agreed with Cohen.

The announcement from two great empires and one great kingdom struck Gaius Cromwell, King of Ceylon, like a heavy blow to the heart.

In Quessão, in the King's office, King Gaius had locked himself in his office for an entire day since receiving the news.

Gaius did not meet with anyone, not even when there was extremely urgent military intelligence.

In the office, Gaius sat motionless on the throne like a statue, remaining silent.

His gaze lingered on the reports sent by the Central Empire, the Western Regions Empire, and the Windrise Kingdom.

After an unknown amount of time, a long sigh broke the silence in the office.

Saint Moreau appeared before Gaius and said in a deep voice:

“Gaius, you don’t look like you did when you were young.”

A few rebellious families, plus a small duchy stirring up trouble on the outside—could this rabble really overthrow His Majesty Gaius, the greatest ruler in Ceylon's history?

Gaius snapped out of his daze, looked at Prince Morrow, and his expression was indescribably strange:

"Your Highness, don't you find this strange?"

Prince Morrow shook his head and said:
"All I know is that if you don't pull yourself together, even Quesaon will fall into chaos first."

Gaius's face showed an unprecedented sense of dejection:
"Sometimes I wonder if I'm getting old, if I'm falling behind the times?"

Cohen Corleone, a young man who is only twenty years old, has led Eifine, a country that was almost wiped out five years ago, and has actually driven Ceylon to this point.

I'm starting to wonder if he was sent by the gods specifically to deal with us in Ceylon.

Prince Morrow raised his voice:
Gaius!

What you should do right now is not to dwell on this person's identity, but to calm down quickly!

Could a princess who appeared out of nowhere really destroy Ceylon's millennia-old heritage?
Those few nobility who were jumping around were nothing more than causing us trouble.

Although the statements from the Central Empire and the Western Regions Empire are unfriendly to us, they will not send troops themselves; at most, it will be a propaganda offensive.

As long as we emerge as the ultimate victor, some negative public opinion at this point is of no consequence.

Our main enemies are still those few nobles and Effie behind them.

Since you've already decided to get rid of them, this is a good opportunity to wipe out those disloyal traitors in one fell swoop!

Prince Moro's voice was strong and clear, but Gaius's expression remained somber. He said calmly:
“I understand what Your Highness means. Of course, I am aware of the disparity in strength between the two sides, but the more I understand, the less confident I become!” Prince Moro asked, a look of doubt on his face.
"What does this mean? Why don't I understand?"

Gaius said slowly:
"At the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference more than a year ago, Effie faced external threats from the Central Empire, the Eastern Empire, the Black Tomb, and our combined attack, while internally it was plagued by rebellions by powerful nobles and uprisings in the Southern Territory."

Such a desperate situation not only failed to destroy Alfein, but also forged the unparalleled fame of Alfein's King Cohen Corleone.

Today, we seem to have a great advantage, but this advantage makes me feel inexplicably uneasy.

Although I have never met Cohen Corleone, I know his ways very well.

The series of events that have occurred so far demonstrates that everything from the Saxons framing Duke Gavin, the Gavin family's rebellion, the Pale Wings releasing footage, supporting the old royal princess, and contacting the Central Empire and the Western Empire is interconnected, with each step leading to the next.

I am certain that this is a massive and meticulously planned scheme, and I estimate that Cohen began planning it a long time ago.

He wouldn't have acted on such a plan rashly without absolute certainty.

Therefore, I am worried that all our current reactions are part of his plan, and that he is still confident that he can withstand all the forces of Ceylon.

Although it sounds absurd, I really think he has the trump card and ability to do what he did at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, leaving Qiao Lun of the Central Empire, Xia Zuo of the Eastern Empire, and the saints of the Black Tomb helpless.

After listening to Gaius's analysis, Prince Moreau stood there dumbfounded.

He never expected that the brilliant and ambitious Gaius Cromwell would make such a pessimistic and negative analysis.

In his view, although the strength that Effie displayed at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference was terrifying, it was mostly due to the help of others. On Effie's own side, only the tens of thousands of elite orc legions and the dragon warriors who had not yet grown up posed any real threat.

However, at best, this level of strength only qualifies as that of a mid-level kingdom, and Effie simply does not possess high-end combat power, such as the Saint level.

King Alfie could train tens of thousands of "elite" troops in just two or three years, but surely he couldn't have produced a few saints.

Therefore, in Prince Moreau's view, although the current situation was troublesome, it was far from as pessimistic as Gaius had described.

Prince Morrow's lips moved, and after a long silence, he said:

"Your Majesty, aren't you...aren't you overthinking this? Even if we are bound by the prohibitions of the Five Great Empires and do not use the power of the Saints..."

Even in terms of the number of legendary-level superhumans, Effie is not on the same level as us.

No matter how powerful his elite troops are, they're only equivalent to legendary-level combat power. Even if we use legendary-level superhumans to wear them down one by one, it'll be enough to kill them!

Gaius had anticipated Prince Moro's response and was unsurprised, waving his hand and saying:

"I have my reasons for saying this, Your Highness. I have an idea that I'd like to discuss with you first."

Prince Morrow paused for a moment, then said:

"Your Majesty, please speak."

Gaius lowered his voice:

"Mobilize all the saints of the Saints' Hall to launch a surprise attack on Florence, the capital of Effie, and kill Cohen Corleone!"

Prince Morrow's eyes widened in disbelief, and he blurted out:

"Your Majesty, what are you saying?"
Why mobilize all the saints just to kill one Cohen?
Not to mention that Effie is also a member of the God-Demon Charter Alliance and is protected by the God-Demon Charter, the risk of the Saint attacking him is extremely high.

The fact that it brings together all the saints is quite incredible.

With so many saints gathered, how could they possibly escape the notice of the five great empires?
The Five-Nation Agreement Monitoring Office has people constantly watching the every move of each of our saints.

When the five great empires send people to inquire about our purpose in gathering so many saints, how should we respond?

Not to mention leaving the country to attack the king of a Charter Allied power... Your Majesty, last time I tried to leave the country to rescue the North Sea Fleet, but the supervisory commissioner of the Five Power Agreement Supervision Office noticed it.

How could you... how could you make such a thoughtless suggestion?

Prince Moreau wondered if King Gaius had been driven insane by the series of bad news, for he would make such an absurd suggestion.

Gaius's expression darkened, and he asked:

Is there absolutely no possibility?

Prince Moreau answered firmly:

"Absolutely impossible. Even if I had no objection, the saints of the Saints' Hall would not agree to such a thing."

This is risking the holy power of the entire Ceylon.

Moreover, the target is merely the ruler of a duchy; they would never agree to such a thing.

Gaius sighed deeply, his expression gradually hardening, and said to Prince Morrow:

"Then please have Your Highness gather everyone and prepare for a royal meeting. We have a tough battle to fight!"

Prince Moreau breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Gaius's statement and, following Gaius's instructions, summoned all the ministers and officials.

The atmosphere at today's royal meeting was exceptionally heavy, with one piece of bad news after another casting a shadow over the faces of Ceylon's high-ranking officials and nobles.

Almost everyone could foresee that Ceylon was about to face an unprecedented upheaval.

In the meeting room, unlike the usual pre-meeting pleasantries and discussions among officials, everyone wore serious expressions and remained silent, the entire room deathly quiet.

Not long after, Gaius's footsteps sounded, and everyone stood at attention, watching as His Majesty the King took his seat in the main seat.

Gaius remained calm and composed, as if the bad news from outside had no effect on him whatsoever.

Seeing that His Majesty the King remained calm, many officials felt slightly relieved.

King Gaius first looked at his prime minister, Yod Merrick:

"What's the current situation? Besides the Gavin family, are there any other families responding to this so-called princess?"

Prime Minister Merrick stood up and replied in a deep voice:
"Not yet, but according to intelligence from our spies, the heirs of the Duke of Eisenhail, the Viscount of Veritas, the Viscount of Losermar, and the Viscount of Strauss all appeared at the 'false princess's' homecoming ceremony."

In addition, all the personnel left behind by the aforementioned families in Quesaon were evacuated three days ago, and the territories have been placed under a state of alert.

Furthermore, neither the Second Prince's previous mission to collect naval funds nor the mission a few days ago to mobilize them to join the army has yielded a clear response from these families.

Upon hearing Prime Minister Merrick's reply, the atmosphere in the meeting room became even more somber.

The Prime Minister's implication was clear: although these families had not openly rebelled, they had obviously begun to adopt the traditional style of the ancient nobility—fence-sitting, observing, and playing both sides.

As soon as the Ceylon royal family shows even the slightest sign of weakness, these families will quickly side with the Gavin family and join the rebels.

This is something that the Ceylon royal family and ministers find most unacceptable.

Although some of these families do not hold high titles, they are all genuine nobles who control a variety of valuable resources in Ceylon.

The Eisenheir family monopolizes weapons manufacturing and the metal trade, the Veritas family controls most of the extraordinary academies and top universities in Ceylon, Lorthermar controls Pearl Harbor, and Strauss is able to profoundly influence the beliefs of the nation's people.

If these forces all choose to join the "false princess's" camp, then Ceylon will truly face a great catastrophe and internal strife.

Faced with an exceptionally dire situation, Gaius remained calm and composed, announcing three decisions in a clear, articulate, and unhurried tone:

"First, the order to conscript members from various noble families to join the army, which was temporarily suspended before, will continue. These personnel must be in place within one month. Those who fail to do so will be punished for treason!"

The first decision made everyone uneasy. This order was clearly aimed at those who were on the fence, but wasn't issuing this order tantamount to forcing them to rebel?
Gaius noticed the doubts in everyone's eyes, but without offering much explanation, he proceeded to announce his second and third decisions:

"Second, sacrifice a semi-sacred artifact to summon an avatar of the prophecy god Madora to verify the identity of the 'false princess'."

Third, inform Commander Daniel Kelly that the Twin Towers Fortress must be captured within ten days!

After hearing Gaius's two subsequent decisions, everyone looked thoughtful, understanding King Gaius's first decision.

Those who are on the fence rely solely on the banner of the "fake princess," but once her true identity is exposed, this reliance will cease to exist.

Gaius's original plan was to have the Church of Prophecy expose the "false princess's" identity.

However, the support of Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Empire and Emperor Monroe of the Western Regions Empire thwarted his plans.

The prophecy foretold that the Church could not possibly oppose the two great empires and slap the faces of the two emperors.

Therefore, Gaius simply bypassed the Church of Prophecy and directly summoned an avatar of the God of Prophecy to verify the identity of the "false princess" by sacrificing a half-sacred artifact.

Although this would come at a huge cost, it would all be worth it as long as the princess's identity could be proven false.

If Gaius hadn't been facing Cohen, perhaps he wouldn't have gone to such lengths.

Gaius decided to do this precisely because the other party was suspected to be the Child of Prophecy and possibly related to the Church of Prophecy.

As for the third decision, Daniel Kelly was the commander of the Northwest War Zone of the Kingdom of Ceylon, and the Twin Towers Fortress was the eastern gateway to the Gavin Territory and one of its most fortified strategic points.

Gaius demanded that Daniel Kelly capture the Twin Towers within ten days, in order to severely intimidate those who were on the fence.

Without the support of the false princess's identity, and with the Ceylon royal family demonstrating sufficient strength, those who were on the fence would naturally make the right choice. This is why Gaius gave them a month to consider.

It can be said that if Gaius's two decisions had gone as planned, the turmoil that was on the verge of turning into a civil war in Ceylon would have been swiftly quelled in a short period of time.

Gaius Cromwell's abilities are beyond question. He was able to make the most appropriate decision under such a dire situation, truly deserving to be called one of the greatest Ceylon kings in history!
(End of this chapter)