Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 325 Grace: Where is my money?
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Upon hearing Cohen's words, a hint of admiration flashed in Grace's eyes, and she made no attempt to hide her praise:
"Royal Estates is similar to my Fiery Red Lips. You actually managed to place your subordinates here as leaders. That's impressive!"

Why don't you dump Adeline and come back to the Eastern Empire with me as my son-in-law?

"When I become emperor, you will be my consort. Isn't that better than being the king of a small country in the northwest?"

Cohen blinked and replied:
“Do these two conflict?”

Grace paused for a moment, then quickly grasped the meaning behind Cohen's words. She spat lightly and said:

"Dream on! When have you ever seen the supreme emperor share his partner with someone else?"

The two bickered happily, and the carriage soon arrived at the Winter Sanatorium No. 3 that Anthony had mentioned.

To the outside world, it is a sanatorium established by Winter Capital for the physical and mental health of its employees, but in reality, it is Anthony's private property.

Each member of the leadership team at Winter Investment has several or even a dozen such sanatoriums or clubs, specifically for handling private entertainment.

The carriage drove directly into the gates of the sanatorium. Anthony waved away all the servants and accompanying officials. After the sanatorium had completely quieted down, Cohen took Grace's hand and got out of the carriage.

Having left the Kingdom of Ceylon, it seemed that Cohen no longer needed to play the role of the princess's fiancé.

However, perhaps due to the time they spent together in Quessão, out of habit, Cohen still couldn't help but take Grace's hand when he got off the carriage.

When Anthony saw Cohen walking down with a beautiful woman, he quickly bowed and said:
"Greetings, Director and Director's wife."

Grace was not pleased with the title; her voice was cold and aloof, reverting to the usual indifference and arrogance of a high-ranking imperial princess.
"To have reached this position in the Northern Empire, you must have some knowledge. Can't you tell who I am?"

Anthony froze, slightly raising his gaze to sweep over Grace's cold and stunningly beautiful face. Combining this with her earlier self-identification, a name popped into his mind.

Anthony's mouth dropped open in astonishment, but he quickly composed himself, bowed respectfully, and replied:

"I have met Her Royal Highness, the eldest princess."

Anthony was still incredibly shocked. Why would His Majesty Corleone bring the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire to the Northern Empire?
Didn't they say that the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire is already engaged to that pirate king, Yann Hughes...?

Suddenly, a chill ran down Anthony's spine.

Could it be that……

Anthony suppressed his speculations; some things are better left unknown.

Cohen noticed Anthony's changing expressions and guessed that the other man might have some idea about his identity, but seeing how sensible he was, he didn't bring it up again.

The two sides reached a subtle understanding.

Anthony bowed and said:
"Knowing that the director was coming, I tidied up this place three days in advance. If the director has any other needs, please let me know in time."

Cohen waved his hand and said:

"You've done a great job. Tell me, how's work lately?"

Anthony, with a solemn expression, bowed slightly and began to report to Cohen.

Anthony clearly knew what Cohen was most interested in, and his reports were all about the Northern Empire's reaction to the many recent events in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

After listening, Cohen asked:
"So, the Northern Empire is taking a hands-off approach to this internal strife in the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

Anthony cautiously offered his assessment:

"Judging from Prince Violet's various reactions, the Northern Empire's royal family has no intention of interfering in this matter."

Cohen's expression became much more subtle. The reason why his reputation had increased so much was mainly because the rulers of the five great empires had begun to pay serious attention to him.

There's no reason for the Northern Empire to take no action at all; perhaps the Northern Emperor hasn't even informed his most trusted Prince Violet of this matter.

Cohen suppressed his suspicions and said to Anthony:

"If I remember correctly, the Northwest Continent branch of the Church of Prophecy is located in Wintergard?"

A knowing glint flashed in Anthony's eyes. He had also heard about the situation in Ceylon, and given his high rank within the Military Intelligence Bureau, he also had access to some secret intelligence.

Anthony had long suspected that the princess who had suddenly appeared in Ceylon was someone the bureau chief had personally supported.

Furthermore, given that Cohen had told him in advance that he was going to the Winter Court of the Northern Empire, Anthony immediately deduced that Cohen was coming to the Church of Prophecy to sabotage King Gaius's attempt to verify the authenticity of the princess through prayer.

Anthony took out a route map from his pocket and said softly:
"Director, the red pentagram marks the Northwest Continent branch of the Church of Prophecy. There are five routes from here to the branch, and the route marked in black is the most hidden and the shortest."

A hint of admiration appeared in Cohen's eyes. No wonder Anthony was able to rise from a small-town test-taker to such a position; his personal abilities were indeed outstanding.

Cohen was increasingly pleased with the stationmaster of Wintergarden Station, and said with a smile:

"Thanks for your thoughtfulness, Anthony. You're doing great, keep up the good work."

A flicker of excitement crossed Anthony's face. After making a firm statement, he tactfully left the sanatorium.

Grace's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Cohen:

Do you have subordinates like this all over mainland China?

Cohen thought for a moment and said:

"Pretty much. I haven't paid attention to the expansion of the Military Intelligence Bureau for a long time; Nefertis has been in charge of it."

However, judging from the Military Intelligence Bureau's work reports, at least all the major empires and kingdoms have established Military Intelligence Bureau stations with complete personnel and organizational structures.

A thoughtful look appeared in Grace's eyes, and her voice carried a hint of something enigmatic:

"No wonder the financial reports of 'Flaming Lips' are getting worse month by month; it turns out that all the money is being spent on things like this."

Cohen looked embarrassed. Ever since he formed a blood pact with Grace, he had also acquired shares in Fiery Red Lips.

Effie's development itself requires a lot of funds, which has already given Adele a major headache.

It was no longer appropriate to rely on the Queen's sister for funding the development of the Military Intelligence Bureau. Therefore, in addition to the funds provided by the cross-race trade routes with the dwarves, another part of the Military Intelligence Bureau's development funds came from the Princess's "Flaming Red Lips" trading company.

To establish military intelligence stations across the entire mainland would be an enormous undertaking, requiring the resources of top-tier luxury goods retailers like "Flaming Red Lips."

Cohen smiled ingratiatingly:

"Your Highness, you also have a part in the Military Intelligence Bureau. When it comes to dealing with Xia Zuo in the future, the Military Intelligence Bureau will play a crucial role."

We need to have a long-term perspective.

Grace waved her hand:

"Alright, I didn't mean to complain. Tell me, what are you planning to do next? Are you going to go directly to the Church of Prophecy?"

Cohen replied:

"Go directly to them; I know someone there."

I once had a long-distance interaction with Cardinal Saint Haywood, the head of the Prophecy Church in the Northwest Continent, though at the time I was using the identity of a special inspector of the Golden Wing family.

"If I talk to him about Gaius this time, I'll probably have to reveal my identity."

Grace's eyes held a hint of mischief:

"Special Inspector of the Golden Wing Family?"
"You're really taking advantage of Isha! I bet you haven't even officially given Isha a title yet, but you're already treating the Golden Wing family as your own."

A hint of shame flashed in Cohen's eyes. He did owe Isabella too much, but fortunately Isabella was understanding and didn't care about it.

Isa didn't care, but as her best friend, Grace felt indignant and scoffed:
“My Isa works herself to the bone for you, and what do you do? You secretly marry an elven princess and make her your queen. Don’t you have any conscience?”

Cohen didn't dare to speak loudly; he was indeed in the wrong.

To prevent the princess from continuing to dwell on the matter, Cohen cleverly changed the subject:
"I'm going to the Church of Prophecy. Would Your Highness like to come with me?"

Grace wrinkled her nose, revealing a cute expression on her stunning face that didn't match her aloof demeanor. The stark contrast made Cohen's heart clench.

"If I go, won't your identity be exposed?"
I was referring to your other online persona, the One Piece one.

Cohen belatedly remarked:
"Indeed, Your Highness has no way of hiding your identity from a saint."

A glint of light flashed in Grace's eyes:
"So, you mean you can hide from the saint?"

Cohen smiled helplessly:

"Your Highness, we're already in this kind of relationship, so there's no need to dig so deep into my secrets."

Grace gave a soft snort and said:

"Go quickly and come back soon, I'll be waiting for you here."

Cohen breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"Your Highness, please let me know if you need anything. However, please try not to reveal your identity. We must not alert the officials of the Northern Empire on this trip."

"Okay, I know. You're so long-winded. Now you can go."

……

Just as Cohen had guessed, with such a big commotion in the Kingdom of Ceylon, the Northern Empire, as an old and established empire in the Northwest Continent, could not possibly remain completely indifferent, no matter how aloof it might be.

In the Winter Court, in the private office of Emperor Abraham Cox of the Northern Region, a burly figure stood before him, bowing as he listened to him speak.

Kinlunga Cox, the first in line to the throne of the Northern Empire, perfectly awakened the bloodline of the Frost Giant. Before Cohen's reputation rose, he was the most famous representative of fighting beyond his level.

He once held his own against a Silver-tier transcendent being when he was at the third tier.

Currently at the peak of Silver rank, they are a strong contender for this year's "Strongest Silver".

Emperor Abraham looked at Kinlunga and said in a deep voice:

"Prince Xia Zuo of the Eastern Empire has set off with a large force. It is estimated that he will bring out his entire fortune this time."

Jin Lunjia smiled and said:
"Having suffered such a huge loss in Florence, losing face across the entire continent, and having my beloved goddess snatched away, I'm definitely going to make up for it this time."

A hint of disdain flashed in Emperor Abraham's eyes:
"Among the first princes of the continent, only Xia Zuo himself takes this title seriously. Apart from the Eastern Empire, the one coming from the Southern Region should be the eldest prince Gregor, who probably wants to use this opportunity to establish a foothold on the continent."

Jinlunjia's expression changed somewhat:
"Is this island nation finally going to be unable to resist coming ashore?"

A solemn expression appeared in Emperor Abraham's eyes:

"Perhaps it's preparation for that future turmoil."

Jinlunjia was silent for a moment, then asked:
"Did the one from the Central Empire send the nephew of the chief of the House of Nobles?"

Emperor Abraham replied:

"Yes, but I heard that His Majesty Klein personally selected the candidates this time, which is quite intriguing."

After a long silence, Abraham spoke again:
Are you sure you want to go alone?

Jin Lunjia's tone was resolute, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit:

"It's just me alone, that way we can keep it absolutely secret. I don't want to be with Xia Zuo and Qiao Lun, where the news would spread like wildfire before I even arrive."

My only goal this time is to observe King Efein's true fighting prowess up close.

"At the Noble Martial Arts Festival a few months from now, I will defeat him honorably in front of all the nations of the continent and claim the title of 'Strongest Silver'!"

Seeing that Kinlunga was determined, Abraham did not try to persuade him further, but instead gave him these words of advice:

"Be careful. If you encounter any unavoidable danger, reveal your identity immediately. No one in Ceylon will dare to make things difficult for the heir of the Northern Empire."

"Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

……

Cohen put down the communication stone in his hand. He had just contacted his father-in-law, Aziz Wenze, the patriarch of the Golden Wing family.

Although he knew the Church of Prophecy wouldn't commit murder or robbery, he still informed his father-in-law just in case.

Cohen looked up at the solemn and magnificent building before him, a flicker of emotion appearing in his eyes—the Northwest Continent Branch of the Church of Prophecy.

As the headquarters of the Church of Prophecy in the Northwest Continent, this Temple of Prophecy is not open to the public. Only those of high enough status are qualified to come here for divination and prophecy.

Cohen walked to the front of the main hall, where two fully armed palace guards in armor approached him.

Seeing Cohen's impeccable attire and composed demeanor, a palace guard spoke gently:
"Excuse me, sir, do you have an appointment or a letter of recommendation?"

Cohen replied calmly:

"No, I'm here to find someone."

The samurai's expression changed slightly, and he asked:

"May I ask who you are looking for, sir?"

“Haywood, well, that is, the top leader here, the Cardinal in Red Robes, the Lord of the Temple of Prophecy of the Northwest Continent, Saint Haywood.”

The samurai's face showed surprise, his brows furrowed, and he stared at Cohen for a long time before asking:
"May I ask who you are, sir...?"

Cohen's voice was unhurried:
“Just tell Saint Haywood that the Golden Wing family’s special inspector has come to discuss a very important matter with him, and he will know who I am.”

Seeing Cohen's unfathomable demeanor and his insistence on seeing Archbishop Haywood, the two temple guards dared not let their guard down.

One of them stayed behind to keep an eye on Cohen, while the other went into the main hall to report to a higher-ranking priest.

The cardinal in charge of managing the daily affairs of the Temple of Prophecy was a legendary-ranking cardinal. Upon hearing his subordinate's report, a look of astonishment crossed his brow, and he asked:
"Are you sure he wants to see the Palace Master?"

The palace guard replied:

"Yes, the visitor claimed to be a special inspector from the Golden Wing family. Judging from the way he spoke, he seemed to be very familiar with the Palace Master."

A solemn look appeared in the cardinal's eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said:
"You send someone to keep him calm first, I'll go see the Palace Master and see what he has to say."

The cardinal entered a quiet room, and before he could knock, a calm voice came from inside:

"What happened?"

The cardinal said softly:

"Lord, there is a person outside who claims to be a special inspector of the Golden Wing family and wants to talk to you about something."

Saint Haywood slowly opened his eyes. Special Inspector of the Golden Wing Family?
He instantly thought of the Golden Wing Family Special Inspector with whom he had recently completed a major transaction!
Star Essence Core!

This person used the coordinates of two Star Marrow Cores to make a prophecy about a legendary transcendent!

It's him!

This person actually came to our door in person. Is there some deal to be made?
Saint Haywood immediately became interested. The two Star Marrow Cores from last time had brought enormous benefits to the Church of Prophecy, and His Holiness the Pope had greatly praised them upon learning of it.

If it weren't for the fact that this kid had an unusual relationship with Aziz Wenze, the patriarch of the Golden Wing family, Saint Haywood would have wanted to go directly to him and ask if he had any other coordinates.

Without much hesitation, Saint Haywood spoke:
“I know him. Let him in. He can come straight to me.”

A look of surprise appeared in the cardinal's eyes; even he was not qualified to enter the secret chamber where the saint practiced meditation.

He suppressed his emotions, greeted her with a "hello," and went out to meet Cohen.

Led by the cardinal, Cohen arrived at the meditation room. The ancient bronze door slowly opened, obscuring the view inside.

The cardinal bowed slightly and said:

"Please go in by yourself, sir. The Palace Master is inside."

Cohen stepped into the quiet room, and a huge hourglass floated in the center of the room, with a handsome middle-aged man standing next to it.

Just like the projection of Saint Haywood back then, Saint Haywood looked at Cohen and smiled faintly:
"Are you here to trade Star Essence Cores again, sir?"

"His Holiness the Pope was very satisfied with the last transaction. If you have any further information about the Star Essence Core this time, His Holiness might even come to discuss business with you personally."

Cohen smiled slightly and said:

"Your Holiness is absolutely right. I really do want to do a big deal with your Pope!"

Saint Haywood's expression gradually froze, and astonishment appeared in his eyes.

He was just being polite, but he didn't expect the kid to actually take advantage of it.

His Holiness the Pope is a figure on par with the emperors of the five great empires. Do you think he can just meet with you and discuss business casually?
Cohen noticed Saint Haywood's expression, and the latter smiled calmly, repeating his words:
“I’m not joking. The deal I’m going to discuss this time does indeed require the help of His Holiness the Pope.”

Saint Haywood narrowed his eyes, staring into Cohen's eyes, and asked:

"If you really need to discuss matters with His Holiness the Pope, then you should have Chief Wenze come in person."

The implication was clear: you're not qualified.

Cohen wasn't annoyed. He regained his appearance, chuckled, and said:

"My father-in-law is far away in the Central Empire, and it's not easy for him to travel back and forth, so let's not trouble him."

I think I'm quite qualified, don't you think?

Haywood had already noticed that the other party had disguised their appearance, but the other party seemed to have some kind of powerful magical equipment, which prevented him from seeing their true appearance.

Now that his identity has been revealed, Saint Haywood was taken aback.

The other party was none other than King Effie, Cohen Corleone, who had been causing a great stir in the Northwest Continent recently!
That legendary prophetic child!

Saint Haywood naturally scoffed at this rumor. As a high-ranking core figure in the Church of Prophecy, he knew perfectly well that Cohen could not possibly be the Child of Prophecy.

What puzzled him was that His Holiness the Pope did not come forward to clarify, and even allowed the matter to spread more and more strangely, to the point that almost everyone now accepted that King Efein was indeed the true prophesied son.

When Saint Haywood or other high-ranking members of the Church suggested that His Holiness the Pope respond publicly to these rumors, the Pope always remained enigmatic, saying that he would wait until he had the opportunity to meet the mysterious king in person before making a statement.

Saint Haywood secretly pondered, "Before His Majesty could even look for you, you've taken the initiative to come to him. I wonder what His Majesty is really up to. I think I'll be able to find out this time."

Heywood suppressed his thoughts, gazed deeply at Cohen, remained silent for a long time, and then slowly said:
"Your Majesty Corleone, your style of doing things is indeed as unconventional as the rumors suggest!"
I truly admire your courage to be alone in a foreign capital.

Cohen neither confirmed nor denied Haywood's words, and simply said:
"Your Holiness, I wonder if I am now qualified to meet your Pope?"

A thoughtful look appeared in Saint Haywood's eyes as he asked:

"I'd like to know what kind of deal you're going to discuss with His Holiness the Pope?"

Cohen smiled faintly:
"The Sage should be able to guess."

Heywood nodded slightly:
"You've come to the Church of Prophecy at this time, wanting to see our Pope, surely because of the prayer ceremony for His Majesty King Gaius of Ceylon in a few days, right?"

Cohen nodded slowly:

"Yes, I hope His Holiness the Pope can intervene in this prayer."

As the representative of Madora, the God of Prophecy, on the human continent, His Majesty Atkinson has the power to intervene in all activities related to the God of Prophecy.

Saint Haywood gave Cohen a deep look, his voice carrying a hint of mystery:
"You seem to know His Majesty very well."

Cohen chuckled and said:

"I'm in a bit of a hurry, Your Majesty, please hurry up and don't delay this important matter."

The only one who would dare to urge a Saint-level transcendent being is probably Cohen.

Saint Haywood showed no emotion. He knew that His Holiness the Pope was very interested in the man in front of him, not to mention that the man had the Golden Wing family as his backer.

He composed himself, glanced at Cohen one last time, and disappeared from the room.

(End of this chapter)