Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 357 Before returning home... let's go see Sister Bei first!
In the Central Empire, in the Empress's bedroom, Shanis played with the communication stone used by Cohen.

After listening to the other party's plan, he thought for a while and said:

"Giving your princess a chance to participate in the competition is no problem."

However, this is Ceylon's internal affair, and I can't forcefully interfere.

I can personally acknowledge Freya's legitimate status as a member of the Ceylon royal family and the legitimacy of her bloodline.

However, they cannot acknowledge her and the Guimian City behind her international standing.

As things stand, assuming no major political changes have occurred in Ceylon, Quessaon remains the sole legitimate government in Ceylon.

Therefore, if Ceylon strongly objects, this qualification could easily be revoked.

Cohen said:

"Your Majesty need not worry about this. Gaius will not object; in fact, he may even facilitate the matter."

Shanis's eyes showed surprise. Seeing Cohen's confidence, she became curious and asked:

"Tell me, how did you do that?"

Cohen quickly told Shanes what he had said to Gaius earlier.

After hearing Cohen's wicked idea, a smile appeared on Shanis's beautiful face:
"Indeed, only someone as cunning and scheming as you could stand up to Heisenberg."

Cohen's lips twitched slightly, thinking to himself, "Is this how you praise someone?"

Shanis continued:

"I also have some good news for you. The Noble Academy has brought out the Dragon Plane that they have kept hidden for many years. As long as you can win a championship at the Noble Martial Arts Festival this time..."

You will get what you want.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The two chatted for a while, and before ending the call, Shanis gave one last piece of advice:
"Remember what you promised me? I've already chosen the next head of the teaching committee for the Holy Radiance Academy."

Don't let me down!

This woman really can't stop talking about her Holy Radiance Academy.

Every time Cohen communicated with Shanis, she would remind him of something.

Cohen was speechless. A betrothal gift? He had already asked Windsordale, but she herself hadn't said she wanted this as a betrothal gift.

However, Windsordler's response also puzzled Cohen:

"Since Shanis has said so, then go ahead and do it. Maybe the betrothal gifts aren't because of me!"

Cohen shook his head, clearing his mind, and then contacted Joren, who had already returned to the Central Empire.

He told Joren about his and Gaius's plan.

Cohen's voice was sinister:

"So, are you in or not?"
This time you won't have to pay any price; you just need to do a little trick during the draw.

This is a small matter, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Joren fell into a long silence.

To be honest, he really didn't want to get involved in anything related to Effie anymore.

But the other party's proposal was really tempting.

The House of Nobles was the main department responsible for organizing the Noble Martial Arts Festival, and the person who drew the lots was also arranged by his uncle.

This little thing is nothing to Joren; he can easily retaliate against Effie with a flick of his finger.

Joren had no reason not to do it.

After deep thought, Qiao Lun agreed:

"Commander Yaen, this is the last time."

Also, regardless of whether things succeed in the end, I will not admit to it.

The drawing of lots was conducted under the witness of the gods. We, the people of the Central Empire, never interfere with the drawing of lots. Do you understand?

Cohen smiled faintly:
“Of course, I won’t make things difficult for Young Master Qiao Lun.”

After fooling Joren, Cohen also prepared to leave the Kingdom of Ceylon.

Of course, he didn't return to China immediately because he had other things to do.

For example... go to the "Lost Lands" and have a friendly and close exchange with the Emerald Grand Duke, Belmody Vineyard, who will be representing Effie in the Legendary Group of the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Cohen opened the "Book of Time and Space," a flash of light appeared, and he disappeared from the spot.

The Lost Lands, the top floor of the Witch Tower of the Sequence Lord, Belmody.

After Cohen appeared, he glanced at the main seat on the high platform but did not see the beautiful figure. He sensed her presence in the Wizard Tower but also did not find Belmody's aura.

Did he go out?

Cohen didn't inform Belmody beforehand, intending to surprise her.

Unable to find anyone, Cohen simply stayed in the Wizard Tower, working on improving the information about Sequencers for Belmody.

Time ticked by, and night was drawing near, but there was still no sign of Belmody returning.

Just as Cohen was considering whether to go to the Endless Alliance and have a heart-to-heart talk with Mavis, the top-floor door slowly opened, and a cool and aloof figure appeared in Cohen's field of vision.

Belmod looked at Cohen, who was sitting on his throne writing something, and a moment of hesitation appeared on her beautiful face.

A slight smile curved his lips, then he suppressed his emotions and his voice returned to calm:
"Why didn't you say goodbye before you came?"

Cohen appeared before Belmody in a flash, his hands naturally encircling the witch's slender waist, and whispered in her ear:

"I missed Sister Bei, so I came."

Belmody was still a little uncomfortable with such intimate gestures, her body stiffened slightly, and she tried to push him away.

Cohen applied slight pressure and forcefully kissed Belmody's red lips.

……

……

……

After entering the legend again, Cohen stroked the alluring outline of Belmody, quite fond of it.

Vermouth had clearly recovered from her lust; she slapped away Cohen's mischievous hand, got up, and rummaged through her clothes, her voice calm:

"You didn't come here just to sleep with me, did you?"

Cohen thought to himself, "What else can I do?"

Of course, he would never dare to say such a thing. He repeatedly stated that he missed the other person and that's why he took time out of his busy schedule to meet her.

As for whether it's missing the body or missing a person?
Cohen stated that there is no difference between the two.

To prevent Bayonetta from continuing to bring up the matter, Cohen changed the subject, saying with concern:
"Have you been very busy lately? Why are you so late coming home? Is something wrong?"

Belmod glanced back at Cohen and said calmly:
"These are all matters within the oasis. Recently, the Chaotic Demon Continent has become somewhat restless again, with many dark mages appearing in the city-states."

They must all be people connected to the Black Magic Touch.

The largest organization in the Chaotic Demon Continent is called "Touch of Black Magic," and it is mostly composed of dark mages. People from the Chaotic Demon Continent were behind the Tillers City-State back then.

Upon hearing the name Chaotic Demon Continent, Cohen frowned and asked:
"What does that demon lord want to do?"

Belmod said in a low voice:

"It's most likely that the expansion of the Endless Alliance made the Demon Lord feel threatened."

In the past two or three years, the power of the Endless Alliance has grown stronger and stronger. Chaotic Demon Continent is the closest to it, and most of the neutral gangs and civilians there have moved to the Endless Alliance.

The Demon Lord is probably getting restless.

"Even those in the Lost Lands know that the Endless Alliance is under my protection, so it's understandable that the Demon Lord would open a breach from the Mysterious Continent."

Cohen's expression darkened slightly; so it was still his fault.

But there's nothing that can be done about it; if the Endless Alliance wants to develop, its confrontation with the Chaotic Demon Continent is almost inevitable.

Compared to the other oasis factions, the Endless Alliance's various administrative measures and benefits were far more attractive to the lower and middle-class residents of the Lost Lands.

If this continues, the population of Chaotic Demon Continent will rapidly decline.

Thinking of this, Cohen couldn't help but worry about Mavis, who was still lurking in the Chaotic Demon Continent, and asked:
"How's it going with Mavis?"
Should we withdraw first?

Belmod's gaze softened considerably, and he said:
“I mentioned it to her, but she felt that staying in the Chaotic Demon Continent would be more useful.”

Her identity has not been revealed so far.

In fact, most of the information that led to the discovery of so many dark mages was provided by Mavis.

Cohen felt a little relieved, took Belmody's hand, and said softly:

"Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll come back and work with you to deal with the chaotic Demon Continent."

Sooner or later, I will make Bayonetta the master of the entire Lost Lands.

Belmody snorted and shook off Cohen's hand:

"Don't give me such a big title. I just want to manage my Mysterious Continent. As for the rest, you can find another woman to manage it for you."

Cohen chuckled awkwardly:
“In the ‘Lost Land,’ I only had one woman: Bayonetta.”

Belmody kicked Cohen, tied up her messy hair, cleaned the marks on her body, and reminded Cohen:
“Mavis has been staying in the Potion City-State recently, and for safety’s sake, I’ve had her cut off all contact with the Endless Alliance.”

Be careful when you go to see her, don't let the Demon Lord's people find you.

Cohen paused for a moment, thinking that Mavis was still in the Endless Alliance.

It now seems that the situation is much more serious than he imagined; Mavis doesn't even have time to secretly help him manage the Endless Alliance anymore.

Cohen asked:

"So who's in charge of the Endless Alliance now?"

Belmaudie was already dressed and had transformed back into the aloof Lord of Sequences, the Cursed Witch.

His cool gaze swept over Cohen, who was reaching out, and he said:
"Important decisions will be sent to me, and everything else is operating according to the policies you initially formulated."

I go there in person every month, and so far it seems to be operating fairly normally.

Cohen said sincerely:
"Sister Bei, thank you so much. I really don't know what I would have done without you."

A subtle smile played at the corners of Vermoti's lips, but his tone remained icy:

"With so many women in the harem, why not just pick one at random?"

Cohen broke out in a cold sweat. Sure enough, no matter what level a woman is at, they're all the same when they get jealous.

Vermoti suddenly paused for a moment and said:

"Oh, right, there's something else I need to tell you. When you came last time, Manager Moro and his group wanted to see you."

They kept urging them to meet, even sending someone to stake out the government office in the Endless City, after the meeting failed.

"If you have time this time, go and meet them." Only after Sister Bei's reminder did Cohen remember.

Sister Bei was referring to the group of "investors" who secretly controlled "Farmers' City" at the time.

Behind these people are powerful forces that dominate the "Lost Lands," including Morrow, the continental manager of "Unicorn Trading Company," Archbishop Ino Filkis of the "Fallen Church," Liman Taiwo, one of the heirs of the financial tycoon Taiwo family, Precito Solari of the old noble family Solari of the "Lost Lands," and the famous arms dealer Damp Nilsson.

This includes veteran intelligence officer Ryder Gallo, who was later recruited by Cohen.

Ryder had mentioned this when Cohen met Freya in the "Lost Lands".

However, after the "Bayonetta potion side effects" and the "forced assault on Mavis" incident, Cohen, who was so engrossed in the beauty's embrace, forgot about the meeting.

At the time, Cohen speculated that the other party probably represented their respective forces and wanted to discuss matters concerning the human continent with him.

The changes on the mainland two years later will not only affect human nations, but also severely disrupt lost lands.

These powerful forces are no match for the five Oasis-level Lords, so they want to leave a way out for human nations before the great turmoil.

King Cohen of Efein, who has always maintained a good cooperative relationship with them and has a high reputation and power on the human continent, is the best partner.

Cohen nodded and said:
"I understand about this matter, and I will handle it when I have time."

Manager Morrow and his group weren't a big deal, and Cohen quickly made a decision. Then, as if remembering something, he asked:

"By the way, Sister Bei, I haven't had a chance to ask yet how the Endless Alliance's army is doing lately."

Have they achieved initial combat capability?

Initially, the defense of the Endless Alliance was handled by Cohen's orc legion. Later, due to the need for the Northwest Regional Conference and the stabilization of the domestic situation, most of the orcs were transferred away.

The Endless Alliance has essentially become an empty shell, relying entirely on the titles of Lord of Sequences and Cursed Witch to maintain its facade.

Later, when the situation stabilized and Cohen had time to free up his resources, he began to rebuild military strength in the Endless Alliance.

Whether it was orc or divine/demonic equipment, it was all secretly sent to the Endless City.

They even selected several experienced generals from the King Effie's Military Academy to help the Endless Alliance establish a complete military defense system.

This project has been going on for about two years, and Grace was in charge of it from the beginning.

Later, the eldest princess went to the Crimson Raiders with him, leaving the matter to Mavis to handle. Recently, Mavis has been unable to attend to the matter due to the chaos in the Demon Continent, so Cohen asked Belmody about it.

Vermoti's answer reassured Cohen considerably:
"Ensuring the safety of the Endless Alliance is not a problem."

Before your succubus lover left, he had already established a preliminary defense system.

Cohen felt relieved and looked at Belmody, who was preparing to leave, knowing she was going to handle the affairs of the Mysterious Continent again. He asked:
"Sister Bei, when are you coming to Alfie with me?"
The Noble Martial Arts Festival is about to begin. Generally, you need to arrive in the host city a month in advance.

Hmm... there should still be two months left.

Belmod paused for a moment, then said:

"I will go the day before I leave."

She didn't want to go to Effie too soon, and Cohen probably already guessed the real reason.

It seems that when Beckham went to Florence to receive her investiture last time, she didn't get along very well with the Queen.

Come to think of it, it's already a good thing that two equally powerful and stunningly beautiful women, who are also rivals in love, don't fight when they meet.

Since Bayonetta was adamant, Cohen couldn't persuade her any further. He stood up, expressed his deep love in his own way, and then watched her leave the wizard tower.

……

Chaotic Demon Continent, Potions City-State.

Cohen stopped at a magnificent and luxurious building in the center of the city-state, the Castle of the God of Music, the core power institution of the Potions City-State, and also the residence of the city-state's lord, Mavis.

Cohen observed the area around the castle for a while but didn't find anyone suspicious.

This discovery put him at ease; it seemed that Mavis's identity had not yet been exposed.

He walked into the shadows, his magic surging, and vanished into the darkness, entering the Castle of the God of Music within the Shadow Dimension.

The last time I came to the Castle of Music was to help Mavis find the potion to advance to the level of a half-legendary, and I came as a collaborator.

This time, he came as the male head of the household to comfort his woman.

Having stayed here for many days before, Cohen was familiar with the internal structure of the Castle of Music and easily found his way to Mavis's office.

After sensing something, he realized someone was inside, so he revealed himself and knocked on the office door.

Mavis was handling official business when she heard a knock at the door and couldn't help but wonder.

According to the working system inside the Castle of Music, everyone who wants to see Mavis must make an appointment with their lady-in-waiting in advance.

The night before, the lady-in-waiting would give Mavis a list of people to be met the next day, and she would decide whether to meet with those people.

So generally speaking, unless there is an emergency, no one will knock on your office door.

Mavis didn't stop what she was doing and asked:
Is that Auriel?

What happened?

There was a moment of silence outside the door.

Mavis immediately became alert, recalling the recent unrest in the Chaotic Demon Continent. She stopped what she was doing, her magic surged, and a fierce look appeared in her eyes.

Cohen sensed the magical fluctuations in the room and realized he had gone a bit too far with the joke.

It seems the situation in the chaotic continent is indeed quite serious lately, as Mavis has become so cautious even in his own office.

To avoid any misunderstanding, he spoke softly:
"it's me."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Mavis felt a sudden emptiness in her heart, which was then filled with immense joy.

He then suppressed his strong emotions, tried to calm himself down, and spoke in a cold and stern tone:
"who I am?

"No name?"

Cohen wasn't going to tolerate her anymore and barged in by pushing open the door.

Mavis stared at Cohen with a hostile look in her eyes:
"What are you doing here? Do we know each other well?"
"Get out of here right now, or I'll call for help."

Cohen flashed in front of Mavis, grabbed her hands, and grinned wickedly:
"Aren't you familiar with each other?"

I feel like I'm quite familiar with your body.

Mavis shrugged, pulled away from Cohen's embrace, and kept a straight face:
"Don't touch me, I'm not your plaything."

Feeling neglected after not having contacted Mavis for so long, the pianist gave Cohen a cold shoulder.

Cohen knew he had done something wrong, so he quickly tried to soothe her gently, and after a lot of effort, he finally calmed Mavis's expression down a lot.

Seeing that the pianist's attitude had softened, Cohen's hands started to wander again, and he carried Mavis into the inner room.

Mavis put up a token resistance for a few moments, then stopped struggling. After not seeing each other for so long, she was starting to miss that feeling...

……

……

……

Mavis never imagined that one day she would be forced by a man to do such an obscene activity on her favorite piano.

Fortunately, the room was extremely well soundproofed; otherwise, the maids of the Music God City would have wondered why the Lord's piano playing sounded so strange today.

The rhythm was chaotic, and the pitch fluctuated wildly, lacking any aesthetic appeal whatsoever.

Cohen kissed Mavis's forehead and whispered:

“I heard from Sister Bei that the situation in Chaotic Demon Continent is quite serious recently. Why don’t you withdraw?”

A warm feeling rose in Mavis's heart, and her voice became slightly hoarse:

"No need, I know what I'm doing."

I will come back when it's dangerous.

I can help my sister more here.

Besides, won't someone eventually conquer the 'Lost Lands' anyway?

A tender feeling welled up in Cohen's heart.

Mavis suddenly asked:
How is Melanie doing lately?

Cohen paused for a moment, then said:

"That's good. By the way, she will also be representing Effie in this Noble Martial Arts Festival."

Mavis replied softly:
"I heard from my sister that she's going to participate too, right?"

Cohen nodded and said:
"Yes, Sister Bay is participating in the Legendary category, and with her current strength, she has a very good chance of winning the 'Strongest Legend' title."

A hint of regret appeared in Mavis's eyes as she said softly:

"It's a pity my identity is too sensitive, otherwise I could help you participate in the competition and get more points."

Cohen said gently:

"It's alright, you can help me in the Endless Alliance, and you've already helped me a lot."

Mentioning Melantha and the conquest of the Lost Lands, Cohen thought about the true identities of the two sisters.

A plan to successfully conquer the "Lost Land" in the future slowly took shape in his mind.

The origin of the name "Lost Land" is due to the fall of the Arcane Empire, which left behind various magical currents and traps on this land.

Therefore, it can be said that this land nominally belongs to the Arcane Empire.

And Mavis and Melantha are descendants of the Arcane Empire's royal family...

A hint of seriousness appeared in Cohen's eyes.

In the future, the gods will descend upon the land, causing turmoil. More nations will need to join forces with Effie to resist this chaos.

Instead of worrying about the ill intentions of the countries you cooperate with, why not build a few countries that you can completely trust?

If the Starburst Clan wants to restore their nation, why can't the Arcane Empire do the same?
Perhaps I can take advantage of this meeting with Manager Moro and his group to subtly probe their intentions.

According to the future covenant of the gods, all living beings on the continent of Demon Tide can only compete if they establish nations.

The competition was about the strength and territory of the various countries.

The loosely organized forces of the "Lost Lands" will eventually unite to form a new nation.

However, we'll have to wait until Cohen truly understands the real reason why the gods joined forces to destroy the Arcane Empire!

Otherwise, if they rashly restore the kingdom, they will easily be attacked by the gods.

Mavis waved her hand in front of Cohen and said in an unfriendly tone:

"Which woman are you thinking about this time?"

Cohen snapped out of his reverie, composed himself, a smile playing on his lips, and embraced Mavis's delicate body, whispering:
"Right now, my heart belongs only to the elegant and beautiful Miss Mavis!"

……

(End of this chapter)