Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 361 Queen, Your King Has Returned!

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Herman, who had just taken office as Supreme Court Justice, continued Holt's words:

"There's no need to choose so many."

His Majesty has given direct instructions regarding the selection of participants for the Gold Group.

In addition to the contestant mentioned by Baron Holt, three other contestants have also been confirmed.

They are Her Royal Highness Princess of Windsor, Miss Melantha, who is about to be made 'Marquis of the Roses', and Miss Isabella Winzer of the Golden Wing family.

No sooner had Hermann finished speaking than a middle-aged man spoke up and asked:
"There's no problem with Her Highness the Princess and the Marquis's daughter, but Miss Wenze of the Golden Wing family is a noblewoman of the Central Empire, isn't she?"

How could she represent our Effie in the Noble Martial Arts Festival?

After the middle-aged official finished speaking, the entire government affairs hall fell into a deathly silence.

Hermann's expression stiffened as he stared at the middle-aged official who had just spoken, as if he were looking at a fool.

I thought to myself, "Why do you have to bring up such a sensitive topic? Why do you have to make it so clear in front of Her Majesty the Queen?"
The other ministers also exchanged glances secretly. Some of the bolder ones would steal a look at Her Majesty the Queen and, finding that Her Majesty the Queen did not show any anger, would involuntarily breathe a sigh of relief.

The middle-aged official also realized something was wrong at this moment, but unfortunately, he had always been the kind of official in the court who had no powerful faction or backing, and he didn't have much contact with the Corleone royal family or the core of the Effie.

Therefore, they are unaware of some sensitive matters involving the upper echelons of the nation.

After a long silence, Queen Adele broke the tense atmosphere by speaking:
"The Corleone royal family is discussing a marriage alliance with the Goldwing family."

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Miss Wenze will become one of our Aifein citizens in a month.

Although the news has not been officially announced, some well-informed people present already knew about it.

Only someone like a middle-aged official, who has no access to information within the core of Effie, would be foolish enough to question Isabella's identity.

However, he was smart enough not to ask any more questions about who Miss Wenze would marry.

After a brief silence, Herman coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to the selection of participants for the Noble Martial Arts Festival:
"That means that four players have been confirmed for the Gold Group, and there is one main draw spot and one reserve spot left."

What are your thoughts on the selection and confirmation of these two spots?

Viscount Alberto, the Lord Keeper of the Seals, spoke first:
"The entry requirement for the Gold Group is that participants must be under 40 years old."

Among the entire Effiin noble family, there shouldn't be many extraordinary individuals who meet this criterion; let's select the best from among them.

For most people on the mainland, the Silver Rank is the limit that ordinary superhumans can reach.

To be able to break through the gold level is definitely the mark of a genius.

Not to mention, breaking through to the gold standard before the age of forty is extremely rare.

Among all the noble children of Effie, there are probably not many Gold-ranked individuals under the age of forty.

Viscount Alberto's proposal was quickly accepted by everyone.

Compared to the other groups, the Gold Group is probably the one that the officials at Effie have the most confidence in.

Princess Windsor is a princess of the Winged Elf race, a student of the current Elf Queen, and a candidate for the future Elf Queen. With her extraordinary level at the peak of the ninth rank and the profound foundation of the Winged Elf race, she is definitely a strong contender for the "strongest gold".

Miss Melanie, the "Marquis of Roses," who recently returned to China, also possesses a transcendental level that is halfway to legendary status, making her a top contender.

As for the Golden Winged Daughter, needless to say, as the Golden Winged Daughter, she is backed by the wealthiest family on the continent, so her combat strength is unlikely to be lacking.

As for that mysterious contestant, since he can be ranked alongside these three, he must have some skill.

Therefore, the ministers didn't care too much about the remaining two spots; as long as they could make up enough people and not lose too badly, that was fine.

After the discussion of the Gold Group concluded, Foreign Minister Holt continued:

"Let's discuss the Bronze and Silver groups together."

Miss Nephthys will represent Effie in the Bronze Group.

The Silver Group consists of His Majesty and the Red Dragon Duchess.

In addition to the three already confirmed spots, there are seven main draw spots and two reserve spots, for a total of nine players who need to be selected.

What are your thoughts?

Soon someone suggested:
"Why not do what we did with the Gold Group and have all the big and small aristocrats in the country submit a list of qualified candidates, and then select the right ones from among them?"

Soon someone said:

What is the most appropriate selection method?
There are many more qualified participants in the Bronze and Silver groups. With so many people, are they all supposed to compete in the same match?

Someone else said:
"Fighting a match isn't difficult, but how should we fight?"
Are magical equipment allowed?

The main competition of the Noble Martial Arts Festival requires that participants are allowed to bring magical weapons that do not exceed their own extraordinary level.

If we were to make the same demand, those powerful and influential nobles would surely be able to find the highest-level magical weapons for their sons and grandsons.

Wouldn't this be unfair?

One official chimed in:

"Background is also part of strength. The main competition of the Noble Martial Arts Festival requires participants to bring magical weapons, so this factor must be taken into account during the selection process."

Are you expecting our Alfein contestants to enter empty-handed?

The official just now retorted:
"Viscount Guyon, please don't try to change the subject."

I did not say that contestants were not allowed to carry magical weapons.

What I mean is that when selecting contestants, we need to consider people from different backgrounds, as unfair situations may arise due to differences in the level of their magical weapons.

Our goal is to select the most outstanding extraordinary individuals to serve the country, as for magical equipment.

Her Majesty the Queen has previously stated that there will be special funds to ensure that every participant in the Noble Martial Arts Festival has the most suitable magical weapon.

Therefore, I think we should consider requiring candidates not to bring magical weapons into the competition during the selection phase?

Then another official said:

"It's not really appropriate not to use any weapons."

Some extraordinary professions require magical weapons to unleash their full combat power.

For example, a mage.

Mages below the Gold rank have not yet mastered the 'Spellcasting Skill' and must use a staff to cast spells quickly.

If we don't let them use it, their combat effectiveness will definitely be greatly reduced.

That's unfair to these people.

The officials discussed the matter heatedly and could not reach a consensus.

Prime Minister Angus tapped the table, and the council chamber fell silent.

Angus said:
"Let's set aside the question of whether or not to carry magical weapons for now."

Let's first discuss the scope of selection, choosing from the sons of various nobles... Is this the consensus of everyone?

Angus's words immediately silenced everyone.

If not from the nobility, should they be chosen from the commoners?

The important part of the Noble Martial Arts Festival is the word "Noble".

This was originally a competition stage specifically provided for nobles, and it was also a competition specially organized by the gods to commend the human nations that participated in the war between gods and demons.

Angus's words left everyone somewhat confused.

An older official tentatively asked:
Does the Prime Minister mean to broaden the selection pool?

Angus said calmly:
"His Majesty and the Queen have emphasized the importance of this Noble Martial Arts Festival many times, so I will not repeat it here."

What I want to say is that compared to those empires and kingdoms that have been passed down for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, our foundation is too shallow.

If we stick to the old methods, we won't stand a chance.

This has been made very clear.

The old method was to select only from the nobility. Since the old method is no longer used, the only option is to expand the selection pool and choose from the common people.

However, this would expand the scope significantly and increase the workload exponentially.

An official asked cautiously:
"Prime Minister, it seems that the Noble Martial Arts Festival requires participants to be nobles."

Angus's answer made everyone a little uneasy:
"The issue of identity is very simple; the Queen has already discussed it with me."

All the contestants selected to represent Effie in the Noble Martial Arts Festival, whether in the main competition or as substitutes, will be granted the title of Honorary Baron.

If they achieve a ranking, they will be granted a hereditary title!

So many noble titles were conferred all at once?
The ministers' expressions were somewhat strange.

Normally, these people would go to great lengths and put in a lot of effort to secure a noble title for their children or descendants.

They also frequently schemed against each other, arguing fiercely.

The fact that they can now obtain this simply by participating in a competition is so unusual that it's hard for them to accept it psychologically.

Alfein has only so many resources; every additional noble means another slice of the pie will have to be taken away.

Just like how the first thing people do when they get on an elevator is to press the close button.

These vested interests absolutely do not want to share the profits they have gained with outsiders.

No matter how unwilling they were, the word "Queen" weighed heavily on their hearts like a mountain.

They had no courage to question or refute this youngest legendary figure on the continent.

Her Highness the Queen's indifferent gaze swept over the crowd, and she parted her red lips slightly:

"The selection process is not limited to commoners and nobles, but extends to the entire Effie."

Anyone who truly identifies as an Effie can participate in the selection process.

Anyone in Effie?
Doesn't that mean even criminals and slaves can participate in the selection?

For a moment, the officials looked at each other in disbelief, utterly shocked by the Queen's decision.

But in the end, he still didn't dare to say anything in rebuttal.

Angus picked up where Yardelle left off and continued:

"The selection process will follow the rules of the Extraordinary Arena."

Every eligible contestant can register for the qualifying rounds at the Super Arena.

After registration closes, participants will be grouped and matched based on their registration status.

Each player will be guaranteed ten matches, and those with a winning percentage of more than 50% will be seeded.

Then, they were divided into groups for one-on-one elimination matches until the most skilled player was selected.

As for the questions that everyone is concerned about, such as whether magic equipment is allowed and what level of magic equipment is allowed... this is easy to solve.

All magical equipment used by everyone is provided by us.

These words immediately sparked a discussion in the council hall.

Finance Minister Viscount Schröder rose and said:
"Prime Minister, with so many participants, and all the magical weapons they use being provided by us, isn't this a bit too much of an expense?"

We cannot prepare such a large quantity of magical equipment in a short time.

The Prime Minister said calmly, “This matter does not require your financial assistance.”

There are other channels through which these weapons and equipment can be coordinated.

Upon hearing the Prime Minister's words, everyone couldn't help but recall what Her Highness the Queen had just mentioned about the marriage alliance between the Corleone royal family and the Golden Wing family.

As the wealthiest family on the mainland, these things are indeed not a problem for the Golden Wing family.

However, they were mistaken. The reason why Effie was able to provide so much magical equipment was not so much related to the Golden Wing family.

They mainly relied on the smelting tribes of the dwarves.

The Prime Minister continued:

"If everyone has no objections, we will proceed with the implementation of today's discussion results after we leave."

The preliminary registration period is set for next Monday, and registration can be done at the Super Arena in major cities.

I've already spoken to Raymond, the person in charge of the Extraordinary Arena, about this matter, and the Extraordinary Arena will fully cooperate with our work.

Finally, let me emphasize again, this is a political task, and all levels of departments and staff must take it seriously!

"Yes!"

……

Dwarves, the Forging Tribe.

After several years of development, the Forging Tribe has reversed its previous decline and become completely transformed.

Relying on the large number of weapon orders from the human continent provided by the Golden Wing family and Effie, and with Cohen's guidance, they found the forging workshop left behind by the ancestral forging god Orn.

The Smelting Tribe has emerged from its precarious situation and is thriving.

Tribal council chamber.

As the Forging Clan developed, Chieftain Ironrock Orn's position became increasingly secure, and he gained recognition from all levels of the clan.

Ironrock sat on the chieftain's throne, with Brooke Steelaxe, the chief of the council of elders, beside him, Ironrock's right-hand man.

Next are representatives of the three classes: warriors, artisans, and commoners.

General Nien Vick, Master of the Craftsmen's Guild Tolkien Quenching, and High Priest Hiram Bronzebeard.

Five people together formed the leadership core of the Forging Tribe.

Compared to the uneasy young dwarf he first met Cohen a few years ago, Ironrock now exudes an aura of authority in every gesture.

He looked at the three people below the stage and said in a deep voice:
"What are everyone's thoughts on the proposal regarding the Golden Winged Daughter and the Western Regions Empire?"

Brooke pondered for a moment, then spoke:
"Chief, the key question now is whether the intelligence they mentioned is true."
Could it be a deliberate attempt to incite conflict within our dwarven tribal alliance?

Tolkien picked up where Brook left off, saying:

"I remember when the chieftain first took the throne, he mentioned that the Barbarian Hammer tribe was secretly cooperating with the Eastern Empire."

Based on this, the other side's intelligence is very likely true.

The group turned their gaze toward General Nien.

Nien's nephew, who is also Ironrock's older brother and the eldest son of the former chieftain, Rockheart Orn, married the daughter of the Great General of the Wildhammer tribe.

After Ironrock took over, Rockheart began to spend less and less time in the tribe, and like Ironrock before him, he often went to the human continent.

General Nien shook his head and said:

"Since the chief took over, the Barbarian Hammer tribe has taken the initiative to cut off contact with me."

However, based on my previous interactions with the Barbarian Hammer tribe, I'm inclined to believe this information is true.

The Eastern Empire's military is preparing to support the Barbarian Hammer tribe in unifying the dwarves.

Moreover, they have secretly transported a large amount of war supplies to the Barbarian Hammer tribe and hidden many high-level superhumans.

High Priest Hiram Bronzebeard nodded and said:
"When a great upheaval occurs on the human continent in the future, the dwarves, as the main suppliers of magical weapons, will inevitably become the object of covetousness of all forces."

Rather than being divided and won over by various forces later, it's better for us to take the initiative and unite first.

Chief Iron Rock's eyes flickered slightly as he said:
"Does the High Priest favor the proposal from the Western Regions Empire and the Golden Wing Family to unite with them and unify the dwarves by force?"

The Bronzebeard priest replied in a deep voice:

"I've long disliked the loose dwarven alliance of the Grand Alliance."

On the surface it is an alliance, but in reality it is still the powerful tribe oppressing the weak tribe.

The top-ranking tribes maintain their stable position and prosperity by exploiting vampires.

We are all originally of the same race, so why are we divided into so many tribes?

Our dwarf race is already outnumbered and weaker than the mainstream races on the continent, and we are further divided into so many tribes that fight each other.

This further weakens our strength.

If we don't make changes, once the great upheaval arrives, we dwarves will become slaves, forced to forge weapons and equipment for some other power.

General Nien's eyes lit up, and he asked:

"The high priest means..."

The Bronzebeard priest raised his voice:
"Let's take advantage of the support of the Western Regions Empire and the Golden Wing Family to unify the dwarves, abolish the names of the various tribes, and re-integrate them into a complete dwarf race."

Tieyan looked at the other three and asked:
“What the Bronzebeard priest said is exactly what I wanted to say.”

I imagine that even our ancestral god of forging wouldn't want to see a dwarf tribe each going its own way.

Let's not forget, during the war between gods and demons, we dwarves were a unified race!

A hint of excitement also appeared in the eyes of Elder Steel Axe, the Quenching Guild Master, and General Nien.

With the rapid development of the Forging Tribe in recent years, their ambitions have also grown.

The allure of unifying the dwarves and restoring their ancient glory was too great for them!
With no further objections, the decision of Chief Ironrock was passed.

Tieyan began making detailed arrangements:
"General, I'm entrusting you with the military matters."

Elder Steel Axe, you are responsible for contacting the various small tribes, especially those tribes that have a good relationship with our Smelting Tribe.

Don't reveal your intentions yet; find out the other party's attitude first.

It would be best to make a list to see which ones can be united, which ones can be negotiated, and which ones require taking action.

Master Tempering, the crafting of magical weapons is still entrusted to you. In addition to the orders placed by Miss Wenze, other equipment also needs to be prepared.

Once a major war breaks out, there will definitely be a huge shortage of weapons and equipment.

Also, Priest Bronzebeard, you are responsible for organizing the tribe's civilians and ensuring logistical support.

With Chief Ironrock's arrangement, the war plan representing the Western Empire and the dwarves of Efein was initially successful.

This also means that Isabella and the Western Empire have achieved remarkable results in their work with the Forging Tribe over the past few months.

After the meeting, Chief Iron Rock saw the four people off.

Then, his demeanor changed, and he became much more respectful before entering a secret room on the side of the council hall.

Chief Iron Rock's voice carried a hint of flattery:
"Miss Wen Ze, is this arrangement acceptable to you?"

Isabella said softly:

“Very good, thank you for your support, Chief.”

Tieyan said cautiously:

"I wonder about His Majesty..."

Isabella smiled faintly and said:

"I will convey the chief's attitude to Cohen, please rest assured, Chief Iron Rock."

Effie has always been your strongest support.

Compared to the unfamiliar Western Empire, Tieyan was more willing to believe the young king who had single-handedly placed him on the throne of chieftain.

Tie Yan breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"Miss Wenze mentioned earlier that she needs a large number of bronze and silver grade magic weapons. When is that needed?"

Isabella said:

"The sooner the better."

Tie Yan hesitated for a moment, then said:
"If that's the case, the Forging Tribe does have some stock, which are practice pieces from when they were training forging craftsmen."

Although they are not standard magical weapons, their quality is definitely up to standard.

"If Miss Wenze doesn't mind, I can send these stock items over first."

Isabella said:

"Sure, inventory is fine too."

"Then send it over as soon as possible, using the same trade route."

"it is good."

Isabella continued:

"By the way, I'm about to leave the dwarves, and I probably won't be able to come back for the next six months or so."

If you have any other needs, I can pass them on to Cohen.

Tie Yan's expression shifted slightly, and after a moment's thought, he said:
"Nothing else, except that after the dwarves are unified in the future..."

Isabella smiled slightly and said slowly:
"Rest assured, Chief Ironrock, Cohen will not mistreat those who have been loyal to him."

Tie Yan felt immediately reassured and skillfully performed the etiquette of a human nobleman:

"Miss Wenze, please take care on your journey. Welcome to the Dwarf Tribe again."

……

After Cohen left the Lost Land with the necklace, he opened the Book of Time and returned to his Florence Palace.

Since he didn't know how long he would be staying in the Lost Land, Cohen didn't tell Ada beforehand, intending to give her a surprise.

Unfortunately, it wasn't given.

Recently, Yadel has had a rare period of free time.

After all, Windsordler, Melantha, and Asuna had already returned to Florence.

Why not take advantage of such good free labor?

The three of them had just returned when Adel assigned them various tasks. Under the pressure of the Queen, they could not voice any objections and accepted the appointments.

Adele lay on the recliner in the study, comfortably reading the books on magic circles that Cohen had collected for her from all over the continent.

Just then, a familiar spatial fluctuation flashed by, and Adele's lips curled into an alluring smile as she put down the book in her hand.

The moment Cohen returned to his palace, he sensed the presence of his sister, the Queen.

With a flash, he arrived at the study, gazing at the peerless figure before him who haunted his dreams, and softly said:
"Your Majesty, your King has returned!"

(End of this chapter)