Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 369 Going to the Golden Wing Family to Propose Marriage!
(Thanks to reader "Sister's Cat in Her Arms" for the generous donation, thank you so much!!!)
Isabella believed this.

Three years ago, before the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, Yardelle had specifically approached her to ask her to send Cohen away first.

Moreover, judging from his appearance back then, he was clearly prepared to fight to the death.

As the most beautiful woman on the continent and a powerful superhuman capable of suppressing legends at the Gold rank, Adel clearly had more choices and ways out, yet she still insisted on standing in front of Cohen.

This speaks volumes.

Adele turned her head, her gaze seemingly passing through the palace gates, and saw Cohen standing anxiously outside. She said:
"My possessiveness has always been very strong."

In my initial plan, our relationship was one where no one was allowed to interfere.

Upon hearing this, Isabella paused, a hint of unease appearing in her eyes.

She was completely stunned by Adele's recollection of the past and her emotional journey.

She is already deeply trapped in the label of being a mistress, a vile third party who desecrates such sacred love, and cannot extricate herself from it.

Hearing what Ada said again, she couldn't help but feel flustered.

A flash of sharpness crossed Adele's eyes. After a moment of silence under Isabella's anxious gaze, she sighed softly.
"But he eventually became a mature man, and a king at that."

By the time I learned of your existence... it was already too late.

I know Cohen. If I force him to sever ties with you, he might do it, but it will leave an irreparable scar in his heart.

I've taken care of him since he was a baby, how could I bear to let him get hurt?

So… do you understand what I mean?

Isabella secretly breathed a sigh of relief, having more or less figured out what Adele meant.

She bit her lower lip, lowered her head slightly, and spoke softly:
"Sister, don't worry, I understand what you mean."

I didn't really care about status or titles anyway.

I will handle things with the family and will definitely not make things difficult for Cohen.

Adele extended her slender fingers to lift Isabella's stunning face, a smile appearing in her eyes:
"Then we're family from now on..."

……

Outside their bedroom was a thousand-step corridor made of milky white marble, with a soaring vaulted ceiling and intricate reliefs.

The reliefs are mostly based on scenes of heroic battles and ceremonies from Effie’s history.

Recently, a lot of new content has been added, such as Queen Adele defeating the Empress to become the "strongest Silver", breaking the legend at the Northwest Region Exchange Meeting and destroying the Black Tomb. Of course, the most shocking scene is His Majesty the King leading the Orc army to turn the tide and slaughter everyone.

Cohen looked up at the relief, but his mind was already in his bedroom.

"Isn't it going to turn into a fight?"

Cohen's mind was filled with chaotic thoughts, and he couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.

He wanted to eavesdrop, but the Queen's powerful isolation array prevented him from hearing any sound from the palace.

Finally, the sound of the door hinges turning came. Cohen flashed to the doorway and found that Isabella was not in any abnormal condition, so he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Suppressing the distracting thoughts in his mind, he said gently:
"What are you talking about? Why are you taking so long?"

Isabella arched her eyebrows and whispered:

"The Queen has something else to discuss with you. I'll wait for you in the study."

After saying that, he left first.

Cohen scratched his head and stepped into the palace.

"Are you feeling distressed?"

Cohen grinned and said with a smile:

"I'm worried that the two of you will argue."

Adele beckoned to Cohen, who rushed over in a hurry.

"Be careful when you arrive at the Golden Wing Family."

With so many secrets about you, it's impossible for the Golden Wing family, including the Pale Wings, not to be tempted.

I believe in Isha, but that doesn't mean I believe in her family, understand?

Cohen nodded slightly, his expression grave.
"I understand."

As Adele was tidying up Cohen's clothes, she suddenly asked:
"That saintess from the Starburst Clan is Isabella's elder. Will she also be present?"

Cohen paused for a moment, then realized that Yalder was referring to Saint Garin. He had momentarily forgotten that Saint Garin was Isabella's aunt.

The two have a very close relationship, and the other will definitely be present on such an important occasion.

Adele continued:
"If any emergency occurs, she is someone you can trust."

Cohen nodded in approval.

The cooperation between Effie and the Star Clan is deepening, and the prospects look very promising.

With the support of the Star Clan, the Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) has spread its operations across the entire continent. It has stations in the capital and major cities of almost every country, and also has more than 100 operatives and intelligence personnel.

In fact, most of the secret agents are of a high rank and have access to more critical intelligence.

Various high-level extraordinary beings, especially the legendary and saintly Star Race, have made up for the lack of high-level extraordinary power in Effie.

With Effie's help, the Starbringers finally acquired vast territories and a formidable army.

We can rebuild the empire once the situation changes.

This extremely close cooperative relationship also means that Saint Garin, as a saintess, can become one of Cohen's most trusted people.

Cohen said softly:

"It shouldn't come to that. I'll be careful."

By the way, I discovered a talent in the Lost Lands, a highly gifted mechanic.

I've already instructed the Military Intelligence Bureau to send him to Effie; he'll be in charge of the newly established military equipment department.

A master mechanic?
Adel also knew the importance of the profession of Mechanic to a country, so she wrote it down and replied:

"I understand. I will make proper arrangements once the others arrive."

The two then exchanged some more trivial words.

As Adele gazed at the tall, handsome man before her, the memory of setting rules for Isabella stirred something deep within her.

Somewhat moved, she took the initiative to put her arms around Cohen's shoulders.

Cohen, of course, wouldn't spoil the mood, so he leaned down and their lips met.

With a light step, Yalder kicked off her shoes and hooked her legs around Cohen's lower back.

……

……

……

In the study, Isabella was getting impatient by the time Cohen walked in.

To cover up the fact that he had just parted ways with his sister, the Queen, in the palace, Cohen didn't give Isabella a chance to ask further and spoke:
"It's getting late, let's go."

Distracted by Cohen's words, Isabella didn't ask any more questions. She reached out and fiddled with Cohen's clothes, her gaze sweeping over him before she said:
"That's enough, let's go."

Cohen opened the Book of Time and Space, turned to the page marked with Isabella's private residence, and a slight spatial ripple appeared. The two disappeared from the study.

In the nearby palace, Yadel glanced towards the study, a slight smile playing on her lips, before continuing to peruse the official documents submitted by the governors of various provinces.

……

The Central Empire, the City of Sun's Fury.

The Golden Wing family's headquarters are located in Sunfury City, the easternmost coastal city of the Central Empire.

The name "Sunfury" originates from the extinct Sun Elves.

Legend has it that this city was once the royal capital of the Sun Elves, but the Sun Elves later suffered a tragedy and disappeared into the annals of history along with the Arcane Empire.

This royal city, however, was preserved.

As the economic core and lifeline of the eastern part of the Central Empire, Sunfury City gathers more than 80 percent of the industrial parks, financial centers, trading markets, business giants and elites from all walks of life in the entire eastern region of the empire.

All the major powers at the highest levels of the empire, whether it be the Klein royal family, the military, the House of Nobles, the cabinet, or the various dukes and nobles, have a considerable amount of property in Sunfury City.

No matter how many forces intervene, from a thousand years ago, no matter who was the emperor of the Central Empire, Sunfury City has always had only one master—the Golden Wing family of the Pale Wings.

If it weren't for the fact that the name Sunfury City has a history of tens of thousands of years, this golden city might have been renamed Golden Wing City long ago.

As the wealthiest family on the mainland, the Golden Wing family has more or less business dealings with all the officials and merchants of the empire.

Through business means, the Golden Wing family's influence extends to almost every aspect of the empire.

In the very heart of Sunfury City stands a magnificent mansion, its vast expanse stretching as far as the eye can see.

This is the ancestral home of the Golden Wing family. Every decision made from this mansion is enough to change and influence the economic trajectory of the eastern region of the empire.

The Golden Wing Mansion appeared unusually somber today, with the well-equipped Golden Wing Guards having placed the surrounding three blocks under martial law early on.

The city's defense forces were stationed on the outermost perimeter.

It was obvious that something big was about to happen. Soon, as a series of luxurious convoys drove in from outside the city, everyone understood what was about to happen to the Golden Wing family today.

The family crests on these luxury cars are strikingly similar to those of the Gold Wing family, only with slight differences in color.

These were none other than the other four families of the Pale Wings.

The five-winged families of the Pale Wings gathered, clearly to discuss the recent visit of the marriage delegation from Effie to the City of Sunfury.

Seeing this scene, many people showed envy and jealousy. To be able to marry the heir of the richest family on the continent, the daughter of the Golden Wing, is a dream for every man on the continent.

Deep inside the mansion, representatives from the other four wing families had arrived and were being received by a gentle-looking middle-aged man.

This person is the eldest elder of the Golden Wing family, and is considered Isabella's uncle.

The Darkwing family sent an old acquaintance of Cohen's, Pacino Dela, who had competed with him in the Lost Lands and was the second in line to the Darkwing family's throne.

The representative of the Purple Wings family, also the second in line to the throne, Mayer Child, had once been stationed in the Lost Lands for a period of time as part of an observation group.

The Bloodwing family sent Isabella's uncle, Blaze Scarlett, who had previously appeared at the Northwest Regional Conference.

The Silverwing family sent Lori Montoya, the Silverwing patriarch's younger sister.

The men were all old acquaintances, frequently interacting, and began chatting casually after meeting. After a while, Mayer Child looked at the gentle, middle-aged man at the head of the table and asked:
"Elder, I heard that Effie's friends have also come. Shouldn't you invite them out to meet them?"

The Grand Elder smiled:

“I asked them, and they said they would wait until their emperor arrives before meeting everyone together.”

Cohen's planned visit to Sunfury City was top secret; Aziz had only informed the heads of the other four winged families.
These four representatives only learned about it right before their departure.

Pacino continued:
“Efein is not far from the Central Empire, how did he get here in such a short time?”

"I've heard that his queen has developed a long-distance teleportation array. Was the orc army that suddenly appeared on the Ceylon border during the last attack on the Twin Towers fortress using that teleportation array?"

Every battle and every detail of the last Ceylon campaign was closely watched.

In particular, the orc legion that suddenly appeared in Ceylon was arguably the key to the outcome of the entire war.

Although the reason given by Effie's side was that the Winged Elves of the Winged Elf race carried the supplies one by one and flew across the border.

However, some people still raised questions.

Especially considering some clues and the magic array talent that Adeline displayed at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference back then, many people suspect that Effie possesses such a long-distance teleportation array.

Upon hearing Pacino's voice, the hall fell silent.

They gathered here not only to offer their congratulations to the Golden Wing family and witness the marriage of the Golden Wing's daughter, but more importantly, to get up close and personal with the mysterious King Efein.

It would be best to learn about his secrets, such as the orc army, the divine and demonic equipment, and what they care about most: the prophecies about the future!

The reason why the Pale Wings were able to develop rapidly in the last few thousand years and become the most powerful and influential commercial alliance on the continent is because of the relatively stable political structure and environment on the continent.

Once the White Wings descend into major turmoil, they become easy prey for every nation and power, with everyone vying to take a bite.

Xia Zuo's scheme against the Golden Wing family three years ago proved this point.

If the Eastern Empire hadn't foreseen the great upheaval to come, Xia Zuo would never have dared to plot against the Golden Wing family.

Although that was their plan, Pacino got straight to the point, catching the other representatives somewhat off guard.

Ms. Lori of the Silverwing family frowned slightly, thinking to herself, "The Darkwing family has so many people they can send, why did they have to send such an unreliable second young master?"

Maye of the Purple Wings family was also somewhat surprised, a wry smile appearing on her face as she said to Pacino:

“Young Master Pacino, we’re here today to discuss Miss Wenze’s marriage. Shouldn’t we talk about these things after the wedding?”

Pacino also sensed the strange atmosphere around him, but instead of restraining himself, he continued to provoke it:
"What's the big deal? We're all on the same side, all of us are pale wings."

I'm just saying what everyone wants to say but is too embarrassed to say.

The clan chief sent me here because he was worried that everyone would be too concerned about saving face and would hold back on important matters.

As you all know, future changes will be a huge blow to our business alliance.

The sooner we plan ahead, the less impact we will suffer in the future.

Orc legions, divine and demonic equipment, and accurate predictions of future events—these are what we urgently need.

And yet, it is precisely in the hands of King Alfiein, with whom we have a close relationship.

Anyway, the clan chief instructed me before I came that I should cooperate with Cohen at all costs.

Our Five Wings family is closely connected, and now that Cohen is about to become the son-in-law of the Golden Wings family, he can be considered everyone's son-in-law.

This collaboration shouldn't be too difficult to achieve, right, Elder?

Although Pacino's remarks were somewhat blunt, they did make some sense and resonated with the other family representatives.

The reason they were so eager to come here was to get in touch with Cohen and make plans for the future.

This is no child's play; it's a matter of life and death for the family.

Pacino's last sentence, in particular, was clearly putting the Golden Wing family in a very difficult position.

The Grand Elder's face showed no change in expression, as if he had anticipated the current situation.

His gaze swept over the representatives of the four-winged families, and he slowly spoke:
Is this the same idea everyone has?

Lori from the Silverwing family spoke with a hint of apology:
"Young Master Pacino's words were a bit harsh. We're here today mainly to discuss Miss Wenze's marriage."

The others were just incidental.

Of course, it would be ideal if a cooperation could be reached.

Although Blaze of the Bloodwing family is Isabella's uncle, he has always had a marriage alliance with the Goldwing family.

But when it comes to the life and death of the family, it's not the time to talk about personal feelings.

However, his wording was more tactful than Pacino's and Lori's:
"Isa's marriage is definitely a top priority."

Ladies and gentlemen, do not forget that King Efein also has a queen.

A queen who is known as the most beautiful woman in mainland China and the youngest legendary woman in mainland China!
We're all practically family, so let's not go too far with some things.

He paused, then changed his tone and continued:

"However... the patriarch also hinted that if Effie needs any help, we, the Pale Wings, can do our best to provide him with assistance."

Whether it's funding, high-level superhumans, or anything else.

Finally, only Maye of the Purple Wing family remained. He smiled wryly:
"I share the same idea as everyone else."

I was planning to bring it up after the marriage arrangements were finalized, but I didn't expect... sigh, it's a bit inappropriate to discuss this so soon after we met."

Pacino gave a soft hum:
“Maye, don’t play the good guy. I just said what you wanted to say but didn’t dare to.”

The elder smiled, waved his hand to stop the murmurs, and said slowly:
“I understand what everyone means. I have a letter here left by the clan chief for the four of you.”

Please read this letter carefully before you speak.

The four family representatives exchanged glances. As expected of the old fox who led the Golden Wing family, he had even prepared a letter, indicating that he had anticipated this situation.

The group remained silent, took the letter, and after reading it, their faces displayed different expressions.

Overall, however, there was a hint of excitement in them.

Pacino was the first to speak, waving the letter in his hand and saying:
"Elder, Clan Chief Wenze has already..."

The Grand Elder waved his hand to stop Pacino from speaking and calmly said:
“Young Master Pacino, your speech just now has perfectly fulfilled the task assigned to you by Chief Cassius.”

There's no need for further improvisation from here on out.

Pacino looked a little embarrassed. It was clear that everyone had seen through his deliberate attempt to expose their true intentions, which was done on the orders of Cassius, the patriarch of the Darkwing family.

Maye said to Pacino:
"Young Master Pacino, after talking for so long, have some tea to soothe your throat."

With a way out, Pacino stopped insisting, put away the letter, and sat down.

The First Elder smiled gently and addressed the family representatives:

"I just received a message from Miss. They have arrived at the outskirts of Sunfury City and should be there in about an hour."

Because of the King's sensitive status, no one needs to go out to greet Effie; just wait here.

……

Isabella's private residence.

A flash of silver light, and the two appeared in the living room on the first floor.

Looking at the familiar scene before her, Isabella felt a little emotional.

She has been away from home for a long time.

After a brief moment of reflection, Isabella suppressed her emotions and said to Cohen:
"We're still quite a distance from the City of Sunfury. Let's go."

The representatives of the Four-Winged Family and my father should already be waiting at home.

Cohen naturally had no objections, took Isabella's hand, and left the living room.

Isabella had prepared a wind-type magical beast for easy movement outside her private residence, and the two rode the beast towards the City of Sunfury.

On the way, Isabella introduced Cohen to the information about the representatives of the Four-Winged Family, so that he could be prepared.

"...My father told me that the four of them came not only to discuss and witness my marriage, but also, most likely, to the behest of the patriarchs of their respective families."

The secrets you possess hold a fatal attraction for them.

They will most likely use this opportunity to get to know you.

Cohen chuckled and said:

"This is not surprising. Xia Zuo's actions against your family have frightened them."

Even the strongest Golden Wing family is being targeted, let alone them.

Especially given the potential for future turmoil, it's understandable that they want to find a way out for themselves.

Isabella breathed a sigh of relief and said:

"Just keep it in mind."

If they really want to discuss cooperation with you, don't worry about me, just do what you normally do.

This was also Father's wish.

Cohen gently stroked Isabella's hair and whispered:

"Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."

Upon reaching the outskirts of Sunfury City, the two dismounted from their wind-elemental magical beasts, boarded a pre-prepared carriage, and mingled with the Golden Wing family's caravan into the city.

As expected, the caravan headed straight for the Golden Wing family's mansion.

When the Golden Wing Guards, under martial law, saw the markings secretly carried by the convoy, they raised the alert level to another level.

The news quickly reached the mansion, and several stewards came out to wait for the carriage to arrive.

When the carriage arrived at the gate, the steward led it into the mansion.

After entering the gate, the carriage stopped, and a maid who had been waiting lifted the curtain. Isabella's stunning face caused everyone in the mansion to stop what they were doing and bow in unison.
"Miss!"

Isabella waved slightly, then stepped down from the carriage with Cohen.

The maids and servants secretly sized up their future master, the infamous Shadow Lord, King Efein.

A hint of amazement and surprise flashed in their eyes—

Surprisingly handsome and young!

(End of this chapter)