Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 375 The Empress: The Announced Marriage!

With his father being the commander of the Northern Allied Army and himself being a colonel and regimental commander of the Northern Army Group, it seems that Kazimir is a member of the Imperial military.

However, the reality is quite different. It is true that the Iron-Blooded Duke Casio was a staunch supporter of Prince Heinz and a representative figure of the military.

His son, Kazimir, had already secretly joined the House of Nobles.

His true identity is the vice president of the Imperial Noble Academy's secret intelligence agency, which controls the intelligence agency inherited from the successive Noble Academies of the Central Empire and possesses an intelligence network covering the entire continent.

It is one of the most hidden pieces in Heisenberg's hands, and also a backup plan that Heisenberg left outside of Choren.

If Joren is not chosen by Her Majesty the Empress, then Kazimir will be the last resort.

After the list was read aloud, everyone present looked at Her Majesty the Empress, who was seated at the head of the table, awaiting her decision.

Time ticked by, and just as everyone was about to lose patience, Shanis parted her red lips slightly:
"Thank you for your recommendations, my esteemed ministers. I have made my decision regarding the selection of the Imperial Consort."

Countless expectant gazes turned to Xenia, longing to hear the name they desired from her lips.

But today, their Empress is destined to disappoint them.

Xenias didn't say anything more, but instead took out a contract that emanated a faint magical aura and placed it in front of everyone.

Everyone stared at Shanis's actions, completely bewildered.

Prince Atreides paused, then said gently:
"Your Majesty, everyone is still waiting for your decision."

Shanes pushed the contract in front of Prince Atreides and said softly:
"This is my decision."

Everyone's gaze followed Shanis's movements, fixed on the contract, wondering what Her Majesty the Empress meant.

Prince Atreides was also completely bewildered. At Shanes's prompting, he slowly opened the marriage contract that had been arranged for him by Queen Violeka, Cohen's mother, and Shanes, the then-young princess of the Empire.

Atreides opened the contract, his gaze sweeping over the few lines of text on the marriage certificate, and he was so shocked that he stood up abruptly.

Looking at Shanis with disbelief, he asked:
"Your Majesty, this...this...the contents of this..."

Shanis said calmly:
"Yes, the contents of this document are entirely true."

Prince Atreides stared in astonishment, his eyes widening as he leaned back in his chair, stunned.

Seeing Prince Atreides' expression, the others became even more puzzled and curious about the contents of the contract.

Shanis glanced at everyone and said calmly:

"The marriage certificate can be circulated among everyone."

"It can be circulated..." Upon hearing this, a strange feeling flashed through everyone's minds.

Wait, a marriage certificate?
What marriage certificate?
The expressions on everyone's faces became even more astonished.

Next to Prince Atreides was Prince Heinz, who, after hearing what Xenice said, quickly took the marriage certificate from Atreides's hand.

After quickly reading it, a rare moment of blankness appeared on his face. Then, his brows furrowed tightly, and he stood there, lost in thought.

Seeing that the two highly respected princes had fallen into such an abnormal state after reading the contract, everyone became even more anxious.

Regardless of the Empress's presence, they all crowded around to read the contents of the marriage certificate.

Soon, gasps of shock rose and fell, and the entire palace erupted in chaos.

The contract was actually a marriage agreement!
Based on the timeline, Her Majesty the Empress had not even ascended the throne when the engagement was made!

What's happening here?
Why did their Empress get engaged to someone else so early on?

After reading the contents of the marriage certificate, Chief Heisenberg showed a rare look of astonishment.

This engagement completely disrupted all his previous plans.

Shanis was already engaged, but who was it?

Soon, he noticed something unusual about the marriage certificate.

The man's name was obscured by a strange force, making it impossible to see the true identity of the royal consort.

Moreover, this power... doesn't seem to exist on a human continent!

Chief Heisenberg wasn't the only one to discover this anomaly; after the initial shock, everyone else also noticed the unusual details on the marriage certificate.

After a brief period of commotion, the palace suddenly fell silent.

Various complex gazes were cast upon Her Majesty the Empress, who remained seated in the main seat, expressionless.

Prince Atreides suppressed the turmoil in his heart and asked in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, what is the situation with this marriage certificate?"
Why have we never heard of it, nor have we heard the late emperor mention it?

Shanis was silent for a moment, then calmly said:

"Before I returned to the capital to assume the throne, I was hunted down for a period of time."

In a life-or-death situation, a woman saved me.

And she arranged for me to marry her son.

Prince Atreides' face immediately darkened, and he asked:

"Has His Majesty been coerced?"

Shanis raised an eyebrow slightly and said calmly:

"No, she didn't force me to get engaged; it was my own choice."

Prince Heinz then asked:

"Then who is this person?"

Shanis shook her head:
"I don't know."

"Then who is the man..."

Shanis shook her head again:
"do not know."

This plunged everyone in the palace into a state of panic once again.

Is there any need to fulfill a marriage agreement where the groom's identity is unknown?

What is the significance of Her Majesty the Empress producing such a marriage certificate?
Heisenberg finally spoke:
"Your Majesty, is the power used to conceal the groom's name on this marriage certificate... derived from the gods?"

After Chief Heisenberg made these remarks, the meeting room fell silent.

When it comes to the gods, even the proud Central Empire must treat it with caution.

"Yes, this power does indeed come from the gods."

A figure slowly emerged from the long, round table in the distance.

Archmage Victor of the Holy Land!

Holy Mage Victor walked slowly towards the crowd and said:
"His Majesty showed me this marriage certificate a long time ago, and it is certain that the power within it comes from the gods."

When Heisenberg and the others saw Viktor appear, they finally began to understand what was going on.

Today is very likely a trap set by His Majesty.

Her Majesty the Empress knew long ago that if she were to choose a royal consort within the country, he would inevitably come from one of these four factions, and no matter who she chose, he would not become a true member of her own faction.

This marriage certificate is the best way to shirk responsibility.

Ignoring what his subordinates thought, Victor continued:

“A few days ago, I showed this marriage certificate to all the saints, and they all confirmed that it was genuine and came from the hands of the gods.”

It can be confirmed that the woman who saved His Majesty was either a deity or an incarnation of a deity, or possessed by a deity.

However, based on the contents of the marriage certificate, the saints and I tend to favor the first two possibilities.

Prince Atreides' expression had recovered considerably by now, and he asked:

"So, the man on the marriage certificate is very likely a god?"

Although members of the royal and royal families of the Charter Entente could all claim to be sons of the gods.

But everyone knows this is just self-aggrandizement.

Their bloodline has been diluted countless times, and they certainly can't compare to a true divine child.

The Holy Mage Victor did not give a particularly definite answer:
"It's only a possibility, but of course, it's also possible that the woman who made the engagement might have some way to temporarily borrow divine power."

Everyone fell into deep thought.

Chief Heisenberg suppressed his emotions and looked at Shanes:
"Does Your Majesty intend to fulfill this marriage certificate?"

Shanis nodded solemnly:

"My beloved ministers have always hoped that I could find a royal consort to continue the royal bloodline of the Central Empire."

I used to think I was still young and had plenty of time.

However, various signs indicate that the mainland is about to descend into turmoil.

Even our Central Empire might not be able to protect itself, so I believe it's time to leave some heirs for the empire.

A thoughtful look appeared in Chief Heisenberg's eyes. He knew Shanis and he didn't believe that Shanis would marry a complete stranger.

Even if that person really is some kind of divine being.

He was certain that Shanies must have learned the man's name through some means, and even secretly investigated him, admiring him greatly before deciding to announce the engagement to everyone.

Otherwise, why did it take so long to announce it?
This period must have been the time when Shanis was secretly observing.

Shanis stayed in the palace and never left, so she didn't have time to go out and check out any potential fiancés.

Moreover, it involves her life's most important matter, so it's difficult to entrust someone with a relationship. In the past, Windsordler was the only one who seemed like a possibility, but Windsordler is no longer by her side...

A chill ran down Heisenberg’s spine.

Could it be that Windsordler had already accepted the mission and had been secretly investigating for Shanies all along?

The man closest to Windsordler...

Heisenberg shook his head, dismissing the absurd speculation from his mind.

How could it be him?

It really is him. How could Windsordler have married him?

Maybe I think too much.

Many people shared Heisenberg's thoughts, and the attendees whispered among themselves, silently processing the enormous impact of this news.

After waiting a while, Cabinet Chief Executive Hayes, who had remained silent, asked:

"Your Majesty, since you have decided to fulfill the marriage contract, the identity of the man has not yet been determined."

How should this be implemented?

Prime Minister Hayes also nominated several candidates for the Empress, believing that among the four factions, he, as the weakest cabinet, should be able to gain Her Majesty the Empress's favor.

Unexpectedly, a surprise attack occurred: Her Majesty the Empress already had a fiancé.

Shanis winked at Victor.

The Holy Mage Victor said slowly:
"Based on my predictions and deductions, I can confirm that His Majesty's fiancé will also participate in this Noble Martial Arts Festival."

When the contestants from all the countries arrive in Juntandin, our Central Empire will certainly host a welcoming banquet.

This marriage contract can be used at the welcoming banquet to determine who the groom is.

This is why His Majesty presented this marriage certificate before the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Prince Atreides then asked:
"How to be sure?"

Shanis said softly:
"This marriage certificate was made using the blood and soul power of both parties. Whenever the two parties approach the certificate, it will undergo a violent transformation."

As she spoke, Xenias no longer concealed her presence, and the marriage certificate in front of everyone indeed began to vibrate violently.

Chief Heisenberg coldly watched the back-and-forth between Shanis and Victor, the monarch and his minister.

What prophecy predicted that the man would attend the Noble Martial Arts Festival?

When did Viktor, a mage specializing in evocation, become able to make prophecies?
It's clear they already knew the man's identity and that he was also participating in the Noble Martial Arts Festival, which is why they said that.

However, Heisenberg still had one question: since they had already presented the engagement, why not announce the man's name?
However, he couldn't figure it out no matter how hard he tried, because even Shanis herself couldn't remove that hidden power.

Last time, I got a drop of blood from Cohen, and after seeing his name, it wasn't long before the name was covered by this strange power again.

Shanis couldn't just tell everyone that Cohen was her fiancé without any proof.

After much deliberation, she decided to announce the engagement first, and then find an opportunity for Cohen to prove his identity after he arrived in Constantine.

As expected, Victor's words caused a stir in the palace.

Seeing how well Shanis and Victor were cooperating, the ministers had pretty much figured out what was going on.

Their Empress wanted to take this opportunity to finalize her marriage.

A marriage contract blessed by divine power and witnessed by the gods can indeed silence many people.

Most of them shared a common thought at that moment: to hurry back and investigate all the eligible young people participating in the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Let's see which lucky person will become the fiancé of the empress of the most powerful empire in human history!
……

Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Region announces the marriage agreement!

The empress of humanity's most powerful empire is already taken!

Who is this mysterious fiancé?

The human continent, which was actively and nervously preparing for the Noble Martial Arts Festival, was suddenly shaken by this news.

Many men not only sighed with regret.

Adaline, the most beautiful woman in mainland China, married at a young age.

The eldest princess of the Eastern Empire is also engaged to the heir of the Pirate King.

The daughter of Jin Yi, the heir to the wealthiest family in mainland China, has just become someone's princess.

Now only the Empress of the Central Empire remains.

I never imagined that they were already engaged.

All of the top women in mainland China are already taken.

While everyone sighed, they also wondered who this incredibly lucky man was.

Of course, they also had doubts. Since the Central Empire had announced the engagement, why didn't they also announce the Empress's fiancé?
Is it because they're afraid of attracting hatred?
However, another message soon answered their questions.

Her Majesty the Empress will announce her fiancé's name at the welcome banquet of the Noble Martial Arts Festival, and also welcomes all countries to actively participate in this Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Once this news came out, everyone understood the Central Empire's intention: to use this gimmick to attract more countries to participate in the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

It must be said that the effect is quite good.

While the major countries on the continent know the importance of this year's Noble Martial Arts Festival and will not be absent, many smaller countries are unaware of it.

The Central Empire is so far away that many remote small countries had no intention of participating in this noble martial arts festival.

Now that this news has been released, it has generated even more buzz for the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

In the boundless sea, a magnificent cruise ship braves the wind and waves, speeding towards its destination, the central continent.

In the luxurious cabin, Cohen held the message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his brows furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.

Shanis actually has a fiancé, and judging by the looks of it, they're getting married soon.

A shadow fell over Cohen's heart, not for any other reason than that.

Instead, he was worried about the secret agreement between him and Shanies.

Women are emotional creatures; what if Shanies were to reveal her secret to her fiancé in the future...?

Windsordler glanced at Cohen, whose expression was somewhat strange, and a cold smile crept into her mind.

As expected, I was right. You, my philandering lord, have long had your eye on Shanis.

Is he jealous?

She initially wanted to tell Cohen secretly, but then she thought better of it and decided to leave it to Shanis to handle herself.

Isabella had met Shanes with Cohen and knew about their secret deal, and knew that Cohen was troubled by this.

She said softly:
“I am quite familiar with Her Majesty Klein, and she is not the kind of person who would interfere in official business for personal reasons.”

Cohen suppressed his turmoil, and before he could speak, Windsordler spoke up:
"Isa, do you still feel guilty about this?"

"Your Pale Wings are practically Effie's now, and you still say personal feelings won't interfere with official business?"

Isabella blushed slightly, glanced at Cohen, and said:

"Why don't you ask His Majesty Klein?"

Should we give her a heads-up beforehand?

Cohen pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded:

"We need to talk to her."

However, Cohen couldn't very well talk to Shanies in front of so many of his women.

He took out the communication stone and temporarily left the cabin.

Claire was the most unfamiliar with this Empress of the most powerful empire in human history.

She looked at Windsordler curiously and asked:
"I have a feeling your husband has a thing for Her Majesty the Empress?"

Hearing Claire's question, the women who were busy with their own things quietly perked up their ears.

Windsordler smiled slightly, gazing at the flawless face before him, and said:

“I think Cohen is more interested in the most beautiful woman of the sea tribe.”

A burst of hearty laughter immediately filled the cabin.

Claire blushed slightly and gave a soft hum:
"No wonder Cohen is such a womanizer, it's all because you guys spoiled him."

Isabella stopped laughing and said to Windsor:
"No joke, you are His Majesty Klein's most trusted person and best friend."

She also holds the position of Grand Minister. Does she know who Her Majesty the Empress's fiancé is?

Windsordler's eyes flickered slightly, and he shook his head, saying:
"Shanise never told me."

Windsordler cleverly used a linguistic trap.

Just because Shanis didn't tell me doesn't mean I didn't know.

Isabella and the others were also unaware of the loophole in Windsordler's words.

Melantha, who had just finished remotely handling the Black Tomb business, then took over the conversation:

"The Black Tomb once conducted an investigation into Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Empire."

I haven't noticed any indication that she has a fiancé, but something about this feels off.

Nephthys nodded in reply:

"The Military Intelligence Bureau also has no similar intelligence."

Everyone turned their attention to Windsordler.

Windsordler shrugged, thinking to himself, "I can't exactly tell you that Shanies' fiancé is one of you men, can I?"

Seeing that Windsordler refused to reveal anything, the group had no choice but to wait until they reached the Central Continent.

Cohen was naturally unaware of what had happened in the cabin after he left.

He was currently puzzled by this sudden news.

Because in the previous game, Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Empire never announced any marriage contract, nor was there any mention of a fiancé.

Moreover, he has been communicating with Shanies very frequently lately, and she has never mentioned the existence of any fiancé.

Where did this fiancé come from?
He walked into a dedicated communications room, which was equipped with magical communication base stations to ensure that he could communicate with humans on the mainland even in the Endless Sea.

Cohen quickly contacted Shanis.

As Shanis looked at the call from Cohen, a strange smile crept onto her lips.

She then composed herself, reverting to the cold and stern expression of an empress, and connected the communication.

Cohen naturally wouldn't go straight to the point at the beginning, as that would be too obvious.

He first talked about participating in the Noble Martial Arts Festival, assuring everyone that he would definitely be able to severely damage Chief Heisenberg's power at the festival.

Make him obediently spit out the Holy Radiance Academy.

After chatting for a while, seeing that Shanis was getting a little impatient, Cohen finally got down to business:

"Oh dear, I haven't had a chance to congratulate Your Majesty yet. I heard that Your Majesty is getting married soon?"

Shanis's eyes held a hint of a smile, but her tone remained habitually cold:
Yes, that's true.

Thank you for your blessings, Your Majesty Corleone.

Cohen's eyes narrowed slightly as he said:
"Your Majesty, I have no intention of concerning myself with your private affairs; it's merely a secret agreement between us..."

So it turns out he was just afraid that his personal feelings would interfere with their cooperation?
A strange sense of unease rose in Shanis's heart. She had initially thought that Cohen had contacted her because...

Suppressing her emotions, Shanis said calmly:
"Your Majesty Corleone is overthinking it. I am not like the women around you."

It's impossible for her to be so dramatic about dying for a man.

Moreover, I, the Emperor, would never be reduced to a man's possession.

No one else will know about our collaboration.

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then defended his wife:
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty Klein."

However, I want to clarify that Isa and Windsor are completely independent individuals, and I have never asked them to do anything for me.

Our feelings for each other are pure; they are willing to give everything for this love, and I will give them everything I have for this love.

Shanis's displeasure deepened.

Hearing her fiancé profess his love to another woman, even if he's just a fiancé in name only, is enough to infuriate Shanis.

She said in a cold voice:
"I'm not interested in what's going on between you and your woman."

Is there anything else you want to ask?

Goodbye if there isn't any.

Cohen opened his mouth, clearly sensing that Shanis was somewhat angry.

He sighed softly, unsure why the other person was angry, and could only reply:

"It's alright, thank you, Your Majesty."

"Goodbye. Also, remember to let me know when you arrive in Kuntandin!"

(End of this chapter)