Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

As time went on, the banquet reached its climax.

Representatives from various countries also began to leave their seats, raising their glasses to find familiar old friends and acquaintances, exchanging toasts and reminiscing about the past.

Private matters and public matters have never been separated, nor have they ever been separated.

Whether it's using this occasion, which the Empress is obliged to provide, to discuss official matters between nations, or to solidify personal relationships and seek greater benefits.

In short, the atmosphere in the banquet hall has been completely hyped up.

The scene was particularly lively at the residence of the newly appointed "Royal Consort" Cohen.

As a member of the Charter Allied Powers, Effie has had dealings with most countries to varying degrees over thousands of years, and has even had kinship ties with some of them.

Before Effie came into the public eye, these relationships had long been forgotten.

But now, as Efein’s influence grows, and with their king about to become the consort of the emperor of the most powerful empire in human history, many countries have remembered this relationship.

Whether it's true or not, they shamelessly tried to establish a connection with Cohen and become familiar with him.

Although Cohen wasn't in the mood for such formalities, he forced himself to see off wave after wave of guests for the sake of Effie's future international standing.

Fortunately, with Isabella's help, they managed to get by.

During this time, Grace also made a trip on behalf of the Eastern Empire.

On the surface, Effie and the Eastern Empire had a deep-seated hatred for each other. In order to avoid exposing his identity, Cohen received Grace in a very cold manner.

Grace's gaze was much more complex, and the resentful look in it made Cohen uneasy.

Another delegation departed.

Cohen looked around, finding himself with some free time, and prepared to find an opportunity to talk to Shanis and figure out what this so-called engagement was all about.

Otherwise, not to mention anything else, it would be difficult to explain to the Queen!
Without saying a word, he found her another empress from the Central Empire to be her sister. If things aren't made clear, Cohen probably won't be able to get into Adel's bed for a while.

However, he now at least understood why Shanis had so confidently assured him that once they arrived in the Central Empire, no one would dare to mess with him.

Indeed, as Her Majesty the Empress's fiancé, anyone who dares to make any further moves would be committing treason.

Cohen's mind was in turmoil. Just as he was about to take out his communication stone to contact Shanis, a "Rose Guardian" slowly walked towards him.

As the female guard passed Cohen's seat, she bowed slightly and said softly:

"Your Majesty Corleone, His Majesty invites you to meet in his study."

plz follow me. "

Cohen instantly felt countless gazes from behind him.

Isabella raised an eyebrow slightly and asked calmly:

"May I accompany Cohen to pay my respects to His Majesty?"

The female security guard replied apologetically:
"His Majesty did not mention Miss Wenze."

Windsordler followed closely and asked:
"And me?"
"I haven't seen Xenia in ages. Medea, didn't Xenia suggest I come along?"

Faced with her former boss's question, the female guard named Medea smiled wryly and said:

“Your Excellency, His Majesty Corleone must go alone.”

Windsordler then asked:
Which study?

Medea lowered her voice and replied:
"Rose Study".

Windsordler's face showed obvious jealousy as she looked at Cohen, her voice changing as well:

"They really treat you like a royal consort. You should be the first man allowed into the Rose Study."

Cohen's eyes flickered slightly. Before he came, Windsor had introduced him to the situation of the palace, so he naturally knew the status of the Rose Study.

As they spoke, a deep, mature voice came from behind them:

"I'll go with him, but I won't go inside. I'll just wait outside the study, okay?"

Belmody wasn't jealous; she had simply promised Adele that she would protect Cohen.

Therefore, he did not want Cohen to be out of his sight for too long.

Rose Guardian looked troubled.

Cohen sighed inwardly and turned to the group of beautiful women, saying:

"I can go by myself. His Majesty's study is not some kind of hell."

Wait for me to come back.

Seeing Cohen's resolute attitude, Isabella and Windsordler stopped insisting.

Belmody and Shanes had never met before, and she had no idea what the relationship was between Cohen and Shanes.

He frowned and said softly:

"We still need to be careful and not let our guard down."

Cohen gave Belmody a reassuring look and then left the banquet hall with Rose Guard Medea.

The two left the banquet hall of the state guesthouse and headed straight for the Imperial Palace.

As they ventured deeper into the palace, the number of guards and maids in sight dwindled until finally, only two or three Rose Guards remained hidden in the shadows.

Cohen could feel one gaze after another scrutinizing him.

After several more turns and long corridors, the two stopped in front of an exquisite little attic.

Medea bowed slightly and said:

"Your Majesty, His Majesty Corleone has arrived."

A dignified voice rang out from the attic:
"Let him come up."

Medea turned to Cohen, gestured for him to proceed, and said softly:

"His Majesty is in his study on the second floor. Your Majesty Corleone, please."

Cohen suppressed his pent-up emotions and steadily stepped into the attic.

The first floor of the attic occupies a very large area and is filled with densely packed bookshelves.

It looks like a university library.

Cohen glanced at the books casually; they contained all sorts of books: strange tales, inheritance systems, magical knowledge, as well as some precious ancient scrolls and map information—everything imaginable.

Most of the books still bear neat and even handwriting, clearly the work of Shanis.

After briefly surveying Her Majesty the Empress's private library, Cohen followed the scent and went up to the second floor.

The second floor is a proper study, but it's more like a miniature palace.

The candlestick-style magic lamps cast swaying halos of light in the four corners of the study, while the rose-shaped chandelier hanging from the dome spread out delicate golden patterns on the wooden floor.

Two tall, arched floor-to-ceiling windows were covered with dark red velvet curtains, completely obscuring the night view outside.

The central ebony desk is ten meters long, with its corners adorned with carvings specially made by the Imperial Royal Workshop.

The parchment scroll marriage certificate that had just caused such a stir in front of everyone now lay quietly in the center of the table.

The five large characters "Cohen Corleone" above the man's name have been covered up again by the mysterious power of the marriage contract.

Most striking is the large portrait of the Klein Emperors hanging above the obsidian fireplace at the far end of the study.

Cohen waited outside the door for a few seconds, his gaze sweeping over a pair of high heels by the door, hesitating whether to take off his shoes and go inside.

Windsordler had once told Cohen about Shanes' private study.

Unlike another study in the palace that also served as a place for political discussions, this study was much more private.

It was considered Her Majesty the Empress's private space. Apart from Her Majesty herself, only Windsordler and a few of her personal Rose Guards had been allowed to enter before.

Cohen didn't have to wait long before Shanis's voice came from inside the room:
"We didn't prepare slippers for you, come in."

Just mop the floor before you leave.

Cohen's lips twitched slightly, and he pushed the door open and went inside.

After I stepped inside, the door closed silently behind me.

Immediately afterwards, a rose-patterned magic circle spread from the threshold to the ceiling, completely isolating the study from the outside world.

Shanis stood by the arched window, her back to the window.

He still held the imperial scepter in his hand, its tip pressed against the floor.

She had already changed out of her formal dress, which was hanging on a clothes rack not far away.

She was wearing warm-colored loungewear, her bare, delicate feet dazzlingly white.

Cohen's gaze swept over Shanis, and seeing that Shanis didn't greet him for a long time, he simply went to the long table on his own.

He stared at the marriage contract and began to read it.

Although he felt that Shanis would never joke about something like this, Cohen still examined it carefully for a long time.

It was finally confirmed that the engagement was indeed real.

Moreover, the handwriting on it was similar to that of his mother.

Xenise was indeed the fiancée that the Queen Mother had arranged for him, as mentioned by the Archduke of Roland.

This led to even greater questions.

More than ten years ago, my mother was only at the legendary level of cultivation. How could she have been engaged to a princess of the Central Empire?
Moreover, it seems that Shanis wasn't coerced.

It seems the answer to everything lies with Shanies.

Cohen raised his gaze and looked at the stunningly beautiful figure standing by the window.

Even without turning around, Shanis could tell what Cohen was doing.

His actions, especially when checking the marriage contract, caused Shanis to frown almost imperceptibly.

The voice carried a hint of coldness:
"What, you think I would joke about my life's most important matter with you?"

Cohen calmly withdrew his hand from examining the materials of the marriage contract and replied:
"No, that's not true. This matter is simply beyond my expectations."

I simply cannot imagine that I could be betrothed to the emperor of the most powerful empire in human history.

Shanis suddenly turned around, her stunning face revealing no emotion, and calmly asked:
"You don't seem very happy."

There was even some fear.

What, are you worried about how to explain it to Adel when you get back?

Are you that afraid of that woman?

Cohen was startled. Could the other party have sensed even his most subtle thoughts?
His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the scepter in Adele's hand, and a look of understanding crossed his face.

Cohen suppressed his emotions and replied calmly:
"It's not fear, but a feeling of indebtedness."

For the first time, emotion flickered in Shanis's eyes—the kind of look one gives when looking at trash. She parted her red lips slightly:
"Windsard, Isabella, Asuna, Nephthys, Grace, Melantha, and the mermaid chasing after you, and maybe even the Ceylon princess you've been supporting."

Oh, and there's that Jade Prince who appeared out of nowhere.

"Cohen, when you were sleeping with these women, didn't you feel any guilt towards Adele?"

Cohen was a little embarrassed.

Shanis began investigating Cohen as soon as she confirmed he was her fiancé.

Especially the women he has a relationship with.

Cohen's lips moved, but he ultimately didn't say anything in rebuttal.

Perhaps realizing her tone sounded a bit like a jealous young woman, Shanis steadied herself and her tone returned to calm:
How long will it take for the mainland to descend into turmoil?

The detailed causes of the unrest.

And ways to weather the turmoil.

Cohen's eyes narrowed slightly, and he replied softly:
"In what capacity does Your Majesty inquire?"

The scepter struck the ground with a "thud," and Xenia's dark golden pupils reflected Cohen's young and handsome face:
"What? You really think being my fiancé is beneath you?"

Cohen was somewhat helpless. He had only told these secrets involving the gods to Adel, who had the protection of a god.

Even Isabella and the others didn't go into that much detail.

It's not that I don't trust them, but I'm worried that they might attract the attention of some supreme being.

He paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words, and then said softly:
"His Majesty is not the kind of person who would be bound by a marriage contract."

I also don't believe that the Empress of the Central Empire would make such a hasty decision about her marriage.

A mocking smile curled at the corner of Shanis's lips:

"Do you want me to say, 'The reason I announced our engagement is because I've fallen for you'?"

Cohen quickly waved his hand and said:
"Your Majesty misunderstands. I have always believed that a marriage contract that is not approved by both parties is really inappropriate."

I had no idea that Your Majesty had a fiancée before, and Your Majesty must have just found out that I am your fiancé.

I was only a few years old when the marriage was arranged, and His Majesty was also very young.

There is absolutely no emotional foundation between us, and this engagement... is a constraint for both of us.

Shanis's cold expression thawed slightly, but her words remained sharp:

"It's really surprising that you still care about feelings?"

I thought you were the kind of man who would try to sleep with any pretty woman you saw.

Cohen was speechless. He really wanted to say, "I'm a pure love fan, I just like a little bit of love on Weibo."

He suppressed his emotions and said slowly:
"Your Majesty must have misunderstood me. I am 100% sincere towards every girl around me."

Shanis extended her fair hand to stop Cohen from speaking, and said calmly:
I'm not interested in your love life.

The reason for deciding to announce the engagement is simple.

The empire needs an heir to silence the various factions…

Cohen blurted out:

"You want to have my child?"

A fierce glint flashed in Xenia's eyes.

Cohen's expression stiffened slightly, he shrugged and said:

"Didn't you say that the Central Empire needs an heir?"

Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, Shanis said coldly:
"I haven't finished speaking yet!"

After glaring at Cohen, he continued, picking up where he left off:

"Especially since everyone knows that the mainland will be plunged into a great catastrophe in the future."

Therefore, the issue of succession is the biggest problem facing the empire at present.

Even if there is no heir now, we must show all forces in the country the possibility that an heir may emerge.

That is, I must choose a royal consort so that they can see hope for an heir.

Simply put, you're just a tool I use to shut those people up.

Cohen's lips twitched slightly, and he said reluctantly:

"Then I should feel honored."

Shanis glanced at Cohen and said calmly:

“You can think of this as another collaboration, just like our previous collaborations.”

If you do as I say obediently, I can give you the appropriate reward.

Hearing what Shanis said, Cohen's gaze began to roam freely over Shanis's body.

Shanis's expression turned cold, and she said in a chilling voice:

"The compensation doesn't include me!"

Cohen blinked and said with an innocent look:

"I didn't mean to ask Your Majesty for a reward. What did Your Majesty say?"

Sanis took a deep breath, and her small breasts swelled up.

Cohen's eyes darted around, thinking to himself, "She's usually so well-endowed that you wouldn't guess it when she's wearing such thick clothes."

He put aside his chaotic thoughts and asked the crucial question:

"Your Majesty, could you tell me the details of this marriage contract?"

Have you... met my mother?

How can the power of the marriage contract come from the gods?

Getting down to business, Shanis suppressed her embarrassment and anger, her bare feet treading on the wooden floor as she walked around the long table and headed deeper into the study.

Cohen hesitated for a moment before following Shanis inside.

Shanis went to a cabinet, pulled out the bottom drawer, took out a portrait, and handed it to Cohen.

Cohen took the portrait, looked at the familiar face on it, and felt an indescribable emotion welling up in his heart.

The corners of his mouth, which were usually always smiling, froze into a straight line.

Seemingly noticing Cohen's change in mood, Shanis's voice softened as she said:

"When I met your mother, she was traveling abroad."

At that time, my father was critically ill, and news came from the palace that I should return to prepare for my succession.

My good brothers and uncles certainly wouldn't let me return to China peacefully.

Fortunately, with the help of the Windsor people, the journey was relatively safe, but in the end they were blocked by the three legends.

The Winged Elf's allies were blocked, leaving them in a desperate situation...

It was around that time that your mother appeared.

She easily dealt with all the pursuers and escorted me outside the capital, presenting me with this marriage contract.

As for the divine power mentioned in the marriage certificate, that was originally arranged by your mother; it has nothing to do with me.

A thoughtful look flashed in Cohen's eyes, and he asked in a deep voice:
"Were all three legends dealt with by the Empress Dowager?"

Shanis nodded and said:

"Yes, three legendary figures from the Central Empire were easily dealt with by your mother."

At that time, my extraordinary level was very low, so I couldn't tell your mother's exact level. Looking back now, even without the cultivation of a saint, she was probably at the high level of the legendary rank.

Cohen frowned deeply. According to his memory, his mother did not seem to have such a high level of cultivation at that time.

And where does that divine power come from?

Could it be that the Queen Mother, like Adel, also possesses divine power?

Cohen took a deep breath, clearing his mind of the complex thoughts swirling within him.

Looking at Shanis, he said:

"Thank you for your clarification, Your Majesty. Now we can discuss a 'deeper' level of cooperation between us."

Although Cohen's words made no mistake, Shanis still felt something was off.

She frowned and said:
"Help me get revenge, and three years later, I will fulfill the marriage agreement as promised."

He paused, looked away, and said softly:
"Including fulfilling the duties of a wife."

Cohen's breath hitched for a moment, his eyes involuntarily sweeping over Shanis's stunning face and captivating figure, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

Seemingly noticing Cohen's aggressive gaze, Shanis bent her knees, looking somewhat uneasy.

Cohen withdrew his gaze and suddenly let out a soft chuckle:
“Your Majesty, didn’t we already agree during our previous cooperation that I would help you get rid of Heisenberg and complete your revenge plan?”

A number of inexplicable emotions flickered in Shanis's eyes.

Cohen continued:

"As for the three questions you just asked me, I do know the answers."

But I cannot answer.

It's not that I don't trust His Majesty, but the implications are too great.

For certain supreme beings, speaking too much can easily attract their attention.

Does Your Majesty understand?

A look of understanding flashed in Shanis's eyes, and she nodded thoughtfully.

Then he asked:

"Could you give me some hints?"

It's not that I want to know, but you are now my fiancé, the child of prophecy, and you hold so many secrets.

"It's both reasonable and emotional that we should share some; otherwise, it won't be easy to explain to Uncle Wang and the Prime Minister."

Cohen grinned and said:
"Your Majesty, I haven't even enjoyed the benefits of being the Emperor's consort yet, and I'm already expected to fulfill my obligations?"

A captivating smile curved at the corners of Shanies' lips as she tapped her delicate foot on the floor.

"How can there be no benefits? You get to enter my private study and have romantic conversations with me face-to-face. Isn't that a benefit?"

Cohen reached out and grabbed Shanis's hand, saying:
"There should be a proper way to express love; you can't not even let someone hold your hand!"

Xenias dodged in a flash, before she could even utter a sarcastic remark.

Cohen flashed to the front of Shanies and could almost smell her fragrance.

Shanis panicked and couldn't help but kick him.

But she forgot that she was barefoot.

Cohen moved swiftly and precisely, catching Shanis's delicate foot, and said with a smile:

"If I can't hold your hand, my feet will do too."

Shanis shuddered, a feeling she had never experienced before rising from the depths of her heart, and her beautiful face flushed with a blush.

He said in shame and anger:

"Let go, or I'll call Windsor in!"

This threat was very effective.

Cohen was just joking with Shanies and didn't really mean anything by it.

With a quick release, Shanis retracted her long legs, took a few steps back, and stared at Cohen warily.

"I take back what I just said. You're just a bastard who tries to sleep with any pretty woman you see."

Cohen shrugged and said:
"Having taken on such an important responsibility for His Majesty, I should at least get some revenge."

I reckon I'll become the target of every participant's determination to defeat me in the upcoming Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Shanis snorted and said:

"Your mother arranged this marriage with me. Remember, you must keep your promise to me."

Cohen finally understood what the betrothal gifts meant.

It turns out it wasn't for Windsor, but for Shanies herself.

He smiled and replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty, I promise I'll get the betrothal gifts back for you!" (End of Chapter)