Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Time passed by, and just as Cohen was wondering if the Queen was angry and unwilling to talk to him,

The communication stone in his hand suddenly emitted a dazzling ice-blue light, rippling in the air in front of Cohen like waves.

As the light faded, a stunningly beautiful figure materialized in the void—

Her features were exceptional, her beauty stunning and aloof, and her icy blue eyes were deep and cold.

She wore a magnificent ice-blue gown, surrounded by a faint mist, as if even the air itself froze under her imposing presence.

No matter how many times he sees it, every time Cohen sees Adel, he is still captivated by the Queen's stunning beauty.

Unfortunately, Adel's expression was cold, like an unmelting glacier, as if even her breath carried a bone-chilling cold.

Cohen's throat tightened slightly, and he subconsciously took a half-step back, but quickly regained his balance, forcing a fawning smile as he cautiously began to speak:
"……sister."

Adele raised her gaze, stared at Cohen for a moment, and said in a low voice:
"My King, you've finally remembered to contact your Queen?"

Cohen answered weakly:

"Sis, I'm a victim too today. Shanies did it on purpose; she's deliberately trying to sow discord between us. Don't fall for it!"

"victim?"

Adele sneered.
"It's really too much of a burden for you to be crowned and kissed by the Empress under the watchful eyes of millions in the Imperial Arena, with the entire continent witnessing it."

Cohen stared into Adele's eyes and said with deep emotion:
"'The Silver Crown' is the spoils I won for our Effie, not a handout from Shanis."

As for her kiss…

Cohen paused for a moment, his voice sincere and strong, his tone almost a vow:

"Sister, your man belongs to you alone, from head to toe!"

Adele pursed her lips and subtly averted her gaze.

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then said:

"Shanise knew perfectly well that you were also paying attention to the 'Mirror of the Sky'; she did it on purpose for you."

The coldness emanating from Adele dissipated considerably, and she said coldly:

"This matter is not over yet. I will settle accounts with Xenise later."

As for you… before I establish rules for her, you are not allowed to have any intimate contact with her!

Cohen naturally gave his assurances repeatedly.

Seeing that Adel had calmed down, Cohen quickly used a series of sweet words to completely appease the Queen.

After the blue light from the communication stone went out, Cohen wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Before he could even catch his breath, his maid brought him some news that gave Cohen a headache.

The Rose Guards, who serve Her Majesty the Empress, have arrived. Cohen is to enter the palace immediately.

Cohen looked at the communication stone that had just ended the communication, feeling a little uneasy.

On second thought, the Queen only said not to have close contact with Shanies, but didn't say not to have any contact at all.

After mentally preparing himself, Cohen followed the Rose Guards into the palace with a clear conscience.

The night in the palace is like a huge black silk ribbon, enveloping everything within it.

Cohen followed the Rose Guard through a series of luxurious archways. Moonlight filtered through the crystal glass, casting dappled shadows on the ceiling, as if countless eyes were peering into the shadows.

Along the intricate and luxurious corridor, there is an exquisite magic palace lantern every ten meters.

As Cohen walked deeper into the path, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

He looked at the female guard leading the way and asked:
Where are we going?

Where is His Majesty waiting for me?

Cohen's voice sounded particularly abrupt in the empty corridor.

When Cohen usually met with Shanes at the palace, he would either go to the council chamber or Shanes' private study called "Rose Study," but he had never taken this route.

The lead female guard let out a soft, ambiguous laugh.

"His Majesty has his own arrangements. Your Highness will know once you see His Majesty," she replied without turning her head, her steps unwavering.

Cohen really wanted to say, "I am also His Majesty, what's with this title you use?"
However, he also understood that in the eyes of Xenias and her most trusted guards, he was already undoubtedly the Emperor's consort.

Seeing that the female guard was unwilling to answer, Cohen felt a few more waves in his heart, and his heart pounded, wondering what Shanis was up to.

As the two continued walking, they soon arrived at a relatively spacious hall.

Cohen's gaze swept across the walls on both sides of the hall.

Portraits of emperors from the Central Empire hung on the walls, their majestic and heroic faces seemingly coming to life under the flickering lamplight.

They were staring at him with scrutinizing eyes, this intruder in the dead of night.

Soon, a huge tapestry caught his attention—

Embroidered on it are scenes of the ancient sages of the empire participating in the war between gods and demons, and the blood-stained silk threads seem to be flowing in the firelight.

After passing through the lobby and turning a corner, I continued walking along the corridor. Not far along, a faint fragrance suddenly wafted through the air, like a mixture of roses and some other more intense floral scent.

Cohen followed the scent and saw a carved door at the end of the corridor, flanked by four fully armed Rose Guards.

Her appearance was also quite remarkable; in her previous life, she would have been at least a second or third-tier celebrity in terms of looks.

Unfortunately, all I can do here is guard the door.

Cohen suppressed the jumbled thoughts in his mind, withdrew his probing gaze, and continued to follow the leading female guard.

"arrive."

The leading female guard stopped and turned to Cohen, gesturing for him to proceed.

Cohen looked up and saw a blooming rose entwined around the gate, its bright red blossoms almost eerily alluring in the night.

He could even sense the strange magical fluctuations emanating from the surrounding air.

If nothing unexpected happens, there should be a hidden array set up around the gate.

It serves to defend against and block spying.

He discovered that his senses completely disappeared within five meters of the gate.

With such tight security, could this be the royal treasury of the Central Empire, and is Xenice preparing to reward herself for winning the "Strongest Silver" title and bringing glory to the Central Empire?
Cohen shook his head, suppressing the distracting thoughts in his mind.

When the four female guards at the door saw Cohen arrive, they wore the same strange and eerie expressions as the female guard who had led the way earlier.

After bowing to Cohen, they left in an orderly fashion.

He didn't say anything before leaving, but his amused gaze left Cohen completely bewildered.

Cohen took a deep breath and reached out to push the door open.

When my fingertips touched the cold gold door knocker, a strange shiver ran up my spine.

For no reason, I muttered to myself, feeling that something bad would happen if I walked through that door tonight.

Cohen didn't use much force, and the door slid open silently.

Immediately afterwards, an even stronger aroma wafted over him, mixed with moisture, making Cohen's breath catch in his throat.

Then, the sound of rushing water came from inside the room, as if someone was taking a bath.

(⊙o⊙)! ! !

As far as the eye could see, the luxurious and ambiguous decorations made Cohen realize where he was—the Empress's bedroom of the Central Empire!

The palace is topped with an arched dome inlaid with dark gold patterns, with star-like magic crystals floating in it, casting flowing light and shadow as the light changes, as if bringing the entire starry sky into the palace.

A deep red carpet was laid on the floor tiles, with gold thread embroidering patterns of intertwined thorns and roses.

Golden candlesticks stood on either side of the carpet, their flames magically solidified into the shape of everlasting red agate, refracting a warm, ambiguous pink light.

In the center of the palace stood a gilded phoenix couch, while in the corner, on a sandalwood shelf, were displayed dragon crystal wine glasses, a harp forged by elves, and a sundial inherited from the extinct Sun Elf race.

A pearl curtain separated the bathing area, and the sound of rushing water came from inside.

Cohen felt a dryness in his throat.

"His Majesty?"

Cohen stood there, his voice trembling.

There was no response, only the continuous sound of water echoing in the empty palace, stirring Cohen's wavering will.

Just as he hesitated whether to leave first, Xenia's calm voice came from behind the beaded curtain:
"Come in."

Cohen was taken aback, wondering if Shanis was deliberately testing his will.

He answered cautiously:

"Your Majesty, it would be better if I waited outside."

Shanis's calm and collected voice rang out:

"The water was just turned on, we haven't even started washing yet. Come in, I can't eat you."

After much deliberation, Cohen went inside at Shanis's repeated urging.

Passing through the intricate pearl curtain, following the sound, the sight before him made his blood freeze instantly—

In the center of the palace was a huge bath, with bright red flower petals floating on the surface.

Sanss stood in the pool with her back to him, water droplets rolling down her snow-white skin, her wet black hair clinging to her back and reaching her waist.

He could vaguely see the astonishing arcs emanating from both sides.

Cohen turned around abruptly, his heart burning like fire.

He stared intently at the ground, not daring to look up again.

The gentle sound of the bath water rippled through the air, and the fragrance of flower petals mingled with the steam, creating a sweet and intoxicating aroma.

"What, you're afraid to look?"

Shanis's voice, tinged with a lazy, teasing tone, came from behind him.

It was as if they had already anticipated his reaction.

Cohen's throat tightened, and his voice was almost squeezed out from between his teeth:
"Your Majesty, I'd better go out first."

As they were talking, they started to walk out.

"You think you can run away after seeing my body?"

Cohen was so angry he almost choked. How could a woman be so unreasonable?

Is that what I wanted to see? I was clearly tricked into coming here.

The water rippled slightly, and it seemed as if Xenias had stepped out of the pool.

Cohen could feel her gaze on his back, like an invisible flame, scorching his spine.

Cohen's breathing almost stopped.

The foot that had been raised came to an abrupt halt.

I stood frozen in place, listening to the sound of water gradually approaching.

"Turn around!"

"Command," Shanis said, her voice this time very close, carrying an undeniable authority. Cohen sensed it briefly; it seemed to be clothed, and he didn't think the Emperor of the Central Empire would be such a casual person.

I guess he's just kidding himself.

Cohen suppressed his thoughts, slowly turned around, and then gasped.

Shinys wore only a thin, gossamer-like garment, and water droplets slid down her collarbone and into the depths of her bodice.

Barefoot like jade, her golden eyes gleamed with a captivating light that could steal one's heart, and a faint smile played on her lips.

His gaze remained fixed on Cohen, as if he were sizing up some prey.

After a brief pause, Shanis suddenly took a step forward, so close that Cohen could smell the floral scent mixed with the dampness of her body after a bath.

Cohen instinctively stepped back, but his back bumped into a cold stone pillar.

Cohen's reason told him he had to leave, but his body felt as if it were frozen in place.

Suddenly, Shanis reached out and touched Cohen's cheek. Her slender, white fingers slid from his cheek to his neck, and then to his throat. Every touch felt like an invisible electric current passing through him.

Cohen felt like his throat was on fire. Looking at the stunningly beautiful face so close to him, even his top-level willpower seemed to have no effect at this moment.

Shanis leaned close to Cohen's ear, her breath brushing against his earlobe:

"I have a question for you. Answer honestly."

Cohen glanced down instinctively, a fleeting glimpse of her fair skin.

Shanis's earlobes flushed slightly, and a flash of annoyance crossed her eyes, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and asked softly:

"Which is better, my kiss or Adele's kiss?"

Can this thing even be compared?
Cohen felt a vein throbbing in his forehead and wished he could just faint on the spot.

Seeing that Cohen was stammering and not responding, Shanes sneered and suddenly pushed Cohen down onto the soft couch next to her, pressing her whole body against him.

Her gauze dress slipped down, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin.

"Is it hard to choose?"

Should we try again?

Her lips almost touched Cohen's lips, and her fragrance filled Cohen's mouth and nose.

Cohen's breathing became heavy, and reason and desire fought fiercely in his mind.

Just as he was about to give in and kiss Shanis's red lips.

Shanis suddenly got off him, her seductive expression vanishing, replaced by a calm and dignified air.

"It's a shame I didn't record anything interesting."

Shanis walked to the dressing table and took out a stone that shimmered with blue light from the drawer:
"It seems that Adel has really trained you very strictly!"

Cohen sat up, looking at the stone in her hand with a puzzled expression.

When he saw what it was, his blood froze instantly—it was a recording stone, projecting an image:
He lay on the couch, with Xenia on top of him, making it look as if he had seduced the Empress.

Cohen jumped up abruptly, a chill running through him:
"You...you set me up?"

He never expected that Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Empire would actually engage in a "honey trap".
No, it's the "Empress Jump"!
Sansès slowly draped a luxurious robe over her shoulders, a playful smile playing on her lips.

She shook the recording stone. "Tell me, what do you think will happen if Adel sees this video?"

Cohen replied helplessly:

"Your Majesty, please don't joke around."

Xenise chuckled softly, her flawless white bare feet stepping onto the wine-red carpet, revealing an eerie beauty.

The hem of her robe swayed gently with her steps as Shanis walked up to Cohen:

"A joke? You think I would joke about something like this?"

The photographic stone glowed faintly in her palm, reflecting the extremely intimate images of the two of them just now, especially the scene where Cohen was about to lower his head to kiss Shanis.

Shanis parted her red lips slightly, her eyes full of laughter:

"With just a simple incantation, this image will appear on Adele's dressing table."

She deliberately dragged out her words, and a beam of dark purple magical light gathered at her fingertips.

Shanis's red lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Guess what your gentle and virtuous wife would think?"

Cohen's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he quickly regained his composure:
“Adeline knows me well.”

Your Majesty's approach will not work.

"Alright then, let me see Adele's reaction."

I forgot to tell you, ever since I lost to her ten years ago, I've maintained contact with Adele.

As she spoke, Shanis took out a communication stone.

Cohen gave a wry smile and reached out to interrupt Shanis's actions:
"Your Majesty, you can tell me directly what you want to do."

I don't think I've offended His Majesty recently. We had such a pleasant chat in the Rose Study last time..."

"what!"

Shanis suddenly burst into a clear, crisp laugh, though it had a sharp edge to it.

"What, are you feeling nervous now?"

Didn't you just say that your little wife would completely trust you?

Cohen paused, took a deep breath, and his voice suddenly softened, his eyes revealing a tenderness that Shanis had never seen before:
"I don't want her to be unhappy, even if there's only the slightest possibility."

The palace suddenly fell silent. Shanis's expression froze, and her exquisite and beautiful face dimmed slightly.

After a long silence, he finally managed to squeeze out a curse through gritted teeth:

"You... damn bastard!"

Confessing his feelings for another woman in front of his fiancée, even though Shanis's feelings for Cohen hadn't reached that point yet.

A wave of sadness and bitterness kept churning in my heart.

Sanesh composed herself and said in a low voice:
"I don't want her to see it, but then answer me, who's prettier, me or Adaline?"

Don't worry, there's no photo stone this time.

Cohen answered without hesitation:

"Adel".

The rage in Shanis's eyes was almost tangible. She suddenly raised her hand, and a beam of magical light shot straight at Cohen's face.

Cohen stood motionless, the light dissipating a step away from his forehead.

"You bastard, you're a complete bastard!"

You answered so quickly, all thanks to how good I am to you!

"Take off your belt!"

Of course, Cohen wouldn't be foolish enough to actually take off the token of love that Her Majesty the Empress had given him.

If he actually does that, Shanies will only get angrier.

He said earnestly:
“Your Majesty, I am answering the truth. Adele is my queen, my wife, and my lover.”

In my heart, she is undoubtedly the most beautiful.

He paused deliberately for a moment, then continued:
"Your Majesty wouldn't want your future partner to be a heartless and ungrateful man, would you?"

Of course, if Your Majesty becomes my lover in the future, she will naturally be the most perfect woman in my heart.

The palace fell silent once again.

After a while, Shanis's complexion improved somewhat, and she said coldly:
"No wonder he can seduce so many women, he's got a sharp tongue."

Cohen once said something cryptic: "You haven't experienced the real brilliance yet."

However, now is clearly not the right time to make risqué jokes.

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased somewhat, Cohen took the opportunity to ask about the important matter.

Shanis summoned him in the middle of the night; it certainly wasn't just to sow discord between him and her old rival, the Queen. There must have been something else going on.

As Cohen had predicted, things turned out exactly as he had expected.

Shanis steadied herself and led Cohen out of the bathroom and into a small study in the side hall.

Pushing open the heavy oak door to the study, one is greeted by the scent of cedar and parchment. A quill pen sits askew in the inkwell, its tip still damp with ink.

Everywhere you look, there are all sorts of official documents and archives.

Clearly, Shanis sometimes handles government affairs here as well.

Cohen's gaze swept across the small study, noticing an exquisite harp placed in the corner.

That was the only item in the entire room that could be described as evoking a girl's sentiment.

He imagined that when Shanis was reviewing documents alone late at night, she might pick up her harp and play a tune to soothe her mood.

After learning that Shanis was his fiancée, he secretly learned about the Empress.

It is known that Shanis has been musically gifted since childhood. When she was the young princess of the empire, she was already famous in various countries, and many famous artists have praised Shanis's talent.

Cohen kept several exquisite harps in his "Eternal Heart," intending to give them to Shanies when the opportunity arose.

Thinking of this, his eyes darkened, and he couldn't help but recall Adele's office, which was also piled high with documents.

Both of them were the same; despite being at the prime of their youth, their time was filled with busy and tedious official duties.

She couldn't enjoy the pleasures that a young girl should have.

At least Shanis enjoyed a period of carefree princess life, while Adele was trapped in politics from the very beginning.

Sensing Cohen's emotions, Shanis turned around and asked:

"What's wrong? What are you lamenting about again?"
"Don't worry, I keep my word. I said I wouldn't let Adel see it, and I won't let her."

Cohen shook his head and said softly:
"Your Majesty misunderstands. I just felt a little... distressed to see Your Majesty still handling state affairs in your palace."

Shanis stopped abruptly, her skirt swaying slightly as she came to a halt.

She had her back to Cohen, her slender fingers unconsciously clenching, her knuckles turning slightly white.

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but then he swallowed it back. After a pause, his voice returned to its usual cool and clear tone.
"Don't mistake me for a silly elf you can seduce into bed with a snap of your fingers. Sweet talk has no effect on me."

Cohen thought to himself, "Are you talking about Windsordler?"
Where are my best friends?

You didn't even need me to beckon; you pushed me onto the bed yourself.

Although Shanis's voice was cold, a barely perceptible smile appeared at the corner of her eye.

In the study, Shanis picked up a document from the desk, but instead of handing it directly to Cohen, she suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question:

"How much do you know about the Central Empire?"

Cohen fell into deep thought, wondering why Shanis would suddenly ask such a question.

Seeing Cohen's appearance, Shanis felt a surge of resentment and said:
"When you usually talk to Adele, Windsordler, Isabella, do you also hesitate and think things through like this?"

Say what you mean! (End of Chapter)