Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Cohen moved his fingers, feeling a warm and full texture that penetrated to the bone, carrying the lingering warmth of last night, making him feel intoxicated.

"Well……"

A lazy, slightly annoyed groan, like a feather brushing against Cohen's heart, reached his ears.

The low moaning, hoarse and sticky from just waking up, stirred a tingling sensation in one's heart.

After a brief pause, Cohen felt a slight stinging pain in his lower abdomen.

Belmody's slender fingers pinched a small patch of flesh on his side with extreme precision, twisting it 180 degrees without any mercy.

Then came a deep, magnetic voice that entered my ears:

"hand!

What are you doing, touching me like that!

Cohen immediately came to his senses and obediently withdrew his hand.

The languid feeling of waking up in the morning and the tender thoughts in bed were completely dispelled by the burning pain in my side and Sister Bei's signature sexy voice.

Belmody rose from Cohen's embrace. The first light of dawn shone through the gaps in the heavy velvet curtains, outlining a golden edge on her smooth, ivory-like back and waistline.

With a wave of her hand, the black lace lingerie scattered on the ground and the crumpled purple robe, as if drawn by invisible magical threads, instantly clung to her curvaceous body.

He then glared at Cohen with displeasure:
"After all this commotion, Melantha should be waking up soon!"

Cohen shrugged helplessly:

"It seemed to be you last night..."

"Um, okay, I was the one who stopped Bei from leaving."

Belmody's threatening gaze made Cohen immediately change her tune. She took a deep breath, her eyes glancing unintentionally at the dressing mirror beside the bed.

The mirror reflected several obvious hickeys on one side of her originally smooth and slender neck.

Against the backdrop of her snow-white skin, she was particularly dazzling.

Belmody's breath hitched, and she glared fiercely at the "innocent" culprit on the bed.

His gaze was no longer the usual cold and sharp one, but mixed with shame, anger, and rage. This look was even more chilling to Cohen's spine than the pinch he had just received.

Cohen calmly said:

"Mistake, mistake. I just broke through to the Gold Rank and couldn't control my power."

Belmod glared at Cohen and headed towards the dressing room.

When she came out again, she had changed into a smoky gray turtleneck cashmere sweater.

The soft texture perfectly concealed those unsightly marks, allowing her to re-arm herself into the aloof, stunningly beautiful, and unapproachable master of the sequence.

Before leaving, she walked to the bedside and kicked Cohen in the side of his shin without any hesitation.

After doing all this, he didn't look at Cohen again, walked straight to the door, quickly opened it, and disappeared around the corner of the corridor in a flash.

The air was filled with only a faint, cool fragrance of cedar and roses, and the soft click of the door closing gently.

……

The Central Empire State Guesthouse is located in the region where the Eastern Empire is situated.

The afternoon sun shone through the crystal glass inlaid with the imperial rose emblem, casting dappled light and shadow on the heavy, oriental-style carpet.

The air was filled with a cool yet sweet fragrance of orchids, a scent often used by Princess Grace Tang of the Eastern Empire.

This detached villa, located in the heart of Constantine and surrounded by layers of royal guards, is in the heart of the state guesthouse, and its security level is indeed second only to the royal palace.

But that still couldn't stop Cohen, who could move freely through the Shadow Dimension.

In Grace's mansion, the shadow on one wall twisted and deepened without warning, as if ink had been dripped down.

With a flash of light, Cohen's figure silently stepped out of the solidified darkness, in the most private domain of the princess—her luxurious bedroom.

This action startled Grace, who was getting ready.

Grace was sitting in front of the dressing table, which was carved from a single piece of Northern Jade, wearing a silk nightgown that was as thin as a cicada's wing and had a very drapey feel.

The front of the shirt opened slightly with the movement, revealing a large expanse of neck and collarbone that looked like it was carved from the finest white jade and shimmered with a pearly luster.

After admiring herself in the mirror for a while, Grace took off her nightgown, revealing her captivatingly beautiful body.

However, before she could even change her clothes, the huge floor-length mirror reflected the dark ripples that suddenly appeared behind her and Cohen's figure.

"what!"

Grace gasped and whirled around.
Almost instinctively, she hugged her chest tightly with both arms, her usually calm and composed face instantly flushed with anger.

"You bastard, who goes into someone else's bedroom as soon as they walk in? Get out!"

Immediately, right now!

"Uh……"

Cohen coughed lightly, his gaze somewhat unfocused, and instinctively began to explain:
"It's a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding. How was I supposed to know you weren't up yet, and were even changing clothes so late..."

Despite saying that, his eyes still unconsciously drifted towards Grace's fair and radiant skin.

Thanks to her generous heart, Grace's delicate hands couldn't be covered at all.

The princess laughed in exasperation, her blush deepening instead of fading:
"So, does the great King Alfein need to come to my bedside and look with his own eyes to be sure?"

Do you need me to stand up straight so you can see clearly?

"This... isn't necessarily a bad thing..."

"???
Get out of here right now!
If you keep doing this, I'll tell Isha!

Cohen quickly raised his hands in surrender, a helpless yet amused smile playing on his lips:
"As you command, my princess."

As he spoke, he took a step back and silently disappeared into the shadows in the corner once more.

Downstairs in the living room, bored out of his mind, Cohen brewed Grace's favorite black tea, intending to apologize later.

Not long after, Grace slowly walked down the spiral staircase, which made Cohen's eyes light up.

No longer the languidness of waking up, but the dazzling brilliance befitting an imperial princess.

She wore a long dress made of the top-grade "moonlight silk" exclusively supplied to the royal family of the Eastern Region, with a deep and noble violet color.

The tailoring perfectly complements the princess's curvaceous figure, while maintaining just the right amount of subtlety at crucial points.

Her figure flowed smoothly down her slender shoulders, accentuating her slim waist. Her long hair was styled in an updo, adorned with a few delicate silver hair accessories.

A few curled strands of hair fell across her forehead, making her flawless face resemble a sculpture in a temple—

Noble, elegant, and aloof, with an unapproachable sense of distance.

Cohen sincerely praised Grace's beauty:
"Your Highness, every time you appear, it is like a divine miracle painted on the earth by a god, enough to make the brilliance of the stars jealous."

The treasures of the Eastern Empire truly live up to their reputation!

Cohen's compliments were very effective; Grace immediately forgot about his earlier offensive act of barging into her bedroom without permission.

The princess's lips curved slightly, her gaze sweeping over the silver tea set on the low table that Cohen had so casually used. Her voice returned to its usual clear and melodious tone, but with a hint of languidness:

"I'll let bygones be bygones this time because you brewed this black tea yourself."

She picked up the teacup that Cohen had poured, which was at just the right temperature, and took a small sip.

Under Grace's reproachful gaze, Cohen naturally sat down against her plump thighs, then composed himself and got down to business.

Today is the day that Rochester, the special envoy of Governor Thorg Chambers of "Thousand Streams Court," will visit Grace.

Cohen came to see Grace early on, intending to hear what the governor of "Thousand Streams Court" was really up to, and whether he was indeed after the ghost ship, as the two of them had speculated.

Cohen leaned back on the soft, comfortable sofa, inhaling the alluring scent emanating from Grace, his fingertips unconsciously tapping a sterling silver tinderbox, producing a monotonous, slight "click" sound.

Grace leaned over and flipped through the intelligence files Cohen had brought. The morning light cast a fan-shaped shadow under her lowered eyelashes, and her calm and focused profile shone with a bright luster.

This woman exudes a captivating and alluring aura.

Cohen looked away and said with a light laugh:

"Some time ago, I had the Military Intelligence Bureau investigate Governor Torg's past again."

Our speculation is most likely correct: when Torg was the admiral of the Central Empire Navy, he was extremely interested in the legends of the ancient pirate kings.

I heard that he also has a secret fleet under his command, which is dedicated to gathering information in this area.

His ambitions are truly considerable!

Grace was almost immune to Cohen's aggressive gaze, and after a moment's thought, she said:
"So, shall we agree to cooperate with him?"
If I'm not mistaken, his plot to build the ghost ship is a preparation for a future rebellion against your Empress.

Are you just going to stand by and watch?"

Cohen gave a meaningful smile:

"rebel?

"This might actually be a good thing for the empire!" He put away his tinderbox, his body tensing slightly, like a black panther about to leap and pounce on its prey.
"Let's hear what this special envoy has to say first!"

Time seemed to slow down in the silent flow, and the gilded pendulum clock beside the fireplace emitted a precise and heavy "tick-tock".

Finally, at the appointed time, clear footsteps sounded outside the door, approaching from afar and stopping at the heavy oak door.

Then came the deliberately lowered announcement from Grace's personal maid, Lillian:
"Your Highness, Baron Rieu, assistant to the chairman of Qianliu Shipbuilding Company, has arrived."

This was Rochester's disguise. Grace winked at Cohen, who then vanished from the living room in a flash.

With Cohen's strength, even without entering the Shadow Dimension, Rochester would not be able to find his whereabouts.

However, just to be on the safe side, it's safer for Cohen to stay in the Shadow Plane.

Grace waved her hand lightly, and a subtle magical fluctuation emanated, completely concealing the traces Cohen had left in the living room.

Then she straightened her back, slightly raised her chin, and her beautiful face became calm and noble.

That unapproachable aura and all-controlling presence that belonged to the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire instantly enveloped her:

"Let the Baron in."

Her voice was not loud, yet it clearly pierced through the distance, carrying an unusual calmness and solemnity.

"Yes, Your Highness."

After responding, Lillian closed the carved, heavy oak door silently, like a shadow, and bowed as she stepped back.

Baron Rieu, or rather Rochester, was dressed in the same understated, traditional Imperial-style stand-up collar casual suit as he had in front of Governor Torg, carrying a brown briefcase.

He has an upright posture and a perfectly timed smile on his lips.

That sharp, capable air, honed over nearly thirty years and honed as Thorger Chambers's most formidable weapon, was perfectly enveloped in an impeccable composure.

As a trusted confidant who had served Governor Torg since he was a company commander, Rochester naturally possessed exceptional qualities.

Upon seeing Grace, he took three precise steps forward, stopping three meters away from the sofa that symbolized power.

A perfect social distance that allows for clear conversation without making the person in the main seat feel pressured.

Then, Rochester bowed deeply, performing a standard court audience with the Eastern Empire.

Every detail is so perfect that it is impeccable, clearly indicating that the person has undergone specialized training.

Grace lowered her eyelids, as if admiring her own blurry yet noble figure reflected in the side of the silver tea set on the low table.

She did not rise, but simply raised her right hand, wrapped in deep purple velvet, and gently pointed towards the small, cushioned armchair in front of Rochester:
"Have a seat, Baron."

Rochester showed no unusual reaction to the arrogance and indifference that Grace inadvertently revealed in her words and expressions.

He understood that the woman before him was qualified to be the apple of the eye of the emperor of the Eastern Region Empire, one of the five great empires, and the leader of the continent's strongest luxury goods guild.

If it weren't for his status as Governor Torg's special envoy, he probably wouldn't have even been able to step through the gate of this villa.

Rochester did not sit down; he maintained his respectful and upright posture, like a statue rooted to the carpet, his tone carrying just the right amount of awe and solemnity:

"Your Highness, please allow me to reintroduce myself."

I am Rochester Ryan, the Director of the Water Administration of the "Thousand Streams Court" administrative district of the Central Empire, and concurrently the Chief of the Governor's Office.

"I am here to visit Her Highness as a special envoy of Governor Thorg Chambers."

Grace's gaze remained unchanged, her tone indifferent, still maintaining her haughty demeanor.

"Enough with the nonsense, what message did Torg send you to deliver to me?"

Princess Grace's direct and blunt style took Rochester slightly by surprise, and the smile that was welded to the corner of his mouth seemed to freeze for a second at the sharp questioning and impolite tone of Grace.

But Rochester quickly came to terms with it.

His heart was as clear as a mirror:
Regardless of his power in the Qianliuting, whether he was the director in charge of the water affairs or the governor's absolute confidant.

But before this most dazzling pearl of the Eastern Empire, whom even the Emperor of the Central Empire had to address as "Your Highness."

His name, Rochester Ryan, is as insignificant as dust.

Grace Down's attitude at this moment was not one of deliberate humiliation, but rather a kind of indifference cultivated from childhood and based on instinct.

She was unwilling to devote even the slightest bit of extra attention to a mouthpiece.

Even if this mouthpiece represents the governor of the empire's wealthiest region, Thorg Chambers.

A brief moment of "astonishment" followed by an even briefer "relief" vanished in Rochester's deep eyes.

He didn't look at Grace's stunningly beautiful face; his gaze respectfully fell on the edge of the low table. After carefully considering his words, he spoke clearly:

"Your Highness, to be honest, the Governor-General wishes to marry Your Highness's fiancé..."

When Rochester said the word "fiancé," there was a subtle pause in his tone, as if he were reciting an ancient and taboo name, with a sense of awe and a hint of barely perceptible probing.

"Let's meet that great bloodline inheritor, the uncrowned ruler who roams the endless sea, the noble successor of the ancient pirate king—Captain Yann Hughes."

Referring to the son of a demon god as the "inheritor of a great bloodline" reveals the obsequiousness and sycophancy of a high-ranking official.

Grace's response to Rochester was not unexpected; her tone remained cold and stern, leaving no room for negotiation.
"In that case, let Thorger Chambers come and speak with me in person."

Rochester lowered his head slightly, his voice steady and without a trace of emotion:
"In fact, the Governor-General was recently in Constantine."

Upon hearing this, even Cohen in the Shadow Dimension was quite surprised.

Torg Chambers, that behemoth who controlled the empire's waterways and wielded immense power, also secretly came to Constantine.

In addition to what Shanis had mentioned earlier, the governor of the "Golden Harvest District," Celine, was one of the empire's two most important governors who had secretly arrived in Constantine at the same time.

The world is full of wonders!
It seems Governor Torg is really determined to get his hands on the ghost ship.

Grace's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and she tilted her head slightly, her gaze seemingly fixed on an oil painting depicting a naval battle of an ancient empire hanging above the fireplace.

After a brief silence, her voice rang out again:
"Then let him come in person."

Rochester's face showed a hint of embarrassment, his body maintaining a perfect bow, but the voice emanating from deep within his throat was softer than a plea, each word spoken with careful tact:
"Your Highness, please forgive me. There are some matters that involve the Governor-General personally, and it is really inconvenient for me to explain them too clearly."

Hmm... Although the Governor has deep roots within the Empire, he also has many enemies.

"This secret journey to Kuntandin is a matter of life and death, and carries a heavy responsibility..."

Grace let out a mocking laugh:
"I understand."

"You mean, Torger won't show up unless he sees Yann, is that right?"

Rochester's face showed deep remorse:
"Your Highness is wise."

The Governor has taken a great risk in coming to Kuntandin.

Her Majesty the Empress's private intelligence agency, the House of Nobles' intelligence agency, and the military's intelligence agencies—these people have many eyes and ears and could detect the Governor's movements at any time.

Therefore, Your Highness cannot easily reveal yourself; I hope you can understand.

Grace said coldly:
"Then please leave. I don't understand."

Even with Rochester's steely will and composure, forged in the crucible of countless battles and the treacherous world of human connections, he was stunned into silence by Grace's merciless and resolute words, "I can't understand."

Rochester thought to himself, "This princess of the Eastern Empire truly lives up to her reputation as the thorny rose who dared to send people to publicly beat the eldest prince of the Southern Empire and made that prince, who was eager to propose marriage, dare not set foot on the land of the Central Empire for many years."

He treats people and things in such a free and unrestrained manner, showing no mercy whatsoever.

I really don't know what kind of evil divine forbidden magic a notorious pirate captain who made his fortune through plunder used to make this imperial rose, which could prick any man who came near and draw blood, obediently put on an engagement ring.
After a brief moment of thought, Rochester Ryan's embarrassment faded like the receding tide. He had made ample preparations for all possible scenarios for today's meeting.

Although Grace's reaction was slightly unexpected, everything was still under control.

He took a barely perceptible deep breath, concealing his thoughts, and took a document from the briefcase beside him, gently placing it on the coffee table in front of Grace, lowering his voice:
"Your Highness, this is Prince Xiazuo Tang of the Eastern Region Empire, your aggressive cousin."

In the four administrative districts of the southeastern region of the Central Empire—"Thousand Streams Court," "Stone District," "Flowing Fire District," and "Fujiguanze"—hidden assets, infiltrated factions, and cultivated informants and henchmen.

Everything is contained herein; please take a look.

A barely perceptible look of surprise surfaced in the depths of Grace's beautiful eyes.

Rochester's smile remained unchanged as he spoke softly:

"The Governor said that this is a small gift for His Highness."

If our two sides can cooperate more deeply in the future, His Excellency the Governor will offer His Highness unimaginably generous terms.

Grace was genuinely surprised; she never expected that Torgod would use something so deadly as a stepping stone.

Because Xia Zuo and Qiao Lun were previously framed by Ke En, the former lost all his industries and sources of income in the Northwest Continent, which made Xia Zuo's already dire economic situation even worse.

If his economic resources in the Central Continent were cut off, the political group that Xia Zuo had painstakingly built, the elite soldiers he had raised, and the spies and informants throughout the empire would wither and die instantly, like a monster that had lost its blood.

The key question now is how authentic this information is.

The secrets of an imperial prince, the heir to the throne, regarding his assets and covert operations on the central continent, are unlikely to be obtained by a mere governor of a small administrative district.

Even if he can completely control the situation in "Qianliuting", what about the other three administrative districts?
Grace opened the document; the inner pages were made of alchemical fibers as thin as cicada wings, upon which flowed faint yet incredibly clear magical runes:

Deep within "Fujiguanze", a private army camp is perfectly concealed by swamp miasma and illusion magic array;
Three teleportation beacons disguised as abandoned navigation lighthouses along the border of the "Blazing Fire Zone";
"Rock Zone" refers to some seemingly insignificant but strategically vital mineral trading hubs;
Shares in several shipbuilding companies under the "Thousand Streams Pavilion," a vast underground treasury secretly established in the name of Xia Zuo's mother's clan... (End of Chapter)