Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

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Grace even saw a list of informants that the Xiazuo Group had planted in the Central Empire branch of the "Flaming Red Lips" trading company, and she recognized many of them.

The burning charcoal in the fireplace crackled and popped, casting flickering shadows on Grace's flawless face.

In the Shadow Dimension, Cohen fell into thought. Unlike Grace's skepticism, he believed that the information was most likely true.

The four administrative districts mentioned by Rochester—"Qianliuting," "Panshi District," "Liuhuo District," and "Fujiguanze"—were members of the so-called "Southeast Mutual Protection" alliance in the previous life.

Memories of my past life churned in my mind:
Baron Harris, the governor of the "Rock Zone," hides a secret mine and privately forged steel armor beneath the name of "Imperial Iron Wall."
Governor Calvin Freeman of the "Fire Zone," the "Lord of the Desert," possesses not only endless deserts and Gobi, but also a deeply entrenched network of mercenaries and bandits.
Governor Fischer Rostock of "Vine Crown Marsh," under the command of the "Grand Duke of Wetlands," nurtures all-consuming magical monsters and alien races beneath his lush marshes...

Not to mention the former admiral Thorger Chambers, who held the empire's "purse strings."

In his previous life, it was he who used the Thousand Streams Waterway as his bloodline to firmly bind these three ferocious beasts, who also harbored rebellious intentions towards the empire's central authority, to his war chariot.

The information given to Grace was probably not even a top secret to Torgo; it was just a page from an ordinary ledger under the shadow of his enormous ambition.

He must still possess a great deal of secrets, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to establish himself as king in the Central Continent so quickly after the turmoil on the mainland.

Torg's meager gift was clearly a silent declaration:
He, Torger Chambers, already holds the power to leverage a third of the empire; it all depends on whether Princess Grace is willing to accept the olive branch he has extended!
Grace put down the documents and, for the first time, looked up to examine the middle-aged man before her, who possessed an air of bureaucracy yet was remarkably humble.

How long can Torg stay in Constantine?

Rochester breathed a sigh of relief; things had finally gone smoothly.

The thought flashed through his mind like lightning, but his expression remained respectful, not daring to relax in the slightest:
"The Governor is willing to wait in Constantine until Commander Yaon arrives."

Rochester's words revealed an undeniable determination.

After a moment's thought, Grace said:
"Seven days later, have Torg come in person."

"As ordered, Your Highness."

Rochester's answer was short, clear, and contained suppressed excitement.

He bowed deeply again, almost touching his forehead to the crimson carpet.

Then, with silent steps, she retreated from the supreme and majestic space that belonged to the eldest princess.

After Rochester left, Cohen stepped out of the Shadow Dimension, picked up the cold, hard alchemical fiber document from the coffee table, and began to examine it carefully.

Grace rested her chin on her hand, thought for a moment, and then said:

Can we trust what he gives us?

Cohen replied:

"I'm inclined to believe it's more likely to be true. Let the Military Intelligence Bureau investigate."

No matter how well it's hidden, some clues can always be found.

Grace nodded slightly and said:

"Judging from what this person said, it seems that this matter is Torger's own idea."

Rochester's statement that Torg was worried about being discovered by Her Majesty the Empress, the House of Lords, and the military's intelligence agencies indirectly suggests that he was doing it behind their backs.

Cohen nodded in approval:
"But we'll have to wait until we meet him to talk about it..."

……

As of today, the grand event on the mainland, the Noble Martial Arts Festival, is already halfway through.

As is expected, a halftime break began.

The so-called aristocratic martial arts festival is important not only for what happens on the arena, but also for what happens off the arena.

The Noble Martial Arts Festival is a rare occasion for political leaders and nobles from various countries to gather together.

Dozens of monarchs and their successors who control the chessboard of the continent; hundreds of wealthy and powerful merchants whose roots run deep into the lifeblood of the continent like giant trees; and thousands of hereditary nobles whose crowns are stained with ancient blood and fire.

The outlines of territories, trade routes, and even the ownership of the throne... all tangible and intangible contracts will be negotiated amidst the clinking of glasses.

Therefore, after the Bronze and Silver Divisions conclude each Noble Martial Arts Festival, there is a break of nearly a week.

The Central Empire, the Imperial Capital of Kuntandin, the Northern Administrative District, the Imperial House of Nobles.

This is the second most powerful institution in the empire after the imperial palace.

In the council hall, in this palace with a dome that soars like the top of a mountain, light pours down through a huge skylight.

Dappled light dappled across the dark red and gold-embroidered carpet, and even the air seemed to carry the scent of power and ancient oaths.

The council hall of the nobility is itself a silent epic, witnessing a history and era even longer than that of the Central Empire.

Even before the empire was established, those noble sages plotted one thing after another in this building that would change the course of human history.

Countless important decisions that changed the course of the country, the ownership of its territory, and affected the fate of hundreds of millions of lives were conceived, debated, and ultimately formed here.

The main governing body for this year's International Nobles' Martial Arts Festival is the Imperial Noble Council.

In the council hall, the core leadership of the House of Nobles was busily preparing for the upcoming Gold and Legendary group matches.

At the top of the hall, there are three seats.

Heisenberg Wertheimer, the first senator of the House of Lords and chairman of the Law Committee, sat at the very center.

His body was wrapped in a jet-black robe with a precise, razor-sharp cut. On the middle finger of his left hand, a ring was engraved with an endless cycle symbolizing the serpent with its tail.

His gray hair and beard were meticulously combed, revealing a refined and easygoing temperament.

But the sharpness and depth that occasionally flashed in his eyes reminded everyone that the old man who looked like a scholar was the true helmsman of the political monster that was the Imperial Noble House.

Seated in the chair to his left was Archduke Franz Ferdinand, chairman of the disciplinary investigation committee.

This middle-aged nobleman, known as the "First Duke of the Continent," stood as imposing as a giant mountain.

He wore a heavy velvet ducal robe with scarlet trim and gold accents, and beneath his white beard was a cold, hard face with sharp, chiseled features.

His gray-blue eyes were sharp as a hawk's, and his gaze carried an undisguised air of dominance.

He toyed with a small seal forged from abyssal dark stone between his thick fingers, a symbol of the iron fist of discipline. Each time the seal touched the table, it made a dull, drum-like sound.

Archduke Ferdinand's reputation was polarized between the common people and the nobility.

The people cheered and rejoiced, grateful that the empire had such a Grand Duke who could uphold justice.

But none of the nobles, big or small, were willing to see this cold-faced Grand Duke.

Blade turned inward, impartial and incorruptible!

He personally sent no fewer than a hundred nobles of earl rank and above to prison!

As for the other nobles he dealt with, they were countless.

For most of the nobles in the Middle Empire, the name Franz Ferdinand was synonymous with danger and fear!

The chair to Heisenberg’s right was Fyodor, the chairman of the Education Committee and principal of St. Glory School, who was also one of Heisenberg’s most trusted subordinates.

Fyodor had a slender face and an air of wisdom like that of a sage who had stepped out of an ancient scroll. A silver key, floating above a half-open scroll, hung on his chest. The handle of the key was engraved with a chain of runes representing the all-knowing eye and intertwined with different fields of knowledge.

This key badge is not a symbol from the Central Empire's House of Nobility, but rather from a pancontinental organization, the Continental Scholars Association—the "Society of All Things".

The "Universal Society" was not established by any empire or power, but is an association spontaneously formed by scholars from all over the continent.

This is a permanent alliance that transcends national borders, races, and beliefs, located in a neutral city-state on the continent, the City of Ivory Obelisk, a place steeped in knowledge.

The members come from all known intelligent races on the continent, including humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, sea creatures, and more.

Members are categorized into apprentices, bachelors, erudites, sages, and honorary scholars based on their achievements and contributions.

Apprentices are young scholars or promising individuals who must be introduced to the program and pass a rigorous basic assessment before they can join.

A Bachelor is a formal member of the "Society of All Things," and must have in-depth knowledge in a specific field, such as arcane arts, history, natural philosophy, alchemy, astrology, engineering, or medicine.

Doctoral degree holders are authoritative scholars in their academic fields, and can form research groups, apply for academic resources, and teach apprentices.

A sage is a titan, a master in their field. They typically achieve great success in multiple areas and are responsible for setting strategic research directions and identifying and managing ultimate knowledge.

They are also members of the Academy’s highest governing body, the “Star Privy Council.”

Fyodor was a "wise man" of the "Society of All Things".

Another title is Honorary Scholar, which is awarded specifically to non-academic individuals who have made significant contributions to the dissemination, preservation, or study of knowledge, such as generous monarchs or heroes who protect scholars.

It is worth mentioning that all the emperors of the five great empires were, without exception, "honorary scholars" of the "Society of All Things".

The Legal Committee was chaired by Heisenberg Wertheimer, the Disciplinary Investigation Committee by Franz Ferdinand, and the Education Committee by Fyodor.

Together, the three formed the core leadership of the House of Nobles, creating a power triangle that symbolized imperial law, order, and wisdom.

It is a force within the Central Empire, the strongest empire in human history, second only to the imperial power.

Surrounding this trio were the chairpersons and leaders of various professional committees.

Some of these figures couldn't even get a seat with an armchair in the council hall, yet they were influential representatives in various fields and regions of the empire.

They are the controllers of vital blood vessels and nerve nodes in the vast body of the empire.

They were arranged in an orderly fashion among the secondary seats below the three leaders, like monks sharing communion.
Chairman of the Trade and Taxation Committee – Leonard Cromwell;

Hereditary title and Director of Ceremonies – Marquise von Eisenberg;
Director of the Military Liaison Advisory Committee – Kasper Dorn;

Oreste Salinders, Chairman of the Special Observer Committee on Foreign Peoples and Diplomacy;

Ignatius Oberon, Director of the Magical Resources Management Committee;
Chair of the Agriculture, Food and Strategic Reserves Allocation Committee – Margaret Greenwood;
Bridget Bevington, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Safety, City Appearance and Basic Livelihood, etc.

In addition, there were three governors from the twelve administrative districts, who were also members of the House of Nobles. A group of military and political dignitaries gathered together to arrange the upcoming Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Unlike the minor skirmishes of the Bronze and Silver ranks, the Gold rank already represents some of the top experts on the continent.

Furthermore, since it was taking place on the stage of the Noble Martial Arts Festival, all the contestants sent by various countries were, without exception, high-level extraordinary individuals at the peak of the ninth rank or even half a step into legend.

This level of battle between superhumans is countless times stronger than the previous two matches in terms of both destructive power and intensity.

The matters involved in the competition were much more complicated and tedious compared to the previous bronze and silver groups.

Inside the hall, the rustling of pages turning, hurried whispers, and footsteps mingled together.

The air was filled with the unique smell of ink mixed with parchment.

Just then, Cohen's trusted secret agent, top agent of the Military Intelligence Bureau, station chief of the Constantine Station, chief Heisenberg's close confidant, and secretary of the House of Nobles' Legal Committee, Samuel Jones, arrived at Heisenberg's side with hurried steps.

After leaning down and whispering a few words, Heisenberg showed obvious surprise on his face.

This subtle unusual movement did not escape the notice of those who were watching the Chief's every move.

The subdued activity in the hall froze for a moment, and many officials keenly sensed the change.

They all looked up from their documents and scrolls, their gazes silently focusing on the direction of Chief Heisenberg.

Heisenberg responded to everyone's gaze and said in a deep voice:

"Gentlemen, His Majesty will be here soon to inspect our work!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the previously somewhat chaotic and noisy council hall fell silent instantly.

Just a moment later, the invisible silence was broken by an even greater commotion.

Baron Singh, the Chief of Staff of the House of Lords in charge of reception, was like a tightly wound spring suddenly snapped, almost roaring as he gave orders to the servants waiting by his side:

"Quickly! Move fast! Clear away all the debris!"

"The table! Every inch of it must be polished to a shine!"

"Window! Glass! Immediately!"
Clean water! A rag! Not a single stain can be left!
Dear leaders, please put away your cigars and cigarette butts. His Majesty dislikes the smell of smoke.

Director Caspar, please put away the champagne you left in the lounge for now..."

As Baron Singh urged them on, an invisible tension quickly spread.

The officials, who had just been engrossed in their official duties, suddenly started spinning in place like tops that had been whipped.

Officials patted the wrinkles in their clothes, smoothed out their cuffs or bow ties, adjusted their belts, and hurriedly combed their hair with their fingers, striving to present the most perfect image before Her Majesty the Empress.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the chairman of the disciplinary committee known for his rigor and composure, frowned and looked silently at Chief Heisenberg.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was clear enough to penetrate the remaining noise of busy work.

Why would His Majesty suddenly come to inspect our work?

Heisenberg stood ramrod straight as a statue, intently watching the last water stain in the corner being wiped away.

Hearing this, he didn't turn around immediately. After a few breaths, he slowly turned his face, his eyelids slightly lowered, his face utterly calm.

"I don't know either. His Majesty didn't inform me beforehand."

Ferdinand was taken aback:
"Mr. Lian, you were also completely unaware?"

Heisenberg met Ferdinand's probing gaze head-on:
“Your Excellency need not look at me like that. I have no reason to lie about such things.”

Seeing the solemnity in Heisenberg's words, Ferdinand could no longer believe him.

However, he was even more puzzled. It was impossible for the ruler of a country to travel and inspect without any prior notice.

Could it be that His Majesty really made this decision on a whim?
Many of his colleagues in the House of Nobles shared similar confusion and worries.

Before long, the two heavy oak doors of the council hall opened silently inward, and two rows of Rose Guards appeared in everyone's sight.

The expressions on the officials' faces, whether they were confused, anxious, or trying to remain calm just a moment ago, all returned to solemnity and seriousness.

A slender figure stepped in unhurriedly from among the Rose Guards.

Shanis stepped into the hall, her calm gaze sweeping over each bowing official, and made a gesture of invitation:

"No need for formalities, I'm just here to take a look around."

The tense atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

As Shanis stepped into the center of the hall, the invisible pressure in the air lessened slightly, but her natural noble and dignified aura spread even more intensely.

After a series of formulaic words of comfort and encouragement, Shanis explained her purpose to the crowd:

"There may be some changes to the participants in this Noble Martial Arts Festival."

Effie!
The three words that Shanis uttered instantly made the atmosphere in the room much more eerie.

Many officials wore puzzled expressions, realizing that the Empress had come for her fiancé.

Many people have already thought of phrases like "male chauvinists disrupt politics" and "male beauty ruins the country."

When Her Majesty the Empress revealed that her purpose in coming was for Effie, a barely perceptible glint of understanding flashed in Heisenberg's deep gray eyes.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice as steady as a rock, trying to make sense of what Shanis was saying:
"What changes does Your Majesty mean by?"

Shanis did not answer directly.

Her clear, icy gaze swept over the officials standing with their heads bowed on either side of the hall, finally settling on Heisenberg, and she asked in a tone as if stating a given fact:

"As for the Gold Group contestants that Effie sent this time, I remember there were... four people, right?"

Heisenberg did not reply immediately, but instead glanced very briefly out of the corner of his eye at Samuel Jones, who was standing diagonally behind him.

The latter immediately understood, took half a step forward, bowed even deeper, and his voice echoed clearly and respectfully in the suddenly quiet hall:
"Your Majesty, your record is accurate."

The four are our Empire’s former Grand Minister, the current Princess Effie Windsor, and Miss Windsordler Windrunner.
Princess Isabella Winsor of Effie;
Marquis de Rose of Effie, Mademoiselle Melantha Tinouville, and Sancho Copperfield, an honorary baron of Effie.

Shanis nodded slightly, then posed another question to Heisenberg, her tone still calm and even:
"The competition rules state that each country can send five participants, is that right?"

Heisenberg was somewhat puzzled by Shanes's seemingly obvious question, but he maintained absolute respect and carefully worded his reply:

"Yes, Your Majesty, but the age restrictions are different from those for the Bronze and Silver groups."

The requirements for the Gold Group are quite high; applicants must break through to the Gold rank before the age of forty to be eligible to apply.

Effie... after all, it's only been developed in recent years, so..."

Actually, you can see the clues just by looking at the list of participants in the Effie Gold Group.

Isabella and Windsordler are not even from Effie; they only became eligible to represent Effie because they became Princess Cohen.

The same goes for the Marquis of Rose, who came from the "Lost Land".

Sancho Panza was essentially trained by Effie himself.

There are people in Effie who can break through to the Gold rank before the age of forty, but participating in the Noble Martial Arts Festival requires more than just reaching the Gold rank.

That's related to the nation's ranking points. It would be shameful for a superhuman who has just broken through to the Gold rank to participate in this kind of competition.

Therefore, many countries would rather not send any participants than send a superhuman below the ninth rank to compete.

If breaking through to the Gold rank before the age of forty is considered difficult, then breaking through to the ninth rank before the age of forty is absolutely even more difficult.

It would be difficult to do this without the deep foundation of an empire or kingdom-level power.

Heisenberg didn't say it explicitly, but the implication was clear: Effie's foundation was too weak!

However, Her Majesty the Empress seemed completely unconcerned by the implication in Heisenberg's words, and simply said in the most indifferent tone:
"Since there aren't enough spots, is it feasible for Effie to add another participant at the last minute?"

A look of astonishment flashed across Heisenberg's eyes. Not only him, but all the officials in the hall who were listening intently felt a sense of absurdity.

No matter how much I thought about it, I never expected that Her Majesty the Empress would condescend to visit the Imperial Noble Council's administrative hall today, going through all this trouble, just to give Effie an extra... contestant spot?

His Majesty asked personally, so who would dare to say no?

Heisenberg didn't hesitate much, bowing in reply:
"Of course, since the quota is not full, we can add more people."

The additional participants only need to meet the eligibility requirements stipulated in the competition rules.

He looked up, his tone carrying a hint of tentative speculation:

"It seems someone else in Effie has broken through to the ninth rank?"

This is the most logical conjecture: Effie has found a new ninth-tier transcendent being capable of earning points for the nation in the Gold Group.

Shanis's lips curled into a meaningful smile as she said softly:
"Sir, you guessed half right. Someone has indeed made a breakthrough."

But it wasn't a breakthrough to the ninth rank; it was a breakthrough to the gold rank.

Heisenberg was stunned for a moment. Breakthrough to the Gold rank?

Then what's the point of participating...?

Suddenly, Heisenberg seemed to realize something, and a look of disbelief appeared in his eyes.

Shanis smiled and said:

"This newly added contestant is named Cohen Corleone, and his identity is King Effie!" (End of Chapter)