Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

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In the heart of the Empress's palace, in Constantinople, the capital of the Central Empire.

The midday sun should have been warm and bright.

Yet it was difficult to penetrate the depths of this palace, constructed from countless mysterious metals and magical materials, a symbol of absolute imperial power.

Heavy, deep purple velvet curtains tightly blocked the windows, and the air was filled with expensive ambergris and a colder scent, like a mixture of metal and frost.

Deep within the palace, before the enormous couch carved from a single piece of moonstone, Empress Denise Klein, the ruler of the Central Empire, reclined languidly.

A thin, silver-gray silk morning robe, as thin as a cicada's wing, draped over her slender and alluring figure.

The sash of her morning robe was casually draped around her waist, revealing her beautifully shaped collarbone and a breathtaking glimpse of snow-white skin.

However, this languid sexiness was completely frozen by the imperial aura emanating from her, which was like a solid ice spike.

Her long, golden hair was casually draped over her shoulders, highlighting her stunningly beautiful face that could outshine the stars.

But at this moment, there was no smile on his face, and his eyes burned with inexplicable emotions.

He stared intently at Cohen, who had just been teleported from Effie using the "Book of Time and Space".

The young king of Efein stood stiffly in the shadows, ten steps away from the empress.

Her posture remained upright, dressed in a well-tailored dark gown, with subtle signs of bathing and a lingering faint fragrance from Adele.

His handsome face was now filled with undisguised stiffness and guilt.

Cohen tried to maintain his composure and attempted to force a smile, but under the Empress's gaze, which was as intense as a polar storm, the smile froze at the corners of his mouth before it could even take shape.

He bowed slightly, his voice trying to remain steady, yet still sounding somewhat hoarse:

"Good day, Your Majesty!"

"Good day?"

Empress Shanes' voice rang out slowly, carrying a chilling sarcasm:

"Did Adel make you feel good?"

Her gaze, like a cold probe, swept inch by inch across Cohen's face and the corner of his clothes, which were still damp with morning dew, finally settling on his eyes, which seemed to still hold some lingering charm.

Shanis leaned forward slightly, the collar of her morning robe slipping down a bit, revealing even more breathtaking curves:
"What are you trying to hide by taking a shower so early in the morning?"
It's only been a few days, and you've already gone back several times?
"You really think my palace is your secret passage back to serve Adele?"

Cohen felt his back instantly soaked with cold sweat, and he forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions.

The stiffness on his face was instantly replaced by an unprecedented seriousness and solemnity.

He straightened his back, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, staring directly into Shanis's eyes burning with anger. His voice was resolute, carrying the undeniable weight of a matter of national importance:

"Your Majesty has misunderstood. I rushed back to Effie overnight, not for personal reasons."

Instead, there were extremely urgent military and national affairs that needed to be addressed!

To be frank, Your Majesty, after the Noble Martial Arts Festival concludes, we, the Effie, will be waging a massive war on the border between the Kingdom of Windbreak and the Kingdom of Ceylon.

Moreover, once this war breaks out, it will inevitably affect most of the Northwest Continent…

Seeing how formal Cohen was speaking, Shanis seemed somewhat skeptical.

Cohen thought to himself, "Of course, in between dealing with important military and national affairs, we should have a deep conversation about our feelings as husband and wife."

There's no need to explain these things to Shanis so clearly about further enhancing my abilities with ice magic.

The coldness on Her Majesty the Empress's beautiful face dissipated slightly. After a moment's thought, she asked:
"The border between the Kingdom of Windbreak and the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

Hasn't the Kingdom of Ceylon already been nearly crippled by you?
What power could possibly be left to instigate a massive war that would sweep across the Northwest continent?

Cohen said in a low voice:

"The Kingdom of Serene!"

The Kingdom of Serene, controlled by the 'Black Tomb,' will secretly join the war!

Cohen recounted the intelligence and analysis he had gathered to Shanis.

Empress Shanis listened quietly, her eyes revealing the cold rationality of a ruler rapidly weighing and calculating.

The intelligence and analysis brought by Cohen were very important.

If everything is as Cohen envisioned... then the power map of the Northwest Continent will indeed undergo an unprecedented reshuffle!
The anger in her eyes was gradually replaced by a deep, sharp light, filled with scrutiny and calculation.

He squinted slightly, relaxed his body and leaned back on the couch, his long, slender fingers, as perfect as works of art, unconsciously caressing himself.

In the midst of this subtle shift in atmosphere, Cohen seized the opportunity to sit down next to Shanis, pressing close to the Empress's plump and slender thighs.

He grasped her slender hand, which was unconsciously stroking the cold stone surface.

He turned slightly to the side, his gaze fixed intently on Xenia's face, so close it could make even the gods swoon, his warm breath almost brushing against her cool earlobe:

"The Black Tomb has been silent for so long, its comeback this time is definitely not a small-scale operation."

This time, ostensibly targeting the Windrise Kingdom, it will ultimately be aimed at us, Effie. A single misstep... could lead to annihilation!

A glint of worry and determination flashed in Cohen's eyes:

"That's why I have to rush back to China every few days to make the most of every minute to set up defenses, mobilize resources, and contact allies."

Like walking a tightrope on the edge of a cliff, there was no room for the slightest slackening.

At this point, Cohen sighed softly, his voice carrying just the right amount of weariness:

"Yadel is now struggling to handle the daily, complicated administrative affairs in the country."

As for... military planning, predictions of Black Tomb's movements, and arrangements for the upcoming border war.

She's completely overwhelmed. If I don't go back and handle it myself, Effie will face an extremely dangerous situation!

Cohen's words were sincere and logically sound, perfectly wrapping the reasons for his frequent returns to the country under the guise of "national affairs being of utmost importance" and "the Queen being overwhelmed."

Of course, the crux of the problem is that Cohen took away Windsordler, Melantha, and others who could have shared the political burden with Adele.

Now that only Adeline remains in Effie, Cohen wants to go back and check on his queen's health and spirit.

Shanis's expression completely thawed, and Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief; they had finally passed the test.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you? It's almost noon, let's eat something together."

Xenise clapped her hands gently, and several familiar Rose Guards set out a series of delicious dishes.

Cohen's gaze swept across the dining table, and his heart skipped a beat.

These are all dishes I like, and some of them are even local specialties of Effie.

A strong, warm current, a mixture of surprise and emotion, surged through Cohen's heart.

Shanis had clearly inquired about his preferences beforehand, and judging from her demeanor, she was obviously waiting for him to have dinner together.

For a ruler of a nation to go to such lengths, this tenderness, so rare in an empress, so down-to-earth, melted his defenses like a warm current.

"sit down."

Shanis's voice had lost some of its usual coldness and authority, and gained a touch of languid gentleness.

She pointed to the seat opposite the dining table, while she herself remained reclining on the moonstone couch, relaxed.

She seemed to have shed the heavy crown of an emperor, and was simply an ordinary woman waiting for her partner to have lunch with her.

The atmosphere between the two became warmer and more peaceful than ever before.

Shanis gracefully cut the Demon Bull ribs on her plate, occasionally glancing at Cohen with a rare smile in her eyes.

During the meal, Shanis also quietly told Cohen about some interesting things that happened when she was a child at the Imperial Royal Hunting Grounds.

Memories of chasing unicorns, taming pegasi, and getting lost in a sea of ​​star-studded flowers... her words carried a pure joy devoid of the empress's aura.

Cohen listened attentively, a genuine smile on his face, occasionally adding a few words of agreement.

He almost forgot the power struggles and schemes weighing on his shoulders, immersing himself in this rare, almost illusory, tranquility.

However, fate always seems to like playing tricks on us at the most heartwarming moments.

A very slight, soul-piercing vibration suddenly came from the communication stone that Cohen wore close to his body.

He instinctively reached for his chest, and the instant his fingertips touched the communication stone, an incredibly clear stream of information rushed into his mind:
"Urgent matter, return immediately!"

—Isabella.

Cohen quickly looked up and glanced at the other side.

Her Majesty the Empress was enthusiastically recounting her experience of capturing a Moon Rabbit for the first time using a magic trap.

Her eyes, which were always imbued with authority and composure, now shone with a pure light like a young girl's.

A faint smile lingered at the corners of her lips, a smile so rare and precious.

It's so beautiful that one can't bear to break this scene.

Cohen felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his throat; he opened his mouth, but every word felt like a thousand pounds:
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."

Cohen's voice was extremely dry, and he sounded clearly troubled.
"I'm so sorry, I have something urgent that I need to take care of right away..."

Shanis paused for a moment, her expression unchanged, but the fingers holding the fork tightened slightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.

His voice regained its usual calm, devoid of any emotion, befitting an emperor.
"Okay, I'll send someone to take you out after you finish eating."

Cohen felt extremely uncomfortable.

Isabella's message was like a death knell. He secretly activated his mental power and used the communication stone to inquire what it was about.

Isabella answered quickly:
The Pale Wings have received a very important business deal and need Cohen's help.

The matter was urgent, and she was already waiting outside the palace.

Cohen felt a tightness in his chest. To avoid a direct confrontation between the two women later, he had no choice but to offend Shanis first.

Cohen sighed almost imperceptibly, looked at Shanis, and forced a deeply apologetic smile:
“Your Majesty, I will come to have dinner with you again tonight to apologize.” Shanis narrowed her eyes slightly.
"What's the matter? Even if it's urgent... it won't make a difference if we have to eat a meal, will it?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than a slender figure appeared beside her like a ghost—it was the leader of the Rose Guards who had been in charge of serving the dishes.

She knelt on one knee, her voice extremely low, yet it echoed clearly throughout the palace:
"Your Majesty, Miss Wenze, daughter of Jin Yi, requests an audience."

A cold glint flashed in Xenia's eyes, and she abruptly stood up from the moonstone couch.

Looking down at Cohen, who stood frozen at the table, his beautiful face was filled with suppressed rage.

They even came to us in person!

"Then I can no longer keep you to myself. Go find your queen."

After saying that, he suddenly flicked his sleeve and left the palace.

Cohen sighed deeply; he had now completely offended Shanis.

I can only try to coax him at night.

He suppressed his emotions, and his figure seemed to be violently pulled into the abyss by an invisible dark hand, instantly disappearing from the Empress's palace.

The space rippled like water for a moment, then returned to deathly silence.

After leaving the palace, Isabella appeared before him.

She was still wearing that magnificent gold gown, which accentuated her breathtaking curves.

But at this moment, her stunningly beautiful face was filled with undisguised jealousy and doubt. She crossed her arms and stared at Cohen:

"Hey, you're not even married to her yet, why are you going to the palace every other day? Aren't you afraid of causing some kind of royal scandal?"

Cohen looked at Isabella's accusing expression and inwardly groaned.

He looked around to make sure there was no third shadow lurking before pulling Isabella closer, his lips almost touching her earlobe, and whispered to her about the imprinted spatial node.

A look of understanding flashed in Isabella's eyes, followed by a look of wariness:
"Why put the spatial node in Shanis's palace of all places?"
"Do you intend to be available to serve her in bed at any time?"

Cohen answered in a very serious tone:
"Other places are not safe. This is Constantinople, the first city-state of mankind."

The number of legendary powerhouses... is more than that of the Gold Rank in Effie!
The aura of the saints enveloped the sky like a spider web; in any other place, a passing legendary mage or saint could easily discover it.

The Empress's palace was the most heavily guarded, highest-security, and safest place in all of Constantinople.

Isabella's furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and the wariness in her eyes gradually dissipated. She carefully considered Cohen's words and had to admit that he made a valid point.

However, his eyes remained sharp, as if warning Cohen—don't let me find out you have other ideas.

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had temporarily gotten through this hurdle.

He immediately steered the conversation back on track, his voice carrying a hint of urgency and seriousness:
"Alright, now tell me what kind of business it is that you're in such a hurry to get me back?"

Cohen recalled Shanis's furious departure and sighed softly once more.

Isabella's expression instantly became extremely serious and mysterious.

She glanced around warily again, making sure it was absolutely safe, before leaning closer to Cohen, her voice almost a whisper:

"A long-time partner is preparing to secretly sell a treasure to the organization."

The other party specifically requested that a knowledgeable person be present during the transaction, saying that this treasure involves ancient secrets and its importance concerns the fate of the entire Pale Wings.

That's when Father and several uncles thought of asking you to come along.

After all, you are the 'Child of Prophecy' personally recognized by His Majesty Madora, the God of Prophecy!
If we're talking about having a good eye for quality, who in this world is more suitable than you?

Ancient secrets?

What will become of us in the future?
Cohen's pupils suddenly contracted. As a business giant spanning multiple realms, the Pale Wings' "long-standing partners" were by no means ordinary.

Something that can elicit such seriousness from the other party, even specifically requesting a "discerning person," must be of exceptional quality.

A hint of interest flashed in Cohen's eyes, and he nodded, saying:

"Okay, let's go take a look."

Look what kind of "surprise" your "long-standing partner" has brought!

……

The Pale Wings' secret trading post in Constantinople is not located in a bustling commercial district.

Instead, it is hidden deep within the city's underground labyrinthine network of ancient sewer systems.

This place has been secretly modified by generations of Pale Wings, and has long been a subterranean fortress built of solid quartz and magical alloy, isolated from all prying eyes.

When Cohen and Isabella appeared in a portal shimmering with spatial runes, a heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere instantly enveloped them.

What comes into view is a huge, domed, circular stone hall.

The hall was dimly lit, illuminated only by magical crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling that emitted a cold, eerie blue light, casting long, distorted shadows on everyone.

In the center of the stone hall, several figures were already seated around a huge round table.

Cohen's gaze swept across the entire room in an instant, a barely perceptible glint of sharpness flashing deep in his pupils.

The Golden Wing family, his father-in-law, Aziz Wenze, a business tycoon known for his wisdom and shrewdness, was sitting in the main seat, his face showing his usual composure and gentleness.

But deep within those eyes flickered an unprecedented solemnity and a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Standing beside him were several Golden Wing Core Elders with calm demeanor and sharp eyes.

The others included Cruz Dela, a representative of the Darkwing family, and standing beside him was Gabriel Dela, the leader of the younger generation of the Pale Wings and the first in line to inherit the Darkwing family, who had fought Isabella at the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

In addition, there were the patriarchs or patriarch representatives of the other three-winged families.

Five wings come together!

The representatives of the highest power core of the Pale Wings have all secretly gathered here at this moment.

This in itself signifies an upcoming transaction of far greater importance than imagined.

Cohen calmly walked over and sat down in the empty seat reserved next to Isabella.

He tilted his head slightly and asked in a whisper that only the two of them could hear:
"It seems your long-standing partner is quite influential."

Cohen's voice carried a hint of amusement, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's as he saw the rare solemnity and seriousness on the faces of the giants around the round table, whose mere stomp could shake the continent.

Isabella's body tensed slightly, and she also lowered her voice:
"He comes from the Sean family. When the Pale Wings were first established, the Sean family was our Five Wings family's most core and secretive partner."

"But this family... is extremely strange!"
Each generation seems to send only one person to walk the earth.

Like ghosts, they are elusive and never reveal their family's existence on the continent.

Furthermore, I once heard my father mention that the Sean family has a very deep connection with the founders of our Pale Wings.”

The founder of the Pale Wings?
Cohen felt as if his heart had been struck hard by an invisible giant hammer.

The playful glint in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a profound and unfathomable seriousness.

The founder of the Pale Wings... who was that?

That is the supreme deity who governs contracts and fairness and maintains the commercial order of all realms—[God of Contracts and Fairness] Cavendish Libra!
He instantly understood why the Five Wings family had mobilized so much, why Aziz Wenze was so solemn, and why Isabella was in such a hurry to find him.

This is far more than just an ordinary transaction.

This could very well be a game involving the secrets of the gods, the fate of the Pale Wings, and even the very foundation of the entire continent's destiny!

……

With the arrival of Cohen and Isabella, the deal negotiations officially began.

Cohen greeted everyone with a perfectly timed smile, a smile that conveyed both regal authority and humility.

His voice was calm and composed, neither arrogant nor humble.

Cruz Dela then slowly rose and bowed slightly to the figure with his back to the entrance, draped in an inconspicuous gray cloak, his posture carrying a subtle hint of respect:

"Mr. Sean, this is King Alfion, His Majesty Cohen Corleone."

He is also the son-in-law of my Pale Wings Golden Wings family.

More importantly, Cohen was also the 'Son of Prophecy' personally chosen by the great 'God of Prophecy' Madora.

They possess a profound understanding and knowledge of the secrets of ancient times that is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

With him here, your treasures should not gather dust.

The figure in the gray robe slowly raised his head and looked at Cohen.

The shadow of the hood still obscured his face, revealing only a blurry outline of his jaw.

But Cohen's pupils contracted sharply in an instant.

An indescribable tremor and warning, originating from the depths of my soul, surged through my entire body like an electric current.

He felt as if he were being firmly locked onto by a pair of divine eyes that could pierce through time and space and see the essence of all things.

This mysterious Mr. Sean is naturally the human incarnation of Cavendish Libra, the God of Contracts and Fairness.

In the early days of the Pale Wings, it was like a toddler learning to walk, needing support and help to take root in the continent of Demon Tide.

Therefore, Cavendish, under the name "Sean," helped the Pale Wings inject funds, clear channels, and provide shelter in a cooperative capacity...

Like a gardener watering seedlings.

Later, after the Pale Wings had developed, Cavendish would occasionally scavenge some less conspicuous treasures from the Realm of Gods to trade with the Pale Wings.

To replenish the power of the Pale Wings and enhance their foundation.

Each generation of the so-called Sean family heirs is actually the same person.

"Sean" was a mortal surname long before Cavendish Libra, the God of Contracts and Fairness, became a god, a surname long buried by time! (End of Chapter)