Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

In the palace, a faint fragrance permeated the air, and sunlight slanted through the high windows, casting distinct light and shadow on the deep red velvet carpet.

Shanis stood at the boundary between light and shadow, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed, her thin lips pressed tightly together, lost in thought.

The fleeting coldness and deep contemplation between his brows seemed to freeze the surrounding light.

It was at this moment that Shanes began to display a more imperial air and demeanor.

This was the first time Cohen had observed the "Empress" version of Shanes up close.

At this moment, the majesty of power and the weight of responsibility, like an invisible halo, pressed heavily on her slender shoulders and neck.

Shanis's skin was so white it was almost translucent, and in the afternoon light it shone with a delicate, soft porcelain luster, without any visible flaws.

Her facial features also lean towards a cool and aloof mature woman style:

A high but not overly rigid nose, a beautifully curved and clearly defined jawline, and indifferent yet dignified pale gold eyes—all exude a cold, perfect, and almost inhumanly aloof temperament.

It inspires awe and makes one hesitant to touch it.

Compared to her overall demeanor, Shanies's attire at this moment still retained a casual, personal touch.

The dignified and elegant empress's robes hung on the rack beside her, while she wore only a well-tailored light purple velvet dress with a high neckline that perfectly outlined her graceful curves.

That mature woman's fullness was firmly supported beneath her everyday clothes.

While its scale isn't as difficult to manage as that of Adele and Melantha, it's still above average.

It forms a perfect harmony with her overall tall and slender figure.

Shanis didn't put on any airs in front of Cohen, wearing sandals that revealed her delicate, fair feet.

Her fair and delicate ankles, slender and graceful arches, and ten toes that appeared even more exquisite and translucent against the dark stone surface.

Exposed so brazenly to the air, it appears somewhat erotic.

Yet, her expression was meticulous to the extreme, her cherry lips pressed into a straight line, and her eyes filled with focus.

This stark contrast—the lofty, empress-like contemplative demeanor, and the delicate feet exposed with unguarded vulnerability.

It instantly ignited a flame in the darkest corner of Cohen's heart.

Cohen stared at Shanis's perfectly focused profile, his gaze uncontrollably sliding to her slender ankles and slightly arched feet. A crazy thought suddenly seized his reason:
He gripped her seemingly delicate ankle tightly, hearing her gasp from pain or anger.

Or roughly tear off her purple velvet dress, a symbol of power and nobility, and see how she looks when she is terrified and humiliated.

When Shanis came to her senses, she found a malicious gaze fixed on her face and the exposed parts of her body.

He touched his face and said:
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

Cohen suppressed his thoughts, met Shanis's probing gaze, and said with a smile:

"No, I was simply mesmerized by His Majesty's breathtaking beauty when he was deep in thought, and I couldn't take my eyes off him."

Shanis was already immune to Cohen's flirtatious talk. She gave a soft hum, then seemed to have thought of something.

A faint, ambiguous smile curved his lips, but his gaze sharpened, and he suddenly asked:
"Between me and your queen, the most beautiful woman on the continent, who is more beautiful?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Cohen felt the air around him freeze.

He strongly suspected that Shanis had secretly taken out the recording stone, and he answered seriously:
"They are all beautiful, each with its own style, and it's hard to say which is better."

Shanis snorted again, and Cohen quickly changed the subject to prevent Shanis from pursuing the matter further:

"What are Your Majesty's plans for Aureliano?"
He has been deeply involved in the administrative affairs of the "Gentian District" for more than five years, and has established a strong presence there.

If the official were to be dismissed and investigated rashly, it would certainly raise serious concerns within Heisenberg's camp.

It might even involve Kazimir.

The playfulness on Shanis's face faded, and she instantly regained the calm and decisiveness that Cohen knew as the ruler of the empire.

He had clearly already thought it through, and said slowly:
“Promote him. He’s been serving as the Director-General of Administrative Affairs of the Juntandin Special District for over five years now, and it’s time for him to be promoted.”

Xenise gazed at the map of the empire's territory on the wall, her slender fingers tracing its outline.

Bypassing the bustling core area, head straight for several administrative districts on the empire's map that are far from the central government, remote in location, or seemingly vast but resource-poor and troublesome.

He then opened his mouth:
"Since he's going to be transferred, let's transfer him a bit further away, directly to one of the more distant administrative districts, and let him be the second or third in command of those districts."

Heisenberg and his colleagues had nothing more to say.

A glint flashed in Cohen's eyes. He leaned forward and deliberately lowered his voice:
"His Majesty,"

He stared at the location of the Constantintir district on the map, but his fingertip pointed southeast, pausing heavily on an area marked with a gray-brown rock symbol:

"Why not just transfer him to the 'Rock Solid Division'?"

A look of doubt appeared in Shanis's eyes as she asked:

Why was it arranged this way?

I had originally planned to send him to the more distant "Northern Falcon Division" or "Returning Stream Division".

My intention was to completely distance him from the central government, even to have him forgotten in some remote corner of the empire.

A mysterious smile appeared on Cohen's lips:
"Kasimir just revealed another piece of information."

The governor of "Thousand Streams Court," Thorg Chambers, secretly came to Constantine this time not only to discuss the ghost ship cooperation project with Grace and me.

Another crucial objective was to establish connections with the House of Nobles and discuss potential collaborations.

The two sides have reached a preliminary agreement, and Heisenberg is even prepared to send his nephew, Joren, to "Thousand Streams Court" as a hostage.

"Qianliuting", "Panshi District", "Liuhuo District" and "Tengguanze" are the main members of the future "Southeast Mutual Protection" alliance.

Baron Harris, the governor of the "Rock Zone," is Torgod's top henchman, controlling hidden mines and a large quantity of fine steel armor.

They flowed out of the underground mines of the "Rock Zone" like a stream, continuously arming the entire "Southeast Mutual Protection Alliance".

This is the core pillar that enabled Torg to establish itself and dominate the southeast, and to achieve its ambitious goals.

A thoughtful look appeared in Shanis's eyes as she said:

"Are you trying to use this to sow discord between Heisenberg and the four governors?"

A look of deep concentration flashed in Cohen's eyes:

"Exactly!
Aureliano was Heisenberg’s most trusted confidant, a fact that Torge and his group were certainly well aware of.

If the Empire were to intervene, Aureliano would be directly appointed as the local inspector of the "Rock District".

What will Torger and his top enforcer, Baron Harris, think?

Local inspectors were directly appointed from the capital. Each administrative district had this position, and their main purpose was to supervise officials at all levels within the administrative district.

They are able to review almost all local accounts and investigate officials at all levels.

This ensures that imperial power is effectively implemented in all regions.

Cohen's speech quickened, carrying a sharp, aggressive edge:
"At this sensitive juncture when the two sides had just reached an agreement, a 'local inspector' who wielded enormous power and was ostensibly an inspector but in reality the eyes and ears of the empire, was Heisenberg's right-hand man."

They happened to be airdropped into the core arsenal of the 'Southeast Mutual Protection' alliance, Baron's headquarters.

The chill in Cohen's eyes was almost tangible:

"Torg and the others will never believe that this is Your Majesty's favor, nor will they think it is a coincidence."

Thorger must have had many doubts:
Heisenberg, that old fox, outwardly sent his nephew as a hostage to show sincerity, but secretly planted his most important confidant in the heart of the "Rock Zone".

What do you want to do?
Military oversight, infiltration?
Or are they prepared to cooperate with the Empire at any time, working together from within and without, to swallow up the Southeast Alliance in one gulp?
Torg was a scheming man who was suspicious to the core.

This mess will be instantly pinned on Heisenberg's head!

Shanis's pale gold eyes suddenly brightened:
"Having the opportunity to control Torg's weapons is tantamount to holding the throat of the entire southeastern region in one's hands."

Even if Heisenberg knew, he wouldn't object; he might even be happy to see it happen.

Tolger saw these things as signs of Heisenberg's distrust of them.

Aureliano would definitely face exclusion everywhere he went in the "Rock Zone," leaving him with no energy to play any other role within the intelligence agency.

Cohen nodded slowly:

"Once suspicion takes hold, it will never end."

Aureliano was bogged down in his own troubles and had no time to help himself, so he naturally had no power to stir up trouble in the intelligence agency.

Consequently, Heisenberg had no choice but to entrust more power and trust to Casimir.

A subtle, indescribable glint flashed in the depths of Shanis's eyes.

A peculiar warmth slowly seeped into her long-held, aloof heart that had ruled the empire's territory.

This feeling is amazing.

Some people can accurately discern her intentions while she is strategizing, and can even anticipate her thoughts and point out more ingenious solutions.

The feeling of having someone by her side to share the burden of the empire, to clear away the fog for her, and to strategize for her against the unseen undercurrents...

It was something she rarely experienced on the cold throne.

It felt as if we had finally found companions to share a campfire after a long, cold night.
A strange thought popped into Shanis's mind—

"It feels so reassuring to have such a wise man by my side."

No wonder even Adel is so fixated on this man…

Xenise quickly shook her head. What reliance? He was the emperor's own chosen consort; he should be the one relying on her.

Her Majesty the Empress quickly prepared herself mentally.

Cohen didn't notice Shanis's complex inner thoughts after finishing talking about Casimir.

The topic shifted, and the tone became slightly relaxed and boastful:
"The Legendary Group competition starts tomorrow, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Legendary Group champion will also be one of ours."

In this way, I can say that I have fulfilled my promise to His Majesty.

Does Your Majesty have any reward in store?

Xenise pointed to herself, her voice cool yet matter-of-fact: "The ruler of the largest empire on the continent has become your rightful fiancée."

This honor, enough to drive any mortal mad with envy, isn't it the ultimate reward for you?

Cohen said in a very serious tone:

"This marriage contract is His Majesty's way of repaying my mother for saving his life. If it is to be considered a reward..."

Wouldn't that be a desecration of Your Majesty's pure and selfless heart of reward?

As he spoke, Cohen stepped forward, his tall and imposing figure instantly casting an aggressive shadow in front of Shanis.

His intense gaze was fixed firmly on her eyes, which always held a chilling coldness.

His behavior and demeanor also became much more frivolous, making him look exactly like a spoiled aristocrat preparing to harass respectable women.

Shanis felt a little guilty, her eyes darting around:

"Ahem... Hasn't the Legendary Group competition started yet?"

"Let's talk about it after you actually help me win over the Holy Radiance Academy."

Cohen was just teasing Shanies. Right now, their relationship is limited to kissing and holding hands. If they were to go any further, Shanies would probably find it hard to accept.

The fun lies in subtle, measured exploration.

He stopped in his tracks, bowed slightly, his posture respectful, and said with a smile:

"Alright, then I'll come back to Your Majesty after the Legendary Group competition to fulfill my promise."

Seeing that Cohen tactfully stopped what he was doing and maintained the proper distance.

Shanies' tense shoulders and neck relaxed without her noticing.

Yet, a sense of disappointment inexplicably welled up inside me.

She gritted her teeth inwardly, suppressing this absurd emotion, and maintained the demeanor and aloofness befitting an empress.

After flirting with the Empress, Cohen's expression returned to seriousness, and he got back to business:
"Your Majesty should pay more attention to matters concerning the Demon Dragon Plane."

Heisenberg initially brought up the Dragon Plane to lure me to the Central Empire; he never expected that I would actually win so many championships.

Now, once the Legendary Group competition ends, the four people who enter the Dragon Realm will all be my people.

Heisenberg wouldn't just stand by and watch us enter the Dragon Plane so easily. To prevent him from reneging on his promise and to ensure that our victory wasn't stolen, he would take action.

Your Majesty should make preparations in advance.

The best approach is to exert pressure from multiple sides, forcing the House of Lords to refrain from backing out!

Sennya suppressed her chaotic thoughts and said:

"Don't worry, I'm not the only one keeping an eye on this matter. The military has also been dissatisfied with the Noble House's occupation of the Dragon Plane for so long."

Even if I don't speak up, the military certainly won't remain silent.

When the military was mentioned, Shanis's mood sombered again.

An undeniable gloom quietly spread across that almost perfect face.

Cohen's prophecy about the future division of the empire echoed in her ears like a curse:

The House of Nobles, local governors, and the military!
Driven by self-interest, these three forces will eventually join forces to divide and tear apart the empire built by the Klein royal family.

She could understand the local governors' disloyalty and the nobles' ambitions, and she had even been prepared for them.

They are the relatives of the emperor who covet the throne, the malignant tumors that have taken root in the body of the empire... Suppressing them is the inherent mission of every emperor of the Central Empire.

However, the betrayal from the military made Shanis instinctively unwilling to believe it.

The current military representative, Prince Heinz Klein, is his uncle and a member of the Klein royal family.

The thought that her uncle, who had helped her ascend the throne, would betray her in the future was something that Xenia found hard to accept.

Shanis's voice held a touch of the softness and bewilderment typical of a young woman:

"Cohen, will Uncle Wang really betray me in the future, just like Heisenberg and those governors?"

Cohen sighed inwardly.

Even though Shanis holds the highest power, deep down she is still a girl in her twenties who has been forced to grow up rapidly in the vortex of power.

Her current confusion and resistance are just like Grace's inability to face Prince Quentin's betrayal.

That pure trust rooted in warm childhood memories, once torn apart by the cold reality of politics, causes unbearable, piercing pain.

Sanesh refused to believe that Prince Heinz, who had supported her ascension to the throne like a father and whose bloodline flowed with Klein, would one day turn his blade against her.

But when faced with real interests, not to mention uncles and nephews, even fathers and sons, or brothers, can turn against each other.

In particular, "military" is a very general concept, and it is not something that Prince Heinz can decide on his own.

The Imperial military group was a complex and intertwined behemoth.

It is composed of millions of tendons and bones tightly bound together by iron, blood, and gunpowder—

Comrades who share life and death on the battlefield, superiors and subordinates bound by military orders, and factions within the military bound by common interests.

These bonds of interest, forged in the crucible of war and established through military achievements, are far more resilient than blood ties.

For them, safeguarding the overall interests of the military group and maintaining the foundation of the system that determines rank and status based on military achievements and real power is the supreme iron law.

Whether you are a member of the Klein royal family or a high-ranking noble in the House of Nobles, in the minds of these people who only believe in the swords and halberds in their hands and the soldiers under their command, there is no difference.

Heinz Klein was originally just a collateral descendant of the Klein royal family.

He didn't start in the golden palace of royalty, but in the dirtiest, muddiest trenches of the battlefield, on the front lines of war, from the lowest rank of a common soldier who could lose his life at any moment.

His current title of prince, and every glorious medal on his body, were earned bit by bit by fighting and cutting with the blood of his enemies and his own flesh and blood.

He fought his way out of the empire's battlefield, stepping over countless corpses and surviving amidst thousands of soldiers.

In other words, the military's "Iron Marshal" Heinz came first, and then Heinz was later bestowed the title of "Prince Klein".

The former is the source of his strength for survival, while the latter is nothing more than a magnificent crown that can be removed at any time.

The biggest driving force behind Heinz's willingness to support Shanies' rise to power was that Shanies' brothers each had their own small interest groups within the military.

Heinz worried that their rise to power would threaten his unique position and influence within the military.

Only then did he appear as a prince "loyal to the emperor and patriotic," advocating for the fulfillment of the late emperor's will.

He was merely trying to prevent a powerful new emperor from ascending the throne who might sideline or marginalize him.

Choosing to support the young, vulnerable, and easily controlled Shanies was the optimal solution for him to maintain his absolute dominance in the military.

However, if Shanis or the Klein royal family threaten his position and interests in the military, he will not hesitate to give up this "prince" status, which has little real power.

Heinz was never a protector of the Klein royal family; he was the undisputed representative of the interests of the Imperial Armed Group and a warlord who controlled a massive war machine.

However, in her heart, Xenise clearly still considered Heinz as one of her own in the royal family.

This mindset must be reversed.

Cohen stared into Shanis's eyes, his voice deliberately softened, yet carrying an undeniable sense of power:
"Your Majesty, please remember this clearly:"
Heinz's 'Prince' title was merely a stepping stone for him to climb to even greater heights of military power.

He always cares most about himself.

To put it bluntly, the reason he supported you to the throne was never because of the glory of the Klein royal family or loyalty to the late emperor.

It's mostly out of consideration for their own interests.

At this stage, you can't afford to be soft-hearted.

As he spoke, Cohen stepped forward and, in the instant that Shanis was momentarily distracted, firmly and forcefully covered her delicate hand with his palm.

Shanis trembled slightly, as if startled awake by the sudden warm touch.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, her fingertips twitching slightly, but she felt the strength and warmth from Cohen's palm.

Cohen leaned slightly closer, his voice lower yet incredibly clear, each word etched into her turbulent heart like a brand:
"I will always stand by your side, helping you to cut through all the storms and darkness!"

Cohen's heartfelt vows dispelled the chill that Sanes felt because of Heinz's potential betrayal.

Her Majesty the Empress's gaze softened considerably.

This tenderness, seen by Cohen who was standing right next to him, carried a deadly and pure allure.

The play of light and shadow outlined a captivating curve on her flawless, fair face, as if the most precious mutton-fat jade were bathed in warm gold.

Cohen gazed at the stunningly beautiful face so close to his own and couldn't help but lower his head slightly.

Bo~
Their lips met.

Shanis's pupils dilated to their maximum size in an instant.

Her mind went blank, and Cohen's handsome face, which suddenly approached, became a blurry, unreal image in her eyes.

Then he stared in disbelief, completely dumbfounded.

How dare he?
While she was still reeling from the grief and the shock of her vows, at the moment when her will was at its weakest, he dared to so brazenly defy her.

Shanis's beautiful face changed rapidly between paleness, shock, shame, and rage at a speed visible to the naked eye.

An indescribable surge of hot blood rushed to her brain. She tried to push him away, but he held her tightly.

It even wrapped its arms around her slender waist, eliminating any room for her to struggle.

Cohen held Shanies's beautiful face and kissed it for a long time, occasionally measuring the curves of her cheeks.

Finally, Cohen, seemingly with a hint of reluctance, released Shanis, straightened up, gazed at her intently, and said seriously:

"Your Majesty, I will personally pave the path of blood and fire to your supreme glory."

I will make all the emperors of the Klein dynasty pale in comparison to your dazzling brilliance.

Make the entire Central Continent submit at your feet! (End of Chapter)