Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

After a brief exchange of glances, a senator in charge of the House of Nobles' finances asked Manfred Ott, the head of the intelligence agency, a question:
"President, regarding the location of Viscount Buendía's transfer, has His Majesty expressed any more specific intentions?"

Manfred's ethereal voice rang out calmly:
"His Majesty's current stance leans towards choosing one of the three: the 'Northern Falcon Division,' the 'Returning Stream Division,' or the 'Stone Division.'"

He paused and added:

"These districts share the common characteristic of being extremely far from the imperial capital, Juntanding, while also possessing extremely high strategic importance."

The "Northern Falcon District" is the northern border of the empire, directly facing the threats of the barbarian tribes of the northern ice plains and several powerful alien races. It is constantly on the verge of war and is the absolute barrier of the empire's northern frontier, with a strategic position that is second to none.

Firmly controlled by the Imperial Northern Army Group, the governors were often formidable military generals, and the administrative system served almost entirely military needs.

The "Return to the Flow Zone" is the forefront springboard for the Empire's expansion into the unknown southern continent. It is also a "melting pot" for the Empire to absorb, assimilate, or suppress people of all races and ethnicities from the southern continent, as well as a large number of exiles, foreign slaves, and mercenaries.

The internal contradictions were extremely sharp and complex, including ethnic conflicts, religious antagonism, resource competition, and local warlord separatism, making it arguably the most chaotic and difficult-to-govern "quagmire" in the imperial administrative system.

The "Rock Zone" is located in the southeast of the Empire, and its strategic importance lies mainly in the extremely rich and diverse mineral resources it contains underground.

From iron and copper mines that underpin the empire's industrial base, to precious magical crystal veins, and rare metal deposits used to manufacture top-tier magical artifacts, the Rocky District is undoubtedly the empire's "resource heart."

Its stability and output are directly related to the empire's war potential and economic lifeline.

Without a doubt, Her Majesty the Empress needs Aureliano, the capable steward, to oversee the local affairs on behalf of the royal family and ensure that the Emperor's will is implemented to the greatest extent possible.

"Sir, what you mean is..."

All eyes turned to Heisenberg once again, awaiting his final decision.

A sharp glint flashed in Heisenberg's eyes, but his voice remained calm and decisive:

"The 'Northern Falcon Division' is an impregnable stronghold of the military. Aureliano would only be completely sidelined there and would be of no use whatsoever."

The "return flow zone" is an even more tangled mess, and whoever goes there gets trapped.

Forget about making great achievements; just being able to leave unscathed would be a feat in itself. Aureliano going there would only be a waste of his talent and future.

Therefore, I plan to send him to the "Rock Zone"!

Upon hearing the place name, everyone was slightly taken aback, and a brief hesitation appeared on their faces.

They quickly realized what was going on.

A few days ago, Marshal Thorg Chambers, the governor of the "Thousand Streams Court" and the head of the four governors of the southeast region, secretly arrived in Constantine and signed an alliance agreement with the House of Lords.

It's no secret within the core circle of the rock core hall.

To demonstrate his sincerity, Chief Heisenberg even sent his own nephew to "Thousand Streams Court" as a so-called "liaison" (in reality, a hostage) to solidify the alliance.

The core content of this agreement is perfectly clear to everyone present—

The governors of the four major administrative regions in the southeast (Qianliuting, Panshi, Liuhuo, and Tengguanze) are secretly plotting to break away from the central empire at a suitable time in the future, declare independence, and establish a united kingdom in the southeast under their control.

Among these four divisions, the "Rock Division," which possesses the empire's most core and largest mineral resources, is undoubtedly the economic lifeline and strategic cornerstone of the entire independence plan.

Without the resource support of the Pan Shi district, an independent plan is like a castle in the air, impossible to even begin.

Now, Her Majesty the Empress happens to intend to transfer the capable Viscount Aureliano Buendía to the "Rock District" as a local inspector.

This inevitably makes people think a lot.

Was it purely by chance that Her Majesty the Empress arranged this, or did she also sense the undercurrents in the southeast region and deliberately insert Aureliano as a thorn in her side, trying to disrupt the plans of the four governors?

Whatever the reason, this is a golden opportunity for the House of Nobles, with no disadvantages whatsoever!
The alliance between the House of Lords and Governor Chambers was based on interests rather than trust, and both sides were wary of each other.

Governor Chambers was shrewd and calculating, a typical warlord with a strong sense of independence.

The House of Nobles could not fully trust him, much less place all their hopes for the independence of the Southeast on him.

Aureliano entered the "Rock District" as a local inspector, whose duties included resource allocation, financial auditing, and personnel supervision.

This gives him ample reason and authority to gain in-depth access to and monitor the core resource operations of the Rock Zone.

This is tantamount to planting a pair of "eyes" of the House of Lords and a "hand" capable of exerting influence in the heart of Governor Chambers' independence plan.

Aureliano's involvement ensures that, at crucial moments, the House of Nobles has a certain say and influence over the resources of the Rocky District, preventing it from being completely coerced or betrayed by Chambers.

Moreover, Aureliano's ability and loyalty as a core member of the House of Nobles are beyond question.

In the Rock District, he was not only able to monitor Chambers' movements, but also to gather core intelligence on the independence plan for the entire Southeast region, providing crucial information for the House of Lords' future decisions.

Heisenberg’s steady voice echoed in the Heart of Rock Hall:
"Regarding Aureliano's transfer to the position of inspector of the Rock District, I will personally mediate to ensure that it is finalized."

Given His Majesty's intentions and our cooperative attitude, there shouldn't be any problems with this matter.

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp:

"Now, we need to focus our attention on the next, and most pressing and critical, issue – who will succeed Viscount Buendía as the new Director General of Administration of the 'Continental District'?"

As you all know, this position is extremely important to our House of Lords!

"Gentian District", the heart of the empire, where the imperial capital, Gentian, is located.

This place was the center of the empire's power, its economic lifeline, and its cultural symbol.

Controlling the "Kingtandin Special District" is equivalent to controlling the empire's core administrative machinery.

The Chief Executive Officer is the nominal highest-ranking administrative official in this core area.

His power, responsibility, and influence far exceeded those of any other local administrative official in the empire.

The steward's every move affects the nerves of the capital and even the entire empire. He is the linchpin that maintains the Noble Council's control over the core area of ​​the empire.

Viscount Aureliano Buendía had cultivated this position for many years, making it an impregnable fortress and an indispensable pillar of the House of Nobles.

Now that this pillar is about to be removed, the most important thing is who can fill the void and who can shoulder this heavy responsibility.

The person chosen for this position needs not only exceptional ability and absolute loyalty, but also a high enough social status, profound political wisdom, and the courage to balance the interests of all parties and deal with their open and covert attacks.

A slight misstep, such as choosing the wrong person, could cause a rift in the core position of the House of Nobles in the capital.

Everyone held their breath, their minds racing as they sifted through possible candidates...

……

……

A day has passed since the secret meeting in the Rockheart Hall that determined the future power structure of the empire ended.

In a completely secluded, dark room in Constantine, isolated by multiple spatial barriers, Count Casimir August was giving a detailed report to his true master with the utmost respect:
"...The final decision was to appoint Baron Keith Nelson to replace Viscount Buendía as the new Director General of Administration for the 'District of Constantine'."

He recounted in detail all the discussions, controversies, and the final decision-making process of Chief Heisenberg during yesterday's meeting in the Rock Heart Hall.

Cohen leaned back in a large chair covered with dark velvet, listening quietly with no extra expression on his face.

When Casimir mentioned the name "Baron Keith Nelson," his eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Baron Keith Nelson..."

Cohen's voice was deep, and his eyes held a hint of inquiry:

"Is this person also a mole in your House of Nobles?"

Kazimir nodded slightly and replied:

"Yes, I only learned the full truth about this Baron Nelson's true identity at yesterday's Rockheart Hall meeting."

His official position was that of a servant under Archduke Ferdinand.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
The No. 1 Duke in Mainland China!

A knowing glint flashed in Cohen's eyes. Franz Ferdinand, a highly respected and loyal old nobleman within the empire.

They hold the power of the Disciplinary Investigation Committee, which is responsible for overseeing internal discipline within the Upper House of the House of Peers.

Cohen had dealt with him before.

Kazimir continued:
"Baron Nelson served as the disciplinary commissioner in the disciplinary investigation committee, whose duties were to inspect and supervise the words and deeds of noble officials at all levels and to handle internal disciplinary cases."

This position may seem insignificant, but it wields considerable investigative power and influence.

His true identity is an intelligence agency 'messenger' level agent.

Cohen already knew about this level from the intelligence in Kazimierz—it was a top-level secret agent in the Noble House intelligence agency system, second only to the president, vice president, and a few core "shadow governors".

They typically infiltrate the innermost and most sensitive departments or individuals of the empire, carrying out top-level surveillance, infiltration, and intelligence transmission missions. Each "Messenger"-level agent is an elite trained by the intelligence agency at great expense, the sharpest hidden blade in Heisenberg and Manfred's hands.

Kazimir's voice carried a hint of coldness:
"Baron Nelson has two main tasks."

Firstly, it involved long-term and in-depth surveillance of Archduke Franz Ferdinand himself and his inner circle.

Ferdinand was loyal to the royal family and was destined not to share the same stance as the House of Nobles.

Heisenberg needed a pair of 'eyes' constantly watching him to ensure that the Grand Duke would not do anything that would harm the interests of the House of Nobles.

Secondly, it was to closely monitor Heisenberg's every move in the entire disciplinary investigation committee.

The Disciplinary Committee has immense power, responsible for examining the loyalty and conduct of all members within the House of Peers.

Chief Heisenberg needed to ensure that the institution was completely under his control, not used by any faction to attack dissidents, and certainly not to become a breakthrough for Her Majesty the Empress to infiltrate the House of Nobles.

Baron Nelson was the key figure planted deep within this crucial department.

A sense of indescribable seriousness flashed in Cohen's eyes. The House of Nobles was truly omnipresent.

A seemingly ordinary disciplinary inspector, a baron who is not the most prominent in the disciplinary investigation committee, is actually a "messenger"-level secret agent who has infiltrated the body of the continent's largest duke and is monitoring the entire disciplinary body within the House of Nobles.

The depth of this layout is truly chilling.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Cohen could almost imagine the vast bureaucracy of the Empire, at every level of the military, in the residences of princes and dukes of the Klein royal family, and in those departments that appeared neutral or loyal to the Empress.

How many more "messengers" like Keith Nelson are still hidden?
How many pairs of eyes from the House of Nobles are silently watching every corner of the imperial power arena in the darkness?
How many invisible threads eventually converge deep within the Heart of Rock Hall, into the hands of Heisenberg Wertheimer and Manfred Ott?
This is no longer a simple infiltration; it is a massive and suffocating intelligence network that covers the entire empire and may even extend to other corners of the continent.

This network, like a spider's web in the shadows, firmly monitors every important node of the empire, and no movement can escape the perception of the House of Nobles.

"It seems that my Military Intelligence Bureau still has a long way to go. I need to find some time to talk to Yadel about how the development of the Military Intelligence Bureau needs to be accelerated!"

The House of Nobles’ control and depth of penetration put Cohen under unprecedented pressure.

Fortunately, I now have an ace up my sleeve.

Heisenberg, that old fox, was cunning and had an intelligence network spanning the world, but he never dreamed of such a thing.

Count Casimir August, whom he had carefully nurtured, placed high hopes on, and even entrusted with the future of the entire House of Nobles, had become Cohen's most loyal subordinate.

Cohen looked at Kazimir and asked a question that went straight to the heart of the matter:

"What arrangements did Heisenberg make for you to ensure that you could get close to Prince Wilson and gain his trust and attention?"
Prince Wilson had experienced the empire's bloodiest and most brutal struggle for succession alongside two of the empire's princes.

His ability to survive such a brutal ordeal and retain his life and title after the Empress ascended the throne was not only due to Prince Heinz's protection, but also to his shrewdness, keen insight, and keen sense of danger.

He is definitely not a fool who can be fooled by small favors and flattery.

If I'm not careful and reveal even the slightest flaw, not only will I fail to gain his trust, but I will also immediately arouse his high vigilance.

Cohen's analysis was spot on.

Prince Wilson was no easy opponent.

Although he has now lost power and is under house arrest in Kuntandin, like a prisoner, his extreme sensitivity and suspicion, honed in the political vortex, will only deepen with time.

Anyone who takes the initiative to approach or deliberately shows goodwill will be scrutinized under a magnifying glass by him, who will suspect that they are a spy sent by the Empress or someone with ulterior motives.

The Legendary Group competition is still ongoing, and almost no one could have imagined that the Noble Academy would voluntarily relinquish control of the Holy Radiance Academy.

Even more unexpectedly, a fallen prince who had been relegated to the sidelines would transform into the leader of this premier university in humankind.

Therefore, in order for Kazimir to successfully follow Wilson to the Holy Radiance Academy in the future, it is necessary to do the work in advance so that he can gain Wilson's appreciation and trust.

Offering help in times of need is always more memorable than adding to someone's success.

Heisenberg couldn't possibly leave it unresolved.

Kazimir's voice was low and steady, yet every word he uttered carried a murderous intent:
"Prince Wilson has a lover's younger brother who works in the logistics department of the Northern Army Group and holds the rank of major."

The major will soon be arrested by the military police on charges of embezzlement and reselling military supplies.

According to Imperial military law, given the enormous sums involved and the egregious nature of the crime, the minimum sentence would be twenty years of hard labor imprisonment.

Cohen narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze piercing Kazimir:

"I doubt it's such a coincidence."

Kazimir nodded slightly, his tone grave:
"Indeed, Prince Wilson's mistress, and her 'daring' brother, the major."

Their every detail, all their relationships, and all their movements had long been thoroughly known by the intelligence network of the House of Nobles.

The key figure in all of this was none other than Baron Keith Nelson, who was about to succeed Viscount Aureliano as the Director of Administration of the "Continent of Constantine".

Baron Nelson, as a 'messenger' level secret agent of the intelligence agency, infiltrated Archduke Ferdinand's inner circle, monitoring the Disciplinary Investigation Committee while also weaving an intelligence network covering the elite circles of the capital.

The relationship between Prince Wilson and his mistress, as well as the existence of the major's brother, were naturally under his surveillance.

The reason for holding back was to control Wilson at the crucial moment.

Cohen's brow furrowed sharply, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes:
"Was the resale of military supplies ordered by the prince?"

Cohen has already consciously positioned himself as the consort of the Central Empire. Legally speaking, he possesses half of the empire's sovereignty, and Wilson's actions are tantamount to undermining him.

卡西米尔缓缓点头：

"If Prince Wilson is behind the scenes, he could easily defeat his mistress's brother, a mere logistics major."

How dare they commit such a heinous crime as wiping out an entire clan over a quarrel?

The enormous profits involved in those resold military supplies were far beyond what a major like him could possibly pocket alone.

Cohen slowly leaned back in his chair, his voice carrying a hint of something unsettling:
"It seems Prince Wilson isn't having an easy time."

Kazimir responded:

"Yes, although His Majesty retained Prince Wilson's title out of consideration for Prince Heinz, his treatment of him has been repeatedly reduced."

The prince's salary was withheld, the income from his fiefdom was monitored, and he received very few rewards.

Prince Wilson was accustomed to a life of luxury, with his mansion in enormous expense and a large retinue of servants. His extravagant lifestyle and lavish spending were like water flowing away.

His meager, strictly limited legal income was simply insufficient to maintain the dignity befitting a prince.

If it weren't for the secret support from the House of Nobles over the years, providing him with substantial funds and resources through clandestine channels, and even helping him resolve some official troubles...

Prince Wilson and his entire family are probably begging on the streets by now.

However, Prince Wilson was proud and unwilling to remain subservient to others for long, much less be subject to the House of Peers.

That's why he took a risk and set his sights on the imperial military supplies. He instructed his mistress's brother to use his position in the logistics department to secretly resell military supplies, attempting to open up an independent source of income.

However, he underestimated the power of the House of Nobles. When he instructed his younger brother, the major, to complete the first transaction, the House of Nobles' spies were already secretly monitoring the entire process.

The time, place, type and quantity of goods, trading partners, and flow of funds for every transaction are all clearly recorded. The reason for not taking immediate action is to wait for the most suitable opportunity.

Waiting for the moment when this noose can prove its worth.

Clearly, that moment has arrived.

Cohen roughly understood what Heisenberg meant.

Once the case of Prince Wilson's mistress's brother reselling military supplies comes to light, the prince certainly won't dare to make a big show of getting him out, as that would only expose the matter.

If we don't bail him out, how long can that major's brother endure the torture and death threats from the military police?

He will inevitably reveal the mastermind behind this in order to save his life.

Given Her Majesty the Empress's deep-seated loathing for Wilson, coupled with such undeniable treason, even if Prince Heinz were to risk his reputation to protect him, he would absolutely not be able to save him.

If at this moment, a promising young colonel who is making a name for himself in the Northern Army Group happens to appear beside him and inadvertently reveals that he is within the army group.

Especially within the military police system and military courts, they possess an astonishing network and influence.

Prince Wilson would certainly do anything to appeal to the young colonel, begging him to save the mistress's brother's life, or at least shut him up.

After figuring everything out, Cohen chuckled softly:
"Heisenberg truly deserves his reputation as the chief of the House of Nobles for decades. Every step he takes is meticulously planned, and every detail is intricately linked. He has made the most of human weaknesses and his powerful intelligence capabilities."

"Then, Earl August, I wish you a speedy rise to the top of this continent's premier academy and to become the true master of the Holy Radiance Academy!" (End of Chapter)