Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

It was late at night when I finished my in-depth conversation with Prince Heinz.

Kazimir quietly left the magnificent building that symbolized the empire's supreme military power.

The evening breeze in Kuntandin carried a slight chill, fluttering the hem of his crisp military uniform.

The praise and approval of Prince Heinz still echoed in my ears:
“Count, this plan is very important. To be honest, it is exactly what I have in mind, the future direction of the Imperial Army.”

Go back immediately and, based on this document, reorganize and improve it.

I need a more detailed and actionable comprehensive reform plan.

"One month from now, I want to see a reform outline for the Imperial Army that is sufficient for submission to the Imperial Supreme Military Council for review!"

The prince's words were etched into his heart like a brand.

This is not just an order, but a supreme trust and a heavy responsibility.

He, Casimir August, a newcomer who had just been transferred to the Ministry of Military Affairs, was actually entrusted by the Imperial God of War with the important task of writing the blueprint for the future military reform of the Empire. This was simply a meteoric rise!
However, behind this immense glory and power, Kazimir felt a profound sense of absurdity.

The one who brought all of this together was actually a monarch from a foreign country!

Such a report, which shocked the Empire's military genius, was actually written by Cohen in just a few days.

Kazimir was deeply shocked. The document was so profound, logically rigorous, and meticulously detailed that its understanding of Prince Heinz's deepest concerns and reform plans was simply unbelievable.

Why are all his abilities so outstanding, so unmatched?
Military strategy, political maneuvering, intelligence analysis, manipulation of public opinion, and even... foresight.

Cohen's abilities have surpassed the limits of ordinary cognition. He is like an omniscient and omnipotent chess player, manipulating the intricate power game of the empire with ease.

"Could this person... truly be a god reincarnated?"

The thought slithered into Casimir's mind like a venomous snake, sending a chill and awe through his very bones.

Besides gods, who else could so easily manipulate the mind of an imperial war god? Who else could so accurately predict the future? Who else could cooperate with the war god, turning himself, the heir of a prominent military family, into the sharpest shadow sword in his hand?
Kazimir took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging fear and awe in his heart.

He knew he had no way out.

He could only continue down the path that Cohen had laid out for him.

He quickly contacted Cohen through clandestine channels.

On the top floor of the Starry Sky District, a luxurious suite was filled with a warm and ambiguous atmosphere. Cohen leaned lazily against a large chaise lounge covered with dark velvet.

In his arms was Isabella, exuding a deadly allure with her fair and dazzling body.

The Golden Winged Daughter had just finished a passionate exchange and was now nestled gently against him, breathing evenly, as she drifted off to sleep.

Cohen's fingers unconsciously twirled her hair, but his gaze did not linger on the beauty in his arms. Instead, it was cast through the hazy gauze curtains at the dazzling, star-studded night view of the city of Constantine outside the window.

Just then, a faint energy fluctuation, carrying a specific frequency, arrived.

Cohen quickly realized that it was Kazimierz who was contacting him. The languor in his eyes faded, and he gently pushed away the soft, jade-like body in his arms.

Isabella let out a soft moan of dissatisfaction in her sleep, like a startled cat, but she didn't wake up. She simply turned over and buried her perfect curves even deeper into the soft velvet blankets.

Cohen rose silently, walked quietly through the luxurious, empty living room, and entered the study.

Casimir August's calm voice slowly rang out, presenting Cohen with every detail and every conversation that took place in the Prince's office of the Ministry of Military Affairs, word for word.

After listening to Kazimir's report, a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Casimir August, the pawn he personally planted in the heart of the Imperial military, has successfully and perfectly played the role he assigned him.

He not only won Prince Heinz's initial trust, but was also pushed to the forefront of the impending reform storm, which went even more smoothly than he had expected!
He said slowly:
Heinz's reaction was expected. That proposal was enough to make him consider you one of his own.

In the coming period, you need to do a good job in the Ministry of Military Affairs and make a name for yourself.

The task the prince has given you is of paramount importance; complete it flawlessly, as it will determine your future position in the military.

He abruptly changed the subject, his voice carrying a subtle, underlying meaning:

"At the same time, find an opportunity to get to know Prince Wilson. Remember, be natural."

Just like I told you before, show up when he needs help the most.

Let him discover your value on his own.

"Yes, I understand."

Communication ends.

Kazimir stood on the streets of King's City as the city lights began to twinkle, gazing at the silhouette of the Ministry of Military Affairs building in the distance, which resembled a crouching behemoth, and further still, at the spire of the Holy Radiance Academy, the continent's highest institution of learning, shimmering with sacred light in the night.

He felt as if he were standing in the center of a storm, with a bottomless abyss beneath his feet and thunder roaring overhead.

On one side is the trust and heavy responsibility entrusted to him by Prince Heinz Klein, the imperial war god; on the other side is the mysterious and unpredictable Cohen, who controls everything like a god.

He himself is the vice president of the Noble Academy's intelligence agency, shouldering multiple missions including infiltrating the core of the military affairs department and controlling the Holy Radiance Academy.

One wrong step and you're doomed!

……

After ending the call, Cohen thought for a moment and decided that he still needed to tell Shanis about the progress of the matter, as it concerned the military and the Holy Radiance Academy, and Her Majesty the Empress was also very concerned about it.

I'm not sure if it's convenient for Shanies right now.

With a light tap of the fingertip in the air, a communication stone appeared in the palm of the hand.

He channeled a wisp of spiritual energy, sending a brief and clear mental greeting to Empress Shanis Klein, who was far away in the depths of the palace.

After a while, the communication stone trembled slightly, and a cold yet majestic thought was transmitted back.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Cohen's lips.

He turned and went back to the bedroom, which was filled with a warm fragrance and a lazy atmosphere.

Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, spilling onto the large bed.

Isabella Wenze was still fast asleep, her exquisite face appearing exceptionally serene in her sleep, her fair and dazzling body outlining breathtaking curves beneath the velvet blankets.

However, she was clearly exhausted from the previous "conquest" and was completely unaware of the brief departure of the man beside her, nor did she realize that her man was about to run off to another woman's palace.

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief, took out the Book of Time and Space, and lightly touched a specific rune on the page. His figure instantly became blurry, and the next second, he had disappeared without a trace.

When Cohen appeared in the palace, Shanis was not in the room, but on the palace terrace.

Her Majesty the Empress reclined in a large chaise lounge covered with snow-white animal hides, wearing a silk nightgown as thin as a cicada's wing.

The robe's cut was extremely simple, yet it perfectly outlined her breathtakingly beautiful curves—a slender yet powerful waist, full and perky breasts, and long, straight legs that were faintly visible beneath the hem.

The moonlight shone on her bare skin, making it glow like the finest white jade.

This breathtakingly beautiful scene, enough to make any man's blood boil, was deeply etched into Cohen's mind.

This makes Cohen suspect that Her Majesty the Empress is planning to use her beauty to seduce him.

But seeing the weariness etched on Shanies's face and the various documents scattered around her, he gave up the idea.

It looks like they just finished working overtime and came to the terrace to relax.

Fortunately, Cohen had already released a lot of desire on Isabella, so he was able to control his gaze well.

His gaze lingered only above the Empress's shoulders and neck, avoiding her alluring curves that could ignite lust, his eyes conveying just the right amount of respect.

Shanis unconsciously rubbed her furrowed brow with her fingertips, as if trying to dispel the headache and worries brought on by the heavy official duties that had accumulated throughout the day.

This aloofness and majesty, solitary and dignified, is now replaced by a sense of vulnerability after letting down one's guard, adding to the thrilling allure of the points system.

"Your Majesty, Kazimir has just replied that the matter has been completed."

Cohen's deep, steady voice broke the silence of the terrace.

Empress Shanes slowly raised her eyelids, her weary golden eyes sweeping over Cohen, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hoarseness:

"Ah."

She didn't say much, but gestured for him to continue with her eyes.

Cohen walked effortlessly to the small bar on one side of the terrace, as naturally as if he were back in his own home.

With graceful and skillful movements, she scooped out the uniquely fragrant black tea from the silver tea caddy and poured it into boiling spring water.

The rising steam, carrying the fragrance of black tea, gently ascends.

Holding the cup of rich, fragrant black tea, he walked to Xenia's side, bowed slightly, and offered the cup to her.
"Have a cup of tea to refresh yourself."

Take things one step at a time, don't overwork yourself.

Shanis did not refuse and took the warm teacup. Her fingertips made very brief contact with Cohen's palm, with a slightly cool touch.

She took a small sip, the warm liquid sliding down her throat, seemingly easing some of her fatigue.

Cohen stood to the side and reported clearly and concisely:
"Count Casimir August has successfully delivered the plan to Prince Heinz in person."

Judging from Heinz's reaction, this plan has received absolute attention.

The prince not only highly praised Kazimir's insights, but also entrusted him with the crucial task of refining and perfecting the plan and formulating the final reform outline.

He paused slightly, his gaze falling on Shanis's face, catching the subtle changes in her expression:

"Now, all that remains is for the Noble Martial Arts Festival to conclude, and for the Noble Academy to relinquish control of the Holy Radiance Academy in accordance with the agreement."

At that time, as Prince Wilson's 'chief assistant' or 'special advisor', Kazimir would be able to legitimately enter the core management of the academy.

We will gradually gain actual control of the Shenghui Academy.

Even better, the House of Lords will not only not oppose all of this, but will even spare no effort to help us advance it.

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Xenia's eyes.

Take back the Holy Radiance Academy from the Noble Academy!
This is a long-cherished dream of the Klein royal family, a dream they have never been able to realize. The Holy Radiance Academy is the highest institution of learning on the continent, the cradle of future elites, and the pinnacle of thought and power.

The House of Nobles has been entrenched there for over a thousand years, like a deeply rooted malignant tumor.

Now, this seemingly impossible task is about to be accomplished by her!

A tremendous sense of accomplishment surged through her body like a warm current, and a genuine smile slowly appeared on the Empress's lips.

Completely shedding her empressly majesty, she revealed the pure joy and pride of a young woman in the face of immense success, breathtakingly beautiful.

Her gaze fell on the young man in front of her.

He was tall and handsome, with deep, unfathomable eyes, and his face always wore an air of complete control and nonchalant composure.

Shanis knew better than anyone that he deserved 99% of the credit for making this happen.

Like a master chess player, Cohen orchestrated the intricate power struggle within the Empire, demonstrating his keen insight into human nature and precisely placing Casimir August, a hidden pawn, in a position powerful enough to shake the very foundations of the House of Nobles.

Shanis was keen to give him some kind of reward.

Such a great achievement deserves the most generous reward: a fiefdom? Unparalleled glory? Wealth beyond measure?

But he seems to lack nothing.

He was the king of Alfiein, possessing the wealth and power of a nation.

His strength is unfathomable; he has won both the silver and gold championships.

He is never short of stunning beauties around him.

Worldly power, wealth, and beauty seemed to be readily available to him.

What else can be given to him?

I'm afraid I'll be all alone now.

She was the Empress of the Empire, the most honored woman on the continent.

Her favor, her affection, her body... This was perhaps the only "reward" that could truly move him, or rather, the only one that matched his achievements.
This realization stirred up a complex and indescribable emotion within her.

No wonder even the aloof and arrogant Adel was willing to fall for him and even lower herself to submit to him.

This man truly possesses a magic that makes women fall for him.

Xenise couldn't help but recall the woman who had ruthlessly defeated her on the arena of the Noble Martial Arts Festival ten years ago.

At that time, Shanies Klein was not yet the Empress, but the most dazzling jewel of the empire, the most talented heir of the Klein royal family! She was young, proud, and full of confidence.

Everyone believed that she would be the only choice for the "strongest Silver" of that year.

Until she met that woman from Effie – Adele Angelion!

That woman was as if she had been sculpted from ten thousand years of ice.

She was stunningly beautiful, yet her coldness was suffocating. She was taciturn and had an indifferent gaze, as if nothing in the world was worth her attention.

The power she wielded was bizarre and formidable, carrying a terrifying chill that could freeze the soul and erode life.

That battle was the most painful and humiliating defeat of Shanies Klein's life.

What Sanes found even more unacceptable was that the woman, who was like an iceberg, turned and left without saying a word or even glancing at her after defeating her.

It was as if defeating the imperial princess was a trivial matter.

That deep-seated indifference and arrogance hurt Shinis more than any mockery.

That defeat not only shattered her dream of becoming the "strongest Silver" player, but also left an indelible scar in her heart.

She considered Adel her lifelong enemy and vowed to surpass her and wash away her shame!

However, ten years have passed...

Shanes Klein ascended to the pinnacle of imperial power, becoming the supreme empress.

She possessed supreme power, endless resources, and even greater strength, and she thought she had long since forgotten that humiliation.

But she never imagined that, ten years later, she would still be defeated by her.

This time, however, it wasn't on the highly anticipated martial arts festival stage, nor was it a direct clash of power.

But on another battlefield.

A more secretive, more complex, and more unsettling battlefield.

On the terrace, the moonlight was like water, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

The air was thick with a tension that made one's heart race.

Cohen, oblivious to Shanis's complex inner turmoil, continued outlining his plans and arrangements:

"...After Aureliano is transferred to the 'Rock Zone,' Chambers' relationship with the House of Nobles will definitely be strained."

Chambers was a cunning and ambitious man who was outwardly friendly but inwardly estranged from the aristocratic council.

Aureliano's intervention will only exacerbate the rift between them.

What we need to do next is to seize the opportunity and take advantage of the rift between them to exert influence on the overall situation in the Southeast.

However, this requires further planning.

Cohen's gaze fell upon the distant spire of the Holy Radiance Academy, gleaming in the night.

"The Holy Radiance Academy should also send capable personnel to take over and assist Kazimir in completely controlling this premier academy on the continent."

The Noble Academy has been entrenched in the Imperial Academy for over a thousand years, hiding countless carefully cultivated and secretly transferred talents and a deeply buried network of power.

Your Majesty must act quickly to find these hidden forces within the House of Nobles, lest you be caught off guard later.

As for military reforms, Your Majesty, the plan I gave Kazimir was not merely about gaining Heinz's trust and favor.

This is also an excellent springboard for us to intervene in the future landscape of the Imperial military. We must closely monitor the reform process and exert influence at key junctures.

We will steer the reforms in a direction that benefits us.

"Furthermore, regarding the Dragon Plane, Kazimir has already given me some core information held by the Noble Council, and with the belt His Majesty gave me, I'm confident I'll gain something..."

Cohen spoke eloquently, like a strategist outlining the empire's strategic blueprint for the future before the Empress.

Immersed in his own deductions, he didn't pay much attention to Xenia's reaction.

When he finally finished, he realized that Shanis's gaze was fixed on his face with an indescribable, complex emotion.

Cohen stopped speaking, blinked, and asked:

"Your Majesty, did I say something wrong?"

Shanis snapped out of her daze, a barely perceptible blush creeping onto her cheeks.

She couldn't possibly say that she was captivated by Cohen's earnest planning for his future, and that she was so infatuated with him that she momentarily lost her focus.

Xenia coughed lightly, forcibly suppressing the palpitations and panic in her heart, and regaining the majesty that belonged to the Empress.

He quickly found a plausible reason for himself, his voice carrying a hint of deliberate nonchalance and satisfaction:
"Yes, after all, the Central Empire is partly yours. A strong empire benefits both of us."

Cohen leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Shanis's eyes, as if trying to pierce through her feigned composure, and said softly:

"Your Majesty, do you really think that everything I've done is for the power and status of that so-called 'half of the empire'?"

Shanis felt a sudden pang of panic, instinctively averting her gaze, unable to meet his eyes any longer, and said guiltily:

"It's getting late, it's the middle of the night, you can't stay here too long. If you don't have anything else to do, you should go back now."

Seeing that Shanis was trying to remain calm but her ears were slightly red, Cohen did not take his leave. Instead, he took a step closer.

His gaze was fixed on Shanies's slightly pursed, alluring red lips, like rose petals, his eyes filled with undisguised aggression and desire.

Shanis's heart pounded wildly under Cohen's burning gaze.

She instinctively took a few steps back, her back almost touching the cold balcony railing, her hands unconsciously crossing over her chest in a defensive posture.

His lips were pressed tightly together, a warning that sounded fierce but was actually weak:
"Don't do anything reckless. I already let you be so presumptuous last time. If you continue to act recklessly, I'll tell Adele."

Cohen helplessly spread his hands:

"Sigh, just throw it away after you're done using it."

Just a moment ago I was racking my brains to plan the future of the empire for you, and now you're finding me an eyesore?

Am I so insignificant in your eyes?

His "being seduced and then abandoned" demeanor, coupled with his exaggerated tone, made Shanis both angry and amused.

The shame and anger in my heart were somewhat lessened.

A brief silence fell over the terrace.

Moonlight streamed down, and the night breeze was cool.

Xenia bit her lower lip, her icy blue eyes flashing with struggle, shame, and a hint of compromise. After a moment of silence, she seemed to have made up her mind:
"Close your eyes."

Cohen quickly closed his eyes, and soon a warm, soft touch, with a hint of cool tea fragrance and a unique body scent, came over him.

He instinctively reached out his arm, wanting to pull that soft warmth into his embrace, but he only managed to hold empty air.

A sound of shame and anger reached my ears:
"You can't trust a man's words, let's go!"

Cohen opened his eyes reluctantly, bowed, and left the palace.

...(End of chapter)