Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Previously, before the battle lines had spread, the attitude of the Central Seven Cities Alliance remained ambiguous.

Relying on their wealth and geographical location, they skillfully navigated between the Ceylon royal family and the Crown City, waiting for the right price to go.

They were attempting to gain the greatest benefit for themselves in this civil war.

However, the crushing defeat of Quesaon's side on the Ash Plains shattered their illusions.

They never imagined that the army from the strongest kingdom on the continent would collapse so completely in just a few months.

This completely threw the rulers of the Seven Cities Alliance into a panic.

They realized that if they hesitated any longer, what awaited them would no longer be the generous terms of surrender, but the iron torrent of the Allied Forces of Effie and Guimian.

Thus, at the strong urging and invitation of Bill Houston, the ruler of the River Valley city-state and the chairman of the Central Seven Cities Alliance Council, Cohen finally dispatched a high-ranking envoy to the River Valley city-state to formally begin negotiations regarding the surrender of these seven key city-states.

The outcome of this negotiation will directly determine the course of the entire war.

Along the streets of the valley city-state, the branches and leaves of ancient oak trees rustle in the breeze, and cobblestone paths meander through meticulously manicured gardens.

Viser Adam was strolling leisurely through the area, followed by a group of richly dressed city lords and their representatives, each with a different expression.

The most recent one is Bill Houston, the famous ruler of the Valley City-State and the Speaker of the Central Seven Cities Alliance Council.

The old councilor, who had ruled the valley city-states for decades and was highly respected in the Seven Cities Alliance, was now slightly behind, standing beside Viser.

He showed no disrespect for the young man decades his junior, having already thoroughly investigated Viser's background using all available intelligence networks.
A core member of the Pale Wings, one of the earliest veterans to follow Cohen, and arguably one of the most trusted right-hand men of King Effie.

The old speaker knew perfectly well that cultivating a good relationship with this special envoy was of paramount importance to this meeting.

Viser seemed oblivious to the group of high-ranking followers behind him, his gaze fixed on the rose bushes by the roadside, as he casually remarked:

"Your Excellency Speaker, our boss hopes that you can personally make a trip to Guimian City so that some matters can be discussed more effectively."

Upon hearing this, Houston quickly stepped forward and explained in a fast voice:

“Mr. Adam is right. That was my initial plan too. It was time to return to the capital to pay my respects to Her Highness the Princess.”

Mr. Ke may not know that since Gaius withdrew his troops back to Leon, the garrison of our Seven Cities Alliance has been taken over by the Ceylon Army.

Not only that, but the residences of our seven city lords are also under close surveillance by the 'royal envoy' sent by Gaius.

If I were to leave River Valley now, Gaius's men would likely take swift and decisive action against our seven cities.

Upon hearing this, Viser couldn't help but chuckle and said:

"If Gaius's spies see you welcoming me with such fanfare today, won't you be inviting trouble?"

Houston smiled mysteriously and said:

"Mr. Adam, your current public identity is that of a nobleman from the 'Eastern Empire.' You are a distinguished guest who has come to our Seven Cities Alliance to assess the investment environment."

Even if Gaius's men saw it, they would only think we were trying to secure important foreign aid for the Kingdom of Ceylon.

His tone became meaningful:

"They will not only not hinder it, but they will even be happy to see it happen."

After all, Ceylon desperately needs any possible allies right now.

Viser's gaze slowly swept over the group of city-state rulers before him, each with a different expression, and he said in a low voice:

"Alright, I understand your situation. Since the situation is already so dire, let's stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point."

Let everyone tell us about their own circumstances first.

The Speaker of the Houston Council took a deep breath, exchanged glances with the other city lords, and then spoke slowly in an extremely solemn tone:

“Mr. Adam, our requirements are actually not complicated.”

We only hope that after this war ends, the Seven Cities Alliance can maintain our original autonomous status and political influence in the new Kingdom of Ceylon.

And to ensure that the vested interests of our various families are not infringed upon.

Viser listened without showing the slightest surprise, and calmly said:
"There is no problem with that. I can assure you here as His Majesty Cohen Corleone's Supreme Envoy."

As long as the Seven Cities Alliance is willing to sincerely submit and fully assist Guimian City in successfully taking over this land.

Then your wealth, status, and everything you cherish will be preserved in its entirety.

This promise was like a reassuring pill, bringing a look of relief to the faces of all the city lords present.

The tense atmosphere eased considerably in an instant.

But Viser knew in his heart that this was only the first round of this long game.

Just as a hint of relaxation appeared on everyone's faces, Viser abruptly changed the subject, saying:

"Of course, our boss has one more suggestion."

He deliberately slowed his speech, making sure each word was clearly audible to everyone:

"Each of you may choose one of the most promising nephews or younger relatives in your family."

They were sent to Guimian City to take up their posts.

There they will gain access to the best development platform and unprecedented opportunities.

Upon hearing this, the previously harmonious atmosphere in the garden suddenly froze.

The expressions of the city lords instantly became somewhat unnatural.

They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise, resistance, and a hint of barely concealed panic.

A few seconds of silence followed, before the seasoned and composed Speaker of the Houston Council finally mustered the courage to ask:

"Your Excellency, is His Majesty Corleone's proposal mandatory?"

Viser said with a half-smile:

"Your Excellency the Speaker is a wise man; there's no need to spell things out."

This seemingly casual response struck the hearts of all the city lords like a heavy hammer blow.

The answer is self-evident—these “promising nephews and nieces” who were ordered to be sent to Guimian City were essentially hostages.

It is an invisible shackle that ensures the future loyalty of the Seven Cities Alliance.

Viser stopped in front of a flowerbed, admiring the rare flower varieties created by the unique geographical location of the valley city-state, and said softly:

"My lords, I won't mince words. You really have no other choice. Our boss's army is just across the river from you."

The reason we haven't made any moves yet is that our boss still hopes to preserve these beautiful and prosperous city-states to the greatest extent possible with minimal cost.

Moreover, Guimian City is bound to become the political core of the entire Kingdom of Ceylon in the future. Sending your children and nephews there in advance is an investment that will only bring you benefits.

My time is limited.

Regardless of what agreement we reach during this trip to the valley, I must return to Guimian City to report back.

If you're willing, let's start finalizing the selection process now.

"Okay, you have three days to consider."

Speaker Houston suppressed his emotions, waved his hand, and several young and beautiful girls appeared from the corner, surrounding Viser.

"Mr. Adam has been working hard all day for us. He should rest for the next three days. These girls are the best guides and playmates in our Valley City-State."

Let them accompany the master on his sightseeing for the next three days.

Viser raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly:
"Your Excellency the Speaker is very kind, but please forgive me for reminding you all that this kind of thing should not be used on our boss."

Otherwise, it will anger someone even our boss wouldn't dare to mess with!

Okay, I hope we can have a pleasant start to our collaboration!

……

Things did not turn out as expected by Viser.

After weighing all the pros and cons, the rulers of the Seven Cities Alliance ultimately chose to compromise.

Seven carefully selected young men from various prominent families embarked on their journey to Guimian City as hostages for "further studies."

After completing this crucial diplomatic mission, Viser Adam, without much rest, immediately set off for his next, even more secretive destination—

A small town nestled in the mountains of southwestern Ceylon, seemingly untouched by the world.

From the outside, this town is not much different from the thousands of ordinary towns on the mainland.

The low stone houses, the wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys, the occasional barking of dogs and the sounds of children playing—everything seemed peaceful and serene.

But as soon as Viser stepped inside, he sensed an unusual atmosphere.

Extraordinary beings, a great many extraordinary beings!
Before he had even taken ten steps, figures silently appeared in the surrounding alleys and houses.

These people were dressed in simple civilian clothes, but their auras were extremely powerful, clearly indicating that they were all extraordinary individuals with considerable strength. They silently surrounded Viser in the center.

Viser's gaze swept calmly over the uninvited guests, his face showing no sign of panic, and he softly uttered a name:
"The Crown Thorn Society?"

The Crown and Thorns Meeting!
This is a genuine group of people who are sworn to serve the legitimate royal family of Ceylon to the death.

They suffered a devastating blow in the bloody coup launched by Gaius nearly a century ago.

The surviving members were forced to go underground, where they lay dormant like ghosts for nearly a century.

A century of fleeing and hiding had long since extinguished their hopes for revenge, leaving them as faint as a candle flame.

However, they never expected that just when they were in despair, a princess would suddenly appear, raise the banner of restoring the kingdom, and advance triumphantly all the way.

As for whether this princess's identity is 100% legitimate.

It no longer matters to these survivors who have endured a century of bloodshed and fire.

Their hatred for Gaius's lineage had long surpassed their obsession with the purity of their bloodline; it was an irreconcilable hatred forged with the blood of countless relatives and comrades.

They would give anything to have someone lead them to revenge against Gaius, even if it was just a symbol.

In fact, the Crown Thorn Society had begun trying to establish contact with the City of Crowns through various clandestine channels months ago.

Especially after Freya won the title of strongest in the highly anticipated Noble Martial Arts Festival, these connections became even more frequent.

It can be said that Freya's current title of "the most beautiful woman on the continent" is being fueled by the thorns behind the scenes.

Despite the eagerness of the Crown Thorns Society, Cohen remained unmoved and did not give them any substantial response.

At this moment, the Battle of Ash Plains has completely established the absolute advantage of the Efein-Royal City alliance.

Cohen finally decided to hold this belated negotiation with these "old guards" who had been lying dormant for a century.

When Viser revealed their identities, the leader—a middle-aged man with a resolute face and hawk-like eyes—screwed his brows, looked Viser up and down, and asked in a deep voice:

"Are you from Guimian City?"

Viser replied calmly:
"Chief of the General Affairs Department of the Military Intelligence Bureau, Wiesel Adam."

"Military Intelligence Bureau!"

As soon as those three words were uttered, a collective gasp of suppressed breaths rose from the surrounding area.

Those gazes that were initially filled with scrutiny and suspicion were instantly replaced by shock and apprehension.

In recent years, this name has long been a name that strikes fear into the hearts of intelligence agencies in various countries across the mainland.

Its pervasive infiltration capabilities and ruthless, efficient style of operation are enough to make any opponent uneasy.

The leader took a deep breath, made a "please" gesture, and said in a deep voice:

"Mr. Adam, please!"

In a secret room, following Cohen's instructions, Wiesel stated the conditions for their cooperation:

"Although the defeat of the Ceylon Army is a foregone conclusion, neither Her Highness the Princess nor our boss want to see the Kingdom of Ceylon suffer excessive losses in this civil war."

Therefore, we prefer to recover lost territory in a relatively gentle way, preserving the vitality of this land to the greatest extent possible.

In return, the Crown Thorns Society can regain its legal status after the war, and you will also be able to join the Crowned City government.

The representatives of the Crown Thorn Society agreed almost without hesitation:

"No problem. As long as the army of Guimian City can provide sufficient military deterrence, we are fully confident that we can persuade most city-states to surrender voluntarily."

We've waited far too long for this day!

...(End of chapter)