Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Before Grace could recover from the past, Grand Duke Zariel's voice suddenly turned cold:

"However, I wasn't so good-tempered back then."

Eberron could choose to temporarily abandon his wife and daughter after weighing the pros and cons.

But I can't just ignore my granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

I cannot allow my only bloodline to be oppressed by a bunch of mediocre people on human territory.

Therefore, I personally stormed into your Dragon City's palace and took you and your mother away.

"Breaking into the Dragon City Palace!"
These casual words struck Grace like a thunderbolt!

She couldn't help but widen her eyes suddenly, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.

Staring blankly at the middle-aged man in front of her, who exuded an aura of authority and oppression, it was as if she were seeing him for the first time.

As the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire, she knew better than anyone how heavily guarded the Dragon City Palace was.

There are not only layers upon layers of magical barriers and elite royal guards, but also the accumulated power of the empire, passed down for tens of thousands of years.

She simply couldn't imagine how the other party, all by themselves, could take her mother, a royal concubine, and herself, a princess, away from such a place known as an impregnable fortress.

This was completely beyond her comprehension.

Grand Duke Zariel seemed to see right through the immense doubt churning in Grace's heart, and a faint smile appeared on his usually stern face:

"First, it was a surprise attack, since no one could have predicted it at the time."

"Would someone have the audacity and ability to break directly into the heart of the palace and abduct a royal concubine and a princess?"

His tone shifted, and his gaze became somewhat meaningful:

"Another factor is your father's tacit approval."

Although I had never had direct contact with him, he did not show much intention to stop me when he learned of my actions.

I think he also clearly realized that, given the complex situation at the time, his power could not fully guarantee your and your mother's safety.

"It might have been the best decision for me to take you back to Avernus!"

Grace fell into an awkward silence.

Before today, she had no idea that she had such a past.

Grand Duke Zariel's narration continues.

His gaze seemed to pierce through the thick walls of the bronze fortress, looking towards the distant prime plane.

The voice carried a complex mix of emotions:

"Your father, Eberron, was indeed a very shrewd man."

In just two short years, he completely eliminated internal opposition and firmly grasped the reins of power in the empire.

And your mother, Cecilia, like her own mother, is a passionate woman at heart.

She was madly infatuated with her husband, and even though she was living a relatively peaceful life in Afonas, she still begged me many times.

He wanted to return to the Eastern Empire and be back by Eberron's side.

I couldn't persuade her otherwise, so I had no choice but to send you all back.

Grace remained immersed in the sudden revelation of her family history, her heart filled with turbulent emotions.

She was trying to piece together these fragments of memory with her hazy childhood, but then Grand Duke Zariel suddenly changed the subject.

His gaze refocused on Grace, becoming unusually sharp, as if it could pierce the depths of her soul.

He continued, using a tone tinged with a sense of fatalism, as he spoke slowly:

“Grace, you look just like your mother, your grandmother.”

Once I fall in love, I can't stop.

Even if... the man you've fallen in love with already has many women around him, even if he already has a legitimate queen!

Grace was jolted awake from her heavy memories as if struck by a cold lightning bolt.

A hint of undisguised shock flashed in her eyes, but her long-standing courtly upbringing made her almost instinctively suppress her surging emotions.

She lowered her eyes slightly and asked softly in a deliberately calm tone:

“I don’t understand what the Duke is saying.”

Grand Duke Zariel gazed quietly at her face, which bore a striking resemblance to her mother's in her youth, and slowly shook his head.

His gaze seemed to have pierced through all pretense:
"King of Shadows, Son of Prophecy, King of War, Pirate King, King of Effie: Cohen Corleone."

It's him, isn't it!

Grace's face finally couldn't help but change color slightly, a trace of paleness flashing across her cheeks.

She realized that she had greatly underestimated her great-grandfather.

She had thought that Cohen's many identities were deeply hidden secrets, but she never expected that he would grasp everything so clearly in such a short time.

Zariel watched the barely concealed wariness on Grace's face, and a bitter smile, extremely complex, crept onto his lips.

At this moment, time seemed to flow backward, and the scene before my eyes overlapped with that scene from many years ago.

He seemed to see his stubborn granddaughter Cecilia again, standing in this equally empty hall.

She looked at him with the same stubborn, wary eyes, ignoring his repeated advice, and insisted on returning to the Eastern Empire, to the side of the emperor Eberon whom she deeply loved.

History seems to always repeat similar trajectories in different ways; the persistence and passion in our blood are like an unbreakable cycle.

Grand Duke Zariel forcibly suppressed the complex emotions surging within him.

His voice regained its usual composure, but carried an indescribable depth as he looked at Grace and slowly said:
"No need to be so surprised. I am the war duke on the front line of the Nine Hells, and I have been fighting against the demons of the abyss for hundreds of years."

His understanding of the demon race is deeper than anyone else's.

The identity that Cohen is impersonating as the son of a demon is someone named Gilworth Gian, right?

In fact, this true son of the demon god has always been under my surveillance.

"Of course I know that it was Cohen who impersonated him and then got engaged to you."

Upon hearing this, Grace suddenly realized that her and Cohen's supposedly secret plan had been under the watchful eye of their great-grandfather all along.

The feeling of being completely seen through sent a chill down her spine.

However, before she could fully process this information, Grand Duke Zariel's next words struck her like a thunderbolt:

"However, I speculate that Cohen and Yann are the same person."

Your father, Emperor Eberron, must have noticed this too!

Upon hearing this news, Grace could no longer remain calm.

Her eyes widened in shock, her exquisitely beautiful face contorted with disbelief and horror. Forgetting all about maintaining her princessly decorum, she gasped in astonishment:
"what?
You're saying Father also knows Cohen's true identity?

Grand Duke Zariel's voice remained calm, his gaze settling steadily on Grace's face, which was filled with surprise and uncertainty, as he slowly spoke:

"This is just my speculation, but based on my understanding of your father, Emperor Eberron."

That Cohen repeatedly provoked the Eastern Empire, causing the entire empire to suffer enormous humiliation and blows.

Given Eberron's character and methods, he could never have remained so indifferent.

In fact, no matter what Cohen did to the Eastern Empire, Eberon never took any drastic countermeasures.

Therefore, I speculate that he has some doubts about the true identity of your fiancé.

The reason they're holding back is most likely because they're concerned about your feelings and pride.

As Grace listened to this meticulous analysis, her mind went completely blank.

This sudden possibility was like a boulder thrown into her already turbulent heart, stirring up huge waves and making her feel restless for a moment.

She couldn't help but recall the seemingly ordinary yet intriguing conversation she had with her father before her departure.

Eberron's deep gaze and his seemingly casual yet pointed questions were now being pieced together in her mind like fragments.

This made her increasingly convinced that Grand Duke Zariel's prediction was probably correct!
Grand Duke Zariel took in Grace's reaction, but didn't give her much time to process it. Instead, he continued in his calm tone:

"But whether Eberron knows it or not, it doesn't change anything."

Since he hasn't chosen to make it clear yet, you should pretend you don't know anything about it.

Maintaining the status quo is the best option for you, for him, and for your plans at present.

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Grace's chaotic mind, instantly cooling her agitated emotions caused by shock and unease.

It also brought her back to her senses from that brief moment of panic.

She understood that Grand Duke Zariel was right, in this complex and delicate moment where every move had far-reaching consequences.

Maintaining silence, preserving the status quo, and forging a tacit understanding with the Emperor is far wiser and safer than rashly breaking through that dangerous barrier.

Grace took a deep breath and slowly suppressed the turbulent thoughts in her mind about her father, Cohen, and the future.

He raised his head again, his gaze regaining its usual calm.

Just then, Grand Duke Zariel's voice rang out again, his tone more solemn than before:
"I'm telling you these stories today so you can understand that I have no intention of targeting Cohen."

He paused slightly, and a rare glint of admiration seemed to flash in his eyes:

"On the contrary, after learning that your fiancé is such a courageous and capable person."

I personally admire him very much.

Grace listened quietly, not responding immediately, but quickly weighing the options in her mind.

After a few seconds, she asked tentatively:
"Does the Grand Duke wish to cooperate with Cohen?"

Grand Duke Zariel showed no surprise upon hearing this. Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded frankly and said without any pretense, "That's right, I need him to help me occupy a more important position in the Nine Hells Plane in the future."

Similarly, I believe you and Cohen also need the power under my command to help him expand his influence and territory in the prime plane!

Grace listened quietly to Grand Duke Zariel's candid and unreserved words.

The estrangement and resistance that had arisen in my heart due to the previous events gradually dissipated.

She could sense the sincerity in her great-grandfather's words, nodded slightly, and responded in a calm and cautious tone:
“Cohen did express similar thoughts to me.”

However, as for the specifics of the cooperation, including the details and conditions, it would be more appropriate to discuss them with you in person after he returns from the front lines.

Grand Duke Zariel showed no sign of urgency upon hearing this.

He also understood that such a major alliance, which would determine the future landscape, was not something that could be achieved overnight.

He nodded slowly and said in a deep voice:

"This matter is indeed not urgent."

Right now, the most important thing is for Cohen to pass the test first.

Even in Afonas, I am not all-powerful. Whether it is the infiltration of forces from other realms of the Nine Hells or the omnipresent checks and balances of His Majesty Asmodeus, the King of Hell.

All of this means that if Cohen wants to truly gain Afonas's approval, and if you want to obtain the full support of the entire layer in the future, then you will need to achieve this.

We must demonstrate our undeniable capabilities and value with the most impressive achievements.

The Supreme Joint Military Council was already discussing this matter intensely before you arrived.

The final agreement was that if Cohen could obtain a 'Bloodbath Badge'.

Then he could naturally become the prince consort recognized by Aphrodite and become a member of the ruling class of the Nine Hells.

If he can obtain the 'Abyssal Essence', then according to Afonas's military merit promotion system, he will gain full command of a 'Heavenly Punishment Legion'.

However, if he fails to pass this most basic test, then not only will your marriage be denied.

Even I, as the Grand Duke, had to relinquish a considerable portion of my political interests as the price of defeat!

Zariel paused slightly, his voice unusually tinged with a hint of anticipation and fighting spirit:

“You certainly know Cohen much better than I do, and now, as your great-grandfather, I have a question for you.”

Do you think he can pass this test?

Faced with such a direct question from the Duke of Hell.

Grace showed no sign of nervousness or hesitation. A confident smile, enough to captivate all, slowly curved her lips as she softly replied:

"I think Your Excellency has not considered things thoroughly enough."

This unexpected answer clearly startled Grand Duke Zariel, and a rare hint of doubt appeared on his perpetually cold and stern face.

He frowned slightly and asked, puzzled:
Where was something overlooked?

Grace's smile remained calm, but her gaze sharpened.
"Why doesn't the Grand Duke discuss with those councilors what would happen if Cohen received not the 'Blood War Badge' or the 'Abyssal Essence,' but Afonas's highest medal—the 'Hellfire Star'?"

What kind of status and treatment will he get?

Zariel's breath hitched, and he remained silent for a long time.

It took a while for Grand Duke Zariel to recover from the immense shock.

He looked deeply at Grace, his voice carrying an indescribable complexity, and slowly said:
"You and your mother are exactly alike, always harboring an unbelievable, blind adoration for those you love."

Grace chuckled softly, slightly raised her chin, and said confidently:
"Then please wait and see, Your Majesty!"

Grand Duke Zariel gazed at her dazzling face, his expression shifting rapidly.

Finally, he slowly nodded and said in a deep voice:

"Alright, then I'll see just how outstanding the man chosen by my descendant really is!"

……

Cohen stood alone on the desolate, scorched earth of Afonas, where the distant, blood-red sky faintly echoed with the roars of the demon legion and the sound of war drums.

He is communicating with Grace.

Grace has already told him about her meeting with Grand Duke Zariel.

Besides being moved by Grace's complicated and bizarre childhood, what surprised Cohen the most was that his disguise had been exposed.

A bitter smile involuntarily crept onto his lips. He hadn't expected that his supposedly flawless disguise had already been seen through by this warlord.

It turns out that Gilworth was already under the surveillance of Grand Duke Zariel. As expected of Grand Duke Zariel, who has ruled the front line of the Nine Hells for hundreds of years, his methods are truly unpredictable.

However, this sense of being exposed was quickly replaced by another, stronger emotion.

A burning sensation, a mixture of excitement and ambition, surged within Cohen.

If you can obtain a single Abyss Essence, you will gain command of a "Heavenly Punishment Legion".

"The Legion of Heavenly Punishment!"
These four words seemed to possess a magical power, instantly igniting a flame in Cohen's eyes.

He knew better than anyone what commanding a Heavenly Punishment Legion meant in Afonas, a realm entirely governed by military merit and strength.

It is not merely a symbol of power and status, but a real strategic force capable of turning the tide on the battlefield!

If he could acquire such a legion in a "legal" manner, it would undoubtedly be an immeasurable boost to his subsequent strategy of attacking the second-tier Domain Dis.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Cohen quickly made his request to Grace:
“Tell the Grand Duke that I need those one hundred soldiers, including those two ice demons, to be absolutely loyal to me.”

Simply put, I need the Grand Duke to transfer the soul contracts of these people to you.

Upon hearing this request, Grace on the other end of the communication stone immediately showed a knowing look in her eyes.

She understood Cohen's intention almost instantly.

She roughly understood what Cohen wanted to do: to seize the "Abyssal Essence" medal, a symbol of legendary achievements, in the bloody battlefield of Avernas.

Even to touch the "Hellfire Star," which almost only exists in legends, Cohen would inevitably need to use some of his most deeply hidden trump cards and secret methods.

These methods must never be discovered by outsiders, thus ensuring the absolute loyalty of all soldiers under his command.

Eliminating any potential informants and the risk of leaks became the primary prerequisite.

Grace did not delay at all; she immediately relayed Cohen's request to Grand Duke Zariel verbatim.

To her surprise, Grand Duke Zariel did not show any displeasure or hesitation upon hearing the request.

For a Saint-level Demon Grand Duke, the soul contracts of one hundred elite guards and two eighth-tier ice demons are indeed precious.

But it is far from being a core asset, let alone being transferred to Grace, his only bloodline descendant.

In his view, this was no different from keeping it in his own hands.

Without asking a single question, he directly summoned the Ice Demon Gar and Lavas.

In fact, Grand Duke Zariel had already planned to equip Grace with a personal guard to ensure her safety in Avernath.

Therefore, for Gar and Lavas, becoming the direct bodyguards of the Hell Princess was not a demotion, but rather an honor and a promotion.

They naturally had no reason to object.

Under Grand Duke Zariel's personal manipulation, contract runes containing the essence of the soul, shimmering with a dark light, slowly peeled away from his palm.

Then, like fireflies returning to their nest, it merged into Grace's soul.

The entire process was solemn and dignified, yet completely silent.

When the final contract was completed, Garr, Lavas, and the hundred elite demon soldiers behind them...

The look in his eyes as he gazed at Grace had completely transformed into absolute, soul-deep reverence and obedience.

After the contract transfer was completed, Grand Duke Zariel simply waved his hand dismissively.

Ice Demon Gar and Lavas immediately bowed and accepted the order without the slightest hesitation.

He turned around and, with the hundred personal guards who had already pledged complete loyalty to Grace (that is, indirectly to Cohen), transformed into streaks of cold light and sped off toward Cohen's location.

A brutal test concerning fate and glory has finally begun.

……

When the Ice Demon Gar and Lavas led a hundred guards with murderous eyes and refined auras, they finally found Cohen standing quietly waiting on a scorched wasteland.

The entire group stopped in their tracks without prior agreement.

The demons stared at the human who was about to become their superior and hold their lives in his hands; an invisible sense of oppression filled the air.

Cohen gave a brief glance at the squad that was about to be under his command.

After a few seconds, he spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but carrying a deep power that seemed to penetrate the soul, clearly reaching the ears of every demon:

"From now on, you are my direct subordinates."

You may call me Commander.

All actions must be based on my orders as the highest principle. Without my direct orders, no one is allowed to leave the team or communicate with the outside world in any way.

You have no right to question any of my orders, even if it means sending you to your deaths!

For the next ten days, whatever you see or hear, you must keep it to yourself forever.

I have already told your princess.

Anyone who violates the principle of confidentiality will be considered to have broken the soul contract, and their soul will be burned by the fire of the contract until they are completely annihilated!

This statement is like a final judgment, carrying the cruel power of the Nine Hells Law.

This caused all the demons present, including the two powerful ice demons, to involuntarily tense up.

They could clearly feel the chilling tremor emanating from the newly formed contract rune deep within their souls! (End of Chapter)