Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

The Emerald Duchy is a small country renowned for its abundant magical emeralds and rare flowers.

Military preparedness was lax, and internal power struggles among the nobility were rampant.

Because of its abundant resources and advantageous geographical location, it is highly susceptible to interference from various powerful nations in the Northwest Continent.

Historically, it has betrayed Effie several times and is closest to the Lost Lands. Therefore, Cohen made the Emerald Duchy the first target of the Demon Gold Empire's expedition!
The flames of the demon legion and the roar of machinery tore apart the peaceful border overnight.

The private armies of the Emerald Duchy's nobles and a small standing army collapsed like paper under the ferocious offensive of the mixed army of the Demon Gold Empire.

The magnificent palaces were set ablaze, the treasuries filled with wealth were emptied, and all the jade mines in the country were taken over by the empire, where unrestrained and brutal mining began.

Next up is the Bloodsail Federation, a loose alliance of several commercial city-states, incredibly wealthy yet each governing its own territory, with a decent navy but a weak army.

The empire's iron hooves advanced directly overland, breaching its undefended borders, plundering fleets and mountains of cargo in ports, and abducting large numbers of artisans and scholars.

At Cohen's suggestion, the Magic Gold Empire also focused its attention on several other targets—the Free City of Lorraine (which had rejected Effiin's trade treaty and secretly funded Effiin's opposition) and the Duchy of Whitestone Castle (which had betrayed its temporary alliance with Effiin during a border conflict, resulting in heavy losses for one of Effiin's border troops).

Those forces that have had or currently have grudges against Effie have been subjected to particularly brutal and targeted attacks.

Not only were their wealth plundered, but their ruling class and military forces were also targeted for elimination, as if the Demon Gold Empire was specifically cleaning house for Effie.

In just a few days, under Cohen's command, several small human kingdoms, principalities, and city-state alliances on the northwestern continent fell or suffered devastating blows.

The news spread like wildfire, shaking the entire continent.

"The demons and tin monsters of the Lost Lands are attacking!"

"The Emerald Duchy is gone! The Bloodsail Federation is burning!"

"The second demon invasion is about to begin!"

For nearly ten thousand years, friction has been constant between the Lost Lands and the human continent, with small-scale conflicts occurring from time to time.

But this is the first time that a nation like the Demon Gold Empire has ever launched a planned, organized, large-scale, and premeditated invasion of a sovereign nation on the human continent!
This completely shattered the long-standing unwritten rule that the chaos in the Lost Lands was primarily confined to the Lost Lands themselves.

According to past practice, in the face of such a blatant violation of order and invasion of human kingdoms, the five major imperial alliances that maintain the "basic order" of the continent should have jumped out immediately and issued the strongest condemnation.

Alternatively, they could form a joint army and directly send troops to strike the invaders as a warning to others.

However, this time, the situation was very strange.

silence.

A suffocating silence.

The five great empires collectively chose to remain silent about the facts unfolding right under their noses.

There were no official statements, no signs of military mobilization, and even the usual diplomatic protests and condemnations were few and far between.

It was limited to a few bland expressions of "concern" and "calls for restraint."

It wasn't that they didn't know, nor that they weren't shocked.

On the contrary, the intelligence agencies of the major empires had already presented every detail of the Demon Gold Empire's invasion to the supreme rulers as quickly as possible.

However, at the highest levels of the empire, the discussion was not about how to punish the Demon Gold Empire, but rather about weighing the future situation of the continent:

"The Covenant of the Gods... has only two months left."

"Based on all the signs that have emerged so far, this will be a massive upheaval that will sweep across the entire material world, reshaping rules, beliefs, and even the right to survival of races!"

"Compared to the impending upheaval, the survival of a few small border countries... is of little consequence."

"The Demon Gold Empire? It's nothing but a bunch of madmen corrupted by the abyss and paranoid mechanical freaks."

Their current frenzy might just be the perfect opportunity to disrupt the situation, draw attention, and buy us some final preparation time.

“Effin and that Cohen have been making too much noise lately... It might be a good thing to let the Magic Gold Empire cause them some trouble and wear them down.”

"Our army, our resources, and all our strength must be concentrated to meet the new era that comes with the Covenant!"

Before that, any unnecessary losses are unacceptable!

"Let them fight... Once the alliance is announced and everything is reshuffled, we'll settle accounts all at once!"

Thus, under a tacit strategic leniency, the five empires tacitly chose to turn a blind eye.

Like a group of gamblers facing a tsunami, they clutched their last chips tightly, nervously reinforcing their dikes, oblivious to the small islands beside them being swept away by the previous waves.

The five great empires, including the powerful nations on the continent, are frantically hoarding resources, mobilizing troops, activating ancient agreements, contacting potential allies, and even conducting certain forbidden rituals or research.

All they wanted was to gain a more advantageous position, or at least preserve themselves, in the chaos of the impending epochal change.

This eerie silence undoubtedly gave the Demon Gold Empire greater courage and room for maneuver.

Thrall's initial fear of a possible united counterattack from human forces quickly dissipated, and his ambition and plundering fervor began to expand without restraint.

In his view, the silence of the five great empires signifies the weakness and division of the human world.

In any case, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the empire to expand outwards.

"Hahaha, see that, Maine? Your judgment was absolutely correct."

These humans are all bark and no bite; they're afraid, they dare not be our enemies!

Thrall, drinking the plundered wine in the Emerald Palace he had looted, roared excitedly at Cohen:
"Continue! Keep the attack going! Let the flames of war burn even brighter! I want the entire Northwest Continent to remember the name of the Demon Gold Empire!"

Mayne bowed her head humbly, but a cold smile flickered across her lips.

The seeds of chaos have been sown, the flames of greed have been ignited, and the silent indulgence of the five great empires has only added the most intense fuel to this fire.

Everything is going according to plan.

There is only one month left until the "Covenant of the Gods" is officially announced and the rules of the continent are completely rewritten!

……

After concluding the military meeting at the front, Cohen returned to his residence with an exquisite gift box he had just looted from the Emerald Duchy's treasury.

Inside the study, Mavis was reading a summary of battle reports from the front lines by the light of a magic lamp, while also providing intelligence support and strategic analysis to her sister Melantha, who was still disguised as Cohen on the front lines of the Chaotic Demon Continent, attacking the Demon Gold Empire's headquarters.

Upon seeing Cohen's return, she looked up, a tenderness flashing in her eyes.

With a gentle smile on his face, Cohen walked to Mavis's side, said nothing, took out a delicate silver box the size of a palm from his pocket, and gently placed it on the pages of the book in front of her.

"What is this?" Mavis asked, somewhat surprised.

Cohen casually sat down on the soft chair next to him, his posture relaxed.
"Open it and take a look. Here are some spoils of war. I think they're perfect for you."

Mavis opened the clasp as instructed, and a breathtaking emerald green flowed out against the backdrop of black velvet inside the box.

What catches the eye is an exquisitely crafted necklace, its chain made of extremely fine silver wire, almost invisible.

The pendant is a teardrop-shaped piece of jade.

At its core, it seemed to contain a pool of rippling spring water, and as the light flowed, golden threads of light, like the veins of life, appeared and disappeared within it.

It exudes a pure and abundant natural life force, subtly resonating with Mavis's own cool and aloof temperament.

"This is……?"

"The 'Heart of the Forest' of the Emerald Kingdom is said to be their national treasure, passed down for hundreds of years, and embodies the natural essence of the largest ancient forest in the kingdom."

It was found in their treasury; Grand Duke Hills had hidden it quite well, but even the deepest hiding place couldn't stop the devil's nose.

This Hills once allied with the Cromwell family against our Effie, and this time he's finally gotten his revenge.

"So, what do you think? Does it look good?"

Mavis's fingertips gently touched the cool jade, and she could feel the powerful and gentle natural energy within it.

She glanced at Cohen, but instead of feigning refusal, she turned slightly to the side, tossing her long hair over her shoulder to reveal her beautifully shaped neck and smooth back.

Cohen stood up, picked up the necklace, and moved closer to Mavis. His arm went around her neck, and his fingertips inadvertently brushed against the sensitive skin on the back of her neck, sending a slight shiver down her spine.

Carefully closing the clasp, the emerald "teardrop" fell precisely into the hollow where her collarbones met, below which lay her slightly undulating, snow-white skin.

The exquisite emerald green and flawless white complement each other, making the jade seem to come alive on her chest, its inner radiance further highlighting her jade-like skin and exquisitely sculpted collarbone.

A touch of emerald green adds an extra layer of allure, exuding a breathtaking vitality amidst its cool elegance.

Cohen didn't pull away immediately. Instead, while they were still embracing, he lowered his head and kissed her bare collarbone, his voice deepening.
"Indeed, it's very beautiful."

Mavis didn't flinch; instead, she leaned back slightly, pressing her body closer to his firm chest, her cool voice taking on a subtle, almost imperceptible, softness.

"You just think the necklace is pretty?"

Cohen chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm, his other hand already caressing her cheek:
"Of course, she's prettier."

The light from the magic lamp seemed to grow even more hazy and ambiguous, as if invisible threads were binding the two of them together in the air.

Mavis's robes had slipped down sometime during the night, and the emerald green shimmered with a mesmerizing glow on the undulating snowfield...

……

……

……

After their passionate encounter, the room returned to tranquility, leaving only a faint warmth and a subtle fragrance.

Mavis leaned against Cohen, playing with the jade pendant on her chest, her eyes slightly closed, like a lazy cat.

Cohen had regained his senses, but his arms were still possessively wrapped around her.

With a slight thought, he connected with Adele, who was far away in Effie, through a secret communication method.

After exchanging heartfelt words with his sister, the Queen, Cohen got down to business:

"The operation of the Demon Gold Empire was very successful, and we have basically achieved our goals."

Next, it's our turn. Sister, you can now secretly dispatch missions abroad in the name of Effie. The targets are divided into two categories: one is those exiled monarchs and remnants of governments that have been destroyed or expelled by the Demon Gold Empire.

Another category consists of monarchs of nations who are about to become, or are very likely to become, the next target of the Demon Gold Empire, and who are currently living in constant fear.

They need help and support most right now.

We can come up with an aid agreement to help them at the appropriate time.

The terms will be as we previously agreed: the right to station troops, priority in resource extraction, most-favored-nation trade status, and freedom of movement and movement within the territory when necessary…

In short, we must use the most civilized terms possible to firmly bind the future national sovereignty of these frightened nations to our war machine.

Adele replied slowly:
"Arrangements have already been made in advance. Baron Holt has organized a mission of diplomats and legal scholars and prepared the corresponding treaty templates."

Regarding the selection of a candidate... what do you think of Nephthys?

I first appointed her as our representative, giving her full authority to handle all matters on our behalf at the front lines.

Cohen thought for a moment and then agreed:
“Okay, let Nephthys take full charge of this matter.”

We need to act quickly, completing the signing of key agreements before the five great empires or other powers react and try to interfere and reap the benefits.

At the same time, we must maintain secrecy; our involvement should appear as a righteous act based on humanitarian principles and regional security responsibilities.

“Alright, I will have Nephthys prepare immediately, and the first delegation will depart within three days.”

Cohen nodded slowly:

"Alright, let's set our first target as the Principality of Northumbria!"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, then a laugh of cryptic meaning suddenly came from the other end:

"Mavis is next to you."

Cohen's eyes widened. This time, to prevent the same mishap that happened in Windsordler, he had deliberately kept Mavis from doing anything reckless, and was just having some fun himself.

Mavis, standing to the side, also parted her red lips slightly. Last time she was just a princess, but this time she was caught by the queen herself.

Cohen remained silent for a long time, while Adele chuckled:
"Alright, stop making up excuses. Windsor has already complained to me."

Cohen's face immediately showed embarrassment; he hadn't expected a traitor to inform on him!
He said apologetically:

"Sis, no, I just finished talking with Mavis, I didn't do anything wrong..."

Adele interrupted, saying:
"I didn't mean anything by it. She's your woman, so you can do whatever you want with her."

However, since we are in enemy territory, it's best not to let our guard down too much. Alright, I won't bother you any longer.

Mavis, take good care of Cohen, and be careful yourself too. I'm waiting for you to come back safely at home..."

……

Just as Effie's mission was secretly preparing to depart for those beleaguered exiled courts and panicked countries.

In the Northwest Continent, those nations and forces that had been ravaged by the Demon Gold Empire's military might or were facing threats were plunged into even deeper despair.

The continued silence of the five great empires weighed on the hearts of every ruler like a cold boulder.

Initially, they may have held a sliver of hope, expecting that those traditional "order maintainers" would step forward to uphold justice as they had done countless times in the past.

But as the days went by, aside from indifferent observation and a few empty diplomatic pronouncements, they received no substantial assistance, and even the threats of severe condemnation and sanctions seemed weak and ineffective.

Only now have they finally come to their senses.

It wasn't that the five great empires had weakened, nor that they had suddenly changed their nature and become peace-loving.

Instead, there were more important matters than the invasion of the Demon Gold Empire, and the survival of their small nations, that were consuming the attention of all the important figures.

Considering the recent rumors of a "covenant of the gods," as well as the unusual military movements and resource tightening within the empires.

The answer is obvious—those lofty empires are making final preparations for an impending cataclysmic change that could overturn the entire landscape.

In their eyes, the destruction of a few small border countries is insignificant compared to their own survival and status in the new era.

Without a doubt, they have been abandoned and become pawns that can be sacrificed on the chessboard of great power rivalry.

The Principality of Northumbria, with its capital at Nottingham.

This city, known for its sturdy volcanic rock walls and numerous natural geothermal hot springs, is now filled with a somber atmosphere that is quite different from the usual steamy atmosphere of the hot springs.

An invisible cloud seemed to hang over the city.

The principality's council hall, constructed with high-temperature resistant "rock-patterned steel," boasts a rugged and sturdy architectural style, much like the impression the country gives.

The fireplace in the hall burned with flames drawn from the earth's veins, dispelling the slight chill of winter, but unable to dispel the coldness in the hearts of everyone present.

Seated in the main seat was the ruler of Northumbria, Grand Duke Hohenzollern.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern is over sixty years old, but his years of training have made him look as vigorous as ever.

This is a monarch who strives for good governance, relying on the country's abundant volcanic tourism resources, unique geothermal energy, and most importantly, its specialty product—"Rock-patterned Steel," which is resistant to high temperatures, extremely strong, and widely used in high-end forging and magical equipment.

Northumbria has transformed itself from a small state into a powerful duchy in the Northwest Continent, and its strength should not be underestimated.

However, at this moment, the Grand Duke, known for his strength and wisdom, had a furrowed brow and a solemn expression.

His gaze swept over the "guests" in the seats below, who were all equally well-dressed, but whose faces were ashen and whose eyes could not hide their fear and exhaustion.

These "guests" are, under normal circumstances, prominent figures in the political circles of Northwest China:
Grand Duke Hills of the Emerald Duchy (now only an empty title and a few followers remain), the surviving councilors of several major city-states of the Bloodsail Federation (their fleets and wealth have mostly fallen into the hands of the Magnum Empire), the mayor of the Free City of Lorraine (the city has been reduced to ruins), the regent of the Duchy of Whitestone Castle (his king died in battle, and the young lord fled with him)...

In a short period of time, the country was destroyed and the family perished. The ruler of a country was reduced to an exile living under the roof of others. Such a blow was enough to crush anyone's spirit.

They gathered in Northumbria not only because it was the strongest and untouched force in the vicinity, but also because, based on scattered intelligence and the direction of the Magma Empire's military advance,

Northumbria, a principality with important strategic resources and a strategic location, is very likely to be the next target of these barbaric invaders.

The exiled Grand Duke of Emerald Kingdom, a middle-aged man who had once lived a life of luxury but was now haggard, broke the suffocating silence with a hoarse voice:
"Grand Duke Hohenzollern, the demon and mechanical monster of the Demon Gold Empire, plundered my country, slaughtered my people, and defiled our holy land..."

They are a bunch of irrational, destructive beasts.

Now, their eyes are on Northumbria, on your rich land and precious ripple steel veins.

We...we must unite!

An elderly speaker of the Bloodsail Federation, his eyes bloodshot, added tremblingly:

"They are not beasts... but butchers who are more cunning than beasts."

Their plundering was targeted; they took away artisans and scholars, mined resources and treasures, and used us as blood banks and logistical bases to serve the ambitions of their Magic Gold Empire!

The five great empires have abandoned us; now we can only rely on ourselves and on each other!

"Grand Duke Hohenzollern, your military is the strongest among us, Nottingham's defenses are formidable, and you have the natural barrier of the volcano to rely on..."

Grand Duke Hohenzollern raised his hand, silencing the cacophony of pleas and anxieties from the crowd.

His voice was steady, yet carried an unyielding gravity:
"Gentlemen, I deeply sympathize with your plight."

Northumbria will not turn a blind eye to the suffering of its neighbors, nor will it naively believe that the evil's greed will stop beyond its borders.

He stood up and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, where he could see parts of Nottingham and, further away, the faint outline of a volcano emitting wisps of smoke.

"The threat from the Demon Gold Empire is imminent."

My people are intensifying their preparations for war, fortifying city defenses, and assembling their troops.

However, gentlemen, we must be clear-headed.

The fact that the Demon Gold Empire was able to conquer several countries so quickly demonstrates that its military strength far exceeds our previous understanding of the chaotic forces in the Lost Lands.

Their demonic legions are fearless in the face of death, their war machines are incredibly powerful, and more importantly... there seems to be a clear strategic intent and efficient command behind them.

Grand Duke Hills of the Emerald Duchy suddenly called out a name:
"Maine!"
This is the war chief of staff of the Demon Gold Empire!

He was hailed as the third most powerful figure in the empire, second only to Emperor Thrall and Marshal Hextech. It was he who destroyed my homeland and plundered my wealth.

"And our Emerald Kingdom's national treasure, the Heart of the Forest, was also given to his lover..."

As Duke Hills spoke, he couldn't help but burst into tears.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern, seated at the head of the table, sighed, offered a slight word of comfort to Grand Duke Hills, and then said:

"Therefore, given the current grim situation, cooperation is the only way out."

But how to unite is the most crucial factor.

What good would it do to merely offer you refuge and allow your remaining forces to enter my land?

That would only hasten the war to Northumbria and force us into a defensive posture.

The regent of Baishibao couldn't help but ask:
"What the Grand Duke means is..."

A resolute glint flashed in the eyes of the Archduke of Hohenzollern:
"We need foreign aid, really strong foreign aid."

The five great empires are no longer reliable; we must seek other possible powers.

I've already been trying to contact some neutral, powerful individuals, ancient guardian organizations, and even..."

He paused, his voice even lower:
"Consider limited contact with certain non-human forces that are not entirely hostile."

At the same time, we must truly integrate all our exiled forces, establish a joint command, unify the deployment of remaining troops and supplies, share intelligence, and fight the enemy together, instead of fighting separately!

He walked to the huge map of the continent and pointed to the location of Northumbria:

"Northumbria can be the center of resistance, but we need to build a defensive system in depth, rather than be trapped in an isolated city."

We need guerrilla tactics, we need harassment, we need to use our familiarity with the terrain to delay and wear down the enemy as much as possible.

Thus, we await the emergence of variables! (End of Chapter)