Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

As the gods' thoughts gradually subsided, Erebus, the god of darkness, was the first to vanish as a shadow, followed by Ares Beaconfire, Silova Roar, and finally Lothien Hidden, whose form became blurred again.

The hidden divine realm returned to silence, as if the previous arguments and the threat from the Goddess of Light had never happened.

Only Charles Wilson, the "Holy God of Healing," who remained in place, slowly raised his head after all the other gods had departed.

His gentle yet weathered face remained calm and undisturbed, except for a strange, extremely subtle glint in the depths of his eyes, which always carried a sense of compassion and weariness.

It flashed by so quickly it was almost an illusion.

He lowered his head slightly, looking at his hands, which seemed to be perpetually imbued with herbs and holy light, and murmured something in a barely audible voice, as if talking to himself, a phrase only he could hear:

"Ten thousand years of time... a newborn baby... a half-step legend... the crown of stars..."

Immediately, his figure flickered, transforming into points of gentle holy light, and dissipated into this space that had returned to seclusion.

……

In the realm of the gods, the suspicions and disputes arising from Mavis's identity were temporarily suppressed after the Goddess of Light, Aetheril, intervened forcefully, threatening a "divine war."

Although the gods were unwilling or had unresolved doubts, they could only temporarily put aside the matter of the reappearance of the Arcane Empire's royal bloodline and refocus their attention on the covenant itself in the context of the restart of the "Covenant of the Gods" and in the face of Aetheril's unquestionable domineering attitude.

Meanwhile, in the main plane of the continent, the Arcane Empire, which had just undergone a dramatic change and rebirth, was completely unaware of the turmoil in the Divine Realm caused by his support of Mavis.

At this moment, Cohen has temporarily left the Arcane Empire's capital (which was rebuilt and expanded from the Endless City-States), which was in dire need of reconstruction but had begun to get on track.

Mavis quickly stabilized the situation of the nascent empire with his undisputed legitimacy.

After the initial shock and wait-and-see attitude, most of the various forces chose to cooperate or at least outwardly comply.

The framework of the empire has been basically established, and government affairs have begun to operate in an orderly manner under the leadership of Mephisto and his newly appointed officials (some from the original Supreme Council and representatives of various forces, and some selected by Mephisto himself).

Cohen also did not interfere excessively in the specific political affairs of the Arcane Empire.

His presence served as a deterrent and a stabilizing force, but in practice, governance required Mavis and her officials to work together and establish their authority.

Besides, he also has his own things to do.

Thus, after confirming that the situation in the Arcane Empire had initially stabilized and that the continent had entered a delicate and brief period of calm due to the destruction of the Magic Gold Empire and the rebirth of the Arcane Empire, Cohen quietly returned to Florence.

In Florence, deep within the royal palace, Cohen was surrounded by piles of books, documents, and maps.

All of these are information about the endless sea, especially the mysterious sea area at its westernmost end known as the "Sea of ​​Miracles".

There are ancient sea charts and nautical logs copied from royal libraries and secret collections of powerful forces in various countries, as well as rumors and notes of dubious authenticity acquired at high prices from adventurers' guilds, explorers, and veteran sailors.

Cohen frowned slightly, his fingertips tapping the table unconsciously.

On the nautical chart spread out before him, marked with many strange symbols and warnings, a region at the westernmost edge of the Endless Sea was circled in red and covered by symbols of mist and storms.

Next to it, written in the common language of the mainland, was a sign that read: “Sea of ​​Miracles, forbidden zone for living beings, spacetime disordered, one can enter but not leave.”

"Sea of ​​Miracles..."

Cohen muttered to himself, the dying words of Mavis's grandfather echoing in his mind, as well as the phantom image in "Crown of Stars" showing Imperial ships sailing into the depths of the sea.

Although the Arcane Empire was rebuilt and Mavis successfully ascended the throne, gaining a legitimate cause and initial cohesion, Cohen knew better than anyone that this new empire was currently just an empty shell.

Compared to those human nations that have been passed down for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, it lacks a truly profound cultural heritage.

This includes a well-developed state apparatus, a mature bureaucratic system, a vast accumulation of knowledge, a large strategic reserve, a deep and extraordinary heritage network, and time-tested experience and resilience in dealing with various crises.

To gain a foothold and even seize the initiative in the upcoming "War of Nations" shrouded in the shadow of the "Covenant of the Gods".

What's also needed are tangible assets that can be quickly transformed into national strength—lost ancient magical knowledge, efficient energy utilization technology, powerful ancient magical weapon design blueprints, and perhaps even... secret methods for cultivating high-end combat power.

All of this may very well be hidden in the "Sea of ​​Miracles," the perilous sea that the Arcane Empire chose as the final burial site for its "backup civilization."

Only by finding it and acquiring it can the Arcane Empire truly possess the foundation for its revival and the power to protect itself or even retaliate in the chaos of the future.

This will also help Cohen better deal with the unresolved crisis of the "Covenant of the Gods".

"Spacetime disorder... forbidden zone for living beings..."

Cohen chewed on the markings on the nautical chart, his eyes deep. This was no easy place.

The Endless Sea is vast and treacherous, and the "Sea of ​​Miracles" is a legendary forbidden zone within it.

With his current strength, he is not afraid of ordinary dangers, but he still needs to make full preparations when facing this strange sea area involving the rules of time and space.

He needed more detailed intelligence, specific clues about that sea area.

Just as Cohen was immersed in the many mysteries and risk assessments surrounding the "Sea of ​​Miracles," his chief court official delivered a document.

The clerk bowed and presented the documents with both hands.

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted an urgent report."

The Mainland Holy Healing Order dispatched a special envoy with an official document.

Their guild leader, Saint Keldon Buze, secretly arrived in Florence yesterday, hoping to pay you a personal visit.

"President of the Holy Healing Order?"
Saint Keldon Buze?

Upon hearing this, Cohen looked away from the nautical chart, raised an eyebrow, and took the document.

I browsed through the formal letter of visit written in beautiful handwriting, along with the explanations and suggestions attached by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The document was polite and formal, expressing the Holy Healing Order's respect for Cohen and the desire of its Superior, Saint Keldon Boze, to have a face-to-face exchange with Cohen on "certain important issues concerning the health and well-being of beings on the continent," and to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.

Cohen put down the documents, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

The Healing Order... he was certainly familiar with that name.

This is the largest, most authoritative, and oldest medical and supernatural healing organization on the continent of Demon Tide, bar none.

Its influence extends to every corner of the continent, from the most prosperous imperial capitals to the most remote villages, where you can find churches, clinics, medical schools or herb gardens belonging to the Healing Order.

They not only possessed the most advanced medical knowledge, extraordinary healing techniques, pharmacy, and life alchemy on the mainland, but also, through their branches throughout the country and the large number of doctors, therapists, and pharmacists they trained, they also...

In effect, it monopolizes high-end medical resources in mainland China and can even indirectly influence the formulation of medical policies and the prevention and control of major epidemics in various countries.

They enjoy extremely high prestige and are regarded as "guardians of life and health." They are an absolutely neutral and benevolent force, rarely getting involved in political disputes.

And the superintendent of the Healing Order, Keldon Boozer, was an even more legendary figure.

He is not only a renowned "Saint" level healer (a Saint-level existence in the field of healing) on ​​the continent, but also a doctor with supernatural medical skills, who is said to have the ability to bring the dead back to life and heal bones.

His character and reputation were widely respected by monarchs and leaders of various powers.

He rarely left the Church of the Tree of Life, the headquarters of the Healing Order, and even less frequently visited a secular ruler in person.

Why would such a high-ranking, influential, and consistently neutral organization leader suddenly arrive in Florence in secret?

He even wanted to personally pay a visit to King Aifein, who had just stirred up the winds and waves on the continent.
Cohen quickly filtered through various possibilities in his mind.

In order to prepare for the potential disasters brought about by the "Covenant of the Gods," we should establish contact in advance to discuss medical cooperation and relief efforts.
That is a reasonable reason, but it seems unnecessary for the Grand Master to personally intervene; sending an elder of sufficient standing would suffice.

Because they had killed the Demon Lord Thrall and purified the demonic pollution, the Holy Healing Order wanted to explore new methods for treating demonic corruption.

It's possible, but it doesn't feel urgent enough to require the president's personal presence.

Or perhaps... it's related to his support for Mavis in establishing the Arcane Empire?
The Holy Healing Order is vaguely associated with the Holy Healing God, who is one of the gods... Could it be that something is happening in the divine realm and is being conveyed through the Holy Healing Order?
Or perhaps the God of Healing himself wants to contact him through his human representative?
Cohen's mind raced, but with too little information, he couldn't make an accurate judgment.

However, regardless of the other party's purpose, the personal visit by a "saint" level healing master and the leader of the most powerful neutral organization on the continent is an extremely important signal, representing great goodwill and potential opportunities.

Refusal is impossible and unnecessary.

Cohen quickly made a decision and instructed the officer:
"Reply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that His Excellency Keldon Buze will be received with the highest level of state gifts."

Arrange for His Excellency to stay in the finest 'Emerald Courtyard' of the State Guest House.

I clearly informed the other party that I would welcome His Holiness the Saint's arrival at any time and that I would meet with him in person.

The specific time can be determined by His Excellency the Sage; we will fully cooperate.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The official accepted the order, bowed, and withdrew to arrange the relevant matters.

The study returned to silence, but Cohen's mind was no longer at peace.

The sudden visit of the Grand Master of the Holy Healing Order was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, disrupting his original plan to focus on finding the legacy of the Arcane Empire.

“Kelden Boozer…” Cohen murmured the name, a sharp glint in his eyes, “I hope your arrival truly brings the good news of ‘life and health,’ and not… new trouble.”

He had a vague premonition that this visit by the saint was probably not just a simple friendly exchange.

……

Deep within the Royal Palace of Florence, in an elegantly decorated, well-lit office filled with various official documents and files.

Queen Aphrodite, hailed as the most beautiful woman on the continent, sat behind her large desk, intently reviewing the mountain of official documents.

Sunlight streamed through the delicate stained-glass windows, casting a soft halo over her stunning profile.

With her delicate brows slightly furrowed, she would sometimes pick up her pen and write quickly, sometimes ponder deeply, and sometimes call over a servant to whisper a few instructions, immersing herself wholeheartedly in the kingdom's complex political affairs.

During Cohen's absence, the daily operations of Effie largely relied on her as a capable assistant. Now that Cohen has returned, he still acts as a hands-off manager, and the massive routine administrative system still needs Adele to coordinate and manage it.

The study door was pushed open silently, and a familiar scent drew near.

Adele didn't look up, but her quill paused slightly, and the corners of her mouth curved upwards almost imperceptibly, but she quickly pursed them into a focused straight line.

A pair of strong arms gently encircled her slender waist from behind, carrying a reassuring warmth.

Cohen rested his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe.

Adele's body stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, then relaxed, but she didn't stop reviewing the documents in her hands. Instead, she raised her other hand and precisely slapped away the hand that was starting to wander into her clothes.

Her voice carried a hint of helplessness and coquettishness, yet she maintained the queen's composure:
"Don't be silly in broad daylight. There are so many official documents waiting to be processed. If you have the energy, why don't you help me review some, my dear Your Majesty?"

Since Cohen returned to Florence from the Lost Land, the two were reunited after a long separation, and the series of tense and exciting events that had occurred before had temporarily come to an end.

Cohen naturally took the initiative to "treat" his stunningly beautiful queen, who had devoted herself to managing the household affairs for him.

As a result, when Adele sees Cohen near her, especially when they are alone, her body subconsciously produces a kind of stress response that is a mixture of sweetness and "overwhelming".

She feared that her incredibly energetic husband would drag her to various places and in various ways to do some "absurd things" that would "damage the Queen's dignity" and "seriously affect work efficiency."

Cohen wasn't annoyed when his hand was slapped away. Instead, he chuckled and stole a kiss on her neck before stepping back slightly, but still keeping his arms around her from behind.

His gaze swept over the mountain of files on his desk, and he immediately felt overwhelmed.

He was fearless in the face of danger, in the struggle to fight, in the planning of strategies, or even in the face of the gods, but dealing with these tedious and detailed government documents was neither his forte nor his wish.

"These things... are best left to the capable, and Her Majesty the Queen trusts me the most to entrust them to."

Cohen, without any qualms, pushed back the heavy political burden and, incidentally, offered a compliment.

He then handed the official document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Adele:

"Enough joking, we have serious business. Look at this, it was just delivered."

Upon hearing this, Adele temporarily put down her quill, took the document, and nestled against Cohen's chest to read it carefully.

"The Holy Healing Order... Grand Master, Saint Keldon Buze, wishes to pay you a personal visit?"

Adel raised her head, turned her face to look at Cohen, and a hint of surprise and contemplation flashed in her beautiful eyes.

"Yes, that's what the document says. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it; it's a formal diplomatic note."

Cohen nodded, his fingers unconsciously playing with a strand of Adele's hair that had fallen down. "We, the Effie, have indeed had quite a bit of dealings with the Holy Healing Order."

Many of the army's accompanying doctors, government-run medical schools, and even court healers came from the Healing Order or its affiliated institutions, and their cooperation was generally pleasant.

But the relationship... doesn't seem to be good enough for their Holy Grand Master to personally pay a visit.

Especially me, the king who has just caused quite a bit of 'trouble'.

Adele gently placed the document on the desk, leaned back more comfortably in Cohen's arms, and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

Then he spoke slowly, his voice clear and pleasant:
"It is indeed strange. The Holy Healing Order holds a transcendent status, and its president is a figure who is rarely seen."

His personal visit must indicate he has something important in mind. However…

She changed the subject, lightly tapping the document with her finger, "Judging from the current situation on the mainland, this may not necessarily be a bad thing."

The mainland is on the verge of descending into chaos, with the shadow of the 'Covenant of the Gods' looming over it, and all nations and forces are stepping up their preparations for war.

Once war breaks out, casualties are inevitable.

The combat effectiveness of an army depends not only on the bravery of its soldiers and the sophistication of its equipment, but also on its logistical support, especially its medical care.

The Holy Healing Order possesses the most advanced medical resources and talent on the continent.

If we can establish a deeper cooperative relationship with them, or even reach some kind of strategic agreement, it will be a huge help to our Effiin, to the future development of the military, and to the protection of people's livelihood.

The fact that Chairman Buze came in person, whatever his purpose, is an excellent opportunity for contact.

At least, we can find out their intentions face-to-face and show them our sincerity.

Cohen nodded; Adele's thoughts coincided with his own.

In the face of impending chaos, befriending such a neutral yet powerful organization would undoubtedly be a crucial asset.

Adele turned slightly to face Cohen, a hint of wariness appearing on her beautiful face:
"However, we cannot let our guard down completely."

Although the Order of Healing claims to be absolutely neutral, it is ultimately backed by a deity—the God of Healing.

The will of the gods is beyond the comprehension of mortals.

Whether the sudden visit of this holy president was related to a divine revelation remains unknown.

They should be treated with courtesy, but also carefully probed to ascertain their true intentions.

“So,” Adele reached out and gently smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on Cohen’s robes, her tone gentle yet firm, “I’ll go with you to the meeting!”

Looking at the concern on the beautiful face of the person in his arms, Cohen felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He tightened his arms, holding Adele even closer in his embrace, and lowered his head to plant a kiss on her smooth forehead.

Okay, I'll do whatever you say.

With my queen around, I feel at ease.

"Then let's prepare to receive him with the highest honors. Let's meet this most respected and venerable patriarch of the mainland and see what he's really up to."

The couple then discussed in hushed tones some details of the reception and the topics they might discuss.

The sunlight gently shone on the two people embracing, filling the study with a warm atmosphere.

……

The Jade Room at the Royal Palace of Florence is used to receive the most important state guests.

The lobby is not lavishly decorated, but it exudes the unique elegance and sophistication of Effie.

Soft light streamed through the stained glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the carpet.

The air was filled with calming incense.

Cohen sat upright in the main seat, dressed in simple and dignified casual clothes, with a calm expression and deep eyes.

Adele sat slightly to his side, dressed in an elegant palace gown, her beautiful face radiating just the right amount of poise.

The couple sat side by side, their aura harmonious and stable, as if they were one.

As soon as the appointed time arrived, a court attendant led an elderly man into the Jade Hall.

The old man looked to be around sixty or seventy years old. His hair was neatly combed and had turned silvery white. He had a kind face and clear, wise eyes, as if he could see through all illnesses and suffering.

He was wearing a linen robe that was slightly faded but exceptionally clean, with a simple dark brown cloak over it.

He held an ordinary-looking oak cane, the top of which was inlaid with a warm green gemstone.

His simple attire made him seem less like the leader of the largest medical organization on the mainland and more like an old doctor living in seclusion in the countryside, practicing medicine and helping people.

However, anyone who meets his calm and wise eyes and feels the gentle aura emanating from him that seems to soothe all anxiety would never doubt his identity.

It was none other than Saint Kelden Buze, the Grand Master of the Continental Holy Healing Order, who was hailed as the "Holy Hand of Life."

President Buze walked steadily into the hall, guided by his attendants.

His gaze first fell on Cohen, who was in the main seat, and he nodded slightly in greeting.

However, when his gaze swept over Yardelle beside Cohen, a barely perceptible look of surprise flashed in the depths of his eyes, and his steps paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Clearly, he had not anticipated that his meeting with Cohen would include Queen Adele.

Given his position and the nature of the potential topics of this visit, he originally expected it to be a highly confidential conversation limited to the two of them, Cohen.

After exchanging greetings, the host and guests took their seats.

After the servants served the fragrant elven flower tea, they silently withdrew and closed the heavy hall door, leaving only Cohen, Yardelle, and President Buze behind.

Cohen first welcomed President Buze on behalf of Effie and praised the Holy Healing Order for its contributions to the health of people on the mainland.

President Buze also politely expressed the Holy Healing Order's desire to further strengthen cooperation with the Kingdom of Efein in areas such as medicine.

After the perfunctory pleasantries, Chairman Buze's expression gradually turned serious.

He cleared his throat, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable seriousness:

"Your Majesty Corleone, thank you and Her Majesty the Queen for your warm hospitality."

"I have come here today not only to express the friendship of the order, but also because there is a matter of utmost importance that I wish to discuss with Your Majesty... in private."

He deliberately emphasized the word "alone".

His gaze once again swept almost imperceptibly over Adele, who sat quietly to the side, the meaning of which was self-evident. (End of Chapter)