Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

With everything arranged, Cohen naturally had no intention of leaving immediately.

After a long separation, and with such an important matter to face together and comfort each other, how could he possibly leave?
Belmody was an extremely intelligent and perceptive person. Seeing that Cohen had no intention of leaving, and looking at the suppressed longing and affection in Mavis and Melantha's eyes, she understood exactly what these people wanted to do.

She rose gracefully, her exquisite face displaying impeccable composure. She cleared her throat, her gaze sweeping over Cohen and his two sisters, lingering deliberately on Cohen's face for a moment, as if to subtly remind him:
“Now that the business is settled, I won’t disturb you any longer… to catch up. However,” she paused slightly, with a hint of awkwardness and a sisterly admonition, “heed the Holy God’s reminder: everything must be done in moderation, and don’t get carried away and go too far.”

After saying that, Belmody didn't linger. She nodded slightly to Cohen, gave her two younger sisters a deep look, and then turned and left the quiet room with a composed gait.

As soon as the door to the quiet room closed, Melanie, who could no longer contain herself, gracefully nestled into Cohen's arms, accompanied by a fragrant breeze.

With the soft, fragrant body in his arms, Cohen's brows softened unconsciously. He gently stroked Melantha's smooth, long hair with one hand, but his gaze went past her shoulder and landed on Mavis, who was still standing not far away, trying her best to maintain the dignified demeanor of an empress.

Seeing that Belmody had left and there was no one else in the quiet room, Mavis's forced composure relaxed slightly, and two barely perceptible blushes appeared on her beautiful face, her icy blue eyes shimmering.

Looking at the two sisters before him, each with stunning beauty and a different temperament, yet both devoted to him—one passionate and proactive like a flame, the other aloof and reserved like ice and snow—Cohen felt a surge of satisfaction and warmth. The fatigue accumulated from various important events over the past few days seemed to dissipate considerably.

He tightened his grip on Melantha, who was clinging to him, and at the same time extended his other hand toward Mavis, his eyes filled with an irresistible tenderness and invitation.

Mavis bit her lower lip, but ultimately couldn't resist the longing and desire in her heart. She took light steps and slowly walked to Cohen, letting him pull her into his warm and firm embrace.

Embracing two delicate bodies, one on each side, feeling their different softness and fragrance, Cohen lowered his head and kissed Melantha's smooth forehead. Then he looked up and gently pressed his lips to Mavis's cool red lips, causing the Queen's body to tremble slightly and her cheeks to blush even more.

Gazing at the two sisters in his arms, their expressions so different yet equally moving, a secret male expectation quietly grew within Cohen, and a thought involuntarily surfaced:
"Hmm... tonight I can finally enjoy the feeling of sisters working together."

Inside the quiet room, the lighting seemed to soften and become more ambiguous, casting the shadows of the three people embracing on the wall, weaving together a warm and enchanting picture.

Outside the window, the lights of the arcane capital gradually came on; the empire's night was just beginning.

……

After spending a night comforting each other with the sisters, Cohen didn't linger too long in their embrace.

Before leaving, he secretly spoke with Belmody one last time, then left Arcane City and returned to Florence.

Begin preparations for this crucial event.

The ascension to the Efein Empire had been brewing for a long time, and while Cohen was away on campaign, Queen Adel had been repeatedly discussing and preparing with the cabinet ministers. Now it had become an urgent matter.

Inside the study, the magical lights shone brightly all night.

Ardel placed a thick stack of documents, including the "General Outline of Imperial Upgrading Ceremony," the "Draft of the New Dynasty's Official System and Titles," the "Plan for Territorial Delineation and Administrative Division Adjustment," and the "Key Points of the Imperial Code Revision," which were jointly drafted by various departments such as the Cabinet.

Cohen calmly perused the documents that embodied the hard work and wisdom of countless people.

He was not just looking at the words, but also at the order reshaping, the distribution of interests, and the future direction represented by the words.

The ascension to empire is not a simple change of name and era, but a complete transformation from the inside out, a comprehensive sublimation of national size, legal status, international recognition, and internal cohesion.

His push for this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather based on deeper strategic considerations.

Although the Ice Goddess Daphne did not explicitly state it, the increasingly close connection between her divine realm and Effie was a fact.

Charles Wilson, the God of Healing, made an active investment and demanded a seat in the "Contract Kingdom," which is a clear signal.

In the eyes of many gods, Cohen Corleone and the forces he represents already possess the potential to influence the future.

Empire represents a more solid foundation of faith, a stronger national destiny, and a broader source of believers.

Only by advancing to the Empire can we attract more interested deities like Charles to form deep bonds within the framework of the future "Covenant of the Main Gods," thereby gathering stronger divine power.

This is the foundation necessary to cope with potential future competition that transcends the mundane.

Moreover, in recent years, Effie has been fighting in the north and south, expanding its territory, and its national strength, military power, and influence have long surpassed the scope of an ordinary kingdom.

The ascension to empire is an inevitable step in line with the development of national strength, and also a key step in establishing strategic advantages in the future "battle of nations".

There is also the most realistic and urgent point.

Since Cohen began his expansionist campaigns and Effie officially rose to prominence, countless civil and military officials, noble families, and even ordinary soldiers have followed him in his campaigns, fighting bloody battles.

From a corner of the Northwest Continent, it has conquered the vast territory that now spans multiple regions and commands respect from all sides.

What did they seek by risking their lives and shedding their blood?
Beyond ideals and loyalty, the primary motivation was to secure titles and honors for their wives and children, bring glory to their families, and obtain a status and rewards commensurate with their achievements.

This is human nature, and it is also the cornerstone for maintaining the cohesion of a newly established regime.

For a long time, Effie operated under the ordinary duchy system, with all official titles and ranks having an upper limit. Many meritorious officials had already reached the limit of their rewards, or had to be appeased with honorary titles and generous salaries. Over time, this would inevitably breed resentment and would not be conducive to motivating those who came after.

Ascending to the Empire means a completely new and broader system of titles, a larger bureaucracy, and more fiefdoms that can be granted.

This is a comprehensive reward for past achievements and a grand commitment to all followers, which can greatly unite people's hearts and minds and consolidate the foundation of rule.

In the face of a momentous event like the struggle for supremacy among nations, which could change the fate of humankind, it is imperative to unite people's hearts and minds!
Finally, it would allow for a more legitimate unification of all sides.

Al-Afyin now occupies a vast territory, encompassing a complex mix of ethnicities, cultures, and former political entities.

The title of Empire carries a higher aura of legitimacy and inclusiveness, which is more conducive to integrating these new territories on a cultural and psychological level and strengthening the national identity of "Efein" as a whole.

As preparations for the empire's upgrade proceeded at a rapid pace, another equally important issue, one that captivated countless hearts, also came to Cohen's attention.

That was the formal investiture of the new empire's royal structure and core members.

This was not only a manifestation of personal feelings, but also a necessary measure to consolidate the foundation of the empire, clarify the power hierarchy, and appease various forces.

In the presence of his trusted ministers and close attendants, Cohen set the tone for the future core of the Effiin Empire's royal family during a small court meeting.

The position of Queen undoubtedly belongs to Queen's sister, Adele.

This woman, who had been by His Majesty Corleone's side since his humble beginnings, was a wise and capable assistant in both domestic and foreign affairs, as well as in political maneuvering.

Furthermore, he stabilized the rear and oversaw the overall situation while Cohen was constantly on the battlefield, making his position unmatched and unshakeable.

Her wisdom, magnanimity, and unwavering support for Cohen made her the only choice for Empress of the Empire.

As for the title of Empress, Cohen had already made up his mind.

Far away in the Dragon Plane, Isabella Wenze, who was in charge of integrating the Dragonborn forces for the Empire, was officially crowned as Princess Isabella.

After the founding of the Arcane Empire, Windsordler did not stay in the Arcane Capital for too long, and returned to Florence to continue his research on the ancient Elven civilization.

She was naturally promoted from Princess to Princess of Windsor.

Melantha, who also hails from the Arcane Empire and is about to officially join the Efein royal family as a "marriage princess," will naturally be a royal consort, known as Consort Melantha.

However, not all women who were close to Cohen were willing or suited to accept the title of princess.

Duchess Asuna Iliad of the Red Dragons had the most direct reaction.

When Cohen asked her if she would be willing to accept the title of royal consort, the duchess refused without hesitation.

Asuna believes it's better to be the Grand Duchess of the Empire.

Cohen respected her wishes, but considering her achievements and importance, after careful deliberation, he decided to grant her a higher honor—promoting her to "Red Dragon Queen," a position of great prestige, almost that of a prince, with greater autonomy and prestige.

Nephthys's situation is somewhat different.

This de facto leader of the "Military Intelligence Bureau," who controlled the empire's intelligence network and whose figure often remained hidden in the shadows, initially resisted the title of imperial concubine. She was more accustomed to power in the shadows than to prominence within the palace.

However, after much persuasion from Cohen, who emphasized that this was not only a personal title but also a public affirmation of her and the vast intelligence system she controlled, which would help enhance the "Military Intelligence Bureau's" formal status and resource mobilization within the imperial structure, Nephthys finally reluctantly nodded and accepted the title of Empress Nephthys.

However, she insisted on retaining her actual position in the Military Intelligence Bureau, and Cohen agreed.

Thus, Nephthys became a rather special empress in the empire, enjoying both courtly honors and continuing to wield that awe-inspiring shadow blade.

As for the others, Freya is the Queen of Ceylon, Mavis is the Arcane Queen, and Xenia is the Empress of the Central Empire. They are already the supreme rulers of sovereign states and have noble statuses, so it is naturally inconvenient for them to accept the title of Empress from the Effiin Empire.

Otherwise, it would damage the independence and prestige of herself and her country. Grace's relationship with Cohen could not be made public for the time being, and she was determined to return to the Eastern Empire and inherit the throne of the even larger Eastern Empire, so it was inconvenient for her to accept the title of Empress in Effie.

Finally, after discussions and coordination with the girls, the core structure of the royal family of the Effiin Empire was officially established:

With Emperor Cohen Corleone at the core, a queen (Empress Adele) as regent, and four wives (Isabella, Windsordler, Melantha, and Nephthys) and a king (Queen Asuna, the Red Dragon) assisting him, each with their own duties.

Empress Xenise of the Central Empire, Empress Mavis of Arcane, Empress Galin I of Starlight, Princess Grace of the Eastern Empire, Queen Freya of Ceylon, and Chief Claire of the Tide Clan exist as close allies and special partners.

With the status of the imperial harem established, half of the foundation for the new order of the empire was laid.

The other half is to reward those meritorious officials who followed Cohen in his campaigns, offered advice and strategies, and laid the foundation for this illustrious enterprise.

This is not only about rewarding merit, but also a crucial step in constructing a new imperial power structure and defining the core of future rule.

Cohen took this matter very seriously, personally discussing it repeatedly with the cabinet to ensure fairness, so as to reassure his subjects and demonstrate the monarch's credibility.

Those who would be the first to be affected were naturally members of the royal family and meritorious officials who had helped establish the dynasty.

Prince Hauge, Cohen's cousin, provided crucial support during the early stages of Cohen's rise to power.

His high standing within the royal family led to the recognition and honor of his princely title in the new empire, along with the granting of a more fertile and expansive hereditary fiefdom, as a testament to the emperor's boundless grace.

Arnold Constin, who had followed Cohen since the beginning of his rebellion and rose from a valiant general to a commander-in-chief leading thousands of troops, making great contributions to the expansion of Efein's territory, was officially appointed as the Imperial Grand Marshal and granted the honorary title of "Duke Protector of the Nation," overseeing all affairs of the Imperial Army and Navy.

He was promoted to the hereditary Grand Duke Constantine, whose fiefdom encompassed several fertile counties. His family was deeply intertwined with the imperial military power, enjoying the highest honors.

Herman Donaldson, one of the earliest civil servants to follow Cohen, was meticulous, loyal and diligent. He served as Cohen's confidential secretary for a long time and later took charge of the Military Intelligence Bureau's secretariat. He was Cohen's eyes and ears and assistant in intelligence and internal affairs.

He was promoted to Minister of the Palace and Minister of the Imperial Intelligence Service, and his title was directly elevated to Duke Donaldson, thus entering the core power circle of the empire.

Baron Holt, a capable minister from a long-established noble family, with his smooth skills, extensive network of connections, and outstanding diplomatic talent, successfully maneuvered among the continental nations during Eifine's rise, forming alliances and counter-alliances, thus winning valuable strategic space and development time for the empire, making invaluable contributions.

Now, his title has been elevated from Baron to Earl of Holt, and he is in charge of the new empire's foreign affairs, continuing to demonstrate his adeptness in diplomacy.

Other officials, such as those in the ministries of finance, internal affairs, justice, education, and construction, as well as governors and generals who had made meritorious contributions in various regions, and even those who had made outstanding contributions in the fields of logistics, intelligence, and magical research, were all rewarded according to the size of their merits.

They might promote officials to higher ranks, reward them with gold, silver, land, or houses, or bestow honorary titles, ensuring that those who have made contributions receive their due rewards, thus boosting morale.

In an instant, congratulatory messages flew throughout Florence, the mansions of the award recipients were bustling with visitors, and the entire ruling class of the empire was immersed in an atmosphere of jubilation.

New and old nobles, civil and military officials, all found their place under the new system of power and titles, and the imperial ruling machine began to operate more smoothly under the lubrication of the new order.

everything's ready.

The momentous ceremony marking Effie's ascension to the empire was solemnly held in the imperial capital, Florence.

On this day, Florence was deserted as everyone flocked to the streets, banners blocked out the sun, and flowers lined the roads.

From the magnificent imperial palace gates to the central square, the route is heavily guarded yet lavishly decorated.

People in the capital, dressed in festive attire, flocked to the streets, eager to witness this spectacle destined to be recorded in history.

The lineup of attendees at the ceremony was unprecedented in its grandeur, clearly demonstrating the pivotal position of the Effiin Empire in the current global landscape.

The seven great empires of the Magic Tide Continent—the Central Empire, the Eastern Empire, the Northern Empire, the Western Empire, the Southern Empire, the Star Empire, and the Arcane Empire—all sent high-ranking representatives, at the very least prime ministers or first in line to the throne.

The other kingdoms that held significant influence on the Demon Tide Continent almost all had their monarchs personally attend the ceremony, such as the King of Norton, the King of Castile, and the Grand Duke of Bohemia, all gathered together.

They were either filled with awe, or intended to make connections, or were secretly on guard, but no one dared to ignore this grand ceremony that proclaimed the birth of a new empire.

Major churches and supernatural organizations also sent high-level representatives.

In addition to the Western Prime Minister Dönitz, the Church of Light also had a special envoy from the College of Cardinals who came to observe the ceremony with papal gifts.

Pope Atkinson of the Church of Prophecy, Pope Theodore of the Church of War, Saint Buze, Superior of the Order of Healing, and Isela Moun, President of the Night Watch, also came in person.

In addition, important figures from organizations such as the Church of Nature, the Magic Association, and the Adventurers' Guild also came.

In the center of the square, a tall coronation platform and viewing platform had already been built.

The imperial guard of honor, their helmets and armor gleaming, were ready with magical cannons and a formation of dragon knights.

As the sun rose to its highest point in the sky, the deep and solemn sound of horns resounded throughout the city.

Cohen Corleone, dressed in a black imperial robe embroidered with the new imperial crest, and covered by a deep purple cloak with gold trim symbolizing supreme power, slowly ascended the coronation platform under the watchful eyes of countless people.

His steps were steady, his gaze sharp as lightning. Although he had not yet been formally crowned, his imperial majesty was already overwhelming, making people dare not look him directly in the eye.

Queen Adele, dressed in magnificent and solemn royal robes and wearing a crown, exuded grace and charm, showcasing the allure of the most beautiful woman on the continent.

Princesses Isabella, Windsordler, Melantha, and Nephthys, each dressed in formal attire befitting their status, took to the stage in turn, standing slightly to the side behind the Emperor and Empress, marking the first full public appearance of the core of the Efein Empire's royal family.

On the square, envoys from all over the continent, their own nobles and officials, military representatives, and representatives of the people stood densely packed, holding their breath in concentration.

Sunlight streamed onto the coronation platform, casting a long, slender shadow of Cohen, making him appear as if he were one with the platform that symbolized the pinnacle of Effie's power.

The coronation ceremony has officially begun!
The coronation ceremony, which established the imperial legal system and the emperor's authority, was personally presided over by Angus Angreen, the new prime minister of the empire and father of Empress Adele. Angus Angreen, who was deeply trusted by Cohen and was known for his steadiness and wisdom.

Prime Minister Angus, dressed in a black prime ministerial uniform and holding a scepter symbolizing the head of the civil service, walked steadily to the specially set-up platform in front of the coronation stage to deliver his address.

Despite his advanced age, he was in excellent spirits. His voice, enhanced by magic, resonated clearly and loudly throughout every corner of the square, and even transmitted through magical images to the viewing screens set up throughout the capital.

"In the name of the Effiin Empire, and by the will of His Majesty Emperor Cohen Corleone, I, Angus Angreen, Prime Minister of the Empire, on behalf of the Empire, extend my sincerest welcome to the distinguished envoys from all corners of the continent, representatives of the high churches, holders of ancient traditions, and all friends who have graced us with their presence in Florence today to witness this momentous occasion of Effiin's ascension to the Empire:"

Your Excellency Prime Minister Hayes of the Central Empire and Your Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs Beren!
Your Excellency Tiberius Hawke, Prime Minister of the Eastern Empire!

Your Excellency Dönitz, Prime Minister and Cardinal of the Western Empire!

His Highness Prince Jinlunga Cox of the Northern Empire!

Your Excellency Prime Minister Winston Smith of the Southern Empire!
Your Excellency Valan Colt, Prime Minister of the Star Empire, First Star Envoy, and Imperial Tutor!
His Highness Regent Belmod Vynyard of the Arcane Empire, Princess Melantha Tinuvel…

Each time a name was announced, the representative of the party whose name was called would nod slightly in acknowledgment, and a suppressed gasp and murmur would rise from the crowd in the square.

All seven empires were present, and each sent either a prime minister or an imperial tutor to the crown prince. This lineup was a rare spectacle in the history of diplomacy on the mainland.

But this is not the end.

Prime Minister Angus continued in a steady and powerful voice:

"At the same time, welcome the special envoy of the College of Cardinals of the Church of Light, Pope Atkinson of the Church of Prophecy, Pope Theodore of the Church of War, Superior of the Order of Healing, President Ysera Munn of the Night Watch, Archdruid of the Church of Nature, Vice President of the Magic Association, Special Envoy of the Grand Master of the Adventurers' Guild... and, friends from the deep sea, envoys of the Sea Clan Alliance!"

As the names of influential churches and transcendental organizations on the mainland resounded on the coronation platform, the commotion in the square grew ever larger.

These organizations usually live in seclusion and rarely appear together at celebrations in the same country, especially the Night's Watch and the Sea Clan's envoys, who are even less likely to appear in public.

Following this, Prime Minister Angus began reading out the list of heads of state who were present in person:

"His Majesty King Ferdinand of the Kingdom of Norton! His Majesty King Alfonso of the Kingdom of Castile! His Highness Grand Duke Wenceslaus of the Duchy of Bohemia..."

The resounding list of kings and grand dukes was truly astonishing.

What followed was even more shocking:
"In addition, we also welcome: the representative of the Dwarf King of Mithril Hall, the High Elf Elder of Eversong Forest, the Special Envoy of the Giant Chieftain of Storm Mountains, the Chief Director of the Goblin Commercial Union, the President of the Golden Flower Merchant Alliance, the representative of the 'Silvermoon Family' of the Astral Lineage, the representative of the 'Descendants of Tiamat' of the Dragonblood Nobles,..."

Angus rattled off a series of names representing families, organizations, and races, some illustrious, some secretive, some ancient, and some peculiar.

Many of these names are only found in ancient texts or in the secrets of top powers, and are unknown to ordinary people and even most nobles.

They control vast wealth, lost knowledge, ancient traditions, or unique powers, whether openly or covertly. They live a secluded life, yet their influence permeates all parts of the continent.

Now, they've all sent representatives to appear here! (End of Chapter)