Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Cohen's eyes turned much colder:

“Your analysis is correct. The Southern Empire’s official authorities certainly wouldn’t willingly play the ‘bad guy’.”

But don't forget, the Southern Empire is not a monolithic entity. Emperor Wilson is getting old, and the struggle between the princes has already reached a fever pitch.

And this time, we just happened to kick Greg hard, right in front of the whole continent, and kicked him into the mud.

Greg used unimaginable resources to capture you this time.

A complete main fleet, several legendary powerhouses, and even the use of the Empire's hidden demigod trump card, Avreli, required the mobilization of enormous manpower and resources, as well as the suppression of many internal dissenting voices.

The result was a complete annihilation of the army, the fall and capture of the legendary figure, the escape of the demigod, and Greg himself fleeing back like a stray dog... This utter defeat will inevitably shake his political foundation within the empire.

His political enemies, the second prince Borgs, the fourth prince Gobert, and the old nobles in the court who had long disliked him, would definitely not let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

They will pounce on them like sharks smelling blood, relentlessly pursuing and attacking.

After all, Gregor was mobilizing such forces against the merfolk, who had not nominally declared war on the Southern Empire.

If the operation succeeds, then there's nothing more to say.

But now, with this crushing defeat, even if Emperor Wilson still favors his eldest son, faced with such heavy losses and overwhelming public and political skepticism, he could never again trust him or grant him significant power as before.

Claire nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, after this defeat, Greg's position within the Southern Empire must be in grave danger.

Cohen revealed his true intentions, lowering his voice but making every word clear:
"Therefore, Greg must be in a terrible predicament right now, his reputation has plummeted, his power will be greatly weakened, and he may even face the risk of being imprisoned."

He is now like a wounded and trapped beast, eager to find a chance to turn things around, eager to create greater achievements to wash away his shame, regain the emperor's trust, and crush his political enemies.

At times like these, a person's judgment declines, their gambling instincts rise, and they become more easily attracted by...great temptations.

He looked into Claire's eyes and slowly revealed the core of the plan:

"If we can find a way to present him with a merit that would allow him to turn the tide or even rise to the top, do you think he wouldn't be tempted?"
Would they try it at all costs, like grasping at a straw?

Claire's eyes shone brightly:
"You mean to bewitch him and make him think he has a chance to conquer the entire Sea Clan Alliance?"
But that's difficult, isn't it? After this failure, he'll definitely become suspicious and extra cautious.

This is the most difficult part of the whole plan. Greg isn't stupid. After suffering such a big loss, how could he possibly fall for it again so easily?
Cohen chuckled softly and gently stroked Claire's pert nose with the back of his finger.

“My Queen, it seems you haven’t fully witnessed your husband’s true abilities.”

Claire was taken aback at first, then she remembered that Cohen had infiltrated the Demon Lord Sal, the emperor of the Demon Gold Empire, and had manipulated events at will, dragging the empire into the abyss of war and ultimately leading to its destruction.

Seeing the sudden realization and shock in Claire's eyes, Cohen knew she understood. He stopped teasing her and revealed the answer directly, his voice calm, yet carrying a resolute excitement of venturing into a dangerous territory:
"Are you interested in coming with me to the Southern Empire and putting on a spectacular 'show' for this disheartened and desperate Crown Prince? We'll personally take the stage and have some fun with him."

Claire gasped, her azure eyes filled with astonishment, but even more so with a blazing light.

She instantly understood Cohen's plan—not to use someone else, nor to control remotely, but to personally infiltrate Greg's inner circle and guide, or even manipulate, his decisions and actions at close range.

He channeled his desire for the throne and his fear of his own future into fuel for his plans.

This is undoubtedly the most direct, most effective, but also the most dangerous way!
"You...you're going in person?"

Claire's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible tension, "But, in what capacity, and with what reason, should we approach him?"

Greg must now be like a frightened bird, full of suspicion towards anyone who gets close to him.

To gain his trust, and even influence his decisions, one's identity must be impeccable and withstand the most rigorous investigation.

Cohen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping towards one side of the cabin:
"You're right, so this identity requires someone's help."

To be precise, it was the help of your father in this life.

Claire was taken aback for a moment, then immediately understood Cohen's plan.

Cohen's tone softened:
"I promised your father, Flint, that I would not only help him avenge the humiliation and harm inflicted upon him by the Southern Empire, but also help him find his daughter."

It has been delayed for so long, but now the time may be almost right.

You should also meet your father in this life, with your complete and authentic identity. This is not only for the sake of the plan, but also to... settle a karmic debt.

Claire did not refuse, and said slowly:

"it is good."

Although she was reincarnated and possessed the memories and soul of her previous life, Flint did indeed grant her the inheritance and protection of her bloodline in this life.

This connection of upbringing and blood ties cannot be erased.

……

Flint Salgado was originally at the Crimson Isle main base, and it was three days later when he received Cohen's order to rush to the Tide Royal Court.

Flint looked at Cohen, who sat regally on the throne, a hint of doubt flashing through his mind.

Cohen did not come alone; he was accompanied by a woman with a cool and noble demeanor, whose beautiful face carried an air of authority that came from long-standing power.

As a high-ranking leader of the Crimson Raiders, Flint was naturally familiar with this mermaid queen and knew that she was most likely also his emperor's lover.

After greeting Cohen, Flint also gave a slight nod to Claire: "Your Majesty."

Cohen waved for Flint to sit down, then casually took the seat of honor himself. Claire sat quietly a little behind him, her gaze never leaving Flint.

After exchanging polite pleasantries, Cohen slowly began to speak:
"When I recruited you, I made two promises to you. First, I would help you take revenge on the Southern Empire that framed you and caused the destruction of your family; second, I would tell you the whereabouts of your long-lost biological daughter."

Flint's heart skipped a beat, and long-dormant emotions surged forth.

He took a deep breath and tried to remain calm.

Cohen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping between Flint and Claire, before speaking in a calm yet thunderous tone:

"Now, it's time to fulfill the second promise."

He paused, and under Flint's suddenly contracting pupils, raised his hand and pointed to Claire, who was sitting quietly beside him, and said clearly and slowly:

"Flint, your daughter is not dead."

She's right here. This is Claire, the Queen of the Tides, your own daughter.

"Wh...what?"

Flint felt as if he had been struck by an invisible bolt of lightning. He sprang up from his seat and swayed so badly from shock and disbelief that he almost lost his balance.

He stared wide-eyed at Claire, her beautiful yet unfamiliar face bearing no resemblance to the innocent and adorable face of his daughter in his memory.

His mind went blank, his ears were ringing, and only Cohen's words kept echoing in his ears—"She is your daughter."

"No...impossible! How could this be?"

Flint's voice was dry and hoarse. "Your Majesty, you...you must have made a mistake?"

He looked at Claire, who was clearly a mature, powerful, and high-ranking sea queen. How could she possibly be his weak and obedient little daughter who had "died" in the family tragedy?
Cohen was not surprised by Flint's strong reaction.

He raised his hand in a reassuring gesture and said softly:

“I know this sounds unbelievable, but it’s the truth.”

Claire is indeed your daughter.

She is both the Queen of the Tides and the eldest daughter of the Salgado family.

When your family was on the verge of crisis, Claire awakened memories of her past life—she was the reincarnation of the previous Mermaid Queen.

"Reincarnation...rebirth?"

Flint murmured the word, which only appeared in ancient legends and myths, but now it was associated with his lost daughter, making him feel even more unreal, as if he were in a bizarre dream.

Cohen paused, then continued:

"Flint, you were framed by your political enemies for 'colluding with the siren,' and your entire family was brutally murdered."

You think you've escaped by sheer luck, but in reality, you were already killed in that catastrophe.

It was Claire who, after awakening her past life memories and regaining some of the Mermaid Queen's power and legacy, used an ancient ritual to reunite your soul, which should have dissipated, and pull you back from the brink of death.

Flint was completely stunned. He subconsciously touched his arms and face. The touch was real, and the body temperature was still there. But Cohen's words told him that this body, this life, was a second life given to him by his daughter with incredible power after she "came back to life".

The sheer volume of information and the mind-blowing truths left him dizzy and almost unable to think.

Cohen's voice continued, tinged with understanding and a sigh:

"After you were resurrected, Claire faced a very difficult situation."

She bears the heavy responsibility of reviving the mermaid race, surrounded by powerful enemies and beset by internal and external troubles.

Unable to balance her personal feelings, she is unwilling to involve you again in the enormous danger and trouble she faces.

Therefore, she had no choice but to disappear from your world and appear as the Mermaid Queen Claire!

Cohen, watching Flint who was completely overwhelmed by a mix of emotions—shock, excitement, bewilderment, and relief—slowly made his final summary:

"Now, the situation is different. Claire's position among the merfolk is secure. We joined forces to thwart the Southern Empire's conspiracy, rescued our people, and eliminated internal threats."

The heavy burden on her shoulders can finally be lifted a little.

And your revenge, the reckoning with the Southern Empire, is about to be put on the agenda.

So, after discussing it, we've decided it's time to tell you the truth, and also time for you and your daughter... to be truly reunited.

After saying this, Cohen didn't linger. He stood up, gently patted Claire's shoulder, and reserved this space and this hard-won moment of reunion entirely for this father and daughter whose fates had been so tumultuous.

……

After some time, Cohen finished dealing with several urgent military matters and, estimating that it was about time, returned.

He pushed open the door. Flint's tear stains had dried, but his eyes were still slightly red. His face, which had been hard and rigid due to years of hatred and loneliness, was now much softer.

Claire sat quietly to the side, her expression still aloof, but the frost that had always shrouded her brows seemed to have melted a little.

Upon seeing Cohen enter, Flint immediately stood up.

This time, his gesture was no longer just out of courtesy, but carried a heartfelt gratitude.

He strode up to Cohen, and to Cohen's slightly surprised look, he knelt down without hesitation, intending to perform a full kneeling ceremony.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Cohen was so taken aback by this unexpected gift that he froze, almost sweating with embarrassment.

The man in front of him was his real father-in-law.

Making your father-in-law kneel before you is like shortening your lifespan.
He rushed forward, almost frantically reaching out to help, repeatedly saying:
“Mr. Flint, please get up. This was agreed upon before we started working together, there’s no need for this.”

Seeing this, Claire, who was standing nearby, blushed slightly, her beautiful face instantly turning into a faint blush, and her expression became very unnatural.

She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

Should she tell her father that the "Your Majesty" before her, whom she was so grateful to have performed such a grand ceremony, was not only her savior and collaborator, but also someone who had "taken advantage of" her?

It took Cohen some effort to help the agitated Flint to his feet and get him back into his chair.

He sat down opposite him, calming himself down slightly from the awkward silence, before speaking seriously:
“Mr. Flint, you don’t need to do this. Claire and I are allies, and even... close friends. Helping her is only the right thing to do.”

Your reunion with your daughter signifies that your bond as father and daughter is not yet severed.

Flint shook his head vigorously, his gratitude undiminished.

"Your Majesty is too modest. Claire just told me everything. Without Your Majesty's help, she could never have unified the merfolk so quickly."

And this time, if His Majesty hadn't arrived in time to turn the tide and thwart the Southern Empire's conspiracy, she probably would have already...

And I have absolutely no chance of reuniting with my daughter, let alone knowing the truth of the matter.

Cohen knew that declining politely at this moment would seem hypocritical, so he accepted the gratitude readily, only speaking in a gentler tone:
“Mr. Flint, you flatter me. We are now comrades fighting side by side, and there are many things in the future that we will need to rely on you for.”

When the topic of "the future" came up, Flint's excitement subsided somewhat.

He sat up straight and said in a deep voice:
"Claire has just told me some of Your Majesty's initial ideas."

He paused, his gaze fixed intently on Cohen. "His Majesty summoned me here and told me the truth, but does he need me to contact... the June family?"

A hint of admiration flashed in Cohen's eyes.

As expected of the heir to the once illustrious Salgado family, his political acumen and insight remain undiminished despite the hardships he has endured.

He nodded slowly and admitted:
“Excellent. This is precisely the crucial step where I need your assistance.”

The Jun family.

The name instantly made Flint's expression incredibly complex.

The Zhu En family is one of the ancient clans that have been passed down since the founding of the Southern Region Empire. With deep roots and a strong foundation, they wield significant influence in both the military and political spheres of the empire.

More importantly, the June family and the Salgado family, from which Flint originated, are related by marriage for generations, with intricate and closely intertwined relationships.

Claire's birth mother in this life is the eldest daughter of the current head of the June family.

"Does His Majesty intend to use the June family as a springboard to get close to and influence Crown Prince Gregor?"

Cohen nodded slowly:

"Yes, we need a plausible identity that can withstand the most rigorous investigation."

This will allow us to smoothly enter the upper echelons of the Southern Empire, especially to come into contact with Greg and his core circle.

The June family is undoubtedly the best choice.

Not only are they highly respected, but they were also largely unaffected when your Salgado family was in trouble, which in itself demonstrates their power and wisdom.

We need their 'protection' and 'referrals'.

At that year's "Noble Martial Arts Festival," among the participants from the Southern Empire, there was a highly skilled and eye-catching druid—Olivia June—who came from the June family.

This had already caught Cohen's attention at that time.

The value of a family that can cultivate such outstanding descendants and stand firm in political storms is self-evident.

Cohen had already been eyeing the June family back then, and now he could finally put them to good use.

However, Cohen had never actually come into contact with the June family.

It's unclear what the current political climate is within the Junen family, and what their stance is on the power shift within the empire.
How they will react, especially to Cohen's bold plan proposal, remains to be seen.

He couldn't be sure if this ancient and shrewd family would be willing to cooperate in such a dangerous game.

Therefore, a cautious initial contact is necessary.

Sending Flint, an "old friend" with a deep-rooted friendship with the June family but also burdened with a blood feud, ahead to investigate the truth and renew their ties is undoubtedly the safest option at present.

Cohen's plan was to proceed in two steps: first, Flint would use their past relationship and shared interests to knock on the door of the June family and make an initial connection.

When the time is right, he will personally bring Claire to his door to begin deeper and more dangerous cooperation negotiations.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the June family being willing to stand with Effie and Cohen.

After listening to Cohen's general outline, Flint slowly nodded:
"I understand what Your Majesty means. In my opinion, the success rate of this plan is very high."

When our Salgado family suffered misfortune, everyone pushed us when we were down, and countless people took advantage of our misfortune.

But the June family... they are different.

They faced immense pressure at the time and used a great deal of resources and connections to try to mediate; I still remember that friendship to this day.

However, the enemy's framing was too ruthless and swift, and the forces behind it were too powerful; they still couldn't protect us.

He paused briefly, seemingly lost in a moment of reminiscence, before continuing:

"The current head of the June family, Marquis Gringoire June, is an upright and sentimental man who values ​​reputation and commitment above all else."

When I was young, he helped and guided me on many occasions. In a sense, he was my benefactor in my career and had a deep affection for me.

As for his eldest son, Garland June…”

Upon hearing this name, Flint's usually stern lips softened almost imperceptibly for a moment:
"Garland was my classmate at the Royal Naval College. We were not only family friends, but also brothers who had risked their lives for each other."

I believe that this friendship has not completely disappeared with time and my death.

I will contact Garland first, and then persuade the old Marquis to cooperate with our plan.

I'm quite confident about this.

Cohen nodded slowly and said:
“You can clearly tell him that our goal is not to completely destroy the massive machine of the Southern Empire and plunge it into anarchic chaos and collapse.”

That would benefit no one, except to bring endless ruins and suffering.

The empire needs a new, wiser, and more cooperative leader.

If the June family is willing to demonstrate their vision and strength and work alongside us, then I believe…

Cohen paused meaningfully, then deliberately raised his voice:

"In the future new imperial order, the June family has the potential to occupy a more significant position."

Even the highest position.

These words were spoken subtly, but the implication was quite clear—they were discussing a change of dynasty, the establishment of a new royal family.

Flint listened to this almost arrogant yet incredibly calm plan without showing the slightest surprise or doubt on his face.

His gaze became even more resolute, and a long-suppressed flame even ignited within him.

He had no doubt about the truthfulness of the man's words or his ability to carry them out.

After all, standing before him was Cohen Corleone—the very legend who, single-handedly, built the three great empires of Effiin, Starlight, and Arcane amidst the turmoil of the continent, turning countless impossibilities into reality.

When someone like this says they want to change the masters of an empire, it doesn't sound like a crazy fantasy, but more like a strategic declaration that is about to be implemented.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Flint responded in a deep voice, his right hand once again resting on his chest. This time, the gesture of respect carried not only loyalty but also a solemn reverence for participating in a grander undertaking.

"I will convey His Majesty's will to Marquis Jun without error."

The June family are smart people; they know how to weigh things.

An ally favored by the gods and a ladder to the top… I can’t think of any reason why they would refuse! (End of Chapter)