Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 315 A "genius" idea to levy military expenses!
However, no matter how wonderful the future plans are, they are ultimately just empty promises. These veteran bureaucrats and nobles value immediate interests more.

Therefore, even though Gaston said so, everyone still showed great hesitation when faced with the practical issue of fundraising.

Gaius didn't expect to get money out of these people's pockets after just one or two meetings; this matter required a long-term plan, and they had to be dealt with one by one.

After another round of wrangling and passing the buck, Gaius changed the subject, looking at Prime Minister Merrick and Prince Saxon:
"How's Gavin's situation going?"

Prime Minister Merrick said:
"It will be soon. Based on the current investigation, Duke Gavin does have some issues. I estimate that in a few more days, the Third Prince and I will be able to fully investigate the matter and give you all a complete explanation."

"Okay, whatever the outcome, we must ensure that it is truthful, reliable, and can withstand scrutiny and the test of history."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After the royal council meeting, Prince Charles, who was in charge of the navy, deliberately slowed down his movements. After the ministers had all left, he looked at Gaius and whispered:

"Father, I have a preliminary idea regarding the preparation of military funds."

Gaius glanced at his second son and asked calmly:
"what idea?"

Charles raised an eyebrow and deliberately lowered his voice again:
"The Gavin family!"

Gaius's gaze became much more sinister as he stared at Charles without moving, making the latter's scalp tingle.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke:
“I’ve already agreed to Saxon’s plan regarding the Gavin family. He’s been handling everything, so you shouldn’t get involved with the Gavin family.”

A hint of regret flashed in Charles's eyes, but he quickly composed himself and continued:

"Besides the Gavin family, Father, those great nobles like Duke Gavin have always been a major concern for us."

They've been parasitizing Ceylon all day, exploiting us to the bone. Isn't it their turn to make a contribution now?
Most of these people have some connection with the Gavin family, some even through marriage, such as the Duke Eisenhall family.

Now that Gavin's case has blown up so much, they're all worried about being implicated. At this critical juncture, they dare not disobey the royal orders!

King Gaius's face darkened, and after a long silence, he slowly spoke:
"It's a good idea, but these nobles are not to be trifled with. We need to be careful that they don't join forces and rebel."

The excitement in Charles's eyes flashed for a moment, and his tone became much more excited:
"Father, so what if they join forces? Do they dare to openly rebel?"

Besides, we only asked them for some military funds; we didn't force them to do anything!

Charles, as the Prince in charge of the Navy, believed that the sooner the ghost ship fleet was built, the sooner his influence and power would increase, so he spared no effort in this matter.

Charles's persuasion was very effective. Although Gaius had a vague feeling that something was wrong, he could not resist the temptation of the ghost ship fleet.

After a brief moment of thought, a ruthless glint appeared in the eyes of the King of Ceylon—he might as well use this incident to teach them a profound lesson, since they had no other way to go but treason!

If they really dare to betray the country, then take this opportunity to eliminate them all!

Gaius said in a deep voice:
"Alright, you'll be in charge of this matter. But don't go too far. Many of these people come from families of meritorious officials during the founding of the nation, so leave some room for maneuver."

After receiving Gaius's consent, Charles was overjoyed and repeatedly agreed, and then immediately began to work on raising funds for the army.

Upon returning to the palace, Prince Charles immediately summoned his secretary, Marlene Paxson, and excitedly said upon meeting her:

"My father has agreed, Marin, you've really done me a huge favor!"

Baron Marin smiled respectfully and said modestly:

"I'm glad I can help Your Highness. Did His Majesty specify which families will be levied from, and are there any restrictions on the amount?"

Charles shook his head and said:

"My father didn't say anything specific, he just put me in charge of collecting taxes."

Charles selectively ignored King Gaius's advice to "leave room for maneuver." In his view, no matter how illustrious these noble families were, they were still Cromwell's subjects and did not need to give them face.

Baron Marin said calmly:

"So, what are Your Highness's thoughts?"

A greedy glint shone in Charles's eyes:
"Of course, the more the better. It's time to squeeze these powerful families dry!"

Marin bowed slightly and lowered his voice:

"Your Highness, since we lost the slave smuggling business, our economic situation has become increasingly dire. Furthermore, those pirate groups have been wiped out by the Crimson Raiders, and now..."

Lord Marin was referring to Charles's previous smuggling of exceptionally gifted children from various countries in the Northwest Continent, reaping enormous profits.

Later, Effie discovered this, and the pirate crew that had done it for them was wiped out by the Scarlet Raiders, cutting off a vital source of income for Charles.

After Marin's reminder, Charles clenched his fist and shouted:

"Then we'll make up for our losses by taking them from these nobles!"
Marin, you take charge. Start by targeting the families most closely associated with Duke Gavin.

The Duke of Gavin's decision should be announced in the next couple of days. If anyone dares to disobey, make it clear to them that the Gavin family's fate serves as an example!

Marin lowered his head, a genuine smile on his face, and exclaimed in admiration:
"Your Highness is wise!"

……

In the safe room at Quesaon station, Baron Marin reported his conversation with Charles to Cohen.

After listening, Cohen chuckled and said:

“This second prince is even more cooperative than we imagined. I’m afraid that even if you don’t encourage him, this second prince will be eager to take action against those nobles.”

Baron Marin said respectfully:

"It's all thanks to the director's skillful planning, coupled with Charles's coercion, that the nobles are probably even more eager to rebel."

Cohen handed Marin a note and said:

"Collect military funds according to the list on this page. Hmm... Let's go in three days."

Remember, when sending people to inform these families, be firm in your stance. Send those who are usually arrogant and domineering, and don't give these nobles any face.

The more escalating the conflict, the better; ideally, the two sides should come to blows!

Marin smiled and replied:

"Yes, I know what I'm doing."

Cohen smiled faintly:
"Go ahead, you've done a great job. I'll give a proper report on your work to Her Majesty the Holy Maiden!"

Baron Marin's expression immediately turned extremely serious, his tone almost like a vow:
"Thank you, Holy Son. I am willing to die for the Starry Clan!"

After Marin left, Cohen picked up the communication stone and contacted Young Master Iphiel, who was far away in Gavin territory.

In just a few days, Iphierou had transformed from a carefree young nobleman into the head of a ducal family.

In the past few days, I have been eating, drinking and sleeping in the study, dealing with all aspects of the territory. After a brief mobilization, the entire territory has been fully put into a state of war preparedness.

Upon receiving Cohen's communication, Iphier's expression tightened. He immediately answered the call and asked:

"Has something happened to Quesaon again?"

Cohen smiled faintly and said:

Something did happen, but it's actually a good thing.

You know about the visit to Quesaon by the Pirate King Yann Hughes and the princess of the Eastern Empire, right?

Iphiel frowned slightly and said:
"I just received the news a few days ago, Your Majesty. I remember you said that this Pirate King and the Princess of the Eastern Region Empire were going to stand on our side. Why are they now going to Quesaon to discuss cooperation with Gaius?"

Cohen smiled faintly:
“Young Master Iphiel is too anxious. Mr. Yann went to Quesaon precisely to help you, and the good thing I’m telling you about today is also related to him!”

Cohen quickly told Iphiero what had happened.

After hearing this, Iphierou's face lit up with barely concealed excitement, and he quickly pressed for more information:

Is this true?
Is Gaius planning to levy exorbitant military fees on those aristocratic families?

Cohen replied calmly:

"When have I ever lied to you? And I can tell you clearly that the process of collecting military funds is entirely under my control. In other words, which family to collect from, how much to collect, and in what form to collect are all at my discretion."

Iphiel was completely stunned. What arrogance and confidence! A monarch of an enemy country claimed that he could control the collection of his country's military expenditures. A faint sadness welled up in Iphiel's heart.

Perhaps when the Third Prince Saxon Cromwell was taught a lesson by Queen Adele of Efein at the Noble Martial Arts Festival more than eight years ago, the fate of the Kingdom of Ceylon was already sealed!
Iphiel let out a strange sigh and asked:
"I understand Your Majesty's meaning. What should I do next?"

Cohen told Iphiel a list of names, saying:

"Three days from now, the royal envoy from Quesaon will depart for the territories of the various families to deliver the order to collect military funds. You have three days."

Also, I estimate that your family's situation will be finalized within the next two or three days, so you need to hurry.

Ifilo's expression became extremely solemn. After briefly discussing his plans with Cohen, he mentioned one more thing near the end of the call:

"My men have already met Her Highness the Princess and are on their way back home. Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"

Cohen's lips curled into a slight smile as he said calmly, "I have no other instructions. She is your princess, the future queen. You should know in your hearts how to treat her!"

After ending his communication with Cohen, Iphier sat there in silence for a long time. When he came to his senses, he sent for his second uncle, Perico Gavin.

After listening to Iphieu's account, Perico's tense nerves finally relaxed for a moment, and he realized that this was a good opportunity to unite his allies.

Iphier said in a deep voice:

"This is the list. We only have three days. I will personally go to the Eisenhall family. The rest will be left to my second uncle."

"Alright, let's not delay, I'll set off now!"

……

In the Duchy of Eisenheir, Ifilo once again visited the Duke of Eisenheir. The Duke was slightly puzzled to see Ifilo visiting again. Shouldn't he be guarding his territory and preparing for the war? Why did he have time to wander around?
Duke Eisenhail skillfully concealed his doubts and took the initiative to speak:
"I was just about to send someone to inform you, but I didn't expect Young Master Ifilo to come in person."

"I've already sent people to the 'Lost Land,' and Her Highness's identity has been unanimously confirmed by our family. She is indeed the surviving member of the legitimate Cromwell royal family from a hundred years ago!"

Iphierou neither confirmed nor denied Eisenheiser's answer, but simply replied:
"His Highness is already on his way back home and will arrive in Gavin territory in a few days."

Duke Eisenhail's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly spoke up:
"Your Highness has just returned to the country, and there are countless things to do and people to handle them."

Young Master Ifilo is busy with family affairs and probably won't be able to spare much time.

Elio has just returned from the Western Empire; why not have him serve Her Highness the Princess?

Ifilo's gaze deepened. The Elio that Duke Eisenheir spoke of was none other than Elio Eisenheir, the first in line to the throne of the Eisenheir family and the Duke's eldest son.

Elio himself is at the peak of the Silver Rank. Due to the inheritance of the Eisenhair family of blacksmiths, Elio is also an excellent magic weapon forging master, capable of forging gold-level magic weapons on his own.

If it weren't for the lack of a princess of suitable age in this branch of the Cromwellian royal family, Elio would undoubtedly have been the chosen one to marry Elio, and of course, Iphiel would have been the same.

Duke Eisenheiser sent his most outstanding son to the princess's side; his intentions were self-evident.

Iphiel wanted to remind Eisenhair that Princess Freya was not someone his son was qualified to associate with, and that a careless move could bring catastrophic disaster to the Eisenhair family.

But a strange feeling suddenly rose within me, and the words of advice ultimately turned into an excited laugh:
"Elio is back!"
That's wonderful, Duke! With the help of the Elio brothers, I'm in a real bind. I was just worried about how to settle Her Highness the Princess!
I believe Her Highness, having just returned from abroad, would be very happy to have many exchanges with such an outstanding young man as Elio.

Iphiel's words pleased Duke Eisenheir greatly. Although the young master was young, he already possessed the demeanor of a leader of a powerful family.

He then asked:

"Is there anything else that requires our family's help with?"

Iphierou, having calmed his thoughts, said:
"Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. There are none at the moment. I'm here today to remind Your Grace of something."

Duke Eisenhail didn't seem to care much, and said:
"what's up?"

Iphier said in a deep voice:

"Three days later, His Majesty will send a royal envoy to the Duke to collect military expenses."

Eisenhower's expression changed instantly; he frowned and asked:
"What military spending?"

Iphier said:

"You must have heard about the visit to Ceylon by Pirate King Yan Hughes and Princess Grace Tang of the Eastern Empire."

Eisenhower's eyes darkened, and he immediately seemed to realize something, asking:

"Could it be that Gaius wants to shift the military expenses for building the ghost ship onto us?"

As a renowned duke in Ceylon, Duke Eisenhail naturally had his own intelligence channels. He also knew that the Pirate King and the princess of the Eastern Empire had come to Quesaon to seek cooperation in building a ghost ship.

He had heard about the huge military expenses for building the ghost ship, but he never expected that Gaius would actually put the military expenses on their shoulders!

Iphier nodded and said:
"That's probably it. According to the intelligence I've received, the final decision on the Gavin family is expected to be made in the next day or two."

Gaius's plan is likely to use this high-pressure tactics employed against our family to coerce the other families into contributing to the military expenditure!

Duke Eisenheiser stood up abruptly, a cold glint in his eyes.

Now they're demanding exorbitant military spending, what's next?
Shouldn't we demand land, people, and resources?

This gradual, insidious tactic is like slicing up these powerful families like sausages!
Duke Eisenhail remained silent for a long while before finally asking:
"Is this Charles's own idea or Gaius's?"

Iphier said calmly:

"I'm not too sure about that either, but it will be clear who signed the order to collect military funds three days later."

Duke Eisenheiser took a deep breath, the light in his eyes gradually returning to calm, but his voice had lost all warmth:
"Elio will go back to the territory with you today. As for the rest... we'll wait three days!"

"Yes, Your Grace!"

Elio Eisenhall has a head of dazzling golden curly hair, a tall and slender figure, and slightly tanned skin that adds to his masculine charm.

With strong, powerful hands, it was clear he was used to wielding a hammer. As an excellent blacksmith master, Elio showed no airs of a young nobleman when forging magical weapons.

He was very humble and cautious when talking to people, and in Iphier's eyes, he was definitely a qualified heir to the ducal family.

Duke Eisenheir had a long, private conversation with Elio in his study before the latter came out to meet Iphiel.

He hadn't seen Elio for a long time either. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he followed Iphiel back to Gavin's territory.

Not long after, Perico, who had gone out to contact the other families, returned. When he saw Elio, a strange light flashed in his eyes, but he managed to hide his emotions well. He greeted Elio and they began to chat familiarly.

After finding someone to settle Elio, Iphiero spoke with Perico alone.

Iphierou spoke first:
"My progress here is good. The move to collect military expenses has clearly provoked Duke Eisenheir even more. Although he hasn't said it explicitly, he will take the initiative to stand on our side when the time is right."

Perico, his voice brimming with excitement, said:

"I am also optimistic about the situation here. Viscount Veritas, Viscount Lothermar, and Viscount Strauss are all very dissatisfied with King Gaius's move to forcibly collect military expenses. I think they will make the right choice once the situation changes!"

There's just one thing I wanted to discuss with you, but seeing that you brought Young Master Elio back, I think you already have your opinion.

Iphiero paused for a moment, then quickly realized what was going on. With a wry smile on his face, he asked:

"Could it be that those families are also going to send their heirs to get involved in welcoming the princess back to the country?"

Perico nodded helplessly and said:
"Jaden Veritas, the eldest grandson of Viscount Veritas; Malfoy Losermar, the nephew of Viscount Losermar; and Wyatt Strauss, the first in line to the Strauss family."

When I arrived, they all intended for these young masters to serve Her Highness the Princess in Gavin. I told them that I needed to report to Her Highness the Princess and discuss it with them, and I didn't give them a definite answer yet.

Since you've brought back the eldest son of the Eisenhower family, that means you've already made your stance clear.

Iphiero composed himself, a meaningful expression appearing on his face:
"As expected of a prestigious family with a history spanning thousands of years, each one of them is incredibly intelligent!"
"Come on, let them all come! I'm short-handed, so let them each show their skills and see who ultimately wins the princess's favor!"

Perico's expression was also indescribably strange. Logically speaking, the Gavin family should have the greatest advantage in this matter, and he had also read the detailed information about Princess Freya.

His appearance, talent, and temperament are all exceptional; there's no reason why Iphiel would look down on him. Why doesn't he have this intention?

If the restoration of the kingdom is successful in the future, Freya will be the undisputed Queen of Ceylon. At that time, whoever wins the princess's favor will be the future king consort.

And the bloodline of Princess Freya is that of the future King of Ceylon!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and all those powerful families must be thinking about the same thing. Perico still doesn't understand why Iphiel is so resistant to this, even going so far as to warn all the men in his family against having this idea.

Perico shook his head, suppressing his thoughts, and replied:

"Now that you've made your decision, I'll give those people my response."

Iphier's expression shifted slightly, and he chuckled softly as he said:

"By the way, tell them that Young Master Elio has arrived in our Gavin Territory, and he has brought with him a legendary-grade magical weapon as a gift for his audience with Her Highness the Princess!"

Perico paused for a moment, then said:

"Did Elio go all in?"

Iphiel smiled mysteriously:
"Second Uncle, just say that. In short, I guarantee that when Her Highness the Princess arrives, Elio will definitely have a legendary-grade magic weapon!"

Perico's pupils dilated slightly, and he quickly nodded, replying:
"I see!"

Ifilo's lips curled into a chilling smile as he got up to find Elio, who had just settled in, and went straight to the point:

“Elio, we grew up together as brothers. There are some things I won’t hide from you, and I hope you will treat me with the same sincerity.”

Elio's voice was very sincere:

"That's a long story. If there's anything I can help you with, brother, just let me know!"

Iphier waved his hand:
"Tell me the truth, the Duke probably didn't send you here simply to serve His Highness!"

(End of this chapter)