Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 373 Adel vs. Belmody: A Complete Victory!
A look of surprise appeared in Adel's eyes. Usually, Cohen would have already shamelessly come up to her and start touching her at this time. His being so well-behaved this time made her feel a little uncomfortable.

Adele blinked and noticed that Cohen's expression was exactly the same as when she caught him stealing Isabella's food.

A few guesses arose in his mind, his expression turned serious, and he cast an unfriendly glance.

Cohen panicked and whispered:

"Does Sister still remember that merman clan chief from before?"

Adele's eyes flickered slightly as she asked:

"Claire?"

"Yes, she...she came to Effie."

"Ok?"

Cohen calmly explained:
"Claire, as a representative of the Sea Clan, will attend the All Nations Nobles Martial Arts Festival held by the Central Empire."

I stopped by to visit my sister.

Adele glanced back at the huge continental map hanging on the wall, her voice unchanged:
"From the South China Sea to the Central Continent, how could it possibly be convenient to pass by Effie?"

Cohen calmly replied:

"Claire has recently been fighting against hostile forces in the Northwest Sea."

Adele stared at Cohen, then said:

You said she came to visit me?

I taught her a lesson so badly last time, and even forced her to give away her first kiss.

She probably only feels hatred towards me.

Why did you suddenly decide to visit me?

Cohen panicked, his mind raced, and he replied:

"I think so too, so I guess her visit to my sister was secondary; the main purpose was to discuss how to deal with the Southern Region Empire."

I've heard that the Southern Empire's pressure on the Merfolk has intensified recently, and their situation is becoming increasingly dire. They've likely come seeking help.

Adele frowned slightly, tidying up the documents at hand, and said:

Where is she?

Cohen immediately replied:

"We've arrived at Emerald Harbour."

Adele paused in her movements, her gaze falling back on Cohen.

Cohen remained calm and appeared perfectly normal.

Adele withdrew her gaze and said:

"Claire is a siren, and her relationship with us humans is not harmonious."

It's best to handle this discreetly until the situation becomes clearer.

Cohen's heart sank slightly, and he tentatively said:
"How can we handle this discreetly...?"

Adele's tone was calm, but her words made Cohen's heart sink:
"Have Baron Holt send a vice minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pick them up."

After being taken in, they were placed in a safe room by the Military Intelligence Bureau and their movements were monitored 24 hours a day.

I'll see her when I have time to discuss dealing with the Southern Empire.

What do you think of this arrangement?

Cohen felt a chill run down his spine. If this arrangement were made, given Claire's spoiled nature, she would most likely never speak to him again.

He said stubbornly:

"Claire is, after all, the patriarch of the Merfolk and a legendary-level transcendent... Isn't this arrangement a bit inappropriate?"

Adele gave Cohen a half-smile:
"My King, what do you think would be the most appropriate arrangement?"

Cohen's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, preparing to test the Queen's limits.

Adele then added:

"Bring her directly to your harem and marry a princess?"
"Since we've already formed a marriage alliance with the elves, what difference does it make if we get merfolk? What do you think?"

Cohen was shocked, realizing that Adele already knew everything.

With a pained expression, he had no choice but to confess:

Claire came directly to Emerald Harbor without even saying hello to me.

She thought it would be boring for her to go to the Central Empire alone, so she wanted me to keep her company.

"I didn't ask her to come..."

Adele sighed softly and waved her hand casually:
"You should have said that earlier, your past romantic entanglements are really..."

"Go pick them up. They're already here; you can't possibly send them back."

Cohen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and whispered:
"Then I'll arrange for her to stay at the state guesthouse?"

"how?

I really want to bring her into the palace!

Cohen quickly waved his hand in denial, then walked up to Adele, reached out and scooped up the Queen's long legs, placing them on his own lap. He then removed her shoes and socks and began to knead and rub them.

Adele leaned back gently, letting out a contented sigh, and offered a reminder:
"Keep it confidential; our cooperation with the merfolk cannot be exposed yet."

Otherwise, it would easily arouse the vigilance of the Southern Empire.

It will also expose your identity as the successor of the Pirate King.

"Okay, I'll go pick it up myself."

Adele closed her eyes and said:

"Don't send them to the State Guest House, there are too many people and too many eyes. Just send them to Rose Lane."

Cohen paused for a moment, then glanced over discreetly and realized that the Queen was not joking.

A wave of tenderness washed over me, and I bent down to take a sip.

Adele arched her back, her voice carrying a hint of seductive charm:
"Go pick them up, and come back as soon as possible!"

Leaving the palace, Cohen breathed a sigh of relief and took out the golden scale to confirm the time and place with Claire.

He disguised himself slightly and went to the port of Florence alone.

……

As one of the well-known seaports in the Northwest Mainland, Emerald Harbor is bustling with activity from morning till night.

As evening approached, Emerald Harbour remained bustling.

In the golden afterglow of the setting sun, the towering magic lighthouse lit up, its brilliant golden light piercing through the deepening twilight and casting a flowing golden glow on the masts entering and leaving the port.

The magical mechanical cranes invented by alchemists made a creaking sound, and the metallic friction of the meshing gears intertwined with the sound of waves crashing against the dock, creating a unique harbor rhythm.

Port officials blew their horns loudly to direct the ships coming in and out.

Even so, the port is still often crowded.

Complaints and curses rose and fell.

Suddenly, a loud whistle rang in everyone's ears, and then, the sea to the north shimmered with light, and a majestic merchant ship, resembling a sea monster, slowly sailed in.

Looking at this behemoth, which was several times larger than an ordinary merchant ship, the once noisy port instantly became much quieter.

Especially after seeing the flag flying high on the mast, many ships blocking the way consciously made way for them.

After recognizing the flag, port officials hurriedly directed the crowded ships to make room.

At the same time, inform higher-level officials at the port.

On the ships making way for the merchant vessels, sailors entering the port for the first time sized up the ships, their words tinged with resentment:

"Who is this person, making such a grand entrance?"

A sailor nearby chimed in:
"Didn't you see the pattern on the flag?"

The Golden Wing family's ship!

I didn't know that His Majesty had just married the eldest daughter of the Golden Wing family as his queen.

"Perhaps it's part of the dowry the Golden Wing family gave to Effie."

The sailor's words elicited bursts of cryptic laughter.

The ship slowly approached the shore, where port officials were already waiting.

The leader was an employee of the Golden Wing family in charge of grain trade in the Northwest Continent. He had dealt with the port authority officials before and they were quite familiar with each other.

The two exchanged polite greetings.

On the deck, a tall figure stood by the railing, gazing at the bustling port with a look of curiosity in her eyes.

After observing for a while without seeing any familiar figures in the crowd, Claire became somewhat annoyed.

As I disembarked from the ship, I considered contacting Cohen, but then decided against it.

Claire was walking aimlessly forward when she suddenly heard a flippant laugh:

"Hey beautiful, isn't anyone answering?"

Claire looked toward the source of the sound and saw a young nobleman staring intently at her face, his aggressive gaze scrutinizing her.

Claire gave a soft snort, puffed out her chest, and said:

"Where are you planning to take me? Your palace?"

Cohen composed himself and said in surprise:
"You actually recognized me?"

To avoid any repercussions, Cohen disguised himself so well that even his close friends and family had difficulty recognizing him.

Claire pursed her lips, placed her hand in Cohen's direction, and said:

"Hurry up, I'm starving, I haven't eaten all afternoon."

Cohen gently took her hand and said with a smile:

Welcome to Effie!

……

Time passed day by day, and only one month remained until the official opening of the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

After discussing with everyone, Cohen decided to set off in three days.

After all, this was His Majesty's first public trip to the Central Empire, and the number of ministers, officials, palace maids responsible for His Majesty's daily life, and guards accompanying him was quite large.

In addition to the participants and logistical support personnel, Isabella directly transferred three behemoth-sized cruise ships from the Pale Wings.

Because it involves crossing half a continent, and passing through the mysterious Endless Sea and the territorial waters of several countries.

To prevent any unforeseen events, Cohen also brought in ten ghost ships from the Crimson Raiders to secretly escort the fleet.

In the King's office, Cohen put down the communication stone in his hand, having just ended a conversation with Bayonetta.

Belmody left the Mysterious Continent a few days early and secretly arrived in Effie.

They should arrive in Florence around evening. Cohen called Melanie to join him in welcoming Bayonetta that night.

As night fell, Cohen and Melantha stood outside the gates of Florence, gazing at the distant night view.

A streak of purple light flew rapidly from afar until a stunningly beautiful face appeared before the two of them.

Melanie gave a small cheer and rushed into Belmody's arms:

"Sis, you've finally arrived! If you hadn't come, Cohen and I would have gone to the Lost Lands to look for you."

Cohen smiled gently at Belmody. After chatting for a while, Cohen led Belmody into the palace.

Adele, Isabella, Windsordler, Asuna, Claire, and Nefertis were already waiting in the banquet hall.

Adel had met Belmody on Crimson Island and knew that her good brother had already taken advantage of this legendary-rank dangerous beauty.

Claire also met Belmody on Scarlet Island, and they even fought each other.

Asuna and Windsordler also had dealings with Vermouth when they were in the Lost Lands.

Nephthys also knew this Lord of the Lost Lands; she was the one who organized the ceremony when the Emerald Duke was appointed.

The only one who had never met Belmody was Isabella.

Isabella looked at the stunningly beautiful woman before her, a woman who embodied both maturity and allure, and pursed her lips.

Although she didn't know that Cohen and Belmody had a very deep relationship, just by looking at their appearances and their familiar behavior, she knew that she was likely going to have another sister.

After Cohen introduced the two parties, they began a family dinner that was unusually well-attended.

During the meal, Nephthys and Melantha seemed particularly cheerful, constantly talking about interesting things that happened on the continent.

Asuna and Windsordler lived in the Central Empire the longest, especially Windsordler, who was a cabinet minister in the Central Empire. She took this opportunity to give everyone a general overview of the empire's customs and culture.

Isabella would occasionally recount her experiences among the dwarves.

Claire, being a member of the sea race and a merfolk who frequently appears in various fantasy novels, unsurprisingly aroused everyone's interest.

Especially after getting to know each other better these past two days, they've started joking around without any restraint.

Only Belmody, perhaps because he was new to the area, spoke very little and simply ate his food discreetly, as if he didn't fit in with the lively circle.

Melantha also noticed her sister's situation and wanted to help her sister integrate into the group, but in the end, she gave up the idea after being prompted by Belmody.

After the friendly banquet ended, Cohen was preparing to arrange accommodation for Belmody when Adele suddenly said to Belmody:
"Let the Jade Princess stay in the palace. I have something to discuss with her tonight."

Cohen paused for a moment; he had initially arranged a room for Belmody at the State Guest House.

After all, Belmody has a public status in Effie, and as the Emerald Duke, it is most appropriate for him to stay at the state guesthouse.

Of course, Cohen also had some ulterior motives that were not known to others.

Having not seen her for so long, he somewhat missed Sister Bei's mature and alluring figure.

However, seeing the Queen's uncompromising attitude, Cohen didn't say anything to object.

After the banquet, at Claire's prompting glance, Cohen offered to take Claire back to Rose Lane.

Asuna and the others all live in the palace, so there's no need for them to be escorted.

However, upon hearing that Cohen was going out to take Claire home, Isabella suggested that she go out with Cohen.

Upon seeing this, Windsordler, Asuna, Nephthys, and Melantha all expressed their willingness to accompany them.

Claire felt a surge of annoyance.

Cohen felt helpless; both sides were his flesh and blood, so he had no choice but to lead the group out for a nighttime stroll in Florence.

After everyone left, only Adele and Belmody remained in the banquet hall.

Even Belmody, who was used to being the Lord of Sequences in the Lost Lands, felt a little guilty facing the queen who was her man's rightful queen.

Adele wore a captivating smile:
"This must be the first time the Emerald Duke has dined with so many people. I can tell you're not quite used to it."

Belmody's heart stirred slightly; Adele's words were not wrong.

As the Lord of the Sequence, she was a loner before establishing the Mysterious Continent.

After finding Mavis and Melantha, he finally gained some popularity around him.

However, it was limited to the three sisters. It's rare to have such a large gathering, and it's never been as lively as it is today.

The reason why Belmody showed some discomfort just now was not because she wanted to put on airs as the Lord of Sequences, but mainly because she felt guilty.

She was afraid that others would find out about her relationship with Cohen.

Therefore, a cold response was chosen.

Vermouth's red lips moved slightly as she replied:
"There are very few times in the Lost Land where you can completely relax."

I seemed a little uncomfortable; I hope Her Majesty will forgive me.

Adele poured Belmody a cup of black tea, her smile unchanged:

"There will be many more days like this in the future, Your Highness should get used to it in advance."

Bermotti was stirred by Adele's words and became somewhat lost in thought.

Marry a wonderful husband, enjoy a peaceful dinner with your family, and chat about interesting things...

This was Belmody's wish when she was young, but what could she do? She was a Sequencer, and she was born in the Lost Land.

I used to think these were just wishful thinking, but now it seems like they might actually come true.

Seeing that Belmody seemed lost in thought, Adel smiled slightly and said:
"Melantha said you initially wanted me to go to the Lost Lands?"

Belmody snapped out of her daze, a hint of apology appearing on her face:
"At the time, I thought that Her Majesty the Queen might not be able to extricate herself safely from the situation in Effie."

He then thought of providing His Highness with a place of refuge.

Adele waved her hand dismissively:
"I feel honored to have the recognition of the Lord of Sequences."

"Speaking of which, it's truly remarkable that the Grand Duchess, a woman, could develop an oasis-level power in a place like the Lost Lands, and even gather together those facing survival crises, providing them with shelter."

A stiff smile tugged at the corners of Belmod's mouth:

"Your Majesty flatters me."

In my heart, Her Majesty the Queen is truly remarkable.

Adele continued from Belmody's words and asked:

"What makes you so special, Your Excellency?"

Vermouth paused, not expecting Adele to be so direct. After a slight hesitation, she replied:
"Your Highness is the most beautiful woman on the continent, and also the youngest legend on the continent. She single-handedly supported the crumbling country and finally succeeded in turning the tide against the siege of the two great empires and the Black Tomb."

Each and every one of these things is remarkable.

Adele walked over to Belmody's side, shook her head, and said softly:

"No, I think there is only one thing that makes me the most remarkable."

Adele leaned down and whispered in Belmody's ear:

"I have an amazing husband."

When Adel suddenly mentioned Cohen, Belmody felt a sudden unease, and her tone changed slightly as she replied:

"Yes, His Majesty Corleone is indeed very capable."

Adele then asked:
"What makes it so impressive?"

Belmody was getting restless; she had a feeling that the stunningly beautiful Queen seemed to have noticed something.

He forced himself to recount Cohen's glorious past without any emotion.

Adele suddenly smiled, pursing her lips, and said:
"Doesn't the Grand Duke think that Cohen's most impressive feat is that an ordinary Silver-ranked person can sleep with a powerful Legendary-ranked woman?"

Belmod's face paled instantly, and a look of panic appeared in his eyes.

The composure and imposing aura of the once high and mighty Lord of the Sequence were completely swept away, and she looked exactly like a mistress caught red-handed by the main wife having an affair with someone else's husband.

The voice was visibly tense:
"It's...it's a side effect of taking the potion back then..."

Adele feigned surprise and asked:
"I was referring to myself. What does the Duke mean by that?"
Could it be that Cohen and you have already...?

Belmody's red lips were slightly parted, her face blank.

Ada laughed loudly, a rare occurrence for her, and patted Belmody on the shoulder:

"Alright, my Prince Emerald, I'm not teasing you anymore."

I already knew about what happened between you and my husband.

"Yes, Cohen confessed to me on his own initiative."

For the sake of her image as the rightful wife, Adele completely ignored the coercion she had inflicted on Cohen at the time.

Belmody's cheeks flushed red and then turned pale. At this moment, she realized that Adele was deliberately teasing her.

But she couldn't get angry; no matter what, she had slept with someone else's husband.

Although there are side effects from the magic potion, one cannot deceive one's own heart.

If she hadn't already had feelings for Cohen, even the most intense aftereffects of the potion wouldn't have made her lower her guard and become intimately entangled with a man.

Belmody bit her lower lip, revealing a hint of aggrieved girlishness in her usually mature demeanor. This made Adel's heart soften. She really was a stunning beauty. No wonder someone was lingering in the Lost Land and refused to come back.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally said in a low voice:
“I…I can sever ties with Cohen.”

Your Highness, please do not let this matter spread, especially not to…

Adele continued from Belmody's words:

"Your two dear younger sisters?"
Do Mavis and Melantha know?

Belmody nodded awkwardly.

Adele smiled faintly and said:

"Alright, you're willing to sever ties with Cohen, but Cohen probably wouldn't be willing to part with such a beautiful woman like you."

I didn't mean anything by it.

I'm telling you all this today just to confirm your feelings for Cohen.

Belmod looked up at the smiling Adele.

His eyes revealed surprise and barely perceptible joy.

Ada's lips curved slightly, and her voice gained a touch of composure:

"This trip to the Central Empire is very risky."

Whether it was the blow to Heisenberg's forces at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference three years ago, or the scheme against Joren by Cohen in the Kingdom of Ceylon a year ago.

All of these are enough to arouse the hatred of the Central Empire's House of Nobles.

Not to mention he also possesses secrets that those people desperately need.

Seeing that Adel had brought up serious matters, Belmody's expression became much more solemn.

Adele continued:
"For some reasons, I cannot act without restraint."

Cohen also wouldn't allow me to use too much power.

So this time I can't go to the Central Empire with him.

You are a Sequencer, and you come from the Lost Lands, so your combat power is already higher than that of other extraordinary beings of the same level.

Your legendary realm is still one of the subordinate sub-dimensions of the Hell Plane, a replica of the Underworld Abyss.

With a complete set of rules and order in its rudiments, Cohen even sent you to the true abyss of the underworld to perfect the domain.

Below the level of a saint, you have no equal.

Vermoti concealed his emotions, his demeanor and bearing reverting to that of a powerful Sequence Lord, his tone almost a declaration:

"I will protect Cohen with my life and I will not let him get hurt!"

Adel extended her delicate hand to Belmody and said with a light laugh:

"It won't come to that point; it's just a reminder."

"Well then, welcome to our family, Ms. Belmody Vineyard."

……

(End of this chapter)