Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Sanes gazed at the man before her, who had devoted himself to her and meticulously planned everything for her.

A hazy, watery look welled up in her beautiful eyes.

A surge of emotion, tenderness, and a certain impulse welled up within her.

It made her want to give him some special "reward".

Cohen naturally understood and gladly accepted the kind offer.

The temperature inside the palace rose quietly.

The sounds of soft kisses and rapid breathing mingled together.

The rustling sound of clothes rubbing together was faint.

Just as the two were caught up in passion and about to break through the last line of defense, at that crucial moment...

The last shred of reason in Shanis's mind jolted awake.

She used all her strength to gently push Cohen away, her cheeks flushed and her breathing uneven.

No, we must not let him succeed so easily before we are officially married.

This was the last bit of "restraint" she had left as an empress and a woman.

Seeing this, Cohen could only smile helplessly and obediently let her go.

The atmosphere eased slightly, and taking this opportunity, Cohen straightened his clothes and brought up the important matter of the Starbringer race's emergence in the world and the need for the Central Empire's support.

Upon hearing the title "Holy Son of the Star Clan," Xenia's alluring eyes narrowed slightly.

She astutely grasped the crux of the problem, her voice carrying a subtle hint of bitterness:

"Holy Son?"
Shouldn't there also be a saintess?

Cohen gave a helpless, wry smile:

"It's just a temporary measure, a mere charade."

Your Majesty, please don't take it to heart.

Upon hearing this, Shanis let out a cold snort.

Suddenly, she lifted her foot, and her delicate high-heeled foot lightly stepped on Cohen's instep:
"I'm afraid that sooner or later you'll turn this fake into real!"

However, she did not pursue the topic further, and her expression regained some of the grace and composure befitting an empress:

"Okay, I know about this."

I'll discuss it with the cabinet later; there shouldn't be any major problems.

You are, after all, the future emperor consort of the Central Empire.

Both publicly and privately, even if the Central Empire doesn't directly send troops to help, it would never hinder you or create obstacles in this matter.

With Shanis's assurance, Cohen finally felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders.

All the groundwork and planning in the early stages have been completed.

For the next two days, Cohen temporarily set aside all the complicated political affairs and planning.

He stayed peacefully in the palace of the Central Empire, spending a rare and leisurely time with Xenia.

They seemed like an ordinary couple, enjoying the last moments of peace before the war.

Two days later, Cohen bid farewell to Shanies.

They returned to the royal capital of Effie, "Florence," via the "Book of Time and Space."

There, Princess Grace, who was already fully prepared, was waiting for him.

After the two met up, they embarked on their journey to the front lines of the Endless Sea without any delay.

The curtain is about to be raised by them!

……

The Endless Sea, the Northwest Sea, that mysterious area known as the "Weeping Trench".

A perpetual gray mist hangs over the sea, giving the water an ominous dark purple hue.

This is the very battlefield where Cohen first distinguished himself as the "Pirate King" Yann Hughes.

That bloody battle that wiped out the lair of the Weeping Banshee made the Pirate King and the "Crimson Raider" infamous throughout the entire Endless Sea.

This also made this gloomy sea area a highly secretive forward base for the Crimson Raiders.

At this moment, on a desolate island southeast of the trench, a island whose name cannot be found on any map.

Several figures stood silently on the jagged black rocks.

Leading the group was Cohen, dressed in a dark red pirate captain's outfit.

Beside him, Princess Grace wore a dark green travel cloak for easy movement, her stunning face veiled with a thin layer of fabric, revealing only her alluring eyes.

Behind them stood three Star Clan Saints, like three silent statues.

His aura was completely contained, as if he had merged with the surrounding environment.

They had arrived here ahead of time, like the most patient hunters, quietly waiting for their prey to step into their carefully laid trap.

And their prey, King Gaius of Ceylon, and his last remaining six saints, are about to appear here.

at the same time.

On a stretch of open sea not far from Emerald Harbour, a major port of Effie.

The last elite naval force of the Kingdom of Ceylon, consisting of three well-equipped main fleets.

The final assembly has been completed.

Nearly a thousand warships of all sizes were arranged in an offensive formation, their sails like a forest and their cannons menacing.

On the bridge of the flagship "HMS Royal Lion".

Prince Charles Cromwell, dressed in military uniform, gazed solemnly at the faint outline of Emerald Harbor on the distant horizon.

His eyes burned with a desperate and insane flame.

He was waiting, waiting to rendezvous with the "Crimson Raiders" fleet.

Then King Gaius launched the final attack on Emerald Harbor, the last hope he had placed in the kingdom!

He firmly believed that as long as the powerful fleet of Pirate King Yann Hughes arrived as scheduled, the victory would be assured.

With the added strength of his three naval fleets, he will surely be able to break through Efein's coastal defenses!

Bring the war to Efein’s homeland, thereby turning the tide of the entire war!

However, the desperate second prince and his soldiers were completely unaware of this.

Their hoped-for "allies" consisted of the entire capital fleet of the Crimson Raiders.

Instead of heading towards the designated rendezvous area, they had already moved like a group of bloodthirsty ghosts.

They silently lurked in a sea area not far from them, shrouded in thick fog and reefs.

All the cannons have been calibrated, and all the crossbow bolts are cocked!
All the pirates and undead sailors have opened their crimson eyes!

They lie silently in the darkness, awaiting the final command from their master.

Be ready at any time to launch a devastating attack on the unsuspecting Ceylon fleet!
This marked the prelude to the final battle that would determine the fate of the two nations.

The meeting of saints on the nameless island will officially begin!

……

Time slipped away second by second amidst the whispers of the sea breeze and the crashing of the waves.

Suddenly, a Star Lord of the Star Clan, who had been standing silently beside Cohen, raised his head slightly, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, which seemed to reflect the starry sky.

A moment later, the voice gave a concise prompt:
"People are coming."

Cohen's expression remained unchanged; he simply nodded calmly.

His gaze slowly shifted to the misty coastline in the distance.

Several tiny black dots could be seen rapidly expanding on the horizon.

In the blink of an eye, they transformed into six unfamiliar figures exuding a powerful aura.

And Gaius Cromwell, the King of Ceylon, surrounded by them in the center, his face solemn yet tinged with a hint of anticipation.

Seven figures streaked across the sky like meteors, landing precisely in the center of the deserted island.

When Gaius's gaze swept over Cohen and Grace, and the three saints behind them whose auras were as deep as the sea.

His tightly clenched lips relaxed almost imperceptibly.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that this "Pirate King" Yann Hughes had indeed come with sincerity.

He immediately stepped forward, forcing a slightly stiff smile onto his face.

He began to introduce the origins and backgrounds of the six saints behind him to Cohen one by one.

This is a veteran who has guarded the royal treasury for three hundred years, and that is a legion commander who once fought alongside the late king in battles across the land.

The other is a royal guardian who lives in seclusion in a secret realm...

Gaius's introduction was detailed and solemn; of course, he had already informed Cohen of this information in advance via secret letter.

This is just a formality, the purpose of which is to emphasize it to Cohen again.

These six saints truly belong to the Kingdom of Ceylon, to the loyal forces of Gaius.

This was done in exchange for Cohen's trust and subsequent full support.

Cohen listened quietly, his face always bearing an inscrutable calm.

He only nodded slowly after Gaius finished his introduction.

Then he turned to the side, gestured to the three saints behind him, and said slowly:

"These three are saints whom Princess Grace has secretly cultivated and controlled for many years."

His gaze fell on Gaius's face, and a smile appeared on his lips:
"From this day forward, they will temporarily be under His Majesty's command and await his orders."

"To assist His Majesty in accomplishing this great undertaking!"

This statement came out.

King Gaius's eyes immediately lit up with barely suppressed joy.

He quickly suppressed his emotions, waved his hand hastily, and put on a humble expression:

"I really don't deserve the word 'dispatch.' It's just to be on the safe side and to have an extra layer of protection."

After another round of insincere and polite small talk.

Gaius looked up at the sky, a hint of urgency on his face.

"Mr. Yann, it's almost time."

Our three fleets have assembled in that sea area at the location you specified.

When would you like us to officially begin our attack on Emerald Harbor?

After listening, Cohen slowly nodded.

Looking towards Emerald Harbor, it was as if one could already see the impending blood and fire:

"Then let's set it for three hours from now. I'll return to the fleet now to take command personally."

Gaius was overjoyed upon hearing this:

"Excellent! With Mr. Yann personally overseeing the operation, our victory will surely come faster and more smoothly!"

A meaningful smile curved Cohen's lips as he glanced casually at Gaius's expectant face.

"Yes, I also believe that our victory is just around the corner."

He said it so softly, yet it carried an immense weight.

Then, he suddenly changed the subject.

His gaze sharpened.

"So, when does Your Majesty plan to send out the Sages?"

This question is crucial.

It relates to the core of the entire plan: when to lure Gaius's last and strongest power into the pre-set trap.

When King Gaius heard Cohen's words about the timing of the saint's departure, his expression paused slightly.

A cautious glint flashed in his eyes, and he subconsciously lowered his voice, tentatively asking:

"What do you mean, sir?" Cohen's face remained calm and inscrutable.

He spoke slowly in a calm, even tone:
"These three saints of Her Highness the Eldest Princess have special identities."

It is impossible to stay abroad for an extended period of time.

Moreover, His Majesty should also know this.

The "Saint's Supervision Office," jointly established by the five great empires, has always been sensitive to large-scale abnormal gatherings of Saint-level power.

With so many saints gathered here, it's hard to avoid attracting their attention over time.

His gaze returned to Gaius's face, and he said slowly:

"In my opinion, it's best to finish this quickly."

Gaius frowned deeply upon hearing this.

He pondered Cohen's words carefully.

Indeed, those guys in the "Saint's Supervisory Office" have a nose that's sharper than a dog's.

Once they set their sights on you, you'll be in big trouble.

Moreover, it's impossible for Princess Grace's people to be lent to me indefinitely.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but nod in deep agreement:

"Then, sir, do you have any good suggestions?"

Cohen seemed to have anticipated this question, and his expression remained calm.

He slowly raised his hand and pointed towards Emerald Harbor:

"It's not far from Emerald Harbour."

With the saints' strength, they could arrive within an hour at full speed.

Perhaps we should wait until the naval battle ahead ends and we successfully capture Emerald Harbor.

"Immediately mobilize all the Saints, land at Emerald Harbor, and launch a surprise attack on Florence, the capital of Effie!"

His words carried a stirring, rousing power:

"With overwhelming force, they besieged the city and forced the Alfein royal family to withdraw their troops!"
It would be best to take this opportunity to capture a few of their key figures!
This would not only force Efein's frontline army to return to reinforce, but also resolve the crisis facing the Kingdom of Ceylon in one fell swoop!

This plan is bold and decisive!
It perfectly matches Gaius's deepest, wildest, and most desired fantasy!
He could almost see the Efein people trembling before his holy army, forced to sign a humiliating treaty!

"it is good!"

Gaius slapped his thigh and couldn't help but shout "Good!"

In fact.

This plan coincided with his deepest ideal solution.

He even felt that this "Yan Hughes" was like a tapeworm in his stomach.

He so perfectly expressed the optimal solution that he wanted to say but dared not say easily.

A fierce and greedy glint suddenly flashed in King Gaius's eyes.

He even had a bolder and more vicious idea.

He stared intently into the distance, as if he could see through space to the bustling capital city of Effie, "Florence".

A name kept swirling in his mind: Adele Angelion!
Queen of Effie!

The wife of Cohen Corleone, the powerful and terrifying King.

He was also the person he cherished most, as everyone knew.

It can be said that they are the culprits behind all of this!

It was precisely because he coveted the beauty of the most beautiful woman on the continent that his third son, Saxon, decided to take action against Effie.

A ruthless glint flashed in Gaius's eyes:
"If we could get her, given Cohen's deep feelings for Adele, it would be a great opportunity."

He would absolutely spare no expense, and might even immediately order the frontline troops to retreat.

"In exchange for her safety!"

Gaius seemed to already see the towering walls of Florence crumble like paper under the terrifying power of the nine saints.

The magnificent palace was reduced to ruins amidst the roar of the laws, while the noble Queen Adele trembled before him, reduced to a prisoner.

This scene!
Just thinking about it made him tremble with excitement!

Gaius was completely absorbed in the "wonderful blueprint" he had described.

A barely perceptible, cold smile curved at the corners of Cohen's lips.

He knew the fish had taken the bait.

He said no more, only smiled faintly.

He then followed the plan and kept the three "Star Clan Saints" behind.

He then took Grace and left the deserted island.

After Cohen left.

The atmosphere on the deserted island suddenly became somewhat subtle.

The six saints of Ceylon behind King Gaius.

Almost simultaneously, they all turned their gazes to the three "Star Clan Saints" who stood quietly in place.

Their eyes were filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and a hint of undisguised solemnity and apprehension.

Because they can all feel it clearly.

The aura emanating from these three saints was so extraordinary!

It was as deep and still as a frozen pool that had stood for millennia!
So ancient it seems to come from a distant mythical era!
It also carries a mysterious charm, full of star rhythms, that is completely different from those of them, the human saints.

powerful!

mysterious!

And it's terrifying!
This is a level of power they have never encountered before!
Although there were only three of them, the six Ceylon saints could vaguely sense it.

If a fight really breaks out, they might not gain any advantage!
However, the Star Clan had disappeared for tens of thousands of years, so they didn't immediately connect the other party with the ancient and mysterious Star Clan.

An invisible pressure quietly permeated the air above this deserted island.

The three Star Clan Saints remained as emotionless statues as ever.

He stood there quietly, seemingly oblivious to the gazes directed at him.

Only in the depths of their eyes, hidden beneath the starlight, does a chilling glint occasionally flash.

This foreshadows an impending storm whose fate was already sealed.

Just as Gaius was immersed in his wonderful anticipation of victory.

Prince Moro, standing beside him—the saint from the Ceylon royal family with whom he was closest—suddenly asked:
"The three of you look quite unfamiliar. I have met most of the saints of the Eastern Region Empire once before."

Could it be that the three of you have recently broken through to the Saint realm?

This question, though seemingly casual, actually contains a hidden meaning.

It was full of a sense of probing.

Faced with this sudden question, one of the three Star Clan Saints...

The star lord on the left slowly raised his head, a half-smile on his face.

The voice was calm, yet carried an invisible sense of pressure.
"The power that Her Highness the Eldest Princess is secretly cultivating."

Naturally, they wouldn't easily let outsiders know.

His gaze fell indifferently on Prince Morrow's face, and he asked in return:
"Does Prince Moro suspect us of being spies?"

The atmosphere at the scene froze instantly upon hearing this!
King Gaius was alarmed upon seeing this and quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.

He laughed and said in a deliberately relaxed tone:
"Ah! Your Highness is overthinking it!"

Who could possibly have such a grand gesture?
Could they really send three saints to act as spies?

Upon hearing this, the star lord merely glanced at Gaius indifferently and said nothing more.

He turned his gaze to the distant sea where the sound of waves could be faintly heard, and said in a commanding tone:
"Let's wait and see what news comes from the front lines."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Seeing that the other party seemed unwilling to talk any further, Gaius wisely kept quiet.

Although he still had a slight doubt in his heart, he thought again that the person was already standing here, and strength could not be faked.

Who cares about its origins, as long as it can be used for my own purposes!
That's enough to help myself win this war!

Thinking of this, his heart couldn't help but burn with excitement again!

With these three joining us!

Their side will then have an astonishing nine saints!

What a terrifying power this is!

It could change the course of the entire battle in an instant!
Gaius's confidence and ambition grew wildly like weeds, and he seemed to already see Emerald Harbor reduced to ruins by his fleet's cannon fire.

Florence trembled under the oppressive power of the nine saints!
Gaius will then step over Effie's corpse and reclaim his throne as the overlord of the continent!

The dawn of victory seems to be just around the corner!

They were completely unaware.

A fleeting hint of coldness and pity flashed in the eyes of those three "Starlight Clan Saints" hidden beneath the starlight.

They are the true players in this game.

Gaius, on the other hand, was merely a pawn about to be captured.

King Gaius suppressed his excitement, turned around, and looked solemnly at the six Ceylon saints he had brought with him.

He lowered his voice and went over the subsequent action plan and precautions once again.

He then took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said in a solemn tone:
"The domestic situation is unstable."

The rebels have been making moves in the last two days, and there seem to be signs of another major offensive.

I must return to Quessaon immediately to take charge and oversee the situation.

His gaze finally settled on Prince Moro, his eyes filled with trust and a sense of entrustment:

"Prince Morro, everything here is now entirely in your hands."

After the naval battle at the front was won and Emerald Harbor was captured.

You shall immediately lead all the saints to Florence at full speed!
We must act before those guys in the 'Saint's Office' react.

Taking advantage of this precious window of opportunity while Cohen and his holy power are unable to gather in a short period of time.

With overwhelming force, they conquered Florence in one fell swoop!

At this point, he suddenly paused.

Leaning slightly forward, he emphasized each word with a chilling, almost clenched voice:
"Remember, you must get their queen!"
Ya Dai Er!
"Grab him!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Morrow's expression hardened, and he straightened up abruptly!
He responded loudly:

"Yes!

Please rest assured, Your Majesty!

Gaius gave Prince Morrow a deep look.

He then glanced at the three Star Clan Saints who exuded a terrifying aura.

The last trace of unease in my heart was overwhelmed by the fervor brought about by the immense sense of power.

Without further hesitation, he turned and boarded the royal airship that had been prepared beforehand.

In a faint light, the figure disappeared into the horizon.

They sped off toward Quessaon, the capital of Ceylon.

On the deserted island, only nine saints, led by Prince Moro, remained.

The final battle that would determine the fate of two nations had begun, and a bloody prelude had been set in motion!

...(End of chapter)