Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

The waiting time felt exceptionally long.

The atmosphere inside the council hall was so heavy it seemed like water could drip from it.

Nefertis calmly picked up the cup of volcanic tea that had long since gone cold, took a small sip, and looked relaxed, as if she had only come to attend an ordinary diplomatic consultation.

The Grand Duke of Hohenzollern and the other exiled rulers were not in such a good mood. They were restless, glancing towards the door every now and then, and glancing at the documents on the table every now and then.

The document Nephthys brought was like a red-hot branding iron, searing into their hearts.

If the document is genuine, it means that they could be attacked by the Demon Gold Empire at any time, and more importantly, they would lose this last bridgehead completely!

Time passed second by second, and the sky outside the window changed from bright to dark, and then from dark to bright again.

The next afternoon, a commotion broke out outside the council hall.

The exhausted captain of the guards, his eyes filled with barely concealed horror, hurriedly returned.

After the captain of the guard whispered a few words urgently in the ear of the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern, the color drained visibly from the Grand Duke's face:
"...Confirmed, sir. Approximately three thousand elite demon legions are secretly lurking on the northeast side of Hot Spring Town."

The deployment was exactly as described in the intelligence report…

The captain of the guard's voice trembled with suppressed emotion.

Ironclad evidence.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern slowly sat back in his chair, as if all his strength had been drained away.

He glanced one last time at the intelligence report on the table, then looked at Nephthys, who remained as calm as ice across from him.

The other party didn't even ask for the verification result, because the result was already within her expectations.

Despair, the helplessness of being completely seen through, and the humiliation of being powerless to struggle left this veteran ruler utterly despondent.

Effie not only possesses the power to resist the Demon Gold Empire, but also the intelligence ability to see through all the enemy's movements.

Faced with such an absolute disparity in information and power, any bargaining chips seem utterly ridiculous.

The other dignitaries in the hall were even more distraught. If it weren't for the fact that the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern was the master of the place, they would have been tempted to approach Nephthys to discuss the matter of reinforcements.

Seeing the sorrowful expression on Grand Duke Hohenzollern's face, Nephthys timely took another, even heavier scroll from her attendant and gently placed it on the table.

Then she was pushed in front of the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern, her voice soft and elegant:

"It seems that His Excellency the Grand Duke has recognized the seriousness of the situation."

"Then I think we can talk about how Effie and the Supreme Council have provided the Principality of Northumbria, and... all of you displaced gentlemen, with the necessary assistance and lasting security during this current crisis."

At this point, Nefertiti paused, her gaze sweeping over the group of well-dressed but undisguisedly alarmed dignitaries from the northwestern states, and said with a faint smile:

"This Framework Treaty between Effiin and the Principality of Northumbria and related exiled regimes on the joint defense of the Mogjin Empire and the postwar order arrangement includes provisions on military assistance, economic reconstruction, resource development and diplomatic cooperation."

The aim is to help you overcome the current difficulties and ensure that similar tragedies do not happen again.

Please take a look. Of course, we fully respect your autonomy; you can choose to sign the treaty, or you can choose to refuse.

The scroll lay quietly on the large table, its dark gold ribbon reflecting a cold luster in the fireplace firelight.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern's hands trembled slightly as he looked around and saw the expectation, pleading, and deep-seated humiliation in the eyes of Grand Duke Redstone and the others.

What I saw was the bewilderment and resignation on the faces of the other lords.

There is no way out.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and reached for the scroll.

The dark gold ribbon was untied, and the scroll was slowly unfurled.

The densely packed clauses on it were like cold needles, piercing his heart.

He could almost imagine that after signing the treaty, Northumbria would become a complete vassal and protectorate of Efein.

The wrought iron ore veins will no longer belong entirely to them, the banners of Alfiein may fly over the walls of Nottingham, and the Hohenzollern dynasty's decrees may have to be subject to the whims of that young king in the distance.

But compared to the impending catastrophe, compared to the people becoming slaves and sacrifices to the devil...

Archduke Hohenzollern's fingers gripped the quill pen's handle tightly.

The pen, crafted from the tail feathers of rare birds, groaned softly under his immense grip, nearly breaking.

He raised his head, his sharp, hawk-like eyes staring directly into Nephthys's icy blue eyes, which seemed capable of freezing the soul. Every word seemed to be squeezed out with difficulty from the depths of his throat:
“Your Excellency…If I, and all of you here, ultimately choose to sign this treaty, then how quickly will the reinforcements, the reinforcements from Effie and the Supreme Council, arrive at the Northumbria border?”
As your intelligence indicates, the Demon Legion of the Demon Gold Empire is poised for battle and could launch an attack at any moment!

After asking that question, the broad shoulders of the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern slumped almost imperceptibly.

He knew that asking that question meant compromise, meant betting a part of national security and even sovereignty on the cold, beautiful woman in front of him and the forces she represented.

The fate of Northumbria, and the Hohenzollern family's three-hundred-year legacy, embarked on a journey shrouded in mist and unknown turbulence from this moment on, with the helm no longer in their own hands.

The hall was deathly silent. The other exiled rulers—the Grand Duke of Redstone, the Grand Duke of Emerald, the Speaker of Bloodsail, the Mayor of Lorraine, the Regent of Whitestone Castle—all lowered their once proud heads. A suffocatingly complex emotion filled the air.

It was a sense of relief at being about to escape the brink of national subjugation and genocide, but also a sense of shame and powerlessness as a ruler forced to sign a humiliating treaty, handing over the fate of his country and people to others.

Nephthys's almost unreal beauty remained unchanged, only a glint of light flashed in the depths of her icy blue eyes as she calmly said:

"Your Excellency, if you, and all the gentlemen present here, have no fundamental objection to the framework of the treaty, and ultimately make this wise choice that is in line with the current harsh reality."

"Then, within one hour of your formal signing of the treaty, the joint advance force of Efein and the Supreme Council will appear on the border of Northumbria to construct a defensive line, protecting your nation and your exiled forces from the offensive of the Magnum Empire."

An hour?
These words were like a thunderclap, suddenly exploding in the silent hall.

Even the exiled monarchs, who were originally immersed in humiliation and helplessness, were startled and suddenly raised their heads, their faces filled with disbelief and horror.

Grand Duke Redstone even cried out in disbelief:

"It's impossible, absolutely impossible!"

"One hour, from signing the agreement to the arrival of the army? This... this is a myth?" The Jade Duke's voice trembled, whether from shock or disbelief.

"We have received absolutely no reports of a large-scale troop buildup or movement of Efein's forces in the vicinity. Your Excellency, you are not trying to deceive us, are you?"

An old speaker of the Bloodsail Federation exclaimed. He was in charge of intelligence for the Federation and knew all too well the enormous logistical and troop arrangements required to mobilize an army capable of withstanding the main force of the Demon Gold Empire. It was impossible to keep it a secret from everyone.

Not to mention getting from Efein to the Northumbria border in an hour.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern's pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpoints, and his heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

This is completely beyond common military sense. Could Effie's main force possibly fly over here?

Could it be that they have already stationed troops on the border and have been secretly spying on us all along?
No, he received absolutely no intelligence...

Suddenly, a rumor circulating among the mainland's high-ranking officials, which he had previously only half-believed and even found somewhat absurd, flashed through his mind like lightning.

According to legend, Queen Adele, who was known as the "most beautiful woman on the continent" and acted as the regent of the Kingdom of Effie, was not only famous for her beauty and governing ability, but was also a magical prodigy who was rare in a thousand years and had already entered the realm of legend at a young age.

Even more remarkably, it is rumored that with her unparalleled talent and terrifying wisdom, she devoted tremendous effort to successfully deducing and partially restoring a giant magic circle from ancient times that had long been lost and could perform precise teleportation over extremely long distances.

It is said that as long as precise spatial coordinates are set in advance and sufficient energy is provided to support the teleportation, an organized army can be transported across mountains and rivers to any corner of the continent in a very short time.

This was once considered a fantasy by many Buddhist scholars, but... if the rumors are true...

The thought sent chills down his spine.

If Effie truly possesses this strategic-level technology, its military projection capabilities and strategic surprise will reach a terrifying level.

The mainland's existing geopolitical and defense systems will be rendered useless in the face of it!

Immediately afterwards, another detail that he had long overlooked suddenly popped into his mind, making him feel instantly cold all over, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

Pale Wings!

The largest business alliance in mainland China, with tentacles reaching into all walks of life, and its wealth rivals that of a nation.

About two years ago, this business tycoon, which had always shown little interest in remote principalities like Northumbria, suddenly reversed its usual practice and began to significantly increase its investment in Northumbria.

They acquired vast amounts of land and estates, even seemingly remote mountainous areas, from nobles and landowners throughout the principality, especially around the capital Nottingham, on irresistible terms.

At the time, the whole country was overjoyed, believing it to be a sign of the duchy's growing influence and its ability to attract wealthy merchants.

He himself even met with the head of the new office that the Pale Wings had set up in Nottingham, and the meeting went very well.

However, he only realized at this moment that the "Golden Winged Daughter" of the Pale Wings, one of the mysterious and wealthy top decision-makers, was none other than Princess Isa of Effie.

The Pale Wings had long been the Kingdom of Efein's closest business partner and shadow treasury.

Now, all these coincidences, when put together, point to a chilling truth.

Those acquired lands, those warehouses, workshops, and estates built in strategic locations and remote places...

This is not a commercial investment at all; it's just a series of pre-arranged, disguised teleportation coordinates and logistical supply bases.

Efein's army may have already assembled in a distant place, just waiting for the treaty to be signed here. Then, tens of thousands of elite soldiers and war machines will appear on the land of Northumbria as if by divine intervention.

This wasn't a timely act of kindness; it was a meticulously planned scheme that had been going on for at least two years.

From commercial infiltration to land acquisition, from intelligence gathering to strategic deception... every step was meticulously planned. These self-righteous rulers, like chess pieces on a chessboard, or even like hunted beasts, walked step by step into a pre-set trap, yet still thought they had grasped a lifeline.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern's face went from deathly pale to ashen.

He glanced at the harsh terms of the treaty on the table, then at the stunningly beautiful but cold-eyed envoy before him, and finally at the allies in the hall who were still in shock and confusion. A chill, even deeper than when facing the demonic army, rose in his heart.

Signing the agreement is like drinking poison to quench thirst; it's like handing over the fate of the nation to a more cunning and terrifying force.

If they don't sign, Northumbria will face annihilation in five days, repeating the fate of Red Rock Pass and the Emerald Principality.

This is a multiple-choice question with no right answer; no matter which side you choose, the future is bleak.

But at this moment, there was no point in thinking about these things anymore. Looking at Nephthys's beautiful yet indifferent face, Grand Duke Hohenzollern felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Nephthys watched quietly as the magnificent changes in the expression on Grand Duke Hohenzollern's face became increasingly apparent.

Based on the Military Intelligence Bureau's analysis of the Grand Duke Hohenzollern's behavior, it is highly likely that he signed this treaty.

Even if, hypothetically, the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern is unwilling to sign, then we can simply choose another grand duke who is willing to sign.

The alternative plans provided by the Military Intelligence Bureau's action team included, surprisingly, the option of an armed coup.

After a long silence, Nephthys glanced at the time and spoke softly:
"It seems that Your Excellency the Grand Duke has already understood."

Time is of the essence; the legions of the Demon Gold Empire will not wait. Please make your decision.

Sign the agreement, and an hour later, we will face a formidable enemy together.

Of course, Your Excellency may also choose not to sign. In that case, I will leave immediately with my men and will not disturb your country's preparations for war.

However, I hope your country's stone-patterned steel walls will be sufficient to withstand the onslaught of the demon army.

There was no threat in his eyes, yet they were more chilling than any threat.

Nephthys stopped urging him and waited quietly, like the most patient hunter watching his prey make its final, futile struggle before the trap that had been laid.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern's hand holding the pen trembled even more violently.

That light quill pen now felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

He looked around and saw the increasingly intense expectation and pleas in the eyes of his colleagues.

They may not have thought that far ahead, or they may not want to think about it; all they know is that the hope of survival is right in front of them.

After a long time, as if an eternity had passed, he finally closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his eyes were filled with a deathly stillness born of resignation.

He no longer looked at the harsh terms, no longer thought about the Pale Wings' plans, and no longer considered the future of the Hohenzollern family.

All he knew was that the destruction before him was more imminent and more unbearable than the enslavement to come.

Grand Duke Hohenzollern picked up his pen, dipped it in thick black ink, and with trembling hands, finally put it down.

At the end of that parchment scroll that would change the fate of countless people, he signed his name and affixed the seal of the Grand Prince of Northumbria.

Nephthys's eyes brightened slightly, and she nodded gracefully.

“A wise choice, Your Excellency Grand Duke of Hohenzollern. Then, as agreed…”

Nephthys slightly raised her wrist, glanced at the time, and slowly said:

"Reinforcements will arrive in forty minutes."

The words fell as if the last restraint had been released.

After a brief silence, promises rose and fell in waves:
"The Free City of Lorraine (the government-in-exile) is willing to sign the treaty!"

"The Principality of Redstone Pass...will sign!"

Grand Duke Redstone closed his eyes, his voice hoarse, as if he had used up all his strength, but then he suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes filled only with deep hatred for the demon and a desire for revenge.

"The Jade Kingdom...is willing."

The Jade Prince's voice was weak, yet it carried a sense of resignation and dejection.

"..."

"I second that..."

"We'll sign too..."

Like a toppling domino, after the Archduke of Hohenzollern signed his name first, the other exiled political figures, who had already been pushed to the brink, had no more room for hesitation.

They signed treaties that represented the transfer of sovereignty and the binding of their future.

After the last copy of the treaty was collected by Nephthys's retinue.

While the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern was still immersed in the numbness and sorrow of signing the treasonous treaty, a sudden and soul-shaking upheaval occurred without warning.

An invisible will, vast as an abyss and majestic as a mountain, suddenly descended upon the entire city of Nottingham.

Inside the council hall, everyone felt a tightness in their chests; the surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly, becoming thick and heavy.

The glow of the magic lamp seemed to dim for a moment, and the flames in the fireplace eerily stopped flickering.

Not just here, but throughout Nottingham, from the central castle to the outermost slums, from the sky to the ground.

All the flow of magic, the exchange of energy, and even the slightest magical fluctuations were instantly and completely blocked and isolated by an irresistible force.

It was as if an invisible hand had shrouded the entire city in an absolutely isolated barrier.

"A saint...a saint, this is...the aura of a saint!"

As a legendary powerhouse, Grand Duke Hohenzollern possessed a more acute perception of higher levels of power.

He looked up abruptly, his eyes widening in disbelief and horror, his face turning deathly pale.

The only being capable of so effortlessly and instantly enveloping and sealing off the entire aura of a nation's capital can be a saint—one who has transcended the legendary realm and stepped into that realm of tales.

Effie actually sent out a saint, and did so so openly and directly.

What does this mean? It means that the other party doesn't care about Northumbria's reaction at all, doesn't care about any possible spying, and has absolute power to control everything.

A cold sweat broke out on his back. A saint had been lurking silently beside him. If he hadn't chosen to sign, then...

Grand Duke Hohenzollern dared not contemplate this chilling possibility any longer.

Before he could recover from the shock of the saint's aura, an even more astonishing scene unfolded.

Within Nottingham City, properties belonging to the "Pale Wings".

Those seemingly ordinary warehouses, newly built workshops, and even several sizable manors.

At the same time, a powerful spatial fluctuation erupted, so strong that it distorted and trembled the very space itself.

A silvery-blue magical light shot into the sky, not from one or two places, but from all over the city at the same time.

The light from the magic circle intertwined into a net, instantly tearing apart the peaceful sky of Nottingham.

Immediately afterwards, the Grand Duke of Hohenzollern and other dignitaries saw a scene through the window that they would never forget.

From the stabilized spatial portals, squads of well-equipped, menacing soldiers poured out.

They are not human; they are tall and muscular, with most of their exposed skin bearing animalistic markings or fur. They have rugged faces, protruding fangs, and eyes that burn with a warlike light.

They were orcs, and a well-organized, uniformly styled legion of orcs, clad in rune armor and wielding sharp heavy weapons, moving swiftly and in an orderly fashion!

The orc army that strikes fear into the hearts of the entire continent!
They poured out of the various teleportation points at an astonishing speed, quickly gathering in the open.

The heavy footsteps, the scraping of armor, and the low commands echoed incessantly, plunging the entire city of Nottingham into a deep sense of fear.

In a short period of time, tens of thousands of orc soldiers had already completed the initial formation in many key locations in the city.

The raw, fierce, and uniformly chilling aura of killing intent caused a stinging sensation on the skin of everyone in the council hall, even from a distance.

That's not all; the largest portal opened directly in Nottingham's central square.

At the brightest point of the light, a tall figure, dressed in the standard military uniform of the Effiin army and wearing a dark blue marshal's cloak, slowly stepped out riding a large war beast with a single horn on its head and covered in scales.

The newcomer had a resolute face and piercing eyes. Just sitting there, he exuded a powerful aura of someone who had been through many battles and commanded with unwavering confidence.

It could even faintly rival the omnipresent oppressive aura of the saints in the sky.

Upon seeing this person, Grand Duke Hohenzollern's heart clenched again, almost stopping.

Marshal Al-Fine, Arnold Constantine.

A top commander whose reputation has soared in recent years, he is known as the God of War of the Continental Army!

He had won many battles against overwhelming odds and defeated the combined forces of the Central Empire and the Eastern Empire in several key battles. His strategies and tactics have long been studied by military academies of various countries.

He actually came in person, and in such a way, arriving in an instant.

Arnold's gaze instantly locked onto the direction of the council hall.

With a gentle spur, he guided the magnificent unicorn, which, accompanied by a squad of elite orc guards, strode steadily toward the hall.

Along the way, both the panicked Northumbrian soldiers and the bewildered civilians were intimidated by this imposing aura and retreated in droves. (End of Chapter)