Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Empress Shanes glanced at the information that Cohen had already informed her of, and her face showed no particular expression.

Prince Heinz, the Imperial Minister of Military Affairs and a member of the imperial family, was the first to break the silence:
"Your Majesty, the intelligence is conclusive. What appeared on the northwestern battlefield were indeed demonic dragons, and they were organized groups of the two major dragon blood races, the Mourning and the Shadow."

This humble servant dares to ask, does Your Highness's dragon legion originate from any connection to the dragon plane that the Imperial Noble Council has secretly explored and investigated throughout history?

Prince Heinz's question went straight to the heart of the matter and raised the biggest question in the minds of most people present.

Countless gazes instantly focused on the throne.

Shanis was slightly taken aback by the direct question, blinked gently, and gave a slightly apologetic and helpless smile:
"I don't know much about this matter either."

Although Cohen is my fiancé, he is first and foremost the king of Effie, bearing the heavy responsibility of a nation.

Effie wouldn't tell me everything in detail about state secrets, especially matters of such fundamental strategic importance.

I only have a rough idea about the origins of the Dragon Legion; perhaps it's related to some ancient pact or fortuitous encounter.

But the specific details are probably only known to Cohen and his closest advisors.

Seated at the head of the left side below the throne, Heisenberg, the chief of the House of Nobles, whose expression had remained calm and composed, had a barely perceptible glint in his eyes after hearing Xenias's perfunctory reply.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall, and slowly began to speak:
"Your Majesty, gentlemen, according to the intelligence that our Noble Council has just obtained..."

It can be confirmed that the dragon legion appearing on the Northwest Continent, fighting for His Majesty Cohen Corleone, originates from the Dragon Plane inherited by the noble academy of my Central Empire throughout history!

"Whoosh—!"

A chorus of suppressed gasps and gasps of surprise rose from the main hall.

Despite the speculation, the impact of Heisenberg's unequivocal confirmation is still enormous.

Heisenberg, seemingly oblivious to the crowd's reactions, continued in his calm tone:

"Moreover, intelligence indicates that an unprecedented upheaval has recently occurred within the Dragon Plane."

An unprecedented chaotic war is sweeping across the six dragonborn races of the Demon Dragon.

What we can confirm at present is that the Mourning Dragonborn and the Shadow Dragonborn, who were originally constantly fighting each other, have recently formed an incredible alliance.

With lightning speed, they joined forces to defeat and annex the originally powerful Molten Dragonborn race.

Now, the three dragonborn races—the Lamenters, the Shadows, and the Dead—have integrated their power, their strength unprecedented, and they have already begun the war to unify the entire Dragonscale!

"Unify the Dragon Plane?"

How... how is this possible? The six dragon blood clans are unruly and have been hostile to each other for countless eras. How could they possibly unite?

Let alone unification?

"This is precisely the most perplexing and disturbing aspect!"

Heisenberg's gaze sharpened, suddenly landing on Xenia on the throne, then seemingly piercing through her to gaze into the distant northwest:

"Based on existing intelligence and timeline inferences."

After the Imperial Nobles' Martial Arts Festival, His Highness the Emperor won the strongest Silver and the strongest Gold titles, thus gaining the opportunity to enter the Demon Dragon Dimension.

The old minister deduced that His Highness the Emperor had taken advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the Demon Dragon Plane.

Furthermore, they intervened in the internal conflicts of the Dragon Plane in ways we cannot imagine or understand, successfully facilitating the alliance between the Mourning and Shadow races, and may even have spearheaded the war against the Molten Dragonborn.

The current turbulent war for unification in the Dragon Realm is very likely orchestrated by His Highness the Emperor.

His ability to mobilize such a large dragon legion to intervene in the war in the prime plane is the most direct and powerful proof of all this.

He not only broke through the dimensional barrier, but also gained absolute influence and control in the Dragon Dimension.

However, please do not forget that the Dragon Plane is the property of our Noble Academy, the legacy of our Central Empire for millennia!

Inside the main hall, there was a deathly silence.

Only Chief Heisenberg's groundbreaking deduction resonated like thunder in the minds of every high-ranking official in the empire.

If all of this is true... then what Cohen Corleone controls is not simply a powerful interdimensional reinforcement army.

He may have already incorporated a complete dimension with abundant resources, formidable combat power, and a unique power system into his strategic map.

The significance of this is enough to make all forces in the Central Empire, and even the entire continent of the Demon Tide, reassess the weight and threat of Cohen Corleone and the Effiin he represents in the future landscape of the continent and even the multiverse.

Sunis sat on the throne, calmly gazing at Chief Heisenberg's almost piercing gaze, and at the complex expressions of shock, horror, doubt, and even a hint of excitement in the eyes of the court officials.

My heart was already churning with turmoil.

Rationally, she was well aware of the sharp wit hidden in the words of this shrewd and calculating chief of the House of Lords.

He closely linked Cohen's operations in the Dragon Plane with the millennia-old legacy of the Imperial Noble House, ruthlessly examining Cohen's astonishing success under the magnifying glass of the Empire, especially the traditional interests of the Noble House.

This is tantamount to placing Cohen in opposition to certain stubborn forces and vested interests within the Empire, subtly "inciting hatred" for both Cohen and her.

Yet, deep within her emotions, a feeling of indescribable pride, sweetness, and even a touch of elation arose.

That was her Cohen, her fiancé, the man she had chosen.

He single-handedly accomplished what the Central Empire, despite the efforts of dozens of generations of nobles, could not achieve: bringing those proud and powerful dragon races under his control.

The more Heisenberg analyzed Cohen's abilities, the more irrepressible the sense of pride and joy in Shanes' heart became.

Just as Shanis was about to speak, she shifted the focus slightly in her capacity as Empress, neither denying Cohen's achievements nor their potential connection to the Empire.

However, they also cannot easily substantiate the accusation that Cohen "misappropriated imperial property," otherwise it would place Cohen and Effin on the opposite side of the Empire.
This degree needs to be grasped with extreme precision.

However, before she could even organize her thoughts, a clear and melodious voice rang out.

As Cohen's father-in-law, Foreign Minister Beren Windrunner naturally couldn't stand idly by while Chief Heisenberg was stirring up hatred for his son-in-law.

He took half a step forward, his posture upright, his gaze meeting that of Chief Heisenberg's with composure, his voice echoing clearly in the silent hall:
"Your Excellency Heisenberg, are you implying that His Highness the Crown Prince Cohen's remarkable achievements in the Dragon Plane were actually a mistake?"
Or rather, is it an infringement upon some right of my Central Empire?

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over his colleagues in the hall, whose expressions varied, especially those of the traditional aristocratic faction who showed dissatisfaction or shared the same sentiments, before continuing:
"Indeed, as you said, the existence of the Dragon Plane, its coordinates and some ancient records have indeed been kept and studied by the Noble Academy for generations, and regarded as an important inheritance and potential asset."

No one can deny that. But—"

Beren abruptly changed the subject, her tone becoming more impassioned and persuasive:

"We must also recognize that the House of Nobles has devoted nearly 10,000 years of its time, the efforts of countless sages, and even precious resources to this endeavor."

But what was the result? Did we establish stable and reliable communication with the Dragon Dimension?
Have we gained the friendship or covenant of any Dragonborn race?
We cannot even confirm a stable dimensional portal.

And His Highness the Imperial Consort, His Highness the Imperial Consort of the Central Empire!
With just that one-time entry opportunity obtained after winning the Noble Martial Arts Festival, he not only successfully entered that mysterious and dangerous dimension in just a few years, but also stirred up such a huge wave within it.

He facilitated the alliance of rival groups, propelled dramatic changes in the internal structure of the plane, and may even have orchestrated the prelude to a war of unification.

Now, he can bring this immense power back to our prime plane in the form of an army, contributing decisively to the fight against the dark forces of Serane and the Morgen Empire!

Beren's gaze was intense, fixed on Heisenberg, and then swept over every high-ranking official of the empire present:
"What an extraordinary achievement and ability this is! Shouldn't this be a blessing for our Central Empire?"
His Highness the Emperor is engaged to Her Majesty the Empress, and in a sense, he is also one of the closest allies and supporters of our Empire.

His breakthrough demonstrates the remarkable foresight of the reward system established by the House of Nobles and the marriage between Her Majesty the Queen and Her Majesty Cohen.

Did it bring unexpected and enormous opportunities and an extension of power to my empire?

Your Excellencies, His Highness the Imperial Consort has demonstrated extraordinary courage and wisdom in advancing a cause that our Empire has never been able to undertake in its millennia of history.

Shouldn't our first reaction be excitement and admiration, and then consider how to learn from this experience, strengthen cooperation, and seek greater benefits for our empire?
Why is it that the first reaction is suspicion and sensitivity regarding ownership?

Beren's words came out in rapid succession, clear and logical, with a distinct stance.

These remarks immediately stirred up even greater waves in the imperial court.

Some of the more enlightened ministers, or those who shared similar political views with Beren, nodded slightly, finding the statement reasonable.

Meanwhile, many high-ranking officials from ancient noble families, whose interests were deeply intertwined with the House of Lords, looked displeased, believing that Beren was evading the main issue or even blaming the House of Lords for incompetence.

Chief Heisenberg's face had completely darkened when Beren spoke.

He hadn't expected Belen to respond so directly, even with a hint of sarcasm.

After Beren finished speaking, he snorted coldly:
"Lord Windrunner, you are using a fallacy of equivocation."

I have never said that His Highness the Emperor's achievements were wrong, nor have I denied his abilities and merits.

"The Empire is honored to have such a fine son-in-law and to have forged such a strong alliance with Effie." He then changed the subject, his tone becoming heavier and more aggressive:

However, merit is merit, and fault is fault.

Rules are the cornerstone of the empire. The information related to the Dragon Plane is a core legacy and strategic asset that my Noble Academy is responsible for guarding and researching on behalf of the empire.

This point is clearly stated in the Imperial Code and the edicts of previous emperors.

It is certainly gratifying that His Highness the Emperor has made groundbreaking progress by taking advantage of the opportunities obtained from the Empire.

But the ensuing results included a solid relationship with the dragon race, stable dimensional portal technology, and even influence over the situation in the dragon plane.

Should ownership, dominance, and all benefits derived therefrom primarily belong to the empire, or at least be explicitly negotiated and shared with the empire?

Chief Heisenberg straightened his slightly hunched back, naturally exuding an imposing aura of someone long accustomed to a high position:

"As long as His Highness the Emperor is willing to openly disclose everything he has obtained, including detailed information about the Dragon Plane, the contents of the contract with the Dragonborn race, and even the resources and benefits that may be obtained in the Dragon Plane in the future, and show his sincerity in sharing and cooperating with the Empire."

Therefore, the entire Noble Council, and indeed the entire Empire, is naturally extremely excited and will devote all its efforts to supporting His Highness the Imperial Consort and Her Majesty the Empress's great cause!

Upon hearing this, Beren Windrunner frowned, about to retort again.

The atmosphere inside the hall became even more tense due to the fierce exchange between the two, with the enlightened faction supporting Beren and the traditional faction supporting Heisenberg showing signs of impending conflict.

As Shanis sat upright, her mind raced, pondering how she, as Empress, could intervene and mediate in a way that would appease the House of Nobles, maintain the outward dignity of the Imperial legal system, and prevent Cohen and Effie from feeling coerced.

Just as the debate was reaching its climax, almost escalating into a tense confrontation in the imperial court—

Outside the main hall, the clear and loud voice of the palace guard captain suddenly rang out:
"Your Majesty, Ambassador Effie to the Empire is waiting outside the palace, saying he has an urgent letter of credence that needs to be presented to you immediately!"

"Ambassador Effie?"

"At this time?"

The hall fell silent instantly, and all the arguing came to an abrupt halt.

Chief Heisenberg, Marquis Beren, and all the imperial ministers wore thoughtful expressions.

A fleeting glint of excitement flashed across Shanis's eyes before she regained her composure, though a barely perceptible curve appeared at the corners of her lips.

Just in time!

She cleared her throat and said in a deep voice:

"Xuan!"

As the palace doors opened, a middle-aged man dressed in the formal attire of an envoy from Alfie walked steadily in.

With a refined appearance, bright and steady eyes, and a composed gait, he was none other than Erwin Green, the Permanent Ambassador of the Kingdom of Effiin to the Central Empire.

Erwin comes from a prestigious family of scholars in Effie. He is known for his extensive knowledge and in-depth study of the laws and ancient contracts of both countries. He is trusted by Cohen and Yardel and is an excellent candidate to handle affairs of the Central Empire.

At this moment, Ambassador Erwin held a silver-gray scroll box that emitted a faint magical fluctuation.

Without glancing to the side, he walked straight to the foot of the steps and gracefully performed a standard diplomatic greeting to Xenia on the throne and the assembled imperial officials in the hall.

"Imperial envoy of the Kingdom of Effie to the Empire, Erwin Green, has an urgent letter of state to present to His Majesty King Corleone and Queen Angelen of our country, by order of His Majesty King Corleone and His Majesty Queen Angelen."

There is also a contract, which must be presented to His Majesty for his review in person.

Erwin's voice was clear and calm, echoing in the silent hall.

Shanis nodded slightly, her exquisite face displaying a dignified royal bearing.
"Your Excellency has come a long way and must be tired. May I ask what important contract is it that requires presentation at this time?"

Ambassador Irwin straightened up and respectfully held up the silver-gray scroll box with both hands.

He did not open it immediately, but instead looked around at the various expressions of the imperial officials in the hall, especially Chief Heisenberg, whose face was solemn.

Then he spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Your Majesty Klein, the item in my possession is a formal contract signed and sealed by His Majesty the King and His Highness the Queen, concerning the ownership and related matters of the Demon Dragon Legion that appeared in the Northwest Continent recently and helped our allied forces defeat the Demon Gold Demon."

He paused slightly, as if organizing the most precise words, and then said, word by word:

"In the contract, His Majesty the King and His Highness the Queen clearly stated that half of the ownership of this Demon Dragon Legion shall belong to the Central Empire from the date the contract takes effect."

In other words, the Empire will enjoy a corresponding share of all future military profits and spoils from this Dragon Legion's military operations, and may participate in the Legion's strategic decision-making consultation to a limited extent, provided that it is in line with common strategic interests.

The specific rights and responsibilities, the details of the distribution of benefits, and the framework for cooperation between the two parties are all detailed in this contract.

His Majesty the King specifically instructed his foreign ministers to convey to His Majesty: This contract must be personally signed by His Majesty Klein, in his capacity and authority as Empress of the Central Empire, using the Imperial Seal. The contract will then take effect immediately, and the rights and interests of the Empire will be guaranteed.

This is a manifestation of my sincere feelings and unwavering alliance with the Empire, with His Majesty, and also with His Majesty Cohen.

"boom--!"

Ambassador Irwin's words were like a powerful depth charge dropped into a seemingly calm but actually turbulent pool.

Although his words were precise and polite, the information they contained plunged the entire Imperial Council Hall into an even more shocking silence than before.

Half ownership of the Dragon Legion?

Belonging to the Central Empire?

Is it enough for Shanis's signature to be effective?
These few words contained a wealth of information, instantly overturning the previous focus of the endless debate between Chief Heisenberg and Marquis Beren, and even subverting the expectations of many people.

When Heisenberg's chief, whose eyes seemed to see through everything, heard "half of the ownership belongs to the Empire," his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

All his previous foreshadowing, hints, and even implicit accountability pointed to the core idea that "Cohen used imperial resources, and the results should be shared with or belong to the empire."

He attempted to gain the moral and legal high ground, pressuring Cohen and Effie to secure the greatest possible benefits and influence for the Empire, especially the House of Nobles.

However, Cohen and Adele's response far exceeded his expectations.

Cohen actually offered a surprisingly generous condition: "half ownership."

Moreover, it is in the most formal and impeccable form of contract!
More importantly, the only condition for the contract to take effect is the signature of "His Majesty Klein".

This directly handed the final decision-making power and honor into Shanis's hands.

In this context and at this time, this contract is not merely a profit-sharing agreement, but also Cohen's unreserved trust and support for Shanis, and the most powerful endorsement of her queenly authority.

It was also the most ingenious and powerful way to extricate her from her predicament in the complex political situation of the empire and to provide her with support.

What else could Chief Heisenberg say?
All his previous remarks about "imperial property," "imperial rights," and "the need to share" seemed pale and powerless, even petty, in the face of the contract offered by Effie.

If he continues to dwell on "Cohen's misappropriation of imperial assets," then he is not protecting the interests of the empire, but rather making trouble out of nothing, or even questioning the legitimacy of Her Majesty the Empress's signing of the contract to secure benefits for the empire.

After all, with the contract in hand, as long as Xenias signs it, the Empire will immediately have legal ownership of half of the Dragon Legion, which is a real and immediate benefit.

Would he dare to publicly say, "His Majesty Klein cannot sign this contract on behalf of the Central Empire"? That would be tantamount to suicide.

For a moment, the shrewd and calculating chief of the House of Nobles had his expression shifting, and all the follow-up statements and pressure tactics he had prepared were stuck in his throat, unable to utter a single word.

He could sense that the gazes of many high-ranking officials in the hall, who might have previously supported him or had doubts about Cohen, had changed as they looked at the contract, at Ambassador Elwin, and even at Shanes on the throne.

As Shanis sat on the throne, a sweet and warm feeling rose in her heart when Ambassador Erwin said that "half of the ownership belongs to the Central Empire."

She hadn't expected that Cohen had not only considered the Empire's possible reaction and anticipated potential controversies in court, but had also prepared such a comprehensive solution long ago.
Instead of putting her in a difficult position, or making her torn between the doubts of the imperial ministers and her fiancé's achievements, they directly and irrefutably handed her the greatest benefits and the highest decision-making power in the most practical and irrefutable way.

"As long as His Majesty Klein signs his name..."

To Shanis, these words were not merely a condition for the contract to take effect, but also a silent support and absolute trust from Cohen across thousands of miles.

He was telling her: No matter how the political landscape of the Empire changes, no matter how those old foxes scheme, you, Shanes Klein, are the Empress of the Central Empire. You have the right and the ability to fight for this benefit for your empire. And I will always be your strongest support.

A warm current of being carefully protected and firmly supported instantly overwhelmed Shanis's heart.

Since ascending the throne, she has faced numerous obstacles from the ancient nobility and a complex domestic and international situation, always walking on thin ice and supporting herself alone.

Despite having loyal ministers and the foundation of the royal family, the feeling of standing alone in the eye of the storm never left him.

At this moment, Cohen made her truly feel that she was not alone.

There was a powerful, wise man who deeply loved her, strategizing for her from afar, clearing away obstacles for her, and personally handing her the sharpest sword and the strongest shield! (End of Chapter)