Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 86: The King's Oath (The King's Ace Agent)

Hermann was silent at the door for a few seconds and quickly made a decision.

He pushed open the door and saw a strange man wearing the signature golden mask of "Black Tomb" standing in the middle of the living room, looking at his room with interest.

Scattered on the coffee table were several boxes of his own fine tea collection. One of the boxes had even been opened, and there were some tea leaves crumbs scattered on the table.

There was no sign of him acting like an outsider barging into someone else's home.

Cohen turned his gaze to Herman, tutted his words, and said:
"For a single man's living environment, it seems too neat."

Herman was secretly on guard in his heart and said in a deep voice:

"The gold medal killer of 'Black Tomb'?"

Cohen neither denied nor admitted it, but simply said:
"How long has the Corpse Phantom been developing you?"

Herman glanced out the window imperceptibly, gave up the idea of resisting, and asked in a deep voice:

"How do you know my identity?
The Phantom Corpse will never tell anyone about the spies he has developed!"

Cohen retracted his gaze, his eyes lingering on Herman's expressionless face, his voice tinged with amusement:

"He did exactly that before he died."

Herman's muscles tensed, and a serious look appeared in his eyes:

"You are not from the Black Tomb!"

Cohen admired Herman's calmness and asked:

"Is there a difference?"

After a silent silence, Hermann let go of his tense demeanor.

As usual, he walked to the living room, poured himself a glass of warm boiled water and drank it all in one gulp.

The voice returned to calm, and he said slowly:
"The Corpse Phantom guarantees that I will be granted the title of baron within ten years.

Breakthrough legend within thirty years.

What can you bring me?"

Herman's answer made Cohen smile slightly.

As expected, Herman will not be so loyal to the "Zombie"!

The "Black Tomb" is an organization composed of a group of villains and thugs. It is ridiculous to expect any loyalty from its middle and lower-level members.

The reason why the "Phantom Corpse" can win over so many spies is simply because of the word "profit".

The information about Herman was obtained from the blue box seized from the "Phantom Corpse"'s territory.

Nephthys has already deciphered most of the contents.

Among them, the most valuable fish in Effiin is Hermann, who serves as the personal secretary to the Chief Justice.

After knowing the existence of this person, Cohen investigated his information in detail.

Born into a common family, he had outstanding intelligence and through his own efforts he was admitted to the most famous university in Eiffin - King's College Law School.

During his college years, he was selected to study in the Western Region Empire because of his outstanding academic performance.

A well-deserved child of destiny.

Unfortunately, he fell in love with a viscount's daughter in college.

Then comes the classic scene of breaking up a couple.

The Viscount used some means to assign Hermann to the dangerous and cold North after graduation, where he was responsible for suppressing the rebellion of the Highland barbarians.

During his time in the North, Hermann experienced life-and-death battles and won numerous military honors, but he still could not be transferred back to the capital.

Until three years ago, he was spotted by Baron Gore, who was then the president of the First Court of Florence, and was transferred to work as a judicial detective.

Gore was then promoted to the cabinet and became the Chief Justice of the Kingdom.

Hermann was able to rise to the top and become the secretary of the cabinet minister.

Cohen did not directly answer Herman's question, but instead asked:
"Did the Corpse Phantom bribe Baron Gore?"

A cold look appeared in Herman's eyes, and he seemed very reluctant to talk about his experience of being transferred back to the capital.

Cohen smiled faintly and said:

"It's not hard to talk about passionate and ambitious young people succumbing to money and power."

Herman took a deep breath, his face still expressionless:
"The 'Illusionary Corpse' disguised himself as a distant relative of Gore and used 20,000 gold coins to open the way."

Cohen sneered:
"After all this effort, I'm only working as a secretary for a baron?

If you continue to move so slowly, when will you be able to marry the Viscount's daughter?"

Herman's usually expressionless face finally showed strong emotions.

Cohen goes on to relentlessly expose the obvious:

"What do you mean by ten or thirty years? If you really wait for the Corpse Phantom to fulfill his promise, your woman will probably be able to have grandchildren."

Herman's facial muscles trembled violently. He clenched his fists but said nothing. He really couldn't refute it.

But he had no choice. Joining the "Phantom Corpse" was the most promising path he could see!

Cohen suddenly raised his voice:
"Follow me, and in a year, I'll take you to the house of that bastard Viscount.

Let him marry his daughter to you politely and respectfully!"

Herman's eyes were filled with contempt. He suppressed the ups and downs in his heart and said calmly:

"This joke is not funny at all."

Cohen slowly took off his mask and said calmly under the other party's increasingly horrified gaze:

"Do you still think I'm kidding?"

As the secretary of the Lord Chancellor, Hermann naturally met King Effiin.

Not to mention the new calendar officially released by Effien every year, the first page of which is the portrait of the king and queen.

He never expected that behind the mask of the "Black Tomb" gold medal killer, there was such a face!

The face of His Majesty the King that suddenly appeared before him was truly unbelievable to Hermann, and he was overcome by a great sense of unreality.

For a moment, he felt that his brain, which was enough to get into the top college in the country, was not enough, and he stood there stiffly.

Cohen said coldly:
"Why? Do you think I'm the 'Zombie Phantom' in disguise?"

Hermann came to his senses and bowed quickly:
"Herman Donaldson, personal secretary to the chancellor, to your majesty!"

Cohen waved his hand, signaling the other party not to be polite:
"Do you want me to prove my identity?"

Herman smiled bitterly and said:

"Your Majesty, please don't tease me. The Corpse Phantom is already dead, and there's no need for him to tease me like this.

not to mention--"

Herman cast his gaze toward the thick darkness outside the window and continued:
"Apart from His Majesty himself, I really can't think of anyone else who can mobilize a legendary paladin!"

Cohen's eyebrows moved slightly and said:

"That's beyond my expectation. You have a very keen sense.

It seems Gore chose you not just because of the 20,000 gold coins from the Corpse Phantom."

Hermann did not hide:
"It's a kind of talent of mine. When I first walked in, I felt a strong and upright aura locking onto me.

At first I wasn't sure who the other person was, but after seeing His Majesty, I knew.

This neutral and scorching aura should come from the holy warriors passed down from generation to generation by the Corleone royal family!
If I’m not mistaken…”

Hermann bowed from a distance toward the window.
"It must be His Royal Highness the Prince!"

Cohen's eyes showed admiration and he said:

"My promise just now still stands. Follow me and you will get everything you want, and even more."

Herman, still in shock from the roar, finally mustered up the courage to ask:
"Your Majesty, why...why did you choose me?"

He was smart enough not to ask Cohen how he avoided the saint-level "memory freeze", how he became the gold medal killer of "Black Tomb", and how he got his own file from "Phantom Corpse".

These were not questions he should be asking.

There was no way the cabinet minister would appoint him as secretary for just 20,000 gold coins.

Knowing the limits and when to advance and retreat is the secret to his ability to always stay by Baron Gore's side.

Cohen motioned Hermann to sit down and made a cup of tea using the tea leaves on the coffee table.

He handed it to him under Hermann's terrified gaze, speaking slowly and calmly:

"First, you are innocent enough and have no connection with any major forces in the country.

I need manpower now, but I don't have time to identify who is whose. I feel reassured by your commoner background.

As for colluding with the 'Black Tomb', that's nothing.

See this golden mask? It’s the real thing.

I am the gold medal killer of 'Black Tomb'.

I suggest you find an opportunity to join the Black Tomb in the future. For us, the Black Tomb is a very useful tool and scapegoat. "

Cohen paused, a hint of an ambiguous smile flashing in his eyes:
"Secondly, you value friendship and loyalty. For a woman, you dared to fight those crazy Highland barbarians in the North, and even offended a viscount of the kingdom. It's rare to find a warrior as pure as you.

Third, you are smart and capable enough. Although I like people who value friendship, I don’t like trash and idiots.

Last but not least, your position is very important. I need someone to investigate the DuPont family for me.

You are the perfect secretary to Theodore DuPont's immediate superior!"

Cohen had more or less an idea of other reactionary forces, but he was a little unsure about the DuPont family.

He had wanted to gather intelligence on the DuPont family for a long time, but unfortunately he had never had the right opportunity.

He came up with this plan after discovering that Hermann was one of the spies involved in the development of the "Zombie".

Cohen gave Herman time to think.

After waiting for a while, he took out a contract.

The contract lingered with a faint magical aura, and contained several strange runes that appeared to be from the ancient elves. This was the contract that Cohen had Nephthys create a few days ago.

Cohen spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful, each word carrying a solemn quality that made Herman, the listener, unconsciously straighten his back:

"Then, Mr. Herman Donaldson, are you willing to pledge your eternal loyalty to the king?"

Hermann took the contract respectfully without hesitation.

Smart people are very good at seizing opportunities.

Herman understood that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the only chance in his life.

He didn't even look at the terms of the contract. Even if it asked him to sell his soul, he would not hesitate!
The King's Oath!

Is there anything more convincing than this?
After Herman signed his name, Cohen smiled and said:

"Very good, Hermann, from now on you are the King's ace agent!

I gave you a code name, called 'Deep Sea', I hope you like it! "

……

After leaving the house, Prince Hauge appeared quietly beside Cohen and said:
"I thought there would be a long battle of threats and inducements!"

Cohen put away the contract in his hand and said with a faint smile:
"Uncle Wang was born into a royal family and doesn't understand those who have worked their way up from the bottom.

What the Corpse Phantom can give, I can give more, and my identity is more convincing.

Herman is a smart man and knows how to choose."

Prince Hauge said unhappily:

"My Majesty, you have been designated as the sole heir to a country since childhood. It seems that you have no right to speak of me in this way."

Cohen laughed and said:
“Uncle Wang, you have to pay attention to Herman’s affairs. You have to make Gore fully trust Herman first.

Then get rid of the person next to Gore who is responsible for connecting with the DuPont family.

Finally, if we help Herman take the reins, we'll be able to find out what the DuPont family is up to in secret!"

Prince Hauge frowned slightly:

"You seem to have a plan?"

Cohen blinked and said:
“Does this require any planning?

Isn't this very simple?
Baron Gore must have done something unclean over the years.

You, the Senate, can just find some evidence and witnesses to impeach him.

The wording and attitude of the impeachment must be severe, and he must understand that once the matter is confirmed, he will lose his position in the cabinet!
Then I will let Herman help Gore to deal with these witness evidences, and the credibility will rise rapidly.

As for the people around Gore who are responsible for connecting with the DuPont family, your Senate does not need to take any action.

You can ask Earl Middleton to find any fault and transfer him out of the capital, or even kill him.

Anyway, Lord Middleton and Gore have always been at odds, so killing his most trusted subordinate is no big deal."

Prince Hauge stared at Cohen, who was talking so eloquently, with a strange look. After a while, he said in an inexplicable tone:

"It's a good thing you didn't become a Holy Knight. You're nothing like Victor in that respect. He's much more upright than you."

Cohen said indifferently:

"Upright? If there weren't so many rebellious and reactionary forces in the country, I would also be an upright king!"

Prince Hauge fell silent.

Cohen continued:

"Uncle Wang, we need to act quickly. We must find out the DuPont family's movements as soon as possible.

This will give us enough time to arrange a counterattack.

I will give Herman instructions soon and ask him to whisper in Gore's ear first, and you should also follow suit."

Prince Hauge nodded seriously:
"Don't worry, I'll collect evidence in two days and go to the Senate to start an impeachment motion!"

He glanced at the blank contract in Cohen's hand and asked again:

"It seems you have prepared quite a few contracts. Are there others?"

Cohen smiled faintly and said:
“Of course, we still have three contracts to give out!
I'll probably have to trouble Uncle Wang again in a few days, because... the big one is coming!"

……

Asuna was exhausted from the journey and soon arrived in Florence.

According to the address in Cohen's letter, he found a small villa in Rose Lane and knocked on the door.

Asuna's hair was a little messy due to the long journey, and a few strands of hair were slightly stuck to her cheeks due to sweat.

He was breathing lightly, carrying a simple piece of luggage in his hands.

The clothes on her body were wrinkled, showing the hardship of the journey, but she still tried to maintain an elegant posture.

Seeing someone open the door, Asuna perked up, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The person who opened the door was a very charming lady, and the sorcerer's uniform on her body showed her extraordinary identity——

A warlock with extraordinary talent!

Asuna's eyes flashed with envy, and she took out the letter and bowed solemnly.

"Excuse me, is this the residence of the person who sent this letter?"

Nephthys was a little surprised by Asuna's heroism and beauty.

Is this what you mean by ordinary?
The warlock suppressed her slight complaint towards Cohen and said with a smile:

"Ms. Asuna Iliad, is that right?"

Asuna nodded heavily.

Nephthys opened the door, her voice filled with genuine affection for Asuna's arrival:

"Welcome, Miss Iliad. The gentleman has been expecting you for a long time."

Asuna walked in and found that there was another younger girl in the room. Like the girl who opened the door, she was also dressed as a sorcerer.

This inevitably caused Asuna to feel frustrated again.

At the same time, I became more curious about the identity of the letter writer.

Could it be that the other party is also a powerful noble? Otherwise, why would he have two such beautiful warlock ladies at the same time?
Arnold's daughter Freya cheered a little when she saw someone visiting.

The little warlock lady can finally be freed from the boring and tedious basic theory courses.

She thoughtfully brought a towel and toiletries for Asuna.

Nephthys pointed to the bathroom at the back.
“Please, Miss Iliad, clean up for a while.

I have already informed Mr. Wang of your visit. We will meet him in about an hour."

Asuna was confused and asked:
"Is the gentleman you are referring to the person who sent the letter?"

Nephthys nodded and said:
“Miss Iliad, I know you have a lot of doubts in your mind, but please enjoy a comfortable hot bath first.

When you meet the gentleman, all your doubts will be answered."

……

In the villa on the outskirts of Emerald Lake, traces of the war have been completely covered up, and this is still the Emerald Lake that is famous throughout the continent.

After renovating a mountain villa far away, Wiesel gave it directly to Cohen as a temporary base.

Cohen now has an increasing appreciation for his nephew, Mr. Modow.

Any of his orders were always completed without any compromise, and he was extremely sensible, never asking any extra questions or saying anything more than necessary.

This made Cohen want to poach the "Pale Wings" from his side.

What's so good about being a businessman? Wouldn't it be nice to follow me to conquer the continent?
Now there are only Arnold and Cohen in the villa.

Prince Hauge was responsible for hiding on the periphery and watching for any possible disturbances.

With a legendary [Paladin] guarding you, there is no need to worry about safety and confidentiality.

The birth of the Six Saints a few days ago was ultimately just a special case.

Under normal circumstances, it is extremely rare for ordinary people to see a ninth-level gold.

Cohen gently savored the black tea that Isabella had sent over and asked in a relaxed tone:

"Has Mr. Considine thought about it?"

Arnold nodded seriously, a hint of admiration in his voice:
"I have also inquired about your deeds these days.

Your deeds are just like the protagonist in the story told by the poets, full of legends and incredible things.

It’s hard to imagine that a 16-year-old could do all this.”

Cohen felt a sense of satisfaction.

Look, Marshal Arnold Considine, the future god of the Continental Army who defeated countless famous generals, is now racking his brains to flatter me. I really want to find a photo stone to capture this scene as a souvenir.

After a brief moment of self-indulgence, Cohen waved his hand and said:
"No need to say nice things, let's get straight to the point. What do you think of my proposal?"

Arnold was silent for a few seconds, then said in a deep voice:

"As long as Your Excellency can promise me that you will not force Freya to do anything she doesn't want to do.

And ensure that she can successfully become a powerful warlock.

Then I will pledge my loyalty to you."

Cohen clapped his hands lightly:

"I promise you, you have definitely made the best decision in your life!"

Arnold took a deep breath and said slowly:

"Then, can you please let me know your true identity now? I must know who I am serving."

Cohen made a gesture to calm down and said softly:
“You’ll know later, we’re still waiting for a teammate.

But I can remind you first, don't be too surprised when you see my appearance later!"

(End of this chapter)