Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 144 The Royal Family’s Shocking Secret!
In the dense forest, sunlight shines through the gaps between the leaves, forming golden spots.

Several royal guards in dark-colored clothes hid in the jungle, their figures blending into the mottled light and shadow.

His hawk-like gaze fell on the young nobleman in gorgeous hunting clothes and riding a white horse not far away.

Saxon Cromwell, the third prince of the Kingdom of Ceylon and third in line to the throne, wore a hat decorated with exquisite feathers and had a cold expression on his slightly pale face.

He wore an exquisite hunting knife at his waist, held a longbow in his hand, and was followed by a group of well-trained hunting dogs.

The breeze from the royal hunting grounds gently brushed his face, ruffling his golden hair. Saxon patted his white horse and quickened his pace.

Soon, a nimble stag appeared in the grass not far away.

Saxon perked up, his eyes becoming focused and sharp. He quickly tightened the bowstring and aimed at the stag.

With a "whoosh" sound, the sharp arrow flew out and hit the target.

“Exquisite craftsmanship!”

Andrei praised it indifferently from the side.

Hearing this blunt compliment without any emotion, Saxon frowned slightly and said:

"Don't you think hunting is a healthy activity, sir?"

Andre bowed slightly and said calmly:

"For ordinary nobles, yes."

Saxon could almost predict what the other party was about to say. He waved his hand and said:
"Okay sir, I understand."

Andre stopped talking, a hint of contempt in his pupils.

Saxon sheathed his bow and arrows, gazed into the distance, and asked in a lowered voice:
"Sir, how are the arrangements going at Effiin?

When are we going to start?
I can't wait to charge into Florence and capture their queen!"

Andrei pondered silently in his mind for a while, and also lowered his voice:
"It will probably take another ten months."

Saxon was slightly surprised and asked:

“Why is it taking so long?
Shouldn't the original plan have already begun?"

Andre replied calmly:
"That's what we planned, but the 'Six Saints War' that shocked the continent a while ago has put some obstacles in our way.

During that battle, the astonishing strength displayed by Queen Eifin, as well as the 'Lord of Shadows' who was able to cause a war between Saints and Legendaries, made many people skeptical about whether Eifin could be successfully conquered.

For example, the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory, Effiin, has yet to make a final decision."

Saxon said angrily:

"A bunch of cowards who will only hold us back.

Can't we just do it on our own?"

Andre's eyes lit up strangely, and he was a little surprised by Saxon's arrogance and stupidity.

This spoiled prince who has never experienced any setbacks, wouldn't really think that he can conquer the thousand-year-old Effiin with his three thousand [Ceylon Oaths]!

Why didn't I realize this guy was so arrogant before?

Perhaps it was because Queen Effiin was involved that Saxon lost his ability to think?

Is this woman really that charming?

Or is it that Saxon still remembers the humiliation and hatred he felt at the noble fighting meeting when he tried to tease his opponent but was severely punished?
Andre's eyes were filled with deep thought.

In fact, the reason why it took so long was because Effie suffered heavy losses in the battle at the "Black Tomb" and the entire Northwest Branch was wiped out.

In Prince Xia Zuo and Andre's plan, "Black Tomb" is also an important part of conquering Effiin, and many key operations still rely on the killers of "Black Tomb" to carry out.

Now he has received news that the "salesman" has returned to the Northwest Continent and is preparing to re-establish the Northwest branch.

In any case, we have to wait until the Northwest branch of "Black Tomb" is re-established before taking any action.

But of course he couldn't tell Saxon the real reason.

No matter what, he still had to coax this "agent" who he and Prince Xia Zuo had high hopes for.

Andre thought about his words and spoke slowly:
“Your Highness’s main battlefield is ultimately at home.

If the losses incurred in the attack on Aifein were too great, it would ultimately be detrimental to the future succession.

To be frank, ever since Your Majesty failed to break through to the legendary level, your health has been getting worse day by day.

Power has basically been delegated to several crown princes and powerful nobles in the country.

That day is finally coming!"

Andre's voice became colder than ever before:
"How much effect can your Majesty's will still have?"

After hearing what Andre said, Saxon's eyes showed a hint of fear and a hint of excitement. In his heart, his father has always been a great hero.

The five words "The king's orders cannot be disobeyed" are deeply engraved in his blood.

He always felt that vying for the throne meant winning his father's appreciation. As long as he could gain his father's support and affirmation, nothing else mattered.

But Andre's words today seemed to have opened up new ideas for him, as if he had opened a door and saw a path he had never imagined.

Andre's mouth curled up slightly, and he continued to persuade:
"Let's take a step back and say that if His Majesty's will doesn't include Your Highness's name... we still have a chance to turn the tables!"

Saxon stared intently at this man, his trusted think tank, his gentleman, his military advisor, as if he were getting to know him all over again.

The next words that came out of Andre's mouth made Saxon suddenly feel a palpitation in his heart and a chill all over his body:

"Your Highness, throughout history, how many emperors and kings have written their last wills themselves?"

Saxon seemed to have something stuck in his throat and couldn't speak.

After being stunned for a long time, he murmured:

"In that case, what's the point of our so-called succession order?"

Andre chuckled and cast his gaze towards the vast jungle. His voice seemed to float over from far away:
"Your Highness, do you know what position the previous king, your great-grandfather, was in the line of succession before he ascended the throne?"

Saxon blurted out without thinking:

“First pick!

My great-grandfather showed extraordinary abilities from a young age, so he was designated as the first in line to the throne early on.

Andre narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly:
"How did your Highness know this?"

Saxon replied as a matter of course:
"That's what the palace teachers said, and that's how the late king and my father taught us since we were little.

And the history textbooks in schools across the country also say the same thing..."

Saxon fell silent as he spoke because he saw Andre's half-smile in his eyes.

He was stunned, as if he suddenly thought of something. A cold wind rushed from his chest to his forehead, and a look of shock appeared in his eyes.

Not too stupid!
Andre chuckled and said:

"Even if I don't tell you some things, Your Highness will know them sooner or later when he inherits the throne.

Well, your great-grandfather, the origin of your royal line, was not even in the line of succession at the beginning!"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a thunderclap exploding in Saxon's ears.

Andre's voice was deep and powerful as he continued to narrate the dusty secret history:
“In fact, your great-grandfather wasn’t even a prince.

According to blood relationship, he should be the cousin of the king of Ceylon three generations away.

With his decent talent for cultivation, he was granted the position of a second-class royal guard.

Later, the king became obsessed with his practice and fell seriously ill.

Our arch-enemy, the Fengxi Kingdom, also took advantage of the situation and plunged the country into chaos.

During the more than ten years of turmoil, your great-grandfather gradually gained control of the country with his extraordinary courage and ability.

It wasn't long before your great-grandfather was identified as first in line to the throne.

Coincidentally, on the night the decree of the first heir was issued, the king suddenly passed away!"

Saxon opened his mouth wide, a look of confusion and fear on his face, and tremblingly said:
"This...how is this possible?

Why was I completely unaware of this piece of history?
Why is there no clue at all?

Also, there are so many families in this country that have been passed down for thousands of years and are the descendants of founding fathers. Doesn't anyone know about this?"

The Saxons thought that they were direct descendants of the founding line of the Kingdom of Ceylon and legitimate royal descendants, and they never expected that they were actually descendants of traitors.

According to Andre's description, his great-grandfather was undoubtedly a traitor who usurped the royal power.

Andre said lightly:

“What is history?
Just a whore who can be played with by anyone.

When the state machine called "public power" starts to operate, any clues can be covered up perfectly.

History can be tampered with, memory can be distorted, the truth can be buried, and those who know the truth, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, will keep their mouths shut!
As for the families of the founding fathers?"

Andrei sneered:
"For them, it's nothing more than a change of masters!
Thousands of years have passed, and when the country was founded, the glory and oath of their ancestors had long been forgotten!

As long as their status is not affected, as long as they still hold power, and as long as the family continues to pass on, they don’t care whether their son or nephew becomes king!

For them, tangible benefits are much more important than those empty vows and promises!"

Looking at Saxon's incredulous gaze, Andrei changed the subject and suddenly let out a few meaningless laughs:
“It’s not that no one objects.

Do you still remember the 'National Sword' that His Majesty bestowed upon you?"

Saxon nodded.

Andre chuckled:
"Your Highness, why don't you think about this: how could the sword of a founding marshal, a national treasure, be bestowed upon a prince by His Majesty?
This sword was presented to the royal family by the founding marshal and is a symbol of the national revolution. How could it be given to a private individual?

Also, Your Highness, have you ever seen the descendants of this founding marshal? "

Saxon frowned, lost in thought.

He hadn't thought much about it before, thinking it was his father's recognition of him.

But after Andre's reminder, he did find something wrong.

The sword of the founding marshal, a cultural relic with great symbolic significance, should not be given away so easily as a gift.

Saxon looked at Andre, waiting for his explanation.

Andre said in a deep voice:

"Because when your great-grandfather was in power, the family of this founding marshal chose to firmly uphold the rule of the orthodox royal family and stood in opposition to your great-grandfather.

Let’s not talk about what happened later. Since your great-grandfather successfully ascended the throne, it means that all the people and forces that stood in his way were swept into the dustbin of history.

This sword, presented to the orthodox royal family by the founding marshal, was also taken away by your great-grandfather and collected as a trophy.

Until I give it to you!" Saxon's face was filled with shock. He was stunned for a long time before he slowly came to his senses and asked in a serious tone:

"Sir, why do you know so clearly?"

Andre sneered in his heart. If the power change in the kingdom could be hidden from others, how could it be hidden from the five empires?
He said calmly:
“Your Highness also knows that I graduated from the Royal Academy of the Eastern Territory Empire.

To be more precise, I graduated from the School of History at the Royal College of Art and Design.

My teacher's main research direction is the history of northwestern countries.

A kingdom does have a great influence on the human continent, but it definitely cannot influence an empire!"

Saxon exhaled slowly, as if he had digested all that Andre had said. He nodded and said,
“I see, sir.

Then everything will go according to your plan, and give Effiein another ten months to survive."

Suddenly, Andre told Saxon about his family's not-so-glorious history of making a fortune, and revealed the bloody truth about power and the throne. Saxon felt his soul was severely shocked and he no longer had the heart to continue hunting.

He put away his hunting gear and told the guards to pack up and return to the city.

Returning to his luxurious carriage, the gorgeous twin lovers were looking at him lovingly.

Saxon felt his wounded heart was instantly comforted. He waved his hand and said to the guards outside:

"It's still the same place, Dynasty Club!"

"Yes, Your Highness."

The carriage, pulled by a three-headed legendary three-legged dragon snake, was moving very fast.

Before long, the Saxon convoy arrived at the "Dynasty Club" located on the most prosperous road in Quesaon.

This is the most favored den of luxury for the powerful and wealthy in Quetzalon.

Saxon got out of the car with his two female companions, looked at Andre and said:

"Sir, let's have dinner together before we leave. I have some thoughts I'd like to discuss with you about what happened just now."

Andre did not refuse and followed Saxon into the room.

The first floor is a public leisure area, providing a variety of food and drinks 24 hours a day.

As soon as Saxon entered the door, he saw many familiar faces, all of whom were children of officials and dignitaries in Quesaion.

The big guy greeted Saxon enthusiastically.

This enthusiasm comes from the heart, because the generous third prince often pays for the whole game at the "Dynasty Club".

Today, Saxon was shocked by Andre's words and decided to give away some money to calm himself down.

He waved his hand and said loudly:

"Everyone have fun today, all expenses will be charged to my account!"

However, after Saxon finished speaking, there were no usual cries of praise and gratitude from those around him, such as "The Third Prince is so generous!", "Thank you, Your Highness!", "Your Highness truly loves the people like his own children!"

Everyone stared at Saxon with strange eyes.

Saxon frowned, pulled the staff member beside him, and asked:

"what happened?"

The staff member bowed quickly and said:
“Your Highness, our boss is here today and is entertaining our distinguished guests.

It has been announced that all consumption tonight is free."

Saxon was secretly suspicious in his heart, the big boss of Dynasty Club?

Julian Singh?

What kind of distinguished guest could be personally entertained by this big boss, and even be so generous as to waive all the expenses?
Saxon quickly thought of the rumor in the market that behind Julian Singer was his second brother, Charles Saxon, the second in line to the throne.

Could this distinguished guest be him?
Saxon couldn't contain his curiosity and said to the staff:

"Oh, it's Julian.

This prince spends money here all day long, so he is considered an old customer. Why doesn't he even say hello when he comes?

Where is he? Take me to him!"

The staff really wanted to say, it was our boss who came here first, why should he greet you.

However, as a low-level service staff, he could not disobey the order of a prince and had to lead the way.

Andre, who was standing by, also showed his curiosity when he heard this. He was also very interested in this mysterious catering giant.

Led by the staff, the two came to a spacious private room.

Saxon didn't even knock on the door, he just pushed it open and walked in.

As soon as he entered the door, Saxon felt his eyes brighten, and a young woman with a graceful figure and beautiful face suddenly appeared in his sight.

The other person's appearance is secondary. What's important is the innate elegance and nobility that permeates the woman's bones, which makes him fall in love with her.

I was stunned by her beauty for a moment. When did such a top-notch woman appear in the royal capital? It's really rare!

Saxon was secretly shocked. Could it be that the distinguished guest Julian was entertaining was her?
Then he saw a scene that made him very disappointed.

He found that sitting next to the woman was a strange young man with an equally unique temperament, who was peeling shrimps for her attentively.

It is not difficult to see the relationship between the two from their intimate actions.

Saxon secretly thought it was a pity that she was already taken!
When he moved his eyes again, the familiar face of Julian Singh came into view.

Hearing the noise, the three people in the room stopped what they were doing at the same time and turned their eyes to the person coming at the door.

Cohen looked calmly at His Royal Highness the Third Prince, who had been plotting against Effiin and himself.

Cohen was not wearing a mask at this time.

After all, if you cover your face when meeting with the crown prince of a kingdom, it will only arouse suspicion.

He specifically asked senior intelligence officer Mephis for advice on disguise and makeup.

After a simple disguise, he and Mephis waited here for Saxon to appear.

As expected, after hearing that Julian was entertaining a mysterious guest, Saxon took the initiative to come to the door.

Then came the stern middle-aged face behind Saxon, and Cohen recognized it immediately!
Andre Ian, the political secretary and chief intelligence officer of Xia Zuo Tang of the Eastern Territory Empire!

Codename "Eastern Fox"!
He is also the real culprit behind the plot to plot against Effiin and destroy the Corleone royal family in the previous life game!
Finally they met, and a flash of fighting spirit appeared in Cohen's eyes.

Julian saw Saxon open the door, and with a look of just the right amount of surprise on his face, he stood up, bowed respectfully, and said:

"Greetings, Third Prince!

The people below are becoming less and less capable of doing things!

Your Highness, I hope no one informed me of your arrival. Please forgive me."

Saxon waved his hand and said:
“Never mind their business, I just arrived and heard that the Baron was entertaining guests, so I barged in out of curiosity.

I hope you won’t be offended.”

Julian's face immediately showed a flattered smile, and he said repeatedly:

"Your Highness, I dare not respond to your words."

He slapped his head in frustration and said:
“Look at me, I’m old and my head is confused, please come in, Your Highness.

And this one, I think it must be Mr. Andre, I have heard a lot about you!"

Saxon smiled at Cohen and the others, without any airs of a crown prince.

If someone who didn't know Saxon saw him like this, they would definitely think he was a polite and approachable prince.

Julian asked the servants to arrange tableware and chairs for Saxon and Andre, and served a few fresh dishes.

After they sat down, Julian introduced Saxon:

"I haven't introduced this to His Majesty the Third Prince and Mr. Andre yet. This is Lord Yann, a senior executive of the 'Flaming Red Lips' trading company in the Eastern Territory Empire.

This is her wife, Miss Mesa."

Mavis also used an alias, a combination of her own name and her sister's name, Rosa.

Saxon was slightly surprised when he heard Cohen's identity.

The "Flaming Red Lips" company is the largest luxury goods company in the continent. It takes a high-end route and mainly sells all kinds of rare treasures.

The target customers are celebrities, ladies of high status and children of powerful people from various countries.

Most importantly, it is said that the "Flaming Red Lips" has the support of the direct royal family of the Eastern Territory Empire, and is a veritable royal industry.

The influence is huge.

Saxon immediately put away the little thoughts in his mind. With a person of this level, the main thing to do is to make friends with him.

As for Andre next to him, curiosity also appeared on his face.

Andre is a real citizen of the Eastern Territory Empire.

Naturally, they also knew that the so-called "Flaming Red Lips" was actually orchestrated by Her Royal Highness the Princess Grace.

That was a piece of fat meat with huge profits every year, and even his real master, Prince Xia Zuo, couldn't help but want to get involved.

Unfortunately, Grace ruthlessly rejected him.

Therefore, he also became interested in this young man from the "Flaming Lips".

Julian's introduction continued:

"Lord Yann, I don't need to introduce you any further.

His Royal Highness the Third Prince of our Kingdom of Ceylon.

The one beside him is the palace tutor of our Third Prince, and is highly regarded by His Highness."

Cohen and Mavis stood up and saluted, and Saxon and Andre returned the salute.

After they sat down again, they began to exchange polite greetings.

After several rounds of meaningless flattery, Saxon was the first to lose patience and spoke first:
"You and your wife have come all the way to our Kingdom of Ceylon, but are you here for sightseeing?
If you don't mind, I can be your tour guide."

Cohen raised the corner of his mouth slightly and said with a smile:

"Your Highness is too polite."

He glanced at Julian and continued:
"Actually, there's nothing to hide. The Baron is planning to hold an auction, and he wrote to ask me to bring him a few treasures to show off his wealth.

My wife also wanted to go out for a walk, so she came along!"

(End of this chapter)