Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 177 The Jealous Queen

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Falkenham had taken a liking to Elif since he was just in college.

With Falkenham's secret assistance and deliberate training, Elif chose to take the Effiin National Civil Servant Recruitment Examination when he graduated from university.

With his outstanding personal abilities, he was successfully admitted to the central government agency and was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Four Border Affairs.

Finally, through personal efforts and Falkenham's secret coordination, he became the deputy director of the Western Border Relations Coordination Department.

Falkenhayn always regarded it as his biggest secret trump card and never used it easily.

Even in the entire Francis family, only a few people knew Elif's identity.

This time, since it involved his only son, Falkenhayn had no choice but to activate this secret trump card.

After finishing a busy day of government affairs, Elif, who had sent his wife and children back to her parents' home, returned home, respectfully went to a secret room and knocked gently on the door.

As a department-level cadre in the core central power organ, especially a department that often has to go to the local level.

Although Elif does not have those top officials who need police cars to lead the way when they go out, the advance control is not as exaggerated.

But when he went to the local area, he was usually surrounded by a large group of people serving him.

I have never seen him so respectful and careful even in his own home.

Soon, a low voice came from inside the door:

"come in."

Elif opened the door, looked at Falkenham behind the desk, and bowed:

"How has the Grand Duke been resting these days?"

Falkenhayn was a handsome, tall, middle-aged man with a thick beard and strong arms.

Seeing Elif, he stopped what he was doing, stood up and stretched his arms a few times, and said:
"It's okay, but I can't go out all the time. It's too stuffy."

Elif asked softly:
"How's the Duke's business going?

Did the people over there agree?"

A trace of annoyance and sadness appeared on Falkenhayn's face, and he shook his head and said:

“That bastard is still pulling our strings, and I still don’t know their true identities.

I only know that Black Tomb introduced them, saying they were the most likely to save Xirod."

There was a flicker of uneasiness in Falkenhayn's eyes.

The other party was too mysterious, and gave him the feeling that he was even more dangerous than the "Black Tomb".

Secretly cooperating with the "Black Tomb" is already a big taboo.

Especially because of the attack on His Majesty the King, the "Black Tomb" was expressly banned in the entire Effiin by Her Majesty the Queen.

Falkenhayn shuddered at the thought of the Queen finding out that he was collaborating with the Black Tomb.

He had also seen the fate of the heir to the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory.

Falkenhayn shook his head vigorously, as if this could get rid of the uneasiness in his heart.

A trace of regret emerged in his heart. Would it have been better if he had confessed to Her Majesty the Queen earlier and asked Her Majesty the Queen to help mediate?

But soon he shuddered.

He felt that if Her Majesty the Queen knew about what his son had done, she might even want to punish him!

Falkenhayn put aside all his thoughts and asked Elif:

"Has anything unusual happened in the court recently?"

Elif thought for a moment and quickly replied:
“There is one thing indeed.

Her Majesty the Queen convened a joint meeting of Cabinet ministers and members of the Military Commission a few days ago.

The content of the meeting was to set up a secret intelligence agency called the Military Intelligence Bureau, which is said to have great power.

Even cabinet ministers and royal nobles are under his supervision."

Falkenham was shocked. He had been hiding secretly in Elif's house for some time and was completely in the dark about the news outside.

I had no idea that such a big change had happened in the court.

Hearing about the secret intelligence agency, Falkenhayn felt a sudden panic in his heart and then asked:

"Why did Her Majesty establish such a powerful intelligence agency?
Doesn't she think the power she has is not big enough?"

Elif shook his head and said:

"This time it's really not the same, because the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau is His Majesty the King!
I've heard many people say that this is Her Majesty the Queen paving the way for His Majesty to return power to her!"

Falkenhayn looked thoughtful, then said:

"So, the person in charge of this organization now is the young girl named Nephthys?"

Elif replied in the affirmative, and then said:

"This person seems to have a very close relationship with the recently popular 'Lord of Shadows'.

There are also rumors that the 'Lord of Shadows' who has been missing for about a year has returned to Effiin and has chosen to cooperate with Her Majesty the Queen!

This organization, called the Military Control Bureau, is Her Majesty the Queen's display of sincerity towards the 'Lord of Shadows.'"

Falkenhayn's eyes flashed with thought, and he said in a deep voice:
"Yes, I investigated the 'Lord of Shadows' when he began to rise in Florence a year ago.

He was indeed always accompanied by a female sorceress named Nephthys.

So the real power behind this so-called Military Intelligence Bureau is this famous 'Lord of Shadows'?"

Elif bowed slightly and said:

"This should be."

Falkenhayn sighed and said:
"A mysterious and powerful figure suddenly intervened in the political situation in Effiin and even joined forces with Her Majesty the Queen. I really don't know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing."

The two chatted about some recent events in Florence. Falkenham was sure that his whereabouts had not been discovered, so he put his mind at ease.

After seeing Elif off, it was already very late at night, but Falkenham still had no desire to sleep and paced back and forth in the room.

Suddenly, a deep voice suddenly sounded in his ears:

"Are you thinking about selling yourself for a good price?"

Falkenhayn's whole body suddenly turned cold. He tried his best to suppress his fear, slowly turned his head and looked towards the source of the sound.

A dark shadow had appeared silently behind him at some point.

Falkenhayn quickly calmed down.

This is the royal capital. There are royal guards and detectives patrolling 24 hours a day. If you make any noise, your whereabouts will be immediately exposed.

He can't do anything!
Since the other party did not launch an attack immediately, it means that he was not trying to assassinate me.

Falkenhayn quickly analyzed the situation he was facing, while secretly pondering the other party's identity and background.

Looking at this elusive style of movement, could it be someone from the "Black Tomb"?
Did you get a reply to the matter you entrusted me with?
Thinking of this, Falkenham couldn't tell whether he was excited or disappointed.

He forced himself to calm down and asked in a deep voice:

"Are you from the Black Tomb?"

Cohen smiled faintly:
"It doesn't matter who I am, what matters is that I can give you what you want!"

Falkenhayn stared blankly at the black mask in front of him, remained silent for a long time, then shifted his gaze to look towards the thick darkness in the direction of the balcony.

He slowly asked:
“What will it cost me?
Are you rebelling together with the Gaunt family in the south? "

A cold voice sounded from behind Cohen's mask:

"You still know this is a rebellion, so there's still hope!"

Falkenhayn's gaze suddenly turned to Cohen, with a hint of horror in the depths of his eyes.

Cohen said calmly:

"If they can turn back from their mistakes, the Francis family can still survive!"

Falkenhayn was even more shocked, his expression became much more serious, and he asked in a deep voice:

"Who are you!"

The four words Cohen uttered were like a cold shower pouring down Falkenham's head, leaving him feeling icy cold all over.
"The Queen's people!"

Falkenhayn's face turned pale as paper, and his voice trembled with fear and mixed emotions:
"Your Highness... Your Highness already knows?"

Cohen's tone was neither hurried nor slow:
"We don't know yet."

The fear in Falkenhayn's eyes gradually turned into confusion. Then, with a sudden start, the premonition buried deep in his heart surfaced, and he blurted out:

"'Lord of Shadows'!
You are the 'Lord of Shadows'!"

Cohen clapped his hands lightly:

"You're smarter than I thought."

Falkenhayn forced a smile and said:
"I feel honored to receive praise from Mr. 'Shadow Lord'."

Cohen smiled faintly and said:

"Your Highness is very polite. I hope you don't mind my late-night visit."

Falkenhayn's face was filled with a mixture of laughter and tears. He extended his hand to lead the way.
"Please sit down. I'll pour you a glass of water."

Cohen slowly looked at Falkenham and said:

"Are you planning to cooperate with the Black Tomb, or with our Military Intelligence Bureau?"

Falkenhayn was stunned for a moment, pursed his lips, and said hesitantly:
"Your Excellency just said that he could give me what I wanted."

Cohen said slowly:

"I can help you coordinate the relationship between you and Archduke Ferdinand through private channels."

Falkenhayn's expression suddenly changed, his hands froze, and after a moment he gave a wry smile:
"Sir, are you really the descendant of an ancient family?"

In Falkenhayn's view, the person who could talk to Archduke Ferdinand of the Central Empire was undoubtedly the top powerful person on the continent.

Combined with the previous actions of this "Lord of Shadows", Falkenhayn had to think in this direction.

Cohen remained noncommittal and said:
"These are meaningless to you. You just need to know that I can help you, that's all!"

Falkenhayn hesitated and said:

"So what does it cost me?"

Cohen replied calmly:

"He became the first secret agent developed by our Military Intelligence Bureau after its establishment."

Falkenham's eyes suddenly showed dejection and dejection.

He fully understood what Cohen said. From now on, he and the Western Territory behind him would secretly provide all possible assistance to the Military Intelligence Bureau.

To put it more bluntly, he wanted to sell himself to the Military Control Commission!

Falkenhayn froze in place, his eyes becoming empty.

Cohen's voice was like the voice of a devil from hell:

"You have ten minutes to consider this. After ten minutes, I will report to your Queen!"

Falkenhayn's lip trembled imperceptibly.

This is the other party’s ultimatum!

Of course, he could choose to refuse the other party's request, but the price of refusal was that everything that happened here would be reported to Queen Effiin immediately.

Even if he hasn't done anything irreparable, he won't have a good ending just because he had secret contact with the "Black Tomb".

He also learned from multiple channels what happened at the Emerald Lake Battle a year ago.

Queen Effiin, Yadel Angryn, decisively killed several gold medal killers of the "Black Tomb" in front of a group of legends and saints.

This was enough to show how deeply the young Queen hated the Black Tomb. Therefore, he was certain that if the Queen learned of his secret contact with the Black Tomb, not only would he not be able to save his son, but even the Western Territory would be affected.

Cohen's voice continued to ring, like a death warrant:
"Of course, you have another choice.

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke is also an eighth-level transcendent, and the deputy director outside also has the strength of a fifth-level transcendent.

You two can try to join forces and see if you can keep me here."

Falkenham sighed deeply. Even if his strength was ten times stronger, he would not be able to do anything to a man who could act so arrogantly in front of a saint.

He said slowly:
"I agree, as long as you can save my son.

Our Francis family will obey the orders of the Military Control Commission from now on."

Cohen snapped his fingers and handed over a soul contract as usual:
"I need to remind you that after rescuing your son, he will also have to serve his sentence in China, otherwise I will not be able to communicate with Archbishop Ferdinand."

Falkenhayn breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"Yes, I also think he should suffer a little, otherwise it will bring us unbearable consequences sooner or later."

Falkenhayn signed his name obediently, then seemed to have lost all the energy and slumped down in his chair without saying a word.

Cohen slowly put away the soul contract and said:

"By the way, I've given you a codename. From now on, you'll be called 'Butcher'."

Cohen thought of a general in his previous life who had the same name as Falkenham, so he simply gave him this code name.

Falkenhayn was stunned for a moment, not knowing why the other party gave him such a murderous code name.

It's just a code name. Compared to selling yourself completely from head to toe to the other party, an unpleasant nickname seems insignificant.

He asked wearily:

"What do you need me to do for you?"

Cohen said calmly:

"Just like you did before, continue to contact the mysterious group that Black Tomb introduced you to.

Find out their purpose, and of course, their whereabouts and true identity.

Understand? "

Falkenhayn pursed his lips slightly, a hint of deep meaning appeared in his eyes, and asked:

"You know who that mysterious group is, right?"

Cohen straightened his clothes and said softly:
"Mr. Butcher.

Please remember that in front of me, you are just an ordinary staff member of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

And I am your only superior.

I will now teach you the basic rules of being a good agent -

When facing their superiors, subordinates have no right to ask questions or argue; they only have the option of obeying!

Falkenhayn's face flushed and then paled.

After a long time, he said in a muffled voice:

"I see!"

Cohen threw a communication stone to the other party and said lightly:
"If you have any questions, please contact me immediately. You will see your son in half a month!"

……

Early in the morning, Finkel and Lucia arrived at the Military Control Commission’s headquarters to clean.

As soon as they entered the door, they received the task assigned by Nephthys. After reading the task list, they all showed surprise.

However, they knew the rules and did not ask any questions. After signing the task list, they sent Nephthys away.

As soon as Nephthys left, Lucia couldn't help but exclaimed:
"What the hell is 'Madam' doing?

That's Vaughan Collins's house!

Just the two of us plus five ordinary police officers?
If it was so easy to get into the Collins family, how could Vaughan have been so prosperous for so many years?

Nephthys did not like people to call her by her official title, so she asked people to call her "Madam" internally.

Finkel frowned slightly and pondered for a long time.

Then he looked thoughtful and said in a deep voice:

"Send two police officers to the house tomorrow and tell them they're looking for Vaughn Collins. As for the rest, don't worry about it. I'll go alone."

Lucia was even more shocked, not knowing what the meaning of Finkel's actions was.

A calm expression appeared on Finkel's face. He took out his ID and a set of law enforcement uniforms designed by Cohen himself.

The uniform is all black and fits the body well, highlighting a cool and neat style.

The neckline is embroidered with silver trim, which contrasts sharply with the black body, making it look delicate and eye-catching.

The black straight-leg pants were straight and neat, matched with a black standard belt with an exquisite metal buckle engraved with a vigilant flying eagle pattern, which was the logo of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

The hats Cohen gave them were also very recognizable.

The black wide-brimmed hat has a stiff and slightly upturned brim, and the hat wall is also surrounded by a silver decorative band, with the hat badge neatly embedded in the front.

There is a chilling sense of majesty in the solemnity.

Finkel unfolded the documents he had found and took a look at them to confirm.

The cover says "Aifin Military Committee Investigation and Statistics Bureau".

The second page was Finkel's photo and specific position: Level 4 Investigation Director of the Operations Department of the Military Control Commission Headquarters.

There are four seals on it, and it is these four seals that suddenly increase the value of the certificate.

These four seals are from:
The authorized seal of His Majesty King Effiin!

The authorized seal of Her Majesty Queen Effiin!

The Prime Minister of the Effiin Cabinet has the seal of authorization!

The administrative seal of the Effiin Military Committee!
The last page is signed by His Majesty the King!

Fingel put the document into the inner pocket of his coat and said to Lucia:
"Take five patrol officers and wait outside a street near Collins' residence. Wait for my signal to act."

Lucia looked at Finkel in his uniform and felt that he had suddenly become a different person. His whole temperament became much colder and more solemn.

At this moment, Finkel didn't look like a student who had just graduated from military academy.

More like a cold-blooded executioner!
Lucia asked blankly:

"What...what signal?"

A cold look appeared in Finger's eyes as he said calmly:
"You'll know then!"

……

When Nephthys received the news that Fingle had begun to act, she immediately entered the palace.

I heard the crisp sound of high heels on the road.

Nephthys looked up and saw Adele, dressed in gorgeous palace attire, walking towards her gracefully.

The two met face to face.

Nephthys's eyes narrowed slightly. Yadel Angryn's appearance and temperament made Nephthys, who was also a woman, feel a little moved.

The charm of this queen of yours seems to have surpassed the limits of human ability.

Nephthys put aside her thoughts, smiled at Her Majesty the Queen, bowed, and said:
"Good morning, Your Highness. Why are you up so early?"

Adele nodded slightly:
"Good morning, Miss Nephthys. What brings you to the palace so early in the morning?"

Nephthys replied calmly:
"His Majesty wants to know more about the preparations for the Military Intelligence Bureau. I'm here to give him some information."

Adair raised her eyebrows slightly, and without asking any more questions, she watched Nephthys leave.

On the way to the Government Affairs Hall, Adair asked the female official beside her:

"Your Majesty, have you been getting up early lately?"

The female official replied:

"Yes, His Majesty usually goes to the study to read before daybreak."

A gentle smile appeared on Adair's face, and she immediately asked:

"Has Miss Nephthys been visiting His Majesty often these past few days?"

The leading female official fell silent for a moment, hesitating for a long time before she cautiously spoke under Her Majesty the Queen's increasingly dignified gaze:

“Yes…it’s quite frequent.

And... I stayed there for a long time."

Adair's face showed no emotion. She continued walking forward and suddenly asked:
"How old is Miss Nephthys?"

The female official smiled slightly and replied in a low voice:

"Listen...listen to Ms. Peggy who is recording the palace magic circle pass information for Miss Nephthys.

Miss Nephthys is about fifteen or sixteen years old."

Adair stopped and pondered:
"Fifteen or sixteen, about the same age as Your Majesty... but he doesn't look like it. He's growing up quite fast."

The female official kept her mouth shut and said nothing.

Adele pursed her red lips and fell into deep thought.

We are of similar age, and with such an unfair appearance and figure, it makes me a little concerned!

A glimmer of light flashed in Adair's eyes. She continued to move forward and said to the female official behind her:
“After Miss Nephthys leaves His Majesty, tell her.

If you have anything you need for Her Majesty in the future, just give it to me directly. I can pass it on for her."

The female official immediately replied:

"Okay, Your Highness."

Jealous!
Her Majesty the Queen is jealous!
The female official silently suppressed her strong urge to complain.

Nephthys naturally didn't know that she had been ruthlessly deprived of the opportunity to meet Cohen by her elder sister.

She met Cohen and told him the news that Finger had started to take action.

Cohen's expression changed slightly, and he asked:
"What is he going to do?"

Nephthys replied:

"I don't know the details, but judging by his plans, it seems he has some plans."

Cohen raised his lips slightly and said:
"interesting.

My subordinates are so decisive, and as a leader, I can’t fall behind!
Vaughan Collins, I have also learned some information about this person from other channels these days.

There's more to this man than meets the eye.

His story is not as simple as what Finger and the others found out!"

Nephthys suddenly wrinkled her nose and asked:

"What did you do up there last night, sir?"

Cohen replied calmly:
"what happened?"

Nephthys narrowed her eyes suspiciously and said:

"It smells like a strange woman."

A trace of surprise flashed across Cohen's brows.

No way, how come this little girl has such a sharp nose?
I took a shower after I came back last night!
Looking at the increasingly suspicious light in Nephthys' eyes, Cohen coughed lightly and said:
"It's not as complicated as you think. I went to exchange information with an important figure in the Black Tomb.

I haven't had time to tell you yet, but our Military Intelligence Bureau has officially merged with the Northwest branch of the Black Tomb. Well, to be more precise, from now on, our Military Intelligence Bureau will be the spokesperson for the Black Tomb in the Northwest Continent!"

(End of this chapter)