Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 279: The King of Ceylon Comments on Cohen's Romantic History

He Lan immediately became cautious when he heard this.

Baron Marin's words were clearly hinting that this so-called private matter was done on behalf of His Royal Highness the Second Prince Charles.

A hint of joy suddenly appeared in Helan's heart. If the superior is willing to let you handle private matters, it means that he has regarded you as his own.

Helan did not dare to neglect anything and said quickly:
"Don't worry, Baron. I know what to do."

Baron Marin nodded with satisfaction and asked:

"What do you think of the Crimson Reaver?"

Helan didn't know why Baron Marin suddenly asked this question. After a little thought, he answered carefully:
"The Scarlet Plunderers' actions have severely damaged the Kingdom of Ceylon's layout and dominance in the Northwest Sea. They deserve severe punishment."

Baron Marin waved his hand:
"I'm not asking what to do with the Scarlet Reaver. I'm asking you, how strong is the Scarlet Reaver?"

Helan replied:

“If it was before, his strength should be slightly better than our Black Sail Group.

But after conquering the Weeping Trench, their strength will experience an explosive growth.

Roughly equivalent to... the size and power of a larger principality?"

Baron Marin nodded slowly and said:
"It's such a big piece of cake, Captain Helan, who do you think should go and get it?"

Helan seemed to understand something and replied without hesitation:
"Of course it's His Royal Highness the Second Prince."

Baron Marin was silent for a while and said:
"We also hope it will be His Royal Highness the Second Prince."

Helan was a little confused and asked tentatively:
"As far as I know, isn't the Ceylon Navy currently under the command of His Royal Highness the Second Prince?"

Baron Marin said calmly:

“Captain Helan, you still don’t understand what I mean.

Although the Ceylon Navy is under the command of Your Highness, it still comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense and the Military Council, do you understand?"

Helan suddenly realized.

If we follow the normal process, after defeating the Scarlet Plunderer, the spoils and territory must be brought to the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Commission, where the issue of profit distribution will be discussed.

No matter how it is divided at that time, the Second Prince will not be able to take it all alone.

Baron Marin meant that he hoped that the Second Prince could eat this piece of cake alone.

Although Helan understood, he couldn't help but feel a little doubtful.

What does such a national affair as the Kingdom of Ceylon have to do with him, the leader of a pirate group?
Is it possible that he can still interfere?
Marin coughed lightly and lowered his voice:
“Captain Helan, how much spoils were taken after the war, and how much territory was conquered.

The commander-in-chief of the operation has the final say on how many ships and sub-bases belong to the Scarlet Reavers."

Helan's eyes lit up, and he said, following Marin's words:

"My Lord Baron, do you mean to let one of our own people take charge of the operation?
Could it be that Commander Norn..."

Baron Marin said meaningfully:
"Commander Norn is an upright general."

Helan's pupils shrank slightly and he nodded slowly.

Integrity means inflexibility, and the second prince hopes that someone else can take over as the commander-in-chief.

Marin gave Helan a look that showed his understanding, and then said:
"Captain Helan, do you know why I am telling you this?"

Helan asked tentatively:
"Does the Baron wish me to persuade Commander Gaston to take command of the operation?"

Marin said calmly:

“It’s more than that.

I also hope that after the war is won.

The ships and sub-bases under the command of the Scarlet Reaver can all be registered under the name of your Black Sails. Do you understand?"

Helan's pupils shrank slightly, and he finally understood the real purpose of Baron Marin's spying for him today.

By registering the territories and ships that originally belonged to the Scarlet Reavers under the name of the Black Sails, the Second Prince Charles could quietly develop and cultivate his own private power.

It seems that the struggle for the throne within the Kingdom of Ceylon has intensified!
Seeing that he had almost fooled the other party, Marin added another insurance:
"Captain Helan, I will not admit what I said today once I leave this room.

Moreover, Gaston took on the role of commander-in-chief of the operation out of his own wish, without any persuasion or guidance from anyone.

Do you...understand?"

Helan knew that the other party was warning him not to talk nonsense, so he nodded seriously and said:

"Don't worry, sir. I know what to do."

Baron Marin smiled and patted Helan on the shoulder:

"When Your Highness ascends the throne, I will remember your service to the emperor!"

……

After dealing with Helan, Baron Marin went straight to find the second prince Charles.

His Royal Highness Charles was very surprised and asked:

"Gaston wants to be the commander-in-chief of the operation?"

Baron Marin nodded slowly:

"He didn't say it explicitly, probably because he had some concerns in his heart. He only hinted at this intention through the Black Sail Group's leader, Helan.

I hope His Highness can help me put in some words, and of course, I will also work hard to get it done.”

Charles frowned slightly and asked:

"Didn't he give a specific reason?"

Baron Marin lowered his voice:
"I guess there's a certain selfish motive."

He paused and then said:

"The outcome of the war is irrelevant. No matter how powerful the Scarlet Reavers are, they are no match for the North Sea Fleet.

The key lies in the distribution of the spoils after the war.

The Scarlet Reavers are a pirate group, and the Black Sails are also a pirate group.

After the Crimson Reavers were wiped out, they left behind so many sub-bases, ships, and pirates...

If these things were registered under the name of the Black Sails..."

Charles understood, a sneer flashed in his eyes, and he said:

"I can fight for him, but in exchange... I want 70%!
Since the human smuggling business has stopped, I'm using this to supplement my family income."

Baron Marin bowed slightly, a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and said:
"Your Highness is wise!"

……

In the Council Hall of the Kingdom of Ceylon, the ministers were discussing Aifein's actions on the border.

Prime Minister Youde reported the latest situation:
“It has been found out that there are two saints, in addition to the oath-breaker Garcia Lance who rebelled from the Black Tomb.

The other is the Saint of the Golden Wing Family, Jialin Saint Mela.

She was also the lover of King Effiin and the aunt of Isabella, the Daughter of Golden Wings.

In addition to the two saints, there are fifteen legendary transcendents.

Half of them are special operations commissioners from the Effiin Special Operations Committee.

Oh, this Special Operations Committee is equivalent to the Senate before Effiin.

The previous Senate was abolished by King Effiin because of open rebellion during the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference.

After the abolition, King Corleone summoned the legendary class who were loyal to the royal family in the country to form this special operations committee.

He and Queen Angryn are responsible."

King Gaius's face was flickering with great interest. This King of Corleone did a really good job in centralizing power among the monarchs, apart from anything else.

Take time to learn from others.

Prime Minister Youde continued:

“The remaining Legendary ranks all come from Pale Wing.

Therefore, I conclude that Aifei's border action is merely a demonstration and deterrent, and no substantive measures will be taken."

The ministers also agreed with this view. It has been more than ten days since these people showed off their power on the border. Apart from releasing their aura every day, they have not taken any further action.

King Gaius said with a hint of doubt:

“Is it just a simple demonstration?
He dispatched so many Saints and Legendaries just to vent his anger. Is King Corleone so childish? "

Prime Minister Youde said:

“I’m afraid that’s the truth.

If Effiin really wants to take action against our Kingdom of Ceylon, their greatest reliance will be the terrifying number of "elite" orc legions.

But according to our intelligence, there has been no large-scale mobilization or deployment of Effiin's Orc Legion."

Duke Gavin smiled faintly and said:
“I agree with the Prime Minister.

As for the childish issue that Your Majesty mentioned... Don't forget that King Corleone, who rules Effiin, is not yet twenty years old this year.

We cannot use common sense to infer his actions."

King Gaius suddenly chuckled and said:

"Gavin is right. For a king who is willing to pretend to be the leader of an adventuring group and go on an expedition, any unusual behavior is understandable."

Duke Gavin had a smile on his face, but a sense of vigilance rose in his heart.

What did King Gaius mean by suddenly bringing this up?

Dress up as the leader of an adventure group and go on an adventure.

Was he hinting that his son Ifir-O had once gone on adventures with King Effiin?

Doubt the relationship between you and Effiin?

Duke Gavin couldn't help but think about it, because there was something wrong in the recent situation in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

The first thing he did was to find out some information about King Corleone of Effiin.

It is said that the young king once appeared in the territory of their Duke Gavin as the "Lord of Shadows" and even went on adventures with Duke Gavin's only son, Ifilo Gavin, and they had a good relationship.

What's more, it is rumored that the secret of controlling orcs in the hands of King Effiin was found by him and Ifilo in a secret place in the territory of the Gavin family.

These rumors pointed directly at Duke Gavin. Duke Gavin initially ignored these slanderous rumors, but the rumors became more and more true and spread more and more widely.

Especially after Duke Gavin asked his son Ifiro, he was shocked to find that most of the rumors were true.

This bastard son of his had actually once gone on an adventure with the King of Effiin, who used the alias "Lord of Shadows", to a place called Starfall Valley in the territory.

Duke Gavin was really panicked this time.

The entire Kingdom of Ceylon is currently in a sensitive period because of the Effiin incident. If the political enemies really get hold of any evidence, it will definitely be a heavy blow to the Gavin family.

Duke Gavin was sometimes a little disdainful. It was just a small principality. Could he really lead his troops to attack?

This is the Kingdom of Ceylon, Ceylon that has stood in the northwestern continent for tens of thousands of years!

Until now, even the appearance of a few legendary saints on the border has caused panic.

Duke Gavin felt that the Kingdom of Ceylon was now somewhat stressed. Even when facing their arch-enemy, the neighboring Kingdom of Fengxi, the Kingdom of Ceylon had never been in such a mess.

The ministers present were all shrewd men, and they were all experienced veterans who had practiced in the court, the top gossip furnace, for countless years.

They are all good at carefully pondering every word and every phrase that comes from the Most High.

King Gaius suddenly mentioned to Duke Gavin that King Effiin once pretended to be the leader of an adventure group and went on adventures. This made these old hands think of the rumor that has been circulating in the country recently!
Ifirol Gavin, the only son of Duke Gavin and the sole heir of the Gavin family, once had extremely close contacts with King Effiin.

Facing the malicious gazes of the ministers, Duke Gavin remained calm. After King Gaius finished speaking, he did not make any statement, but just laughed, as if he did not hear what the king said.

King Gaius seemed to be just saying it casually. After mentioning King Effiin, he said to Prime Minister Youde:

"In that case, let's withdraw our troops first and leave two people to monitor their movements."

"Okay, Your Majesty."

After dealing with the issues on the border, I can finally free up my hands to wipe out the pirates who dared to challenge the majesty of Ceylon!

King Gaius looked at Admiral Norn, the commander-in-chief of the navy, and said in a deep voice:

"General Norn, I authorize you to immediately organize a kingdom expeditionary force to defeat these arrogant pirates.

There is only one goal, to completely, resolutely and completely wipe out this group of pirates called the Scarlet Reavers!

Bring me back their leader's head. I'll be waiting in the capital to celebrate your victory!"

Commander Norn replied loudly:
"Yes, Your Majesty, I promise to complete the task!"

After the meeting, everyone left.

Two of them deliberately slowed down their movements, obviously wanting to report something to King Gaius in private.

They are Duke of Gavan and His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

King Gaius's eyes moved slightly. He thought that if Gavin stayed, Charles might have something to say to him alone.

Charles glanced at Duke Gavin and said:

"Duke has something to say?"

Gavin had an unfathomable smile on his face:

"Nothing, just some small talk with His Majesty. If Your Highness has anything else to do, I will leave first. We can talk again next time if there is a chance."

His Royal Highness Charles smiled back, then turned to look at Gaius:
"I don't have anything important to do. I just want to discuss with my father the selection of the commander-in-chief of the operation."

King Gaius asked:
“Who do you want to recommend?

Commander Norn is not good?"

Charles whispered:
“It’s not impossible, but I heard that the war in the northwest sea area not long ago involved the Shark People and the Tide People.

These two are not small races, and there are saint-level figures within their tribes.

Commander Norn is a prodigy in military operations, but... he's a bit blunt. If we escalate the conflict with them, wouldn't that just provoke a powerful enemy for the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

King Gaius's eyes flashed with understanding, and he said:

"Who do you think is suitable?"

Charles said in a deep voice:
"Deputy Commander General Gaston has dealt with many races in the Northwest Sea. He is also proficient in the common language of the sea and has sharkmen under his command. He is the most suitable person to take charge."

King Gaius nodded and said:

"I understand. I will consider your opinion when we hold the Military Commission Standing Committee meeting."

"Then I'll take my leave."

After Charles left, Duke Gavin slowly spoke:
"Your Majesty, there are some things I would like to report to you in private."

Gaius waved his hand to dismiss the maids and guards in the palace and said:
"Speak, Duke."

Duke Gavin organized his words and said:
"Regarding the domestic rumor, it is true that my son Ifilo once had adventures with King Corleone of Effiin."

King Gaius showed no special emotion on his face, as if he had already grasped the matter.

Duke Gavin continued:

"The reason why Ifilo had an encounter with the Lord of Shadows, who was disguised by King Corleone, was related to a person. To be more precise, it was related to an elf."

A hint of surprise flashed in Gaius' eyes. This was something he had never understood before.

Duke Gavin continued:

"Your Majesty should have heard of this elf. It is none other than Windsardelle Windrunner, the princess of the Winged Elf tribe and a close minister to Her Majesty, Empress Klein, and the Grand Minister of the Central Empire's Court."

Gaius narrowed his eyes slightly and said:

"she?

I remember she was one of King Corleone's many mistresses?"

Duke Gavin bowed slightly:

“I’m not very clear about the love story between Windsordale and King Corleone.

However, it was this close minister of Queen Klein who came to the old minister's clan territory.

I will send someone to receive you both for official and personal reasons.

The person in charge of receiving Windsardler was my son Ifilo.

This elven envoy's personality is somewhat... unconventional and he likes adventure. After hearing that there is a secret place related to the ancient elves in the territory of the Laochen family, he asked to go and find out.

Ifilo was worried that something might happen, so he recruited a group of adventurers to explore together.

The adventure group of King Corleone was one of those that came to participate in the recruitment. Logically speaking, with his strength at that time, King Corleone should not have been selected, but Windsardle Windrunner chose him.

Therefore, the old minister's son came into contact with King Corleone, who had hidden his identity.

But that was all. According to Ifilo, nothing unusual happened during the entire expedition. Furthermore, King Corleone and Windsardelle had a close relationship throughout the entire process, and he didn't have any in-depth communication with King Corleone.

King Gaius suddenly laughed out loud and said:
"In other words, the emotional entanglement between the romantic king and the empress's envoy must have started from that adventure, right?"

Duke Gavin was stunned for a moment, a little caught off guard by the King's sudden change of mind, but he still replied:
"That should be the case. After all, a young king in his teens couldn't possibly interact with the empress and her close ministers who were high up in the Central Empire."

King Gaius sighed:
“What an enviable young man.

It’s not enough to have the most beautiful woman in the continent, he also has to hook up with so many beautiful girls.

Outsiders say that he is a romantic man, and they are not wrong.

Count the women around him, the daughter of the Golden Wing from the Golden Wing Family, the richest family on the continent, the dragon-riding warrior who was named Duchess by him, and by the way, I heard that he also has an unclear relationship with the Lord of Sequence and the Cursed Witch from the Mysterious Continent.

If you think about it, he couldn’t have achieved what he has today without the support of so many women behind him.”

King Gaius didn't know that the eldest princess of the Eastern Territory Empire was also working for Cohen in the Endless Alliance for free, otherwise he would have been even more shocked.

Duke Gavin lowered his head and said nothing.

Gaius waved his hand and said:
"I understand, Duke, you're worrying too much. These little rumors won't affect the relationship between you and me."

Duke Gavin bowed slightly and left the palace.

King Gaius looked at Duke Gavin's receding figure, his eyes full of meaning, and no one knew what he was thinking.

He chuckled and went back to the study.

Not long after, the long-missed third prince, Saxon Cromwell, appeared in the king's study.

The Saxon prince swept away the embarrassment and decadence he had shown in Effiin, and said to King Gaius with a firm gaze:
"Father, how was the test today? How did Duke Gavin respond?"

Gaius's face flickered with a strange color as he repeated Duke Gavin's answer to Saxon.

Saxon's eyes flashed with jealousy, and then he said:
"Excuses, just excuses.

The king could not believe Gavin's one-sided words.

He was certain we couldn't confront that Windsordale guy, so he made up this excuse."

King Gaius said in a deep voice:
"Saxon, this matter is of great importance. We still need sufficient evidence."

Saxon said firmly:
“Father, there will be evidence.

Not only will there be evidence, there will also be witnesses. Then you will definitely see the true face of Duke Gavin."

King Gaius fell into deep thought. He actually had complicated feelings towards Duke Gavin.

Respect, really respect.

Duke Gavin is a veteran minister who has served three dynasties. Of course, the most important thing is that after his great-grandfather usurped the throne of the orthodox royal family, Duke Gavin was the first to stand up and express his support clearly.

Based on this point alone, King Gaius cannot take action against the Gavin family without sufficient reason.

The Gavin family is not just a family, it also represents many families in the country that have existed for thousands of years.

At the beginning, these families tacitly agreed that their branch would replace the orthodox royal family to rule Ceylon, and there was a political tacit understanding between the two sides.

If the Gavin family is dealt with without a legitimate reason, it is likely to cause a chain reaction. If it is not handled properly, civil unrest is very likely to occur.

This is absolutely unbearable in the Kingdom of Ceylon today.

Therefore, even when his most trusted son came out to testify that Duke Gavan was secretly colluding with the Kingdom of Ceylon's arch-enemy, the Kingdom of Windbreak, and the emerging and ambitious Effiin to conspire against Ceylon, King Gaius still chose to be cautious.

He couldn't do anything until there was clear evidence that all this was true!
Facing Saxon's statement, Gaius said slowly:
"Give me evidence. As long as there is evidence that convinces all forces in the country, I will authorize you to take action against the Gavin family!"

Saxon's eyes flashed with blood, and he nodded heavily:

"Yes, Father!"

Saxon left the palace and returned to his own house.

After waving goodbye to the servants, he came to a secret room alone.

A middle-aged figure suddenly appeared before him. The man had his back to him. Hearing the noise, he slowly turned around and smiled gently at Saxon.
"Your Highness, long time no see!"

(End of this chapter)