Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

As a top core figure of the Eastern Empire, he was traveling with the important mission of welcoming the Princess and her future husband back to the country.

The specifications must be strictly adhered to.

Therefore, Viscount Rondo brought not only a royal-level guard with him this time.

They even specially commissioned an adult storm dragon, known for its speed and long-distance flight capabilities, as their mount.

This enormous creature was covered in hard, dark blue scales, with sharp, bony spikes protruding from its back.

The enormous dragon wings were folded to its sides, and it lay quietly on the vast open ground outside the city of Quesaon, breathing only as if asleep.

It brought forth gusts of low wind pressure, radiating a legendary aura that made one's heart tremble.

This was, in fact, the first time Cohen had ever seen an adult dragon from the Land of Dragons.

Cohen was quite interested in this Eastern empire that claimed to be descended from dragons.

After all, he himself is considered a dragon-related extraordinary profession.

When it was time to leave, the newly crowned Queen Freya personally led a group of cabinet ministers to line up outside the royal city gates to see her off.

The grand procession was a testament to the high level of courtesy extended to the Eastern Empire.

Such a grand scene surprised Viscount Rondo somewhat, since Ceylon and the Eastern Empire, while having no old grudges, were not traditional allies either.

Although Prince Shazo once supported Ceylon, he supported Gaius's lineage, and should be considered an enemy of Freya.

He had no idea that the young queen's presence was primarily to bid farewell to Cohen, who had concealed his true identity and was about to leave with him.

After a brief, official farewell, Freya stood quietly at the front of the line.

With a deep gaze, Cohen followed Viscount Rondo and Princess Grace as they stepped onto the broad, platform-like back of the Storm Dragon.

His eyes betrayed an uncontrollable reluctance to part.

Cohen understood Freya's feelings; after all, she had just taken advantage of him and then ran off to meet another woman's parents.

That's really not very ethical.

But there was nothing he could do; he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

After subtly conveying his love and feelings to Freya with a glance, Cohen turned to Viscount Rondo and said:

"Viscount, let's go."

"it is good."

With a dragon's roar that tore through the sky, the giant beast suddenly spread its wings that blotted out the sun, and its powerful hind legs pushed off the ground, stirring up clouds of dust.

A surge of powerful magical energy erupted, and the dragon's massive body suddenly soared into the air, transforming into a streak of bluish-gray lightning.

They sped off towards the distant Land of Dragons, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

This adult storm dragon possesses formidable strength at the high level of the legendary tier, and its flight speed is astonishing.

Each flap of its wings swept across a vast sea of ​​clouds.

In just three days, they had already traversed most of the Endless Sea.

On the distant horizon, the majestic Dragon Continent, shrouded in misty vapor and a vast energy field, is already in sight.

A legendary storm dragon led the way, and a well-equipped and imposing "King-level" guard escorted them throughout.

The journey through the sea of ​​clouds and across the vast ocean went very smoothly, without encountering any unexpected troubles or attacks.

Occasionally, they would encounter anti-aircraft mage groups from several countries, but upon seeing the flags and dragons of the Eastern Empire, they would quickly avoid them.

Just as they were about to reach the Land of Dragons, and could already see the outline of the coastline in the distance.

Viscount Rondo went to Cohen's cabin and told him about an arrangement that surprised him.

Prince Xia Zuo of the Eastern Empire will personally lead the empire's civil and military officials in a grand and solemn welcoming ceremony outside the capital city of Longdu.

This was both to demonstrate to the entire Eastern Empire the extreme importance and sincerity they placed on their son-in-law, the "Pirate King," and also to announce it to the world in a manner that was almost a public announcement.

The empire was officially confirmed to all as Cohen's prestigious status as the future husband of Princess Grace Down.

Cohen was slightly surprised when he heard the news.

His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, a hint of doubt flashing through his mind.

However, he didn't reveal it directly, but simply asked casually:
"Viscount Longdo, according to the custom of the Eastern Empire."

Are important ceremonies like these, welcoming foreign guests, usually presided over by His Highness the Prince himself?

Viscount Rondo was astute as he was, and immediately discerned the probing intent in Cohen's words.

What he really wanted to ask was why Prince Xiazuo, with whom he had a long-standing grudge and a delicate relationship, would take the initiative to take on this task that should have been handled by the head of the civil service.

Viscount Rondo took a small step closer and lowered his voice even further:

"To be honest, sir, this matter was originally prepared entirely by the Prime Minister, Duke Tiberius Hawke."

However... when the final schedule was determined, His Highness Prince Xiazu volunteered to His Majesty.

They insisted on personally greeting the gentleman at the city gate to show their utmost respect.

A playful smile curved at the corners of Cohen's lips.

He actually spoke directly without any hesitation:
“Viscount Longdo, speaking of which, I am the mortal enemy of your Prince Xiazuo.”

King Cohen Corleone of Effie has just formed a solid alliance.

Together, we turned his Ceylon kingdom, which he had painstakingly built up over many years, upside down.

Logically speaking, it's already rare that His Highness doesn't hate me to the core, but now he's going to personally come out of the city to welcome me with such a grand ceremony.

This magnanimity is truly admirable.

Viscount Rondo remained completely unfazed by the question, as if he had anticipated it.

He replied in a calm voice:
"Mr. Yann, you flatter me."

There are never permanent friends or enemies between nations.

The Kingdom of Ceylon was indeed an important partner of His Highness in the past, but times have changed.

Lord Yaon Hughes, the Pirate King who now rules over the vast northwestern waters of the Endless Sea and commands a powerful fleet, is a more strategically valuable ally for the Eastern Empire and a more worthwhile investment.

not to mention……"

He paused briefly, looked up at Cohen, and emphasized his words:

"Your Excellency is about to enter into a marriage contract with Princess Grace, becoming a member of the royal family of my Eastern Empire, sharing the glory and disgrace of the empire."

Given the overall situation, it is perfectly normal for His Highness to make such a reasonable choice.

Please don't worry, the entire empire welcomes your arrival with the utmost sincerity.

Viscount Rondo's answer was watertight, highlighting both the reality of prioritizing self-interest and the connection to the marriage alliance.

Prince Xia Zuo's seemingly unusual behavior was cleverly explained as an inevitable choice based on national interests.

They even took the opportunity to praise Cohen's status.

Viscount Rondo's response was impeccable, even somewhat flattering.

Cohen's playful smile deepened, and he nodded slightly, his tone carrying a warmth that was hard to discern as genuine:

"That would be wonderful."

To be honest, Viscount, in my heart, I have always regarded Prince Xia Zuo as a brother I could share everything with.

To be honest, I've always felt guilty towards His Highness regarding my collaboration with Effie, if it weren't for…”

Before Cohen could finish speaking, Grace, who had been sitting quietly to the side, could no longer contain herself.

She coughed twice, choked by the utterly hypocritical platitudes, and a faint blush rose on her fair face, clearly indicating that she couldn't bear to listen anymore.

Just as the two were exchanging witty remarks, the sensation they felt beneath their feet suddenly changed.

The Storm Dragon's massive body began to slow down noticeably, its flight altitude continued to decrease, and the whistling wind in its ears gradually weakened.

The majestic outline of the city below and its rows of buildings rapidly magnified in the field of vision and became clearly visible.

Viscount Rondo stood up, his face once again displaying his standard official smile, bowed slightly to Cohen, and said in a ceremonial tone:
“Mr. Yann Hughes, we have arrived at the heart of the great Eastern Empire – Dragon City!”
Welcome to the Empire!

……

As the Storm Dragon's massive body began to slow down, the air currents created by its wings gradually subsided, and its altitude slowly decreased.

In Cohen's vision, an incomparably magnificent and grand scene unfolded like an epic scroll, breathtakingly overwhelming him.

Cohen Corleone had seen his share of magnificent city-states.

As the undisputed strongest nation on the continent, the capital of the Central Empire, Göttingen, is renowned for its magnificent architecture, which has long been recognized as the pinnacle of human architectural art and is undoubtedly the most magnificent city in human history.

Whether in terms of political influence, economic vitality, population size, or the convergence of extraordinary power, Juntandins firmly holds the top position.

However, when the "Dragon City" belonging to the Eastern Empire came into full view, even with Cohen's composure, he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

In terms of overall strength and civilizational heritage, Constantinople may still be ahead, but in terms of sheer physical scale and visual grandeur, Constantinople probably has to concede a little.

Although Cohen had "seen" the city's model countless times in his past life's game memories, it was only when he was actually there, experiencing its unparalleled grandeur with his own flesh and blood, that he truly understood.

The impact, originating from the depths of the soul, remains so strong that it defies description.

There's only one word that can best summarize his first impression—big!

It's just big, and bigger!
Every aspect of this city seems to have been magnified to the extreme by some kind of obsession.

It's as if the ancient creators of the Eastern Empire had a deep-seated obsession with "greatness".

The city walls were as high as a continuous mountain range, and were not a defensive barrier in the usual sense.

Its height and thickness far exceed imagination; when a person stands under it, they will instantly feel as insignificant as dust.

The main building complex within the city was unbelievably large, with palaces, towers, and squares reaching an astonishing scale.

So much so that even the enormous adult storm dragon beneath Cohen's feet seemed as insignificant as it flew close to the city, appearing like an insect circling a towering tree.

This was a grandeur that defied common sense and bordered on tyranny, giving Cohen the most direct experience of nothing but shock. Grace keenly captured the undisguised awe in Cohen's eyes as he gazed at the ever-expanding megacity beneath his feet.

A captivating smile curved her lips slightly. Her voice, though soft, pierced clearly through the howling wind whipped up by the dragon's descent, carrying a pride that ran deep in her blood.

“It’s spectacular, isn’t it?”

Our Dragon City!

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze also falling on the imposing complex of buildings, as if she were gazing through them at a distant history:
"Back then, the founders of the empire, those ancestors with dragon blood and foresight, were planning this imperial capital."

He then established a principle that shocked everyone—

This 'Dragon City,' which is about to become the heart of the empire, is a place where every inch of land and every building is located.

They must all be built according to the standards of the ancient dragon city-state!
It must not only be able to accommodate the empire's hundreds of millions of citizens, but also be able to calmly welcome the colossal dragon companions with outstretched wings.

Let the dragons' allies feel as comfortable and honored as if they were returning to their nest here!

Upon hearing Grace's explanation, Cohen's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly as he forcefully suppressed the surging astonishment in his heart.

His gaze swept once more over the towering domes and towers that seemed to have been built for Titans, and the vast plazas and avenues wide enough for several dragons to spread their wings side by side.

He slowly nodded, his voice carrying a hint of undeniable admiration:

"It must be admitted that what you see with your own eyes is far better than any legend."

With such scale and grandeur, this city-state is indeed large enough for a complete dragon race to live, soar, and even reproduce here.

This is no longer the capital of a human kingdom; it's more like a sacred abode tailor-made for mythical creatures!

The two had barely exchanged a few words when they were interrupted by a deafening roar.

First, they moved in perfect unison, like the booming of cannons during a thunderous salute.

A full 108 shots were fired, the deep, rhythmic booms sounding as if knocking on the gates of heaven and earth, announcing the arrival of this momentous occasion.

Immediately afterwards, grand and solemn court music began to play, and the magnificent music swept across the entire landing platform and even the distant urban area like a tide.

Countless flags embroidered with the dragon emblem of the Eastern Empire fluttered in the wind.

In this highly ceremonial atmosphere, Prince Shazo appeared solemnly in Cohen's sight.

Behind him followed a densely packed line of civil and military officials, standing solemnly according to their titles and ranks.

The welcoming party, representing the highest power core of the Eastern Empire, has arrived before Cohen.

Cohen's gaze swept calmly over the group of the empire's most elite nobles, lingering for a moment on Prince Shazo's enthusiastic face.

He then naturally raised his arm.

Grace understood immediately and gently took his arm.

The next moment, amidst a sky full of fireworks, magnificent music, and countless focused gazes, the couple appeared as if they were a divine couple who had stepped out of a myth.

They walked steadily forward, facing the welcoming procession that represented the supreme authority of the Eastern Empire.

After Cohen and his party left the giant platform where the Storm Dragon landed, Prince Xiazuo, leading a large contingent of civil and military officials from the Eastern Empire, arrived nearby.

Viscount Rondo stepped forward and skillfully acted as an introducer, moving back and forth between the two parties and introducing them to each other.

Prince Xia Zuo, who was standing at the very front of the group, needs no further introduction.

Even when using the disguised identity of Yann Hughes, the two had dealt with each other quite a bit in their early years.

For example, there were several instances of cooperation in the complex games and schemes against the Crown Prince of the Southern Empire.

Therefore, Viscount Longdo's introduction mainly focused on the core high-ranking officials and hereditary nobles of the Eastern Empire who were relatively unfamiliar to or had little contact with Prince Xiazuo.

This includes high-ranking officials who hold significant power over personnel and finances, several marshals who command the Empire's elite legions, and several hereditary dukes who are highly respected in the Senate.

Every important person introduced wore a warm smile.

However, deep within those eyes, tempered by the power struggles, gleamed a scrutinizing light.

They seem to be assessing what impact such a powerful pirate king, who dominates the endless seas, becoming the son-in-law of the Eastern Empire would have on them and the empire's situation.

After the introductions were completed, the welcoming ceremony proceeded entirely in accordance with the ancient legal codes and court etiquette that had been passed down for tens of thousands of years in the Eastern Empire.

The process was elaborate and solemn, from offering "ambergris" and "deep-sea pearls" as symbols of peace and friendship, to reciting ancient poems praising the empire's ancestors and the covenants.

Then, the inspection of the royal guard of honor was carried out in strict accordance with ancient customs, allowing no room for error.

As the ceremony reached its final stage, it was nearly noon.

Prince Xia Zuo maintained an impeccable smile throughout the entire ceremony, as the final ritual was completed.

He took a step forward very naturally and reached out to take Cohen's arm in a particularly affectionate manner.

It was as if the two were close friends who had known each other for many years.

He tilted his head slightly, his voice gentle:
"Mr. Yann, you must be tired from your journey."

His Majesty has prepared a lavish welcome banquet in the palace, especially for you.

Please come with me to the palace.

……

Inside the banquet hall, a huge mural depicting the achievements of the empire's past kings hangs high in the dome, its surface brought to life under the soft glow of the magic crystal lamps.

It was as if the heroic spirits who conquered new territories were gazing down below.

The spacious hall, which could easily accommodate hundreds of people for a wild party, was now unusually empty and quiet. Only a few people were sitting at the main dining table, which was covered with a tablecloth with a golden dragon pattern.

The one in the main position was naturally the ruler of the Eastern Empire, Emperor Eberon.

Dressed in a dark purple casual suit, with a calm gaze, he exuded a powerful aura.

To his right sat a middle-aged man with a serious expression.

Grace introduced him in a low voice, and Cohen learned that this was the head of the Imperial Civil Service system, Duke Tiberius Hawke, who was known as the Emperor's right-hand man.

The waiters served the food and poured the wine quietly.

After the three took their seats, Emperor Eberron did not deliver a lengthy and polite toast as a typical monarch would when receiving important guests.

Instead, it was as if he were entertaining a familiar old friend. He calmly picked up the gold-inlaid ivory chopsticks and casually pointed to the delicacies on the table.

He smiled at Cohen:
“Mr. Yaen, you have come from afar, so there is no need for formalities.”

These are all local specialties of Longcheng; try them and see if they suit your taste.

This unpretentious attitude instantly eliminated many formal barriers.

This allowed the banquet to begin in a seemingly relaxed atmosphere.

Halfway through the luncheon, the group mostly chatted about local customs and anecdotes from the Endless Sea.

Just then, Emperor Eberron elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin and slowly stood up.

His gaze swept over Cohen, and he began to speak:

“Mr. Yann, I have an important court meeting to chair this afternoon, so I cannot continue to accompany you.”

He then turned to Prince Chazor and Prime Minister Tiberius, who were sitting at the same table, and said in a flat tone:
"Shazo, Tiberius, for the rest of the time, you two must take good care of our distinguished guests on my behalf."

"Let Mr. Ya'en feel the warmth of our Eastern Empire."

Without waiting for any polite response from Cohen, he turned and left the banquet hall, accompanied by the court steward who stood by like a shadow.

After Emperor Eberron left, the air in the banquet hall seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

Prince Shazor picked up the crystal wine glass in front of him and glanced at Prime Minister Tiberius sitting opposite him, seemingly unintentionally.

The Prime Minister, who had maintained a solemn expression, nodded almost imperceptibly.

Having received this silent signal, Prince Xiazuo turned his gaze back to Cohen, his face still bearing that impeccable smile.

He said it as if it were just a casual remark:
"Mr. Ya'en, please don't take offense at His Majesty's sudden departure."

The reason is that, according to the established schedule, His Majesty needs to personally preside over a formal court assembly in the afternoon.

At that time, all the important ministers and hereditary nobles in the capital will attend.

Of course, you'll have to attend too.

A hint of surprise flashed in Cohen's eyes.

Prince Xiazuo paused, a meaningful glint appearing in his smile:
"This court assembly serves two purposes: firstly, to allow everyone to see with their own eyes the son-in-law personally chosen by Her Highness Grace, the future imperial consort, and to get to know him."

Secondly…” he drawled, his gaze sharpening slightly, “there also happens to be a small matter.”

"This occasion is necessary; sir, please explain this to everyone in public, so as to put their minds at ease."

His tone remained gentle, but the weight of his words seemed to lower the temperature in the entire banquet hall.

"Little things?"

Cohen sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

Instead, a perfectly timed hint of doubt crept in, and he leaned forward slightly, his tone inquiring, as he asked:
"I wonder what exactly this trivial matter Your Highness is referring to."

"Does His Majesty really need to convene a court assembly, and I have to explain this to everyone?"

Prince Xia Zuo's warm smile deepened. He slowly picked up the jade cup in front of him, took a sip of the amber wine, and then spoke in a low voice:
"In truth, it's not really anything earth-shattering."

Not long ago, during the war that determined the fate of the Kingdom of Ceylon, our spies sent back some very interesting intelligence.

Effiin's army was equipped with a large number of divine and demonic weapons.

This included the divine and demonic weapon known as the 'Phantom Dragon Wing Cloak'.

He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping across Cohen's face, catching every subtle change in expression, before continuing:
"Mr. Ya'en must know better than I do that the complete blueprints for the 'Phantom Dragon Wing Cloak' exist in addition to the one kept secret by our Eastern Empire."

Only you, sir, possess the complete set of inheritances.

According to the secret alliance we concluded years ago, sir, you should not transfer the manufacturing technology of such important strategic equipment to a third party.

Especially Effie, whose interests are not entirely aligned with the Empire's! (End of Chapter)