Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Hearing Emperor Eberron's poignant reflections on history, Cohen nodded in deep agreement.

The voice also became serious and deep:
"Your Majesty is absolutely right."

The beings lurking beneath the abyss have never ceased their greedy covetousness towards the world of the living and the continent beneath our feet.

Like a hunter lurking in the shadows, possessing near-eternal life and endless patience.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two top leaders of the continent before him, before presenting an even more chilling reality:

“Take my current disguise as ‘Son of the Demon God’ for example.”

His original owner, Gilworth, was a hidden pawn secretly planted in the human world by the fifty-eighth demon god, Ami.

A backup plan prepared for some future moment.

In addition, there's Valak, the sixty-second demon god, who stands behind the demon lord Thrall, whom we just confirmed.

Of those we have already confirmed and are beginning to uncover, there are already two Abyss Overlords at the Pillar Demon God level who have laid out their plans on the human continent, quietly weaving their network of conspiracies.

And how many more remain hidden in the deeper darkness, yet to our awareness?
Their agents, perhaps disguised as ordinary nobles, merchants, or even one of our allies, are quietly waiting for the moment to unleash the disaster.

Saint Alfie spoke slowly:
"With fires raging everywhere, let's put out the ones in front of us first."

Judging from the secret communications between Gaius and Thrall, it is likely that traitors like this, who collude with the demonic forces of the Lost Lands, are not isolated cases.

Similar situations could occur in various kingdoms and powers across the continent.

I even suspect that there are likely spies that Sarr has already planted within our Eastern Empire.

The empire had a vast territory, and many powerful local nobles who were enfeoffed in the border provinces and had hereditary lands were practically the only ones who could have the final say in their fiefdoms.

It possesses a great deal of autonomy.

If any of them are tempted by Thrall's promises, or have already been corrupted by the power of the abyss, and are determined to secretly carry out some evil deeds in their own territory behind the backs of Dragon City's central authority.

With the current coverage of our monitoring network, it would be difficult to detect.

It is entirely possible that Sarr would bypass the central system directly controlled by Your Majesty and, through some clandestine channels, make dirty deals with these scheming border nobles.

Cohen nodded solemnly, completely agreeing with Alfie's deduction.

Added:
"Not only the Eastern Empire, but also the Central Empire, with its vast territory, its various administrative divisions and autonomous territories, as well as those vassal states that are nominally subservient to the Empress, may all have similar hidden dangers."

Sal's tentacles probably reach further and are more hidden than we imagine.

Emperor Eberron took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions within him, and looked sharply at Cohen:

"The situation is already very clear, and there is no time to lose."

"If you need anything from me, or rather, if you need any assistance from the Eastern Empire, please just say so."

Cohen met the Emperor's gaze and said clearly:
"I plan to leave Dragon City and head to the Lost Lands immediately."

The primary objective is to find the key intermediary under Sal who is responsible for contacting traitors from various countries, ideally by capturing him alive, getting him to talk, and obtaining the contact list and specific details from him.

Then, we can follow the clues and uncover those lurking tumors one by one, eliminating them completely.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Eberron nodded slightly, a resolute glint in his eyes:
"Very good. To catch a thief, first catch the king; to dig up a tree, first dig up the roots. The sooner the better.

I will order that all the Empire's forces deployed in the Lost Lands, including the Grey Wardens spies, the merchant outposts established in several key gathering points, and the border patrol fleets that can be mobilized if necessary, be placed under your command.

I hope you can use these resources to make things easier.

Cohen looked much more relaxed. With the Endless Alliance and the Mysterious Continent, plus the full support of the Eastern Empire in the Lost Lands, he was more confident about his next move.

"Since Your Majesty says so, then I won't stand on ceremony. Thank you!"

After the matter was discussed, the two sides were completely open with each other.

Emperor Eberron and Cohen both achieved the most important goal of tonight's conversation.

Eberron used Cohen as a sharp "knife" to eliminate internal troubles, weaken Shazo, and pave the way for Grace.

He gazed at Cohen, at the power the young monarch displayed and the value he placed on Grace.

This finally dispelled the last trace of doubt in his mind.

A deep conversation with Cohen revealed to Eberron that Cohen not only had the sincerity to protect Grace, but also the ability and courage to assist her in taking control of the Eastern Empire in the future.

This gave him real confidence in his daughter's future.

For Cohen, this trip can also be considered a successful one.

Winning the approval of his future father-in-law was a way of giving Grace an explanation.

More importantly, this in-depth conversation with the supreme ruler of the Eastern Empire meant that he had officially gained the status of an ally of this powerful empire.

This relationship will undoubtedly provide crucial assistance in dealing with future changes on the continent, especially in countering the threat from the Abyss.

As the conversation drew to a close, Cohen suddenly coughed lightly and said:

"Father, I heard that you have arranged special accommodations for me. I am so grateful for your thoughtfulness."

It's not that I don't trust Father's arrangements, it's just... as you just analyzed, Prince Xiazuo and his cronies are deeply entrenched, with henchmen all over the court and the country.

"After all, I'm new here and don't know much about the undercurrents in Dragon City, so I can't help but worry that someone might take advantage of the situation..."

When Emperor Eberon heard him switch his address from "Your Majesty" to the more intimate "Father," he knew perfectly well what the boy was up to.

He didn't wait for Cohen to finish expressing his seemingly high-sounding concerns before raising his hand to interrupt, his face expressionless:
"Alright, I know you young people are deeply in love and don't want to be apart for even a moment. If you want to stay at Grace's place, that's fine."

However, you must be mindful of the bottom line; you absolutely cannot cross that line before the official imperial wedding.

I don't want to hear any royal scandal about the Eastern Region's princess being pregnant out of wedlock someday. Do you understand what I mean?

Upon hearing this, Cohen immediately put on an extremely sincere smile and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

He assured his father, "Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing and would never dare to bring shame upon Her Highness Grace and the Imperial Family!"

Emperor Eberron was both amused and annoyed by his rapid change of expression. In the end, he simply waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.

Cohen then bowed and took his leave with satisfaction, his steps light as he turned to walk out of the hall.

……

Cohen returned to Grace's bedroom, where a warm glow and a delicate fragrance filled the air.

Just as he was about to speak, the scene before him made his breath catch in his throat, instantly throwing to the winds the solemn promise he had made to Emperor Eberon a few minutes earlier.

He suspected that Grace was deliberately seducing him!

Perhaps because the wait had been too long, Her Highness the Princess had fallen into a light sleep.

She slumped lazily into a large armchair, her body stretched out in a posture that was both naturally beautiful and full of tension.

Her fair and delicate feet, encased in light gray stockings, rested crosswise on the soft footstool.

She was wearing a dark-colored bathrobe, with white lace trim on the collar, cuffs, and hem.

It outlines the graceful curves of the body.

The most eye-catching feature was her pair of long, slender legs, encased in light gray stockings with subtle vertical lines.

The thin, gray silk, like a second skin, reveals the hazy sheen of the skin underneath.

Every texture exudes a captivating charm, freely displaying the unique sensuality of a mature woman.

Bathed in the soft light of the palace lanterns, it resembles a meticulously crafted work of art, waiting to be awakened.

Every inch of her skin, every languid curve, exudes a captivating and sensual allure.

Cohen's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily as he forcefully suppressed the burning heat rising from his lower abdomen.

He shuffled closer, and after taking just a few steps, Grace's thick, curled eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her misty, watery eyes.

Upon seeing Cohen return, joy immediately shone in his eyes.

He leaped up from the chair and landed precisely in Cohen's arms.

She still had nude-colored strappy high heels hanging from her toes, which swayed gently with her movements.

Her legs, encased in stockings, were naturally bent and pressed tightly against Cohen's side.

She gracefully wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in the crook of his neck, and took a deep breath.

At the opportune moment, Cohen used his arms to firmly embrace Grace's hips and legs, gently and firmly supporting her entire body in front of him.

Grace let out a soft, cat-like sigh and adjusted herself into a more comfortable position in his arms.

Cohen felt a wave of tenderness wash over him. All thoughts of imperial ambitions and deep-seated conspiracies seemed to fade away at this moment, leaving only the wonderful sense of fulfillment brought by the warm, soft body in his arms.

Grace's eyes remained closed, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyelids. She buried her face deeper into Cohen's neck, her voice still languid with sleepiness:

"Why have you been talking for so long? Did Father give you any trouble?"

Cohen kissed Grace's eyebrows and eyes, and whispered his conversation with Eberron to her.

Of course, the matter of Prince Udi, Xia Zuo's father, being murdered Grace's mother was deliberately omitted.

Finally, Cohen concluded with a tone that was both somewhat teasing and extremely serious:
"In short, your father summoned me mainly because he was worried that I, a guy of unknown origin, might be deceiving his precious daughter's feelings. He wanted to force me to reveal all my cards and put them on your shoulders to help you fight for the throne."

In my opinion, he was worrying too much.

I made up my mind long ago that I would use everything, including my life, to defend everything about my eldest princess.

This has never changed, and it never will.

Upon hearing Cohen's undisguised and moving confession, Grace suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze blazing with intense light.

All sleepiness and languor were burned away, leaving only surging emotions.

One hand deftly untied the belt around the waist of the nightgown.

The silky robe slid down to the sides, revealing a dazzling expanse of fair skin. She tilted her head back, her warm lips close to Cohen's ear, her voice captivatingly magnetic:
"Prove it to me... I want you to fuck me right now!"

Cohen's pupils suddenly turned deep and dark, and his last shred of reason was completely overwhelmed.

His large, burning hot hand moved upwards along the line of her legs encased in stockings, feeling the amazing warmth, and finally grasped her slender ankle, gently lifting it up.

He began a long and thorough punishment for the succubus in his arms who dared to set fire to the place!

……

Having learned his lesson from Freya's previous mistake, Cohen didn't go too far this time.

Seeing that Grace was starting to feel the strain, he stopped.

Grace paused for a moment, looking at her torn nightgown and the hickeys scattered all over her body.

He looked up at Cohen, chuckled, and said:

"Why did you stop?"

Cohen pinched Grace's cheek:
"Little vixen, aren't you afraid I'll break you?"

Grace curled her lips into a seductive smile, struggled to her feet, and stripped off her tattered nightgown, leaving her completely naked.

She then changed into a bright red velvet dress right in front of Cohen; the tight-fitting cut accentuated her ample bosom.

The back design is even bolder and more elegant, with the entire skin exposed, extending from the delicate shoulder blades all the way to the waist. The lines of the spine are like an art sculpture, gleaming with a delicate luster under the warm light.

The skirt hugs the curves of the hips, full and elastic, swaying gently with each step, perfectly blending the drape of the velvet with the body's curves.

It was as if God had used the most exquisite brushstrokes to carve out a symbiotic relationship between desire and holiness on red velvet.

Cohen's breath caught in his throat. This little vixen really knows how to be alluring.

Grace gracefully twirled in front of Cohen, sat on his lap, and whispered:
"Don't underestimate the constitution of a succubus. I'm not a delicate sorceress like Freya!"

Cohen's desires, which had just been released, were once again drawn to this intense red and pure white, instantly reigniting the flames within him...

……

Cohen glanced at Grace, who was still fast asleep.

He gently placed the communication stone, still warm with a trace of magic, on the table.

He has just provided the key intelligence related to Prince Xia Zuo, including his plans to attack the Hell Plane and his potential collusion with the Abyss Demon Tribe.

It was all passed on to Grand Duke Zariel, who was far away in Afonas.

He even explicitly stated in communications that he could send an elite force to assist in the war if necessary.

However, as Cohen expected, Grand Duke Zariel rejected Cohen's offer to send troops to help almost without hesitation.

"I accept the intelligence. I also understand your intentions."

But Avernus is not a place where a human prince can run wild.

My legions are sufficient to deal with him and the abyssal worms that may follow. Your men need not come.

He fully understands the logic behind Zaril's actions.

This Grand Duke, who resides in the first level of the Nine Hells, possesses the pride and dignity befitting an ancient demon lord.

If even a "minor trouble" like Xia Zuo requires the help of his son-in-law to resolve, spreading this around would severely damage his prestige in the underworld.

It would also indirectly embarrass her bloodline descendant, Grace.

This was a matter of dignity for a demonic prince; he had to prove to all onlookers that he, Zariel, was still the fearsome Lord of Aphonas.

They do not need to rely on any external forces to protect their territory.

Cohen did not insist, and then provided him with the contact information of Meg Payne, the head of the intelligence organization that the General had placed in the Eastern Empire.

Meg Payne, as the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Longdu Station, has successfully infiltrated Prince Xia Zuo's inner circle of influence and holds an important position thanks to her outstanding abilities.

And it has been confirmed that they will participate in this Hell Expedition.

He possessed detailed operational plans, troop composition, logistical routes, and even specific intelligence regarding the Xiazuo Legion's contact with the Abyss forces.

Cohen suggested that Meg Payne establish a top-secret, single-line intelligence channel with Grand Duke Zariel to facilitate real-time information exchange.

This ensures that Zaril can keep track of the enemy's every move, thereby gaining a decisive strategic advantage.

This time, Grand Duke Zariel did not refuse.

Shortly after the communication with Grand Duke Zariel ended, a soft moan broke the silence in the palace.

Grace, lying in the center of the soft bed, fluttered her eyelashes a few times and slowly opened her eyes.

Perhaps it was because she had gotten plenty of rest and comfort, but her fair cheeks were flushed with a healthy blush, and her eyes held a lazy and contented ease.

Like a cat that has been carefully pampered and is well-fed.

Subconsciously, she stretched out her slender arm in the direction of Cohen, making a muffled nasal sound.

Seeing this, Cohen quickly walked to the bedside, bent down, and gently embraced that soft, fragrant body.

The delicate touch from his fingertips intertwined with her unique cool fragrance, and his restlessness, which had just subsided, inappropriately rose again, causing his body to stiffen slightly.

Grace immediately noticed the change in his body, and a sly, mischievous smile flashed in her eyes, like a little devil who had just pulled off a prank.

Instead of backing away, she deliberately twisted her waist and spread her legs, making a move as if she was about to sit on his tense body.

Cohen's breath caught in his throat, and he quickly tightened his arms, holding her firmly in his embrace.

He lowered his head, his forehead gently touching hers, the tip of his nose brushing against her delicate skin, letting out a soft chuckle filled with helplessness and utter doting affection:

"My lord... do you really not want your body anymore?"
If this continues, I'll be heartbroken.

I'm fine, it's just that your charm is too great; it's an irresistible temptation for me, and for a moment I couldn't control myself."

Grace's eyes overflowed with an intense, unwavering love.

Then she gently leaned down and gracefully tucked the stray strands of hair that had fallen across her cheek behind her ear.

Then, she parted her red lips slightly and lowered her head...

Cohen's heart clenched as if gripped by an invisible hand, and all the muscles in his body tensed instantly.

After what seemed like an eternity, Grace finally puffed out her cheeks and lifted her head from under the covers.

Her jade-like neck rolled, and then, as if she had choked on something, she turned her head and coughed softly a few times.

Cohen's heart was instantly filled with endless tenderness and affection.

He bent down and lifted her sweat-drenched body into his arms, carrying her towards the warm, steamy bathroom in the palace to wash away the traces of the night...

The two lingered in the palace until noon, when they got up to wash and dress after being reminded by a palace maid knocking on the door.

When Grace reappeared in public, she had completely transformed into the elegant, noble, and unapproachable princess of the Eastern Empire.

Wearing a royal blue court dress, her slender figure was perfectly outlined.

Her exquisite face carried just the right amount of reserve and aloofness, as if the "succubus" who had been so infatuated and seductive in the bedchamber last night and this morning was just a phantom in the sunlight.

But the one sitting at the dining table right now is the true jewel of the empire.

At the luxurious long dining table, Emperor Eberron was already seated in the main seat.

His gaze swept over Cohen and Grace, who were walking hand in hand, and he especially noticed the languid springtime feeling in Grace's eyes and brows that was hard to completely hide.

The emperor's face instantly darkened, and his fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the silver knife.

Clearly, his serious warning from last night had been ignored by someone.

Cohen naturally felt Eberron's icy gaze that seemed to pierce him, and a barely perceptible hint of guilt flashed across his face as he avoided his father-in-law's sharp scrutinizing look.

He quickly got down to business:
"Your Majesty, how long until the ceremony between Grace and me is completed?"

Besides meeting with Eberron, Cohen's purpose in coming here was also to complete some necessary ceremonies before marrying Grace, in accordance with the traditions of the Eastern Empire's royal family.

For example, being questioned and blessed before the Royal Senate, hosting banquets for envoys from various countries to announce the marriage, and a series of elaborate but symbolically significant prenuptial contract signing ceremonies.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Eberron raised an eyebrow slightly:
"What, you're already in such a hurry to leave Dragon City after only a few days?"

Cohen looked slightly helpless and explained:
"Your Majesty is wise. The situation in the Lost Lands is changing rapidly, and the matter of Thrall's collusion with the Demon Lord cannot be delayed."

I must rush back as soon as possible to take charge of the overall situation, and in particular, to find out as soon as possible which other kingdoms' rulers Thrall is secretly colluding with, besides the known clues.

If these hidden dangers are not eliminated soon, they will cause endless trouble.

Emperor Eberron nodded slowly and said in a deep voice:
"In that case, I asked them to compress the necessary subsequent procedures and arrange them in a concentrated manner."

The goal is to complete all core ceremonies within three days.

Hearing that Aberron had agreed to expedite the process, Cohen felt somewhat relieved and was about to express his gratitude when Aberron changed the subject, turning his gaze to Grace, who was quietly eating but whose ears were already perked up:

"As for Grace, she doesn't need to come with you this time."

The princess is about to get married, so it's no longer appropriate for her to travel and risk her life as she used to.

She then stayed in Dragon City to focus on preparing for the wedding and learning royal etiquette.

"Father!"

As soon as Eberron finished speaking, Grace immediately put down her cutlery, her beautiful face instantly filled with displeasure.

Why not?
I know the situation in the Lost Lands better than many people do, and I can help Cohen; he needs reliable manpower right now.

What's the point of me staying in Dragon City to learn all that bureaucratic formalities? (End of Chapter)