My queen is rebelling!

Koen's heart tightened, and he instantly focused his eyes and mind, adopting the appearance of a virtuous gentleman. He began to massage Isabella's jade feet with proper decorum.

He recalled his experiences from certain projects in his previous life and combined them with his personal research, massaging with utmost care.

His thumb slowly pressed down on the sole of Isabella's foot, and she instantly felt a slight ache. As Koen increased the pressure, a warm current seemed to spread from the sole of her foot.

Koen skillfully applied pressure to various acupoints on her jade feet, sometimes gently, sometimes with firm pressure. Each press accurately stimulated the corresponding acupoint, bringing Isabella a sensation that was both sore and comfortable. The fatigue from her busy days slowly dissipated, and she let out a satisfied sigh, unconsciously falling asleep.

The pleasant time flashed by, and Isabella's eyelashes fluttered. She discovered that she was already lying on the bed in the inner room of the study, while Koen sat properly on a chair beside her.

Isabella got up and smoothed her hair, saying in a low voice:

"Are you angry that I teased you like that?"

Koen really wanted to say that massaging your feet seemed like a great perk for me.

He paused slightly, then said sincerely:

"Miss Wenzer has made such a great sacrifice for my affairs. It is only right that I serve you."

Koen was referring to the matter of the beastmen.

This was something Koen had learned from Grace not long ago.

Koen had requested 12,000 adult male beastmen, which could not be satisfied by just one or two tribes.

To gather the third batch of beastmen for him in a short period, Isabella had used the Golden Wing Order within the Pale Wings.

This was a power that only the head of the Golden Wing Family and the first in line to inherit the position were qualified to use.

Even for Isabella, she only had three opportunities to use it before becoming the family head.

It was precisely because of the Golden Wing Order that Koen's third batch of beastmen was quickly assembled and was currently on its way to the Lost Land.

It was impossible not to be moved.

Hearing Koen's words, Isabella raised her delicate eyebrows slightly and said:

"Grace is really… I shouldn't have told her. So talkative!"

Koen said earnestly:

"Even if Her Royal Highness hadn't told me, Miss Wenzer's previous help to me is enough for me to do anything for you."

The corners of Isabella's mouth unconsciously turned upward, her eyes full of smiles:

"No wonder you can hook up with so many beautiful girls.

That mouth of yours really knows how to please women."

Koen smiled awkwardly:

"My relationship with them is one of equal cooperation. As for anything else, it's just a convenient way to explain things to the outside world for the sake of work.

There's really nothing between us."

Isabella suddenly stood up, her beautiful eyes fixed on Koen's eyes, and asked:

"It's a cooperative relationship with them, so what about me?

Am I also your partner?

Should I also sign a contract or something like they did?"

I know you have a stunning queen waiting for you at home.

I won't mention her, but as for the others…"

Isabella's eyes narrowed into a dangerous arc, and her slender fingers traced Koen's chin, saying coldly:

"This lady is the daughter of the Golden Wings. It's fine to have one person above me, but if some winged elf or squire is ahead of me, don't blame me for being rude!"

Koen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had long sensed Isabella's feelings.

Perhaps it was because he had saved her, or perhaps it was some special quality in him that attracted her.

But Koen was not yet able to reciprocate those feelings.

In any case, he would wait until he had come clean with Queen Adele before thinking about anything else.

Isabella's actions for him were certainly touching, but Adele's silent dedication behind the scenes had long wrapped his entire heart tightly, like a gentle stream.

Fortunately, the understanding Isabella did not force Koen to express his feelings.

With personal matters out of the way, it was time to talk about business.

Isabella told Koen about the observation group's recent decision.

"…The other families are very interested in this proposal. Well, it's mainly to seek your opinion.

If you have other ideas, I can help you negotiate there."

Hearing Isabella's words, Koen's eyes lit up, and he quickly said:

"Yes, I have no objections.

I don't know if Her Royal Highness told you, but her 'Flaming Lips' Chamber of Commerce has already begun using this route for commercial trade."

Isabella nodded slightly:

"I heard her mention it. By the way, why did she give you the position of personal secretary to the chairman?

Didn't you go to the Kingdom of Ceylon a few days ago?"

Koen's mouth twitched slightly. Even though they hadn't yet developed that kind of relationship, he deeply felt how terrifying a girlfriend's best friend could be.

Koen replied calmly:

"Our Endless Blade has a deal with a Gold-rank city lord in the Chaos Demon Continent. I accompanied her to do something and needed an identity, so I asked Her Highness for this position."

Koen deliberately downplayed the city lord's gender, and Isabella didn't care, simply saying:

"The Kingdom of Ceylon has been unstable these past few days. It seems like there's going to be a big change.

I don't know if it has anything to do with your Effaine."

Koen's expression shifted slightly, and a memory from his previous life surfaced in his mind:

Judging by the time, the Gavin Affair, which shocked the continent in his previous life, should be happening soon.

Duke Gavin, a loyal and veteran minister of three dynasties, was exposed by Third Prince Saxon Cromwell for colluding with the Windwhisper Kingdom, a generational enemy.

The Gavin family, the most powerful noble family in the country, became traitors overnight, reviled by everyone.

Duke Gavin's eldest son, the young master Gavin who had explored the Arcane Empire ruins, Starfall Valley, with Koen and Winsader, led the remaining family members to flee to the Windwhisper Kingdom after the incident.

And later, when the Age of Empires expansion was released, he became the vanguard general for the Windwhisper Kingdom's invasion of the Kingdom of Ceylon.

Koen knew that regardless of whether the so-called collusion was true, Third Prince Saxon's authority was further strengthened after this incident.

He was appointed by the King of Ceylon as the person in charge of investigating the case, and in the process of investigating, he took over almost all of the Gavin family's property and power, becoming the most promising and highly anticipated heir apparent.

It could be said that without the fall of the Gavin family, Saxon would not have been able to defeat his two older brothers so quickly and become the first in line to inherit the throne.

Thinking of this, Koen asked:

"Why are you so concerned about the movements of the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

Isabella said casually:

"The Kingdom of Ceylon has the largest maritime port in the Northwest Continent—Pearl Harbor.

The Golden Wing Family's main business is grain trade, and the Northwest Continent is the largest grain-producing region in the entire continent.

Therefore, this port is crucial to the Golden Wing Family's commercial territory.

So we pay close attention to the internal dynamics of the Kingdom of Ceylon and are very sensitive to any disturbances here."

Hearing the words "Pearl Harbor", Koen felt vaguely familiar.

He should have heard it before. Where had he heard it?

Koen's pupils shrank. He remembered!

Queen Adele had mentioned this port to him!

When Queen Adele was carrying out her king-rearing plan, she believed that Koen should not only learn extraordinary powers but also become familiar with political affairs, so she added many political courses for him.

In one of her lectures to Koen, Adele mentioned Emerald Harbor in the eastern district of Florence, Golden Sail Port in the southern region, and Pearl Harbor in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

These three ports are the main channels for maritime transport in the Northwest Continent.

"…Although our two ports are not comparable to Pearl Harbor, which can handle an annual throughput of ten billion tons, they still account for more than 30% of the maritime transport in the Northwest Continent…"

Queen Adele's voice seemed to echo in his ears, and Koen felt that he was faintly grasping something.

He had always been puzzled as to why a dignified prince of the Eastern Domain Empire would go to great lengths to plot against a small duchy so far away from him.

And in such a complicated way, first supporting the Kingdom of Ceylon and then using the Kingdom of Ceylon to deal with Effaine.

Now he vaguely understood that perhaps he had taken himself too seriously.

What Prince Sazio wanted to deal with was not Effaine at all, or rather, not just Effaine, but the Kingdom of Ceylon!

His Effaine was just a side effect.

More precisely, Prince Sazio wanted to control these three ports by controlling the Kingdom of Ceylon and Effaine, three ports that held the lifeline of the Golden Wing Family!

Seeing that Koen had suddenly been stunned for a long time, Isabella waved her porcelain-white palm in front of him and said:

"Hey, which woman are you thinking about?"

Koen's thoughts returned, and he stared at Isabella's eyes, asking seriously:

"Does Sazio Tang of the Eastern Domain Empire, who is also Her Royal Highness's cousin, have any hatred with your Golden Wing Family?"

Isabella frowned slightly. Koen's words made her a little confused.

Soon she seemed to realize something and said in a somewhat strange tone:

"Is Grace spreading rumors again?"

Sazio has always wanted to marry into our family, but I have already explicitly rejected him before. Don't overthink it.

And last time… Well, when we were in Florence, didn't Sazio throw a birthday party? I sent someone to explicitly reject him in front of his entire social circle.

If you want to talk about hatred, I guess that's it."

Koen raised an eyebrow slightly. Sazio was actually pursuing Isabella?

Hatred born of love?

No, perhaps the pursuit was only one aspect. What he wanted more was the wealth of the Golden Wing Family!

If he could get the Daughter of the Golden Wings, the entire Golden Wing Family would serve his quest for the throne!

Compared to Grace, the only thing Sazio lacked was financial support.

Grace had the support of the largest luxury goods chamber of commerce in the entire continent, while Sazio himself had no major industry.

Many people said that the reason why Prince Sazio had not married for so long was that he hoped to find a wealthy female family to pay for his quest for the throne.

The wealthiest Golden Wing Family in the entire continent was definitely the best choice!

Prince Sasso must have been planning this.

Cohen suddenly understood everything!

Everything he did was directed at the Goldwing Family.

On one hand, he actively pursued her, hoping to win the heart of the 'Goldwing Daughter' with his powerful personal charm.

Clearly, this move failed.

Of course, Prince Sasso had an even more important step, which was to secretly control the Kingdom of Ceylon and the Duchy of Effie, further controlling the three ports of vital importance to the 'Goldwing Family' within these two countries.

He executed this step cleverly and discreetly.

If Cohen hadn't interfered, his plan would have almost certainly succeeded:

His trusted aide, Andre, had already completely controlled Prince Saxon.

As for Effie, the king had fallen victim to a memory freeze, becoming like a child, and the Southern Territory was stirring restlessly, ready to rebel at any moment, with only the Queen struggling to hold things together.

Once the time was right, Andre would incite the Duke of the Southern Territory to rebel, and then encourage Saxon to send troops to intervene, and Effie would fall under his control.

With this achievement, Saxon ascending to the throne would only be a matter of time, and once he became king, the Kingdom of Ceylon would also fall into the hands of Prince Sasso.

Most importantly, no one yet knew his true intentions.

All he had to do was wait for the right moment to stab the Goldwing Family in the back, cut off the three ports, and the Goldwing Family would have no choice but to compromise!

Cohen felt a cold sweat break out on his back, the entire plan was interconnected and subtly laid out.

Whether it was an inconspicuous playboy, Sandro Gunter, the second son of the Duke of the Southern Territory, or the king of a small country, and the Goldwing Daughter of the 'Pale Wings' who dominated the continent.

Andre and Prince Sasso behind him were all making moves.

Cohen lightly sighed in relief, a slight smile curving his lips.

The plan is perfect, but unfortunately, I, the King, have arrived!

Cohen stared intently at Isabella, and said in a deep voice:

"I have a conjecture, although it has not been finalized, it is not far from the truth.

This conjecture involves the safety of your family!"

Hearing Cohen's sudden seriousness, Isabella's heart tightened, and she immediately restrained all emotions, her expression unprecedentedly solemn.

Cohen's face was solemn, and he slowly opened his mouth:

"This matter has to start with the attack on me…"

As Cohen slowly narrated, Isabella's face was first surprised, then astonished, then horrified, and finally turned a little pale.

After Cohen finished speaking, Isabella was silent for a long time, then a pensive look appeared between her brows, and she said in a deep voice:

"Are you sure that Andre is Sasso's man?"

Cohen nodded and said:

"I can't tell you the source of the information, but I can be sure that he is Sasso Tang's trusted aide."

Isabella's expression became firm, she raised her head slightly, her eyes met Cohen's, with a hint of love in her gentleness.

She took a step forward and kissed Cohen on the corner of his mouth:

"You saved me again, and this time you saved my family, thank you!"

Cohen touched his lips, his thoughts running wild—did he just lose his first kiss?

No lip-to-lip contact, no tongue, it shouldn't count, right?

Fortunately, Queen shouldn't be angry.

Cohen suppressed his emotions and continued:

"Telling you this is also to remind you to be prepared.

Anyway, my Effie will definitely not become Sasso's pawn, and as for the Kingdom of Ceylon, I will also do my best to stop Andre."

Isabella suddenly smiled and said:

"Maybe I should thank him."

Cohen was slightly surprised.

Isabella stepped forward slightly, stood barefoot on Cohen's feet, grabbed his collar, and pressed him against her chest:

"If he hadn't attacked you, you probably wouldn't have walked into the gate of our 'Pale Wings' that night and made a deal with me!

Don't move, this is a perk for you!

It's to thank you for saving your princess again!"

Cohen leaned against Isabella's chest wrapped in a white shirt, vaguely seeing the snow-white skin exposed between the buttons, and a feeling of climbing a peak and looking at the sea of clouds emerged in his mind.

Isabella's fragrance and ecstasy constantly impacted Cohen's psychological defense.

He had to silently recite in his heart, Sister, I will firmly protect my first time for you!

…

After the ambiguous atmosphere dissipated, the two finally began to talk about the serious business just now.

Cohen said:

"If possible, I would like to go to the Dwarf Clan with you."

Isabella's beautiful eyes unconsciously sparkled, and she said with a smile:

"What, you can't bear to leave after just one meeting?"

Cohen didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and said:

"I guess so, and I also have some things to talk about when I go to the Dwarf Clan.

I have a batch of weapons and equipment that I need them to help build.

And some things to trade."

Isabella didn't ask too much, and nodded:

"No problem, we'll set off after the matter here is over!

Oh right, was the big commotion a few days ago caused by you?"

Isabella was asking about the "Order Fire", and Cohen quickly nodded and said:

"Yes, it was our 'Endless Blade's' action.

This time, three advanced city-states and two 'Order Floating Islands' were revived."

Isabella's eyes were filled with strong appreciation and love, the man she had set her sights on was so outstanding, she jokingly said:

"Your performance directly scared off a Grand Duke of an Empire!"

A look of doubt flashed across Cohen's brows, and he asked:

"What do you mean?"

Isabella replied:

"Grand Duke Roland of the Western Region Empire has decided to withdraw from this competition!"

…

"Pale Wings" Observation Group Joint Meeting.

Cohen, Grand Duke Roland, and Pacino Della, the second in line to the "Dark Wings Family", attended the meeting.

When they learned from Cohen that the previous Order Fire was ignited by him, and that he had successfully revived three advanced "Order City-States" and two "Order Floating Islands".

Everyone in the room fell silent.

Grand Duke Roland looked as if he had expected this, holding a cup of hot tea, looking at the roof, wandering into the sky, not knowing what he was thinking.

Pacino was slightly open-mouthed, his heart tightening, his throat parched, and his eyes filled with astonishment. He unconsciously shook his head, seemingly unable to accept this result.

Meyer, the second in line to the "Purple Wings Family", frowned deeply, the expression on his face was also very intriguing, and his eyes moved back and forth between Cohen and Isabella from time to time.

The expressions of the other people were also wonderful.

There was shock, surprise, and thoughtfulness.

Finally, Isabella's voice broke the strange atmosphere:

"Regarding the trial operation of the trade route, I have already discussed it with Mr. 'Shadow Lord'.

He agreed to our plan, and after the matter here is over, I will go to the Dwarf Clan to finalize the goods for the first transaction.

Regarding this batch of goods, if you have any other ideas, you can exchange them."

Seeing Isabella directly change the subject, several people felt a little caught off guard.

Meyer opened his mouth and said:

"This matter is not urgent, let's talk about the city-states and floating islands opened up by the Lord Leader first."

Cohen raised his eyebrows slightly, Isabella had emphasized this person to him before, telling him to be careful.

Isabella said lightly:

"Is there anything to discuss about this matter?"

Meyer chuckled:

"My opinion is that since the Lord Leader already has such a large territory, then our so-called competition… can it be declared over in advance?"

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Pacino.

This arrogant young master was stunned for a moment, came back to his senses, and immediately said:

"Why end it?

This Mr. 'Shadow Lord' seems to have only revived so many places, whether he can completely control them is not certain!

To put it bluntly, even a Lord-level figure in the 'Lost Land' would be tempted by such a large piece of cake."

Cohen chuckled, took out a token from his arms, and handed it to Isabella next to him.

Isabella directly passed the token to everyone to take a look.

The expression on Meyer's face slightly solidified, and after a long silence, he said:

"Opening Order!

The Order Lord's Opening Order!"

As soon as these words came out, the whole room was shocked again.

They had all investigated everything about the "Lost Land", and naturally knew the weight of this token.

This is a proof recognized by the five major oasis-level forces, at least they cannot interfere with the "Order Solid Land" opened up by Cohen.

Pacino's heart jumped violently, and he couldn't help but open his mouth and say:

"What is your relationship with the Order Lord, are you his illegitimate son?"

Cohen sneered:

"Second Young Master of the Della Family, be careful with your words.

This is the 'Lost Land', if you really anger a Lord-level figure, I'm afraid your family won't be able to save you!"

Seeing that the atmosphere between the two sides was a little stiff, Meyer quickly spoke out to smooth things over:

"Since Young Master Pacino doesn't agree, let's continue to observe.

Anyway, there is still half a year left until the one-year deadline."

Pacino snorted coldly, didn't even say hello, and directly left the meeting.

Everyone was not surprised to see this, the "Dark Wings Family" from the underworld were all this hot-tempered.

Seeing that Pacino had already left the meeting, the so-called tripartite meeting could not continue.

Grand Duke Roland stood up and said:

"In the end, it is still the world of young people, our Western Region Empire will no longer participate in this matter, I represent the Western Region Empire to officially withdraw."

Isabella stood up and said:

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your support, I hope this matter will not affect our future cooperation."

Grand Duke Roland said with a smile:

"Miss Wenzer is overthinking, maybe I should thank you for introducing me to such an outstanding young man.

Lovely little lark, such an outstanding young man is rare, if you are interested, you must seize the opportunity!".

After making a small joke, Grand Duke Roland also left the scene freely.