My queen is rebelling!

The main point is to figure out the true relationship between the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire and the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak.

And the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire's determination to protect these two countries.

Cohen pondered to himself, since the other party did not send a formal note or write him a personal letter, but only asked Grand Duke Roland, who had a very close personal relationship with the Corleone royal family, to inquire on their behalf.

That means the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire still hopes to solve the problem as much as possible through personal relationships, so it seems that the Emperor's determination is not that firm.

Having considered this, Cohen opened his mouth and asked:

"Your Highness, may I be so bold as to ask, what deep relationship do these two countries have with your Emperor?"

Grand Duke Roland shook his head and said:

"No, if it weren't for the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, where the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak secretly colluded with the Eastern Regions Empire and hid two elite-level [Dragon Wing Guards] in the military exercise guard, His Majesty would not have noticed these two small countries at all.

I heard that these two countries seem to have some special resources, but His Majesty still doesn't care about these things."

"Then why does your Majesty want to intercede for the Grand Dukes of these two countries?"

Grand Duke Roland lowered his voice and said slowly:

"Because of the Dwarves!"

The Dwarves!

When it comes to the country with the most complex relationship with the Dwarves, the Western Regions Empire is undoubtedly the one.

The Dwarven Alliance lives in the depths of the northern mountains of the Western Regions Empire, close to the Western Regions Empire.

The Dwarves possess outstanding talents in mining, forging, and construction. They are excellent craftsmen, capable of creating exquisite magic weapons, armor, and handicrafts.

They also have unique skills in identifying magic crystal ores and magic gems.

These skills are extremely valuable strategic assets for any country—mastering the Dwarves is equivalent to mastering a constant stream of mines and weaponry.

The Western Regions Empire has always wanted to find an opportunity to swallow this piece of fat, the Dwarves. Several ambitious emperors wanted to conquer this Dwarven race, but all ended in failure.

Of course, this also includes the current Emperor of the Western Regions Empire.

Otherwise, the Western Regions Empire would not have been so actively involved after hearing that the "Pale Wings" wanted to establish an inter-racial trade alliance in the Dwarven territory.

Now that Grand Duke Roland suddenly mentioned the Dwarves, it was a bit unexpected for Cohen.

Grand Duke Roland continued:

"The previous Grand Duke of Silverfrost once saved the chieftain of a Dwarven tribe.

Since then, the Duchy of Silverfrost has secretly established contact with the Dwarves, and brought in the Duchy of Sacred Oak, secretly starting trade with the Dwarves.

They provide the Dwarves with Frost Crystal Ore and Oak Spirit Essence as raw materials, and the Dwarves create high-end weapons to sell to them.

The rapid development of these two countries in recent decades has been inseparable from the support of the Dwarven tribe.

This matter was only told to us by the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak after they offended you, in order to seek protection."

A thoughtful look appeared in Cohen's eyes, and he asked:

"So your Majesty is willing to provide protection for these two countries for the sake of the Dwarves?"

Grand Duke Roland nodded and said:

"You also know the determination of our Western Regions Empire's emperors towards the Dwarves. The Grand Duke of Silverfrost and the Grand Duke of Sacred Oak are willing to offer us the secret passage between them and the Dwarves free of charge in exchange for their protection."

Cohen chuckled and asked:

"I guess the Dwarven tribe chieftain saved by the Grand Duke of Silverfrost should not be one of the Ten Great Dwarven Tribes."

Grand Duke Roland said with a wry smile:

"You really can't hide anything from you. That's right, it's just a remote small tribe.

If it were one of the Ten Great Tribes, with the strength of these two small countries, they simply wouldn't be able to handle it."

Cohen almost understood the meaning of the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire. A passage to a remote small tribe of the Dwarves was not enough to impress the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire.

This Emperor wanted to use this as an excuse to force his hand.

Cohen said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, your Majesty must have given you the bottom line. You are a good friend of my parents, and naturally a person I can trust. I hope we can still treat each other with sincerity."

An awkward look appeared on Grand Duke Roland's face, and he scratched his head, saying:

"It seems my acting skills are too poor, and you saw through it."

He paused for a moment, organized his words, and said slowly:

"You guessed right, His Majesty does have other instructions.

We are not interested in the affairs of the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak. We can even help you submit a proposal in the Charter Alliance Organization and the Northwest Alliance, so that you can legitimately sanction these two countries."

As the five permanent members of the Charter Alliance Organization, the Five Great Empires have great power within the alliance. Matters such as sanctioning one or two countries or sending troops to interfere in turbulent areas can be voted on to obtain legal support.

Cohen's eyebrows twitched, and he nodded slightly, signaling Grand Duke Roland to continue.

Grand Duke Roland continued:

"Of course, all of this requires His Majesty Corleone to help us with a small favor.

Well, we know that His Majesty Corleone once entered a Dwarven tribe alone, and within a few days, he controlled the Smelting Tribe, one of the Ten Great Tribes. Even the new chieftain of the Smelting Tribe, Iron Rock Ornn, was promoted by you alone.

This unprecedented feat is greatly admired by our Majesty, and he hopes to have friendly cooperation with His Majesty Corleone to jointly develop the Dwarven tribes."

This is the true intention of the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire!

Previously, the Emperor of the Western Regions Empire was very interested in the "Lord of Shadows" who could thrive in the Dwarven tribes.

And after learning that King Cohen Corleone of Effie was the famous Lord of Shadows, this interest immediately turned into a substantial strategic intention.

Especially his brother-in-law, Grand Duke Roland, already had a close relationship with the Corleone royal family.

Emperor Clemenceau Monroe of the Western Regions Empire realized that this was an excellent opportunity to join forces with Effie to develop the Dwarves.

With the strong aggressiveness and combat power shown by Cohen Corleone at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference, this young King must also be an ambitious and expansionist monarch, and the big cake of the Dwarves will definitely move him.

Coincidentally, at this time, the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak came to plead for mercy, so Emperor Monroe took the opportunity to send Grand Duke Roland to probe Cohen's intentions.

Cohen calculated in his heart:

Emperor Monroe's proposal is exactly what he wanted. The reason why he went to great lengths to support Iron Rock Ornn was not only to pull them into the inter-racial trade route, but more importantly, to insert a nail in the Dwarves to prepare for his future conquest of the Dwarves.

In his plan, the Dwarven tribes are a must-have, especially after the continent is turbulent in the future, the Dwarves who can provide massive amounts of magic crystal ore and magic equipment are even more important.

However, his current big goal is the Kingdom of Ceylon, and he cannot spare manpower for the Dwarves for the time being.

Now that Emperor Monroe of the Western Regions Empire is actively offering cooperation, it is solving his immediate need.

Conquering and subduing a race is not such a simple matter, nor can it be accomplished overnight. Since Emperor Monroe has this intention, let him be the vanguard first!

With this in mind, Cohen smiled and said:

"His Majesty Monroe is too kind. I don't have the ability to control the Smelting Tribe, one of the Ten Great Dwarven Tribes. The reason why I was able to persuade the Smelting Tribe to join the inter-racial trade route was entirely because I was lucky.

Moreover, I didn't go to the Dwarves alone. Without the help of Miss Wenzer of the Golden Wing Family, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be able to enter the gate of the Dwarves."

Grand Duke Roland did not comment on Cohen's modesty, and continued:

"Then what does His Majesty Corleone mean?"

Cohen nodded lightly:

"We can cooperate. As for how to cooperate specifically, please go back and inform His Majesty Monroe. We need time to discuss it here. After the discussion is completed, we will come up with a specific cooperation plan.

Of course, your Western Regions Empire can also draft a cooperation plan by itself. When we meet again, we can exchange ideas and seek common ground while reserving differences."

A look of joy appeared on Grand Duke Roland's face, and he immediately nodded and said:

"Okay, then it's settled.

I will report to my imperial brother when I go back. As for the Duchy of Silverfrost and the Duchy of Sacred Oak, they will be entirely handed over to you to deal with. With our Western Regions Empire here, no one in the entire Northwest Continent will dare to interfere in this matter again!"

Cohen reached out his hand and shook hands with Grand Duke Roland heavily:

"Happy cooperation!"

… …

Emperor Clemenceau Monroe of the Western Regions Empire was holding a routine cabinet meeting. The main agenda was to discuss what attitude to take towards Effie in the future, in response to what happened at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference not long ago.

The debate in the cabinet meeting was fierce.

To put it bluntly, the focus of the controversy was two points: whether to suppress or unite.

The suppression faction believes that Effie's current strength is no less than that of a kingdom, and all of this is only the accumulation of a king who is less than twenty years old in a short period of two years.

This speed is really incredible. If it is not suppressed, in time, there will be an existence no less than the empire, which is unacceptable to the Western Regions Empire, which regards the Northwest Continent as its own territory.

The reasons for the united faction are also very sufficient.

First, they feel that the suppression faction is too whimsical. Which of the five great empires that exist on the continent today did not reach this point with tens of thousands of years of accumulation?

How could Effie possibly reach the level of an empire?

In addition, the King of Effie targeted the Eastern Regions Empire and the Central Empire at the Northwest Regional Exchange Conference. With these two great empires staring at them, Effie is in danger of self-preservation. Their Western Regions Empire can completely sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, without having to personally enter the arena.

They can even secretly fund Effie to help them consume the strength of the Central Empire and the Eastern Regions Empire.

The upper echelons of the Western Regions Empire also seem to vaguely realize that there will be a major reshuffle of forces on the continent in the future.

As one of the five great empires, the other empires are their potential competitors. If Effie can help them contain the most powerful Central Empire and the Eastern Regions Empire that relies on Dragon Valley, that would be the best.

What's more, Effie also has the two coveted treasures of the Beastman Legion and the Divine Demon Equipment. If they unite with Effie, they might be able to take advantage of these two things.

The two factions have their own reasons and are arguing fiercely.

Emperor Monroe, however, seemed preoccupied. He held no animosity towards Effien, but neither was he particularly close to him.

At most, he had a slight fondness for him due to Grand Duke Roland.

What he was concerned with was not this, but King Effien's other identity: the Lord of Shadows.

Like the emperors of the Western Regions Empire throughout history, Clementso Monroe also harbored the ambition to conquer the dwarf tribes and break out of the northern snow mountains.

And King Effien, as the Lord of Shadows, was the best partner!

Although the Western Regions Empire's strategies against the dwarf tribes over thousands of years had mostly been unsuccessful, they had still managed to plant some informants within them.

Emperor Monroe knew very well what the Lord of Shadows, that is, King Effien, had accomplished in the Forging Tribe, one of the ten major dwarf tribes.

He had single-handedly pushed a hopeless third heir to the position of chieftain. This news was far more appealing to him than any orc legions or divine artifacts.

After learning of this news, Emperor Monroe wanted to send someone to find this "Lord of Shadows."

However, the whereabouts of the Lord of Shadows were too elusive to be found, and Emperor Monroe didn't know his true identity, so he didn't want to reveal his hand.

What if this Lord of Shadows was the heir to some other empire? That would be counterproductive.

Fortunately, the shocking battle at the Northwest Region Exchange Conference not only allowed the entire continent to witness the unparalleled grace of the youngest legendary figure but also allowed people to see the forbearance and methods of a young king.

The true identity of the Lord of Shadows was actually King Effien!

Unlike the complex feelings of the ministers at home, Emperor Monroe only felt joy in his heart.

The Lord of Shadows was actually the king of a small country in the Northwest Continent! This news was too exciting.

Since he was a king, the two countries could engage in inter-state cooperation. Moreover, he was from a Northwest Continent country, so there was no need to worry about being influenced by the other empires.

As soon as Emperor Monroe learned the true identity of the Lord of Shadows, he sent a letter to Grand Duke Roland, asking him to find a way to meet Cohen and take the opportunity to probe his intentions from the side.

Before Grand Duke Roland had time to probe, the envoys from the Silver Frost Duchy and the Holy Oak Duchy came to him crying for help.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Monroe thought that this was a good opportunity to probe King Effien's intentions, so he instructed Grand Duke Roland again to use these two countries to probe Cohen's true intentions.

Watching the two factions arguing incessantly, Emperor Monroe felt a burst of annoyance, constantly checking the time, wondering why Roland hadn't sent back any news yet.

Just as he was complaining, he saw his sister standing at the door, making a secret gesture to him.

Emperor Monroe was overjoyed and slightly raised his hand, clearing his throat:

"Everyone has made good points. Continue the discussion. I'll step out for a moment."

After meeting his sister, Emperor Monroe couldn't wait to ask:

"Did Roland send any news?"

Lady Roland nodded slightly and handed a slip of paper to Emperor Monroe.

After reading the contents of the note, Emperor Monroe was overjoyed. He hugged his little sister and spun her around, excitedly saying:

"Well done, Nielin! Send a letter to Roland and tell him to stay in Florence. After we've discussed the cooperation plan, have him represent us in the negotiations."

Lady Roland exclaimed softly:

"Brother, you're crazy! You're the emperor now, be more steady!"

Emperor Monroe waved his hand excitedly, his tone revealing an undeniable determination:

"Nielin, I want to fulfill our father's lifelong regret!

Those damn dwarves, this time I'm going to kick their asses properly!"

After saying that, he entered the cabinet meeting room without looking back.

Seeing the cabinet meeting room still in a chaotic argument, Emperor Monroe knocked on the table. After the meeting room quieted down, he quickly announced two orders:

"Duke Fuxi, contact our ambassadors to the Charter Concord Organization and the Northwest Alliance and submit a proposal.

The specific content of the proposal is that, because the Silver Frost Duchy and the Holy Oak Duchy openly violated international treaties and attacked the capital of Effien, causing huge losses and trauma to the people of Effien,

this act that seriously threatens regional security must be severely sanctioned.

As the regional security maintainer of the Northwest Continent, our Western Regions Empire must take action.

From today onwards, impose diplomatic and economic sanctions on the Silver Frost Duchy and the Holy Oak Duchy. You and the Prime Minister should come up with a specific plan.

In addition, entrust Effien to carry out military sanctions against these two countries, launch a self-defense counterattack, and make it clear that no country or third-party force may interfere in our Northwest Continent's internal affairs!"

Hearing Emperor Monroe's instructions, the meeting room fell silent for a moment.

This proposal was equivalent to acquiescing to Effien's annexation of the Silver Frost Duchy and the Holy Oak Duchy, which was unprecedented in the entire Northwest Continent.

Imperial Cabinet Minister and Foreign Minister Duke Fuxi wore an astonished expression. Not long ago, he had received requests for help from the Silver Frost Duchy and the Holy Oak Duchy. When he reported to Emperor Monroe at the time, he had thought that His Majesty would step in to protect them.

How could his attitude have taken a 180-degree turn now?

Duke Fuxi suppressed his doubts and replied in a deep voice:

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do it immediately."

Emperor Monroe then announced another order:

"Prime Minister, Duke Fuxi, Marshal Pereira, Viscount Albert, come to my office for a meeting in one hour."

The people Emperor Monroe called were, in order, the Prime Minister and Cardinal Archbishop of the Church of Light, Denniz, Foreign Minister Duke Fuxi, Imperial Minister of Military Affairs and Grand Marshal Perola, and Minister of Dwarven Affairs Viscount Albert.

Hearing these names, the ministers felt a pang in their hearts, and they almost understood His Majesty's intention—the Monroe family, unwilling to give up, was preparing to take action against the dwarf tribes again!

… …

After Cohen saw Grand Duke Roland off, he found Yadeer and summoned Prime Minister Angus, Viscount Herman, and Baron Holt, who had recovered his health after taking the Elven Holy Fruit and had been reappointed as Foreign Minister.

Cohen told them about Grand Duke Roland's proposal.

Yadeer's eyes flashed with a strange color, and she asked:

"You've been to the dwarves?"

Cohen's face turned slightly red, and he said:

"Yes, when I was in the Lost Land, in order to better help the Pale Wings establish cross-racial trade routes, I went to the dwarves."

Yadeer raised her delicate eyebrows slightly and asked:

"Were you alone?"

Cohen glanced at Prime Minister Angus, Herman, and Baron Holt, who were pretending to be deep in thought, and smiled wryly:

"I was with Miss Windsor. Alright, Queen, that's not the point."

Yadeer snorted softly, a coldness emerging in her beautiful eyes, and she resolved to give Cohen a profound lesson tonight.

Cohen cleared his throat and signaled to the others that they didn't need to act anymore.

The few began to discuss serious matters. Prime Minister Angus took the lead in speaking:

"Your Majesty, I think this is a good thing. What has been restricting Effien's development has always been resources and land.

If we can subdue the dwarves, it will definitely be a good thing for Effien's future."

Baron Holt also nodded slightly:

"I have no objections either, but we should wait until the Western Regions Empire's proposal is passed in the Charter Concord Organization and the Northwest Alliance before we agree."

As a veteran diplomat, Holt's diplomatic philosophy was that no matter how great the benefits, only those that are implemented and actually seen can be called benefits.

If it's not implemented, you can't believe it no matter how flowery the words are.

If the Western Regions Empire is really willing to give Effien legal support internationally, then it can indeed help Effien solve many invisible troubles.

Herman also spoke:

"Cooperation is no problem, the key is that we must carefully consider the details of the cooperation.

After all, the other party is an empire with ten thousand years of heritage. Its foundation and strength are far inferior to ours. If we want to obtain sufficient benefits in the future development of the dwarves, we must muster all our energy."

Cohen tapped the table:

"That's exactly what I want to say.

Cooperation is possible, but it must be based on us, and we must take the largest share of the benefits.

Simply put, of the ten dwarf tribes, Effien must occupy at least six!"

Cohen's grand plan slightly startled the few. Yadeer frowned slightly:

"Will the Western Regions Empire agree?"

Cohen nodded confidently and said:

"They will definitely agree. After all, invading the dwarf tribes is the obsession of the Monroe royal family throughout the generations."

A thoughtful expression appeared on Herman's face, and he said with a chuckle:

"Yes, they will definitely agree, because they never intended to fulfill the contract properly.

Waiting until the matter is successful before going back on their word is very much in line with the Monroe family's style."

Cohen laughed and said:

"That's exactly the point. The Western Regions Empire will definitely have this idea, but when the time comes, it depends on whether they dare to go back on their word!"

The strong confidence in Cohen's words slightly stunned Prime Minister Angus and Minister Holt.

Judging from Cohen's meaning, did he have the confidence to develop Effien into an existence that even the Western Regions Empire would not dare to break its promises with in a few years?

Cohen continued:

"This matter must be watched by a dedicated person, including the subsequent actions against the dwarves."

Cohen looked at Herman while speaking, and Herman naturally understood and volunteered.

Cohen said:

"I'll give you two more assistants. The Fear Demon Akdimon has always cooperated well with you, so let him help you this time.

In addition, there is the Pale Wing's Vesel. I'll tell Isha… I'll inform Miss Windsor and let him come and help."

Herman nodded and said:

"Alright."

After the matter was discussed, the queen coughed softly, and the few retreated very tactfully.

Cohen also wanted to slip away secretly, but he heard Yadeer's smiling voice:

"Isha? You call her so intimately.

I'm very interested in what happened between the two of you in the dwarf tribe. Tell me all about it!

Come on, come into the house with me!"

Saying that, she stretched out her slender jade hand, grabbed Cohen's tie, and entered the study… …