My queen is rebelling!

Golden Body Tempering: 30%.

A layer of golden light flickered on Cohen's body. His eyes narrowed slightly as he felt the continuous stream of power emanating from within.

He thought to himself that the 'dragon blood' from Asuna's breakthrough really had the same effect as real dragon blood, helping Cohen's Golden Body Tempering advance by a large margin.

Asuna was curled up in Cohen's arms, their hands intertwined, sleeping peacefully.

Straight nose, trembling eyelashes, crescent-shaped ear contours, smooth forehead and moist lips, her brows were slightly furrowed, the pain of her first night still brought her great discomfort.

Delicate and slender collarbones met in front of her chest, forming a small, alluring depression.

Asuna's chest rose and fell slowly with her breathing. Although her size was slightly inferior to Cohen's other concubines, her elasticity was excellent, which Cohen had personally verified many times.

Cohen leaned down and kissed the corner of Asuna's lips. Although the movement was gentle enough, it still woke her up.

Asuna opened her eyes, her pupils still filled with the daze and lust of the crazy night, which made Cohen unable to resist the urge to draw his sword and get back in the saddle.

After a period of morning exercises, Cohen hugged Asuna and said:

"Next, the burden of the Southern Territory will be entirely on your shoulders. Governor Follen and Commander Beo are both trustworthy people.

Also, Melantha should have sent the blueprints back to Florence. When she returns to the Southern Territory, you two can discuss things together.

As for Gillyworth, he knows the connections between many noble forces in the Southern Territory like the back of his hand. When he comes back, he can also help you.

Your level is still low, so you must prioritize your own safety when you encounter problems…"

Asuna bit her lip and said reluctantly:

"Is Master leaving?"

The newly initiated girl's dependence and love for the man had risen to a whole new level.

Cohen's heart softened, and he whispered sweet words in Asuna's ear, finally managing to calm her down.

Just as they were in a tender moment, the special communication stone between Cohen and the Queen sister vibrated, and Cohen's face turned pale.

Sneaking around was one thing, but getting caught in the act was another.

Asuna also saw the vibrating communication stone. Asuna, who had been Adelle's squire for a period of time, knew that the former also had an identical one.

Her thoughts turned quickly, and she immediately realized that it was the Queen who was contacting Cohen.

Her expression was also a little flustered. Adelle's deterrent power was still there. She hurriedly put on a few clothes to cover her private parts and quickly ran into the adjacent washroom with the rest.

Cohen didn't idle either, quickly cleaning up the scene, suppressing the intense emotions in his heart, and connected to the communication stone.

Cohen yawned and said:

"I was dealing with the Luca family's affairs yesterday and was busy until midnight."

Adelle didn't delve into it. Cohen had already told her about the Luca family's trafficking of talented children from the Southern Territory to the Kingdom of Ceylon.

She continued Cohen's topic and said:

"Tell Asuna that this matter must be investigated thoroughly, and no one involved in this case can be let go.

In addition, after the case is concluded, the main culprit will be publicly executed directly, and the reactionary forces in the Southern Territory must be deterred."

Cohen replied:

"Okay, I'll tell her."

Adelle paused briefly, then continued:

"I've already met Melantha, and I've received the item. How do you plan to deal with it?"

Cohen's heart stirred. What Adelle was talking about was the crafting blueprint for the Divine-Demonic equipment 'Phantom Dragon Wing Cloak'. It seemed that Melantha had arrived in Florence.

Cohen said:

"Is Isa… is she still in Florence?"

Adelle raised her slender eyebrows and said:

"She has already arrived in the Western Regions Empire, as your personal envoy, to negotiate with Emperor Monroe about the Dwarven strategy.

After the negotiations between the two sides are over, she will go directly to the Dwarves to begin the preliminary plan."

Cohen said:

"I plan to hand the blueprint over to Isabella and let her pass it on to the Smelting Tribe of the Dwarves."

Adelle nodded and said:

"That's also the plan. Then let Melantha take another trip. Her strength is good, and she has the identity of the Black Tomb to cover her, so she is relatively safe."

Cohen replied:

"Okay.

In addition, the affairs of the Southern Territory are almost done. I estimate that I will set off for the Kingdom of Ceylon in a few days. I'll leave the domestic affairs to you, sister."

Adelle's voice was very serious:

"Although I've said it many times before, I have to remind you again, you must pay attention to safety, don't be reckless. You are now the number one enemy of the entire Kingdom of Ceylon. It is very likely that the Ceylon royal family has Saints watching your movements, do you understand?"

Cohen said confidently:

"Sister, don't worry, this time I plan to enter the Kingdom of Ceylon with a brand new identity.

Hmm… the pirate king of the Ceylon Kingdom's offshore waters, what do you think of this identity?"

Adelle's smooth jade-like beautiful face showed a moment of hesitation, and she asked:

"Are you planning to sneak into the Kingdom of Ceylon through that Black Sail Gang?

By the way, I heard Melantha say that Gillyworth, who offered the Divine-Demonic equipment, seems to be the real ruler of the Scarlet Raiders."

Cohen's lips curled up slightly and said:

"More than that, the three major pirate groups in the Ceylon Kingdom's offshore waters, the Scarlet Raiders, the Black Sail Gang, and the Dark Tide Specters, I am confident that I can take them all down.

As long as I unify the three major pirate groups and become the pirate king of the Ceylon Kingdom's offshore waters, the entire Ceylon Kingdom's coastal trade will be under my control.

At that time, someone from the Ceylon Kingdom will take the initiative to come to me to discuss cooperation!"

The three major pirate groups in the Ceylon Kingdom's offshore waters have existed for thousands of years, even longer than the inheritance time of some principalities.

In the complex international relations, pirates are generally a means used by some countries to contain neighboring countries.

A typical example of this is the Kingdom of Ceylon. As the first military power in the entire Northwest Continent except for the two empires, the Kingdom of Ceylon often supports some pirate groups.

It tacitly allows these pirates to disrupt the maritime trade and shipping of surrounding countries, thereby weakening their strength.

Achilles is one of the countries that has suffered greatly from this.

Especially the Southern Territory, which has one of the three major ports, Gold Sail Port, its trade routes are often attacked by pirate groups, and Achilles itself has limited naval strength, so it often has to spend a lot of money to hire maritime adventure groups or foreign warships to protect its trade routes.

The three major pirate groups in the Ceylon Kingdom's offshore waters, the Scarlet Raiders, the Black Sail Gang, and the Dark Tide Specters, all have the shadow of the Ceylon Kingdom's official forces behind them to varying degrees.

Starting from the three major pirate groups can not only avoid suspicion, but also strike at the coastal forces of the Kingdom of Ceylon and enhance the naval strength of Achilles.

When the time comes for a full-scale war, it can rely on the Southern Territory to launch attacks simultaneously from the sea and land lines, which can be said to be a multi-pronged approach.

Of course, the premise is that Cohen can completely control these three pirate groups. This difficulty is no less than annexing three countries.

Even the 'Scarlet Raiders', although Gillyworth is the leader, his control over this pirate group is really limited.

According to him, his pirate group leader 'father' was originally an incarnation of the fifty-eighth pillar demon, Amy. The pirate group was also casually established by him to disguise his identity. After he finished his own affairs, he stopped paying attention to it. The core members of the pirate group have long been replaced several times.

Gillyworth himself can only command a few relatively staunch confidants, sitting in the nominal position of leader.

Not to mention the 'Black Sail Gang' and the 'Dark Tide Specters', it will be difficult to take down these two pirate groups without spending some effort.

Adelle listened to Cohen's plan roughly and asked:

"Do you need help? If I remember correctly, there is at least one legendary leader in each of these pirate groups.

If you go alone, the difficulty of subduing them is probably not small."

Cohen scratched his head awkwardly and said:

"These pirate groups usually also participate in some normal maritime trade and have some connection with 'Pale Wings'.

The Northwest Continent is also the sphere of influence of the 'Gold Wing Family'…"

Adelle waved her hand and interrupted Cohen's super-long preamble, saying:

"Do I look like a woman who would be jealous easily? If the Gold Wing Family is willing to send a legendary powerhouse to help you, I naturally have no objection."

Cohen thought to himself that she said she wasn't jealous, but if he didn't say that, he wouldn't be able to get into bed when he got back.

He quickly said:

"Hmm, I told Isabella, and Mr. Modo will come to help me then."

Adelle nodded and said:

"Okay, he is a high-level legendary, with him there, you don't have to worry about your safety."

Adelle then said:

"I contacted you this time because there is another major matter to discuss with you."

Seeing Adelle's solemn expression, Cohen couldn't help but be curious and asked:

"What's wrong, sister? What happened?"

Adelle said:

"The next Noble Martial Arts Festival is about to be held, and this time the venue is the Central Empire of Constantine, do you know that?"

Cohen nodded and said:

"I know, it should be less than two years away, what's wrong?"

Adelle said in a deep voice:

"I just received a notice from the Central Empire. They announced the participation announcement for this [Noble Martial Arts Festival]. Most of it is similar to previous sessions, but there is one difference, that is, this year's champion prize has one more item than in the past.

An opportunity to contact a large number of dragons."

Cohen was stunned for a moment, and immediately thought of something, and asked:

“Contact a large number of dragons!”

Are you referring to the Magic Dragon Plane passed down through generations by the Central Empire's Noble Council?

Yadell shook her head and said:

“I'm not too sure about that, but according to the people from the Central Empire, this so-called contact does not refer to the dragons in Dragon Valley.

Moreover, subduing these dragons will not provoke the animosity of Dragon Valley.

As soon as I saw this award, I thought of Asuna. The Central Empire releasing this option may be to lure you in.

After all, Asuna is the only dragon tamer on the continent openly.”

Keen's brow furrowed with intense thoughts. After a while, he said:

“I understand. I'll ask Samuel about this later. He should know more about the inside story.”

Military Intelligence Overseas Station, Constantine Station Chief Samuel Jones.

Keen planned to first inquire whether the Central Empire's opportunity to contact a large number of dragons referred to the Magic Dragon Plane passed down through generations by the Central Empire's Noble Council.

If it really was that plane, then Chief Heisenberg was really sending him a great gift.

If he hadn't deliberately started a cold war with Her Majesty the Empress some time ago, he would have really wanted to ask Senice what tricks were involved in this Noble Martial Arts Festival.

With the serious matters discussed, it was time for some private topics.

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Keen and Yadell confided in each other. Amidst the tender affection, a burst of fiery red light suddenly erupted around Keen.

Yadell's expression froze, and she quickly asked:

“What's wrong? What's happening on your end?”

Before Keen could answer, a surprised cry rang out beside him.

Yadell frowned slightly. The voice was familiar, a woman's… Asuna?

Soon, a low dragon roar sounded beside Keen.

Keen's face stiffened, realizing that things were bad. He didn't expect that after he had just absorbed Asuna's “Dragon Blood” and advanced his Golden Body, Asuna herself had also advanced.

Due to Asuna's shared talent with her contracted dragon, the dragon also advanced, causing a bigger commotion.

At this moment, Yadell obviously realized something as well. Her willow eyebrows arched slightly, and a hint of coldness appeared in her beautiful pupils:

“Where are you now?”

Keen forced a reply:

“I've been staying at Asuna's Duke's mansion these past two days.”

Yadell sneered:

“Red Dragon Duchess, since you're beside him, why don't you come out and say hello?”

Cold sweat broke out on Keen's back. Before long, Asuna, fully dressed, timidly came to Keen's side and greeted Yadell:

“Your Highness, hello.”

Yadell stared at Asuna for a while, a meaningful smile on her lips:

“Grand Duchess Iliad, next time after sleeping with a man, besides changing your clothes, remember to erase the amorous feelings from your eyes and brows. Otherwise, anyone with eyes will be able to tell that you've just been fooling around with a man.”

Asuna exclaimed in surprise and quickly covered her delicate face.

This action caused Keen to sigh inwardly. Silly woman, there were no amorous feelings at all. Yadell was obviously trying to trick you. You're just admitting it without being forced!

Asuna heard Keen's sigh and realized what was happening. She was immediately ashamed and anxious, and she directly turned into a red light and disappeared from the spot.

Only Keen was left, facing Queen Yadell, who had a calm expression, with a face full of embarrassment.

Keen stammered for a long time and said:

“Sister, I'm sorry…”

Yadell stared at Keen for a while and said:

“Who's next? Give me a heads-up in advance so I can prepare myself mentally.”

Keen immediately said with a bitter face:

“There won't be a next one. This is the last one, really.”

Yadell let out a chilling sneer:

“I'd be a fool to believe you. Next time I catch you, just wait and see!”

After saying that, she waved her slender hand and disappeared from the room.

Keen stayed where he was, sighed deeply, and said to the distance:

“Come out. Next time, remember to be careful. Don't let yourself be tricked into revealing things with just a few words.”

Asuna walked out from the side with a blushing face and said:

“How am I supposed to face the Queen in the future? Really…”

Keen gently hugged Asuna in his arms and comforted her considerately in her ear.

…

Keen opened the dedicated communication stone and contacted the Military Intelligence special agent he had placed beside Chief Heisenberg of the Central Empire's Noble Council, Heisenberg's secretary, Samuel Jones, the Secretary-General of the Legal Committee of the Central Empire's Noble Council.

Samuel's body stiffened when he saw Keen's communication request. Keen hadn't contacted him for a long time, almost making him forget that he had another identity.

He took a deep breath and answered the call.

Keen:

“I heard that this year's [Noble Martial Arts Festival]'s championship prize has one more item than in previous years. Do you know about this?”

Samuel replied quickly:

“I know. Heisenberg mentioned this matter not long ago.”

Keen asked:

“Why didn't you report it?”

Samuel was stunned for a moment and replied:

“Director, the Noble Martial Arts Festival is held every five years. Each time, some additional awards are set according to the wishes of the organizers themselves. It doesn't seem like there's anything special about this.”

Keen asked:

“Alright, let's not talk about this. Tell me, does that so-called opportunity to contact a large number of dragons refer to the one passed down through generations by your Noble Council?”

Samuel widened his eyes and replied:

“Yes… yes, Director, how did you know?”

Getting a definite answer, Keen felt a burst of excitement in his heart and said:

“Do you know why this condition was released?”

Samuel shook his head and said:

“Heisenberg didn't say much, just mentioned it in passing, saying it was Her Majesty's request.”

Senice?

It seems I still have to shamelessly ask Her Majesty the Empress.

Keen didn't say anything more and directly hung up the communication with Samuel.

Then, after considering it, he still connected with Senice's communication.

In the magnificent Empress's bedroom, crystal chandeliers cast a soft and bright light, illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime.

On the huge carved desk, mountains of memorials were piled up layer upon layer. Senice leaned lazily against the high-backed chair.

Strands of light golden hair were soaked with water vapor, sticking messily to her neck and shoulders, making her skin appear even whiter and more delicate. Her absolutely beautiful face revealed a hint of blush, making her incomparably stunning.

Her Majesty the Empress had obviously just finished bathing. She was wearing a thin silk robe, and her graceful figure was faintly outlined in the semi-transparent fabric.

Her slender fingers casually picked up a document, her eyes scanned the words on it, and after waiting for a moment, she left delicate but powerful handwriting on it with a pen.

Suddenly, the communication stone she had pressed under her pillow rang.

Senice reached out and tucked the fallen strands of hair behind her ear, a strange expression appearing on her face.

She beckoned lightly, and the communication stone flew over. Sure enough, it was Keen calling her.

Senice couldn't help but frown slightly. Why did this bastard suddenly remember to contact her on his own initiative?

Senice pushed the memorials in front of her forward, leaned lazily on the chair, and placed her slender legs on the table, revealing the jade-white instep of her bare feet outside her shoes.

…

Unfortunately, no one in the huge bedroom could witness such beauty.

Senice deliberately delayed for a while before answering the call. Soon, Keen's slightly apologetic voice came from the other side:

“Sorry, Your Majesty, for disturbing you so late.”

Senice's voice was very calm:

“What is it?”

Keen coughed lightly and asked:

“I would like to inquire with Your Majesty about the details of the next [Noble Martial Arts Festival].”

Senice raised her eyebrows slightly and replied after a moment of thought:

“Your prophetic abilities have aroused the interest of many people in the court, including the Prime Minister and Uncle Heinz, who all hope to meet you in person.

And because of the poor relationship between you and Chief Heisenberg, they were worried that a normal invitation would be rejected by you, so they thought of using the [Noble Martial Arts Festival] as an excuse to get you to come to the Central Empire on your own initiative.”

A trace of understanding flashed through Keen's heart, and he asked:

“Then will there be any risks in my trip to the Central Empire?”

Senice stretched out her jade feet and playfully fiddled with the communication stone. Hearing Keen's voice coming from under her feet, she felt a burst of comfort.

It seemed like this would allow her to trample and humiliate Keen.

After listening to Keen's words, Senice considered for a while and replied:

“At least I won't do anything to you, but I can't guarantee what Uncle and the Prime Minister will do.”

Keen quickly said:

“Your Majesty, I am your loyal ally. Shouldn't you consider my personal safety?”

Senice's red lips curved slightly, and she said in a calm tone:

“It's not like I'm forcing you to come. You can just not participate in the [Noble Martial Arts Festival].”

Keen was speechless inside. You set the conditions, obviously hoping that I would use the Magic Dragon Plane to build a dragon army to better fight against Heisenberg.

Now that it's come to this, you won't admit it. You just want to force me to give in. What a tsundere woman.

Keen thought to himself. Giving in is giving in. There's nothing shameful about giving in to the Emperor of the most powerful empire of mankind, especially since I can still benefit from it.

He quickly let go of his mental baggage, carefully considered his words, and said:

“Your Majesty, could I humbly request that you protect my personal safety to the extent of your ability?

In exchange, I can give you a generous reward!”