In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Prince Randolph gritted his teeth in frustration. His father had often expressed exasperation over dealing with the nobles, and Randolph was beginning to understand why.

"They send urgent reports from the frontlines, claiming that defensive lines are falling. Morale is already low, and showing our strength would reassure our soldiers and intimidate the enemy. It's not as if I'm asking for a battle—just a show of might to deter the reinforcements of the Pamir Empire," Randolph argued.

Watching the exchange from a distance, Michael felt a pang of disbelief. The prince seemed more interested in posturing than preparing for the enemy. Such actions could provoke even greater opposition, especially considering the Pamir Empire's reliance on overwhelming numbers.

It was clear to Michael that Randolph's true motivation was to impress Princess Elise. Randolph's frustration only deepened as he recalled Elise's melancholy smile, her sadness over her inability to directly aid her country. He wanted to ease her worries, but the resistance from the nobles infuriated him.

Turning abruptly, Randolph addressed Michael. "What about you, Sir Michael? Do you also find my proposal unwise?"

Caught off guard, Michael quickly composed himself.

"Your Highness, a parade of our forces could indeed bolster morale. However, I suggest one condition: for your safety, you should remain within the fortress. Your well-being is more critical to us than any display of military strength."

With this, Michael deftly balanced the prince's pride while subtly thwarting his plan. Randolph's desire for a spectacle was evident, but Michael managed to elevate him in the eyes of his subordinates without allowing him to act recklessly.

Duke Capone and General Louis exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the deftness of Michael's words.

Such command over words rivals his military prowess. We are witnessing the rise of a new star while our influence wanes.

Prince Randolph, still flustered, pressed the matter. "Are you saying I shouldn't lead the army in a review?"

Without such a display, the prince felt his intentions would be meaningless. Noticing his expression, Michael seized the opportunity to solidify his position.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, I fear the current state of our troops might not withstand the strain of such an inspection. While the northeastern forces are well-trained due to repeated skirmishes, I cannot say the same for the others. Given the situation, the risk of an incident is simply too great. For now, it would be unwise for Your Highness to personally oversee them," Michael said, shaking his head as if pained by the reality.

Randolph paused, his pride wounded but his reason slowly catching up. He cleared his throat in an attempt to recover his composure.

"Hmm, I see. You make a valid point. That being said… Sir Michael, your forces are exemplary. Perhaps we could train the others to reach a similar standard?"

Michael had to summon every ounce of patience from both his past and present lives to hold his tongue. The prince's request struck a nerve.

Train them? Train them?!

His mind raced with frustration. What makes you think training other nobles' troops would turn them into mine? Why should I bear the burden of training someone else's soldiers?

The First Corps under Michael's command was composed of knights sworn to the Crassus family, alongside their handpicked men. Nobles guarded their training methods fiercely, passing them down within their lineage to maintain power. For Randolph to suggest such an overreach was nothing short of appalling.

Before Michael's tight-lipped smile could fully falter, Duke Capone stepped in.

"Your Highness, such a proposal is unlikely to be well-received. Training one's soldiers is a noble's privilege, entirely separate from following commands during wartime," the duke explained diplomatically.

Randolph's irritation was evident.

Useless, selfish nobles! he thought bitterly. Once I ascend to the throne, I'll rid the kingdom of those who lack the vision to serve the greater good.

Michael watched Randolph closely, quickly realizing that the prince's frustrations stemmed from more than naivety.

It's not a lack of education—it's an excess of it.

Having witnessed King Charles V's struggles against the entrenched power of the nobility, Randolph had developed a disdain for feudal limitations. As a future monarch, his desire for absolute authority was understandable, but to Michael, a noble himself, it was unsettling. The political climate under Randolph's rule would need careful observation.

Randolph finally relented with a tight smile. "Very well. I appreciate your concern for my safety, Sir Michael. It seems only you truly understand the value of our kingdom's strength."

His tone softened, and his gaze toward Michael grew more favorable.

Duke Capone silently sighed in relief, thankful that the tension had subsided. Outwardly, he smiled, but inwardly, Michael's concerns lingered.
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This man, so ambitious and arrogant, yet lacking the substance to match his aspirations, will someday be king… The challenges ahead are already clear.

The next day, Prince Randolph seemed to have regained his spirits. A red ribbon tied around his wrist, gifted by Princess Elise, fluttered with his every movement. He frequently touched it, a satisfied smile on his face.

The sight was enough to confirm that Elonia's efforts had not been in vain.

Meanwhile, Michael's mood had also lifted. The rewards sent by Elonia for his recent victory had arrived, exceeding expectations.

Having subtly hinted at his preferences through Count Demonic, the rewards came mostly in the form of material goods: chests of gold and jewels, fine weaponry, armor, and even warhorses.

Michael distributed the rewards generously. The warhorses went to Sir Lancaster and other knights who had lost their steeds in battle. Additional treasures were shared among his men, ensuring their satisfaction.

When heavy pouches of gold reached the hands of the knights, their faces lit with gratitude. Michael knew well the importance of rewarding loyalty.

"Rest assured, this is only the beginning," Michael said. "For those who continue to follow the Crassus family, there will be ample rewards once the war concludes. Titles and lands await the deserving. Fight well, and you will not be disappointed."

His words sparked eager determination in the knights, many of whom lacked substantial landholdings. Even those with existing estates perked up at the prospect of fertile Elonian lands.