In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 354 Princess Elizabeth



"This is my eldest daughter, Elizabeth. Once the coronation is held tomorrow, she'll officially be recognized as a princess. She oversaw most of the preparations and participated in urban development. Tomorrow, she will be your guide."

"I'm Elizabeth," she said simply, bowing with elegance.

All eyes turned toward her, stunned.

Every king, every noble, wore the same wide-eyed expression.

"By the gods… A woman that beautiful? And she's competent too?"

"She's easily a match for Princess Astrid. No… maybe even more beautiful."

That last thought was, of course, a matter of preference—but Elizabeth's striking features, tall stature, and balanced figure added a distinctive charm.

As he admired her once more, Sigmund suddenly felt a wave of irritation rise within him.

He didn't like the way the others were looking at her.

"…These bastards…"

Elizabeth stood with graceful composure, unbothered by the flood of eyes fixed on her. Her poised demeanor, paired with her elegant beauty, created a striking and unique atmosphere.

Dominic approached her cautiously. Others might not notice, but the family could tell—Elizabeth was clearly displeased.

Carefully gauging his eldest sister's mood, Dominic spoke in a low voice.

"Don't be so cold. I have no intention of forcing a marriage you don't want. What if you take your time guiding him around the castle and get a sense of his character?"

Elizabeth reluctantly nodded in agreement. Across the hall, Michael sent her a look of encouragement.

If his sister had someone she loved, that would be one thing. But to marry her off as if selling her—he couldn't bear the thought. After all, Elizabeth wasn't someone who sat idle. She practically managed the entire household of the ducal estate.

Meeting Michael's gaze, Elizabeth let out a silent sigh. If Michael remained a duke, that might be one thing—but he was aiming for the throne, possibly the empire itself. It would be improper for her to stay by his side.

While Astrid, the princess soon to be her sister-in-law, was easy to get along with, politics could change everything. Running the household of a ducal estate and managing the affairs of a royal household were completely different tasks.

Michael understood this too. In that case, he should simply grant Elizabeth a title and let her live her own life. Still, it felt like a waste—her capabilities and ambitions were too great to be set aside.

He glanced sideways at Sigmund, who couldn't take his eyes off Elizabeth.

'If only she could grow fond of him… that would be ideal.'

Sigmund chuckled, recalling how Elizabeth had coldly rejected him by the lake. Before befriending Michael, she had only piqued his curiosity. But now, things had changed. He had come to respect Michael as a true equal—and a friend.

Elizabeth, stepping in for her absent father and younger sisters, led the group on a tour. Befitting a woman soon to become a princess of the realm, she was accompanied by a retinue of ladies-in-waiting and attendants. Michael, alongside Princess Astrid, was also being guided through the castle.

The castle had been lavishly prepared for the coronation. Visiting royals and envoys remembered hearing rumors about a new palace being built by the lake. This one was already breathtaking—how magnificent would the new one be?

"The merchant truly is of a different class," one whispered.

"Indeed. You can see the effort that's gone into every corner."

"Still, its short history is undeniable. It doesn't hold a candle to the grandeur of ancient palaces."

Despite their words, the envoys struggled to find any real fault. While they tried to nitpick the history of Michael and his lineage, the House of Xerx was too famous and too long-standing to attack meaningfully. Not to mention, their military might and wealth were staggering.

Thus, the envoys' criticisms inevitably turned toward the visible: the castle itself. But even that was difficult. The well-maintained fortress revealed no flaws.

Golden chandeliers lined the expansive marble corridors. At Elizabeth's gesture, the flames inside the chandeliers shimmered like flowing water, changing colors. These were magic chandeliers developed by Leonardo. Everyone's jaws dropped.

"What in the world is that…?"

"Ahem. Let's not get carried away. It's merely an illusion."

Yet even the one downplaying it couldn't hide the envy in his eyes. The chandeliers radiated a dazzling glow, and as Elizabeth and her ladies passed by, sparkles drifted through the air like floating stars. Everyone held their breath, mesmerized.

Smiling faintly, Elizabeth glanced back, then began the next act.

"Let's begin."

At her nod, the ladies-in-waiting moved elegantly, pulling cords that hung along the castle walls. The tapestries came to life—scenes of war embroidered in fine detail now flowed like living images.

Knights defending the castle raised their swords, and the fires of battle flickered across the woven battlefield. It was like watching a living play, as if the legendary kings and queens of Xerx's past had returned to life.

Sigmund absentmindedly stroked his chin, unable to look away. The others were equally stunned.

"My God… Did you see that?"

"I did. Could the tapestries in the plaza be the same…?"

"They'll likely display these magical lamps and tapestries together during the coronation. It'll be a spectacle like no other."

The delegation could barely contain their shock. Who would have imagined witnessing such a sight?

If all the tapestries in the plaza were to move in unison, the morale of the people would soar without question.

"Ahem. I wonder where one could acquire such pieces. They'd look splendid in our own palace…"

The envoys' gazes turned greedy. Luxury, after all, was defined by owning what others could not.

"Come to think of it, didn't they show us a textile workshop earlier?"

"Then perhaps we can commission those moving tapestries there?"

"That must be it. Otherwise, why would they show us the workshop first?"

"But… I doubt such items can be sold to individuals."

All eyes turned toward Michael and Elizabeth. The delegates were calculating whom they needed to win over to place an order.

No one believed such opulent artifacts were for general sale. But as gifts… perhaps, in the name of alliance?


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