In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

But the tour of the castle wasn't over yet.

At a subtle nod from Elizabeth, the attendants stationed at each window simultaneously pulled a lever. These stained glass windows were masterpieces, crafted with utmost care by Leonardo. Under normal circumstances, they were transparent, revealing the scenery outside. But when the levers were pulled, colors and patterns emerged, combining into intricate designs.

Following a prearranged sequence, the attendants layered the light one step at a time. Images of ancient gods slowly began to take form on the once-clear glass.

"That's…"

The envoys were left speechless once again.

A gentle radiance spread from the grand chandelier above, the tapestries on the walls whispered of legends, and now divine light flowed through the windows like the touch of a god, enveloping the space in a sacred glow.

Myths of ancient deities and heroes wove together, resurrecting in a living tableau where past and present coexisted.

And that wasn't all.

"…Look down," murmured a high-ranking noble.

The entire delegation turned their eyes to the floor. Patterns were being etched into what had been a pristine marble surface. Depending on the direction one stepped, the floor shimmered in a spectrum of colors, revealing ever-shifting, breathtaking designs.

At last, Elizabeth gave a final signal. The curtains veiling the ballroom soared into the air all at once. Curtains of purple and silver fluttered upward like birds, dissolving into radiant light midair—it was indescribably beautiful.

Sigmund stood still, mesmerized, watching Elizabeth as she stood among the dissolving light birds.

She looks like a goddess of beauty, he thought.

Michael stepped forward at just the right moment and addressed Princess Astrid in a voice loud enough for all to hear.

"All of this was overseen by my sister, Elizabeth. From the selection of decorations to the staging of each presentation—she planned it all, every last detail."

With a fond smile, Michael turned toward his sister, admiration in his gaze.

"Of course, this is just one of many roles she fulfills. She handles all the internal affairs of our household and manages the affairs of the family."

Catching on quickly, Princess Astrid beamed.

"I am well aware of Lady Elizabeth's excellence. We spent time together on several occasions when I stayed in the capital."

Those who had known that Michael and Elizabeth were half-siblings perked up their ears. Rumors that her biological brother had once attempted to assassinate Michael had stirred doubts about their relationship, but observing them now, it was clear their bond was unshakably close.

This meant Elizabeth's value went far beyond her beauty.

Those who had previously researched her family background through intelligence channels recalled her maternal lineage. Though not politically influential, it was well-known for its rich artistic heritage.

Come to think of it… her mother's side always had an artistic flair. That would explain how she could stage such a spectacle. And her dowry must be considerable as well.

Elizabeth was now set to become a princess in her own right—and she had the powerful Michael as a younger brother. Michael held considerable diplomatic sway. The mere fact that kings from across the continent convened at his request proved as much.

Which meant that marriage to Elizabeth offered the promise of a formidable alliance.

Basked in her brother and Astrid's praise, Elizabeth gave a subtle, composed smile. If marriage was her fate, then it was best to seek out the most advantageous match possible.

Michael noticed the shift in her mood and sighed inwardly. But there was little he could do. Just as he had found love and peace with Astrid, he could only hope his sister would find the same.

To support her, he took another step forward.

"I don't say this just because she's my sister—Elizabeth is remarkably well-educated. There isn't a topic she can't speak on. From ancient languages to astronomy, geography, and history… Ah, that reminds me. Sister, didn't you recently take a magic aptitude test?"

Elizabeth responded with humility, but also quiet confidence.

"It's nothing remarkable. While preparing the castle, I became immersed in magical techniques and decided to take the test. They said I had the aptitude for magic. Of course, I haven't received formal training, so I'll only know for sure once I begin learning properly."

As if under a spell, the assembled kings and nobles, already entranced by her beauty, snapped to full attention.

So she's not only stunning… she's well-read, skilled in household management, and even has magical potential?

She was the epitome of an ideal bride.

While her age was slightly beyond the usual for marriage, her radiant beauty more than compensated. Especially for King Henry III, the revelation stirred great interest.

Though his kingdom had long maintained favorable relations with the Kingdom of Lania, the scandal between Crown Prince Randolph and a Lania princess had weakened their alliance.

In such a climate, marrying his only son to Michael's sister could yield immense benefit. The age gap between them gave him pause, but political marriages were rarely driven by emotion.

If I had known this would happen, I would've brought the Crown Prince along…

As King Henry brooded with regret, others were having similar thoughts.

It's been nearly five years since I lost my queen. Maybe it's time for me to remarry…

King Leopold twisted his mustache, his eyes roaming over Elizabeth.

With that beauty, her dowry, and a potential alliance with both Xerx and Lania—this was a deal too good to pass up.

King Edmund shared the sentiment.

With her breadth of scholarly knowledge, she must be intelligent. And now we hear she has magical potential? If my heir inherits that…

If possible, having a mage as a successor was preferable to a knight. To have royal blood infused with magical talent would be the ideal scenario.

Watching them, Sigmund could no longer hide his displeasure. He didn't fully understand the emotions stirring within him—but whatever it was, it unsettled him deeply.

Empress… Well, I suppose it's time I started thinking about my heir too.

Clearly, action would be required.