In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Duke Capone, watching her quietly, added:

"His presence alone will be a tremendous boon. But if you're hesitant about him stepping directly onto the battlefield..."

Astrid firmly shook her head.

"That cannot be allowed. My personal feelings and sorrows mean nothing in the grand course of history. The finest blade must never remain in its sheath. He thinks the same."

Capone looked at her with approval.

A ruler worthy of sainthood.

"Indeed. Duke Michael's leadership and experience will bring us victory."

Astrid nodded.

"Yes. But we must not grow complacent. Ensure everything is prepared to the finest detail. A single mistake can decide the outcome of war."

The atmosphere in the war room grew solemn.

Flags on the map trembled faintly in the draft, while the sounds of training soldiers echoed from beyond the castle walls.

"Are the supplies coming in steadily?"

Capone nodded without delay.

"After the southern lords were purged due to the locust plague, national affairs have actually run more smoothly. Following Duke Michael's advice, we received help from capable stewards and merchants—it's been more than sufficient."

Within the palace storage areas, wartime supplies were being rapidly sorted.

In the food stores, dried jerky and grains were packed into sacks.

Healers were preparing medicinal remedies and antidotes from herbs.

The medical unit, organized at Michael's direction, was also in training alongside the healers.

Wound sterilization, stitching, bandaging—each part of trauma care was carefully divided among teams to ensure rapid treatment.

At that same moment, Michael looked upon the brightly lit fortress with deep emotion.

Though night had deepened, Lania Fortress still glowed with life.

Countless torches burned atop the castle walls, and golden light spilled through the windows into the dark.

Soldiers moved swiftly, continuing preparations for war.

From a distance, the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoed—a sound that signaled the nearness of battle.

The fortress he had returned to after so long now stood on the edge of war.

And yet, its familiar fragrance lingered in the air.

She was here.

Marcus spread his vast wings wide.

The red dragon's massive body began to glide smoothly down from the sky.

With a powerful beat of his wings, he stirred the air above the castle walls, sending gusts of wind sweeping through the plaza.

Soldiers looked up and cheered at the familiar silhouette.

"Duke Michael has arrived!"

"It's Lord Marcus and Lady Nefertari!"

Cries of awe rose among the ranks.

The red dragon appeared beneath the twilight sky like a blazing comet.

Each of his scales sparkled under the moonlight, and his enormous eyes radiated golden light.

Beside him flew the sphinx, Nefertari.

Her dark blue fur flowed like silk.

Despite her breathtaking beauty, her majesty was undiminished.

Marcus gave one last mighty flap of his wings, descending into the central plaza of the palace.

The force of the landing stirred the palace pillars and banners, and nearby soldiers shielded their eyes against the wind.

As his large claws touched the stone-paved ground, the earth gave a subtle tremor.

The dragon's massive body settled completely, and murmurs swept through the crowd gathered in the square.

Then it happened.

The grand doors of the palace swung open, and Princess Astrid appeared.

The knights were caught off guard by her sudden entrance and immediately dropped to one knee.

Her golden hair shimmered in the night air, catching the firelight as it scattered behind her.

She wore a simple everyday dress—white with tiny blue flowers embroidered along the fabric.

It was far too modest for a crown princess and ruler-in-waiting, but her beauty made the outfit radiant.

"Michael!"

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Astrid broke into a sprint.

Her steps were hurried, and the hem of her ankle-length dress fluttered with each stride.

Duke Capone began glaring at the knights and soldiers.

Startled by his sharp gaze, they all quickly turned their heads away in unison.

Michael swiftly dismounted.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Astrid ran straight into his arms without hesitation.

Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

Michael froze for an instant.

Her warmth—her body heat—pierced through his armor and reached him.

Astrid buried her face into his shoulder and whispered softly:

"I missed you."

Though quiet, her voice overflowed with emotion—relief, longing, and a love too vast to put into words.

Michael held her silently in his embrace.

"I missed you too."

At that moment, the grand plaza of the fortress was wrapped in silent awe.

A young couple—hero and heir—stood united.

A moment of legend had unfolded before their eyes, and those witnessing it felt the thrill ripple through their hearts.

Princess Astrid had been tightly wound, her nerves fraying under the strain of war preparations.

A furious blaze of anger toward the Glorious Holy Empire surged within her chest, while the crushing responsibility of protecting her people weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Every moment was one of tension.

But the instant she saw Michael, all of that crumbled in a heartbeat.

As she fell into Michael's arms, her tension melted away like a frozen landscape thawing beneath the warmth of spring.

Wrapped in his strong embrace, she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Relief washed over her, like a ship lost in a storm finally reaching the safety of harbor.

His arms were firm, warm—comforting.

Astrid closed her eyes and savored the sensation.

She could hardly believe that her own racing heart now beat in sync with his.

Emotions that had raged like a storm slowly began to settle, and the fear and anxiety that had lodged deep in her chest quietly began to dissolve.

Though a hero on the battlefield, to her, Michael was endlessly warm and tender.

From the very first moment they met, he had been her pillar of strength.

How long had she stayed in his embrace?

Time seemed to stand still.

Eventually, Astrid pulled away, her face flushed red.

Only then did she remember—everyone was watching.

'Ah... right. The people!'

Realization struck her like lightning, and her eyes shot wide open.

She hastily stepped out of Michael's arms, her face now burning hot.