In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 266: Proposing
When news of Michael and his army's return reached the kingdom, the entire nation was swept into a whirlwind of celebration. Victory messages arrived from all corners, and jubilant citizens flooded the streets, waving flags and cheering.
Shops displayed commemorative medals and ornaments for the occasion, with people scrambling to buy them, hoping to pass them down as family treasures. Children, who had spent much of the war under the shadow of fear, finally laughed freely, running through alleys with radiant smiles. Though they might not have understood the full significance of the event, the atmosphere of joy was unmistakable.
Some children, caught up in the fervor, role-played scenes of heroism.
"Take this, my arrow of glory!" one shouted.
"No, I'm going to play Michael! You can be the treacherous emperor!" another argued.
"I'm Michael!" a third child declared.
Michael's name was on everyone's lips, an object of boundless admiration. The widespread rumor of his impending marriage to Princess Astrid only added to the adulation. Tales spread like wildfire that the Pamir Emperor, caught colluding with foreign powers, had faced an allied force of continental elites led by Michael. According to the stories, after three days and nights of fierce battle, even the holy knights sent by the Radiant Holy Nation were annihilated, and it was Michael who brought the conflict to its decisive conclusion.
Whether these stories were true or not, the Pamir Empire's complete silence in response only fueled their credibility. Instead of refuting the rumors, the empire was busy re-establishing internal control, which further emboldened the people of Rania to celebrate Michael's heroics.
As Michael's army approached the capital, they were lavishly received in every city they passed through. Fine meats and wine flowed freely, and cheers from maidens echoed in the air. Veterans from Michael's campaign, many of whom had not experienced such adoration in years, were moved by the enthusiastic reception.
"Faust, old friend, it's been a while since we've seen such a welcome, hasn't it?" one warrior remarked.
"Keep your composure, Aron. Surely you've grown used to this by now," Faust replied, though even he couldn't resist waving to the cheering crowds.
Meanwhile, Miaomiao and Marcus, bedecked in jewels, basked in the adoration. Miaomiao's sleek, midnight-black fur gleamed with a bluish sheen, and her emerald eyes sparkled, drawing awe from the spectators. Marcus, too, radiated magnificence. His scales glistened in the sunlight, and the scars adorning his body only emphasized his formidable presence.
Amidst these two majestic figures, Michael cut an imposing figure, riding the black steed Bucephalus and clad in shining enchanted armor. He looked every bit the hero stepping out of legend. His steady, unwavering gaze amidst the torrent of cheers only solidified his image as a true hero.
Yet, inwardly, Michael sighed.
"As always, this chaos doesn't suit me. I'd rather be off preparing for the campaign in the Pasha Kingdom."
The overwhelming attention was exhausting.
As they entered the capital, the reception reached its zenith. Throngs of freemen lined the streets, shouting their admiration in unison, creating a spectacle of unity and exuberance. Even the magical beasts that accompanied Michael's special forces joined the procession in splendor. A massive silver wolf strode proudly, while a tiger with a flaming tail left fiery sparks in its wake. The display was so awe-inspiring that even the nobles watching from afar were left speechless.
The pinnacle of the welcome ceremony came with the appearance of Charles V and Princess Astrid. The sight of the king, rarely seen in public, and the beautiful princess prompted an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
Among the assembly stood Dominic, beaming with pride as he watched his son. The difference between Michael's stature now and when he last visited the capital was as stark as night and day.
As Charles V and Astrid took their places, Michael dismounted immediately, kneeling before them in a flawlessly executed movement that radiated loyalty and respect.
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"I greet His Majesty, the great and noble king," Michael said, bowing his head with impeccable formality.
Rising, Michael turned his gaze to Princess Astrid. His eyes glowed with intensity as he met hers, and she shyly extended her hand toward him. Michael bent low, pressing a respectful kiss to her hand with an elegance that left onlookers spellbound. Even Astrid herself seemed captivated, her hand trembling slightly as she tied a prepared ribbon around Michael's wrist.
The moment the ribbon was secured, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. The hero and the beautiful princess, their union seemingly destined, presented a scene straight out of a legendary tale. Citizens waved their flags wildly, their cheers echoing through the city.
The soldiers accompanying Michael into the capital were left in awe at the splendor of the royal palace gardens. These were Michael's personal forces, specifically invited to the capital as a mark of distinction. While knights might have been accustomed to such grandeur, the ordinary soldiers were not, and their gazes lingered in admiration and disbelief.
Among them were Albert, a former bandit and cultist who had regained his freedom through valor in battle, and his friend Jean, who had lost a leg during the war. Leaning on each other for support, they wandered the magnificent grounds, wide-eyed and overwhelmed. Jean, who had traded his leg for freedom, found himself utterly speechless at the spectacle.
Though not all soldiers received such royal treatment, even those stationed outside the palace walls were treated to generous hospitality.
After sharing a sumptuous dinner with the royal family and select knights, Michael joined Princess Astrid for an evening walk.
The unwavering support of Charles V and the Duke of Capone left no doubt about Michael's rising stature. Though the queen cast venomous glances from beside the king, no one paid her any heed. Everyone knew her family's influence had waned to irrelevance.
Michael and Princess Astrid stood under the moonlit sky, a gentle silence enveloping them. For a moment, Michael's gaze rested on the moon before turning to the princess's radiant face. He drew a deep breath.
"I'm not quite sure what to say," he admitted.
Astrid blushed deeply at his words. Does this mean he doesn't favor the match? Her heart raced, but her worries subsided as Michael continued.
"I must apologize for not proposing to you directly."
