In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 126 The Crassus Bank

A heavy silence settled between them. Michael had anticipated this question, knowing Drake's life had been entwined with the queen's in ways both painful and tumultuous.

"She passed long ago," Michael replied quietly. "She never married and left the throne to her nephew."

Drake's expression shifted subtly—was it hatred or regret? He bowed his head slightly and spoke with a hint of relief. "Then I won't need to end her life with my own hands. Thank you."

His voice carried a blend of sorrow and solace, reflecting the complex and unresolved bond he had shared with her. However, Michael quickly brought the conversation back to the present.

"What's important now isn't your past but your abilities," Michael said, his tone firm. "If I revive your crew, will you serve me without hesitation?"

Drake's head shot up, a spark of life reigniting in his eyes. "If you can do that, I will give you everything, my lord."

Michael, satisfied with Drake's unwavering determination, nodded. "Very well," he said, turning to the skeletal remains of Drake's loyal crew. To operate a privateer ship effectively, he needed capable and discreet sailors, and Drake's men fit the bill.

One by one, Michael revived them. Drake reunited with his crew in a tearful display, their shared bonds transcending even death. Watching the scene, Michael allowed them a moment before stepping in.

"Save your reunion for later," he said. "It's time to show you the ship you'll be commanding."

Michael led Drake and his crew to a hidden coastal cave deep within the ancient graveyard. This secluded location would serve as their base for future privateering operations. Building a proper harbor or engaging in large-scale trade was out of the question for now. Instead, Michael saw greater value in small-scale piracy—amassing wealth and targeting ships belonging to the Radiant Holy Kingdom.

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As they reached the cave, Drake and his men fell silent, awestruck by the sight of the ancient treasure ship. Though seasoned sailors who had seen countless vessels, they immediately recognized that this was no ordinary ship. It emanated an aura of ancient power and secrecy.

Overwhelmed by their good fortune, Drake and his men marveled at the prospect of reclaiming dominance over the seas. As demons, most of their abilities were linked to ship navigation, but Drake's unique talent stood out: astral projection.

Michael glanced at Drake with mild amusement. "I take it this ability reflects how much you wanted to stay by the queen's side during your life," he remarked with a faint smirk before clearing his throat.

"It's a useful power," Michael continued. "It'll make communication with me much easier."

"Yes, my lord," Drake replied. "I will use it to report on the situation as we conduct our missions."

Michael left them with one clear directive: "Plunder every ship belonging to the Radiant Holy Kingdom!"

Returning to the castle, Michael and Zark began an extensive discussion. They needed to finalize the purpose of the soon-to-be-established bank and decide how the resources, including the wealth recovered from Drake's hidden treasure, would be reinvested.

"The bank must not be limited to simple financial management," Zark began, his tone resolute. "Our ambitions must be larger and more strategic."

Michael nodded. "I agree. How do you propose we operate?"

Zark outlined his plan. "The initial capital will come from the demon contracts and the hidden treasures we've accumulated. We should focus on commercial investments, particularly in high-value goods like war supplies and precious metals, given the current climate."

"And we'll reinvest the profits?" Michael asked.

"Exactly. The next step is real estate," Zark continued. "Real estate is both a stable asset and a critical means of strengthening ties with the elite. During wartime, many nobles will offer land and estates as collateral. We must seize these opportunities."

Michael nodded, absorbing Zark's insights. "Do you have any other ideas?"

"We could also provide discreet loans to the Radiant Holy Kingdom, the Celeste Empire, and neighboring duchies in exchange for bonds," Zark suggested.

"Wouldn't that draw too much attention to the bank?" Michael asked, skeptical.

Zark smiled knowingly. "That's where discretion comes in. I specialize in covert operations. We'll establish multiple secret branches that appear unrelated on the surface. The bank's key functions must be entrusted to reliable managers. Just as Drake has his crew, I have my own network. Many of them were executed alongside me, but if you revive them, they'll be invaluable assets."

Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You have more capable people like yourself? The more talent we have, the better."

Trusting Zark implicitly as one of his loyal demons, Michael agreed. "I'll leave this entirely in your hands. I expect great results."

With that, the foundation of the Crassus Bank was laid. Michael reflected on the immense potential of his team and silently honored the foreign forces who had sacrificed to empower him.

Despite Philip's repeated efforts, the Barony of Fitzroy remained in ruins. Once fertile farmland now lay overrun with useless weeds. Reports continued to confirm that it would take at least one or two years just to restore the desolated land to a functional state.

"This is outrageous! How could this happen?" Philip exclaimed, rising abruptly from his chair. His eyes burned with fury as he gazed out the window at his devastated estate, feeling the weight of unrelenting despair. Even if time healed the land, the humiliation of this situation would linger.

Though he was a bastard son, Philip was still the offspring of the most powerful noble in the northwestern provinces. He had confidence in his abilities and had never considered his birth a hindrance. Yet this disgrace threatened to amplify the whispers surrounding his lineage.

Philip's anger flared anew. Count Charles and Michael—those scheming individuals—had cornered him with their treachery. The count's motive was clear: to prevent the northwestern nobles from exploiting the empty lands of the northeast, using Philip's case as a stark warning.

Clenching his fists, Philip vowed he would not tolerate this humiliation. No matter how long it took, he would restore his estate. And when that time came, those who had mocked him would pay the price for his disgrace.