In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 73 Truly Magnificent

Michael stepped forward, his face serious and resolute.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Though my understanding of such matters is limited, I firmly believe this territory is the most suitable for our family."

The king's smile widened in satisfaction. Raising his voice, he issued his decree with enthusiasm.

"Very well, then! Hear this, all present: I hereby elevate Baron Crassus to the rank of Viscount and proclaim the territory of Iron Valley as the Crassus Viscounty. Furthermore, the viscounty is granted a ten-year exemption from taxes, along with rights to spoils of war and the acquisition of serfs during times of conflict. To aid in the development of the land, I bestow upon them 50,000 gold coins. Lastly, I formally recognize Michael von Crassus as the lawful heir to the Viscountcy. This proclamation, under my command, Charles V, takes effect immediately."

Now officially Viscount Crassus, Dominic, along with his newly recognized heir, Michael, knelt and pledged their loyalty.

"We vow eternal allegiance to Your Majesty and the kingdom."

The king, raising his hand in acknowledgment, declared, "Rise. I trust in your unwavering loyalty."

After a brief moment, Dominic, carefully watching the king's demeanor, made a polite request.

"Your Majesty, to share this joy and express our gratitude for your boundless generosity, we wish to host a banquet. May we humbly request permission to use the Emerald Hall of the palace for this purpose?"

The king appeared to deliberate briefly before granting his approval.

"The halls of the palace are not easily lent. However, I recognize your loyalty and shall make an exception. I will attend the banquet myself."

Though the request and approval were largely procedural, as the hall had already been reserved and paid for, Dominic bowed deeply, his face alight with gratitude.

"Your Majesty's grace knows no bounds. We shall ensure it is a banquet worthy of your presence."

"Very well. You may go now," the king said with a dismissive wave.

With the territory secured, a generous development fund granted, and the king's commitment to attend the banquet, the Crassus family had achieved all they had hoped for. Father and son respectfully took their leave.

The royal steward led them to the Emerald Hall, where preparations for the banquet were already underway.

The Banquet Preparations

A banquet was an essential element of noble life, serving as a platform to celebrate, network, and display power and resources. It was an opportunity to showcase everything from fine goods to rare magical beasts. Observing a family's banquet could often reveal much about their status and aspirations.

Dominic spared no expense in preparing for the event. With the resources granted for the development of their new territory, he sought to solidify the family's reputation and secure alliances.

Leonardo, ever the inventive artisan, had spent the journey crafting hundreds of magical lamps. These were not only to illuminate the banquet but also to serve as items for sale. The lamps, fitted with magical candles, could withstand wind, relight themselves if extinguished, and came in beautifully decorated glass housings that emitted colorful light.

In addition to the lamps, Leonardo had created special enchanted serving trays. These trays kept food warm, and with a spoken command, prearranged dishes could appear atop them. While the trays didn't actually cook food, they allowed the efficient transport of meals over short distances. Though their range was limited to about seven meters, the novelty alone was enough to captivate the capital's luxury-obsessed nobility.

The banquet's highlight, however, was the planned appearance of the Sphinx Miaomiao and the dragon Marcus.

Kensington had arrived early, grooming the Rainbow Plus foals he planned to showcase before the magical beasts made their grand entrance. Targeting the noblewomen in attendance, he aimed to secure a few sales by the end of the evening.

Meanwhile, Miaomiao and Marcus were undergoing final preparations.

Miaomiao had transformed into a strikingly majestic form, resembling a winged jaguar about three meters in length. Her black fur shimmered with an iridescent blue hue, while her wings, tipped with a mix of blue and gold, were adorned with sparkling gemstones. A thick platinum pendant around her neck added an air of elegance and authority.

Marcus, now fully healed from his injuries, had grown to a similar size. Though his red scales bore faint scars, they only added to his fearsome appearance. Gold chains draped between his scales enhanced his dazzling presence, a testament to Marcus's flamboyant taste. Around his neck hung a large gold pendant, and jeweled caps adorned his claws.

The banquet hall itself was resplendent. Leonardo's magical lamps, hung alongside the grand chandeliers, bathed the space in radiant light. The central table, reserved for the king, queen, and other distinguished guests, was set with exquisite detail. Below it, circular tables awaited the other attendees.

The red carpet, a concept devised by Michael, stretched across the center of the hall, ready to welcome the magical beasts. Decorated with tapestries, banners, and the Crassus family crest, the hall exuded grandeur.

The banquet's centerpiece was, of course, the food. Dominic had hired the capital's most renowned chefs, who prepared a lavish array of dishes. Fresh ingredients ensured that every plate—from meats roasted with fragrant herbs to freshly baked breads and cheeses—was of the highest quality.

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Wine and spirits, sourced from all corners of the kingdom, included honey mead, beers, and a special sangria infused with fresh fruits, a rare treat Michael suggested to intrigue the noblewomen.

Musicians and jesters completed the ambiance, their melodies blending harp, viola, and violin harmonies as they readied for their performance.

The first guests began arriving, their attire as dazzling as the banquet hall itself. Dominic introduced Michael to each noble, ensuring his son had the opportunity to network and build alliances.

Finally, the grand arrival of the king and queen marked the start of the evening's most anticipated events.

The king entered the hall adorned in a regal cape, while the queen graced the gathering in a velvet gown, her hair veiled in a golden net encrusted with pearls. Following closely were the crown prince and the kingdom's only princess.