In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 78 Spending Time With Astrid

Dominic couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. It was clear now why merchants like these naturally sought out nobles who had been granted new territories. What he'd heard turned out to be true.

Meanwhile, Lawrence and Michael had concluded their negotiations as well. Once the delivery of goods was finalized, the funds available for managing the new territory would significantly increase. The fact that they could relocate without incurring debt was already remarkable. Baron Kensington, notorious for his financial struggles, looked on at them with envious eyes.

With most of the tasks in the capital completed, Dominic's gaze shifted to Michael.

"Well, it seems we've wrapped up most of the work here. Are you ready to depart for the territory? If all is in order, we could leave as early as tomorrow," he said.

Michael recalled his promise to the princess. He had expressed a desire to visit the royal library, and to his surprise, the princess had agreed.

"I've made plans to visit the royal library with the princess tomorrow afternoon," Michael responded.

Dominic's face lit up with pride. "Well done, my son!" he exclaimed, clapping Michael on the shoulder in encouragement. "That's excellent news. Even after we leave the capital, make sure to keep in touch with the princess. Who knows? She might even become a lady of the house someday."

Michael nodded. It was a prospect he too had hoped for.

"Yes, we've already agreed to exchange letters. Her character is truly admirable," he said.

Spring was in full bloom at the royal palace. The lush grass shimmered, and flower petals danced in the breeze, carrying their fragrance throughout the gardens.

Michael greeted the princess as she approached in casual attire, a stark contrast to her formal appearance at the ball.

"Once again, you look radiant, Princess. It is an honor to meet you again," Michael said with a warm smile.

Princess Astrid returned the smile and replied, "Please, call me Astrid. Today, we're meeting as friends who share a love for books."

"If that's the case, Astrid it is. Shall we?" Michael offered his arm.

"Yes, Sir Michael."

Michael supported her hand with a gentlemanly touch and walked slightly ahead, carefully scanning for obstacles in their path. His refined manners, a skill honed under Lincoln's guidance, did not go unnoticed. The handmaidens accompanying the princess exchanged glances of admiration at his elegance, which was far from typical of a knight.

As they strolled through the gardens, their conversation flowed naturally. Astrid shared stories about the books she had recently begun reading, and Michael listened attentively, offering his thoughts when appropriate.

"Sir Michael, your insights are remarkable. I truly enjoy our discussions," Astrid said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Michael silently thanked Lincoln. Without his teachings, he would have surely exposed his lack of knowledge.

"The pleasure is all mine, Astrid. I never imagined I'd meet someone so brilliant and charming during my time in the capital," Michael replied.

Astrid, with a soft smile, led him to the royal library. The grand space was both majestic and timeless, with walls lined with bookshelves stretching to the ceiling. A large, inviting table with plush chairs stood at the center of the room.

"This is my favorite place in the palace. Here, I can read to my heart's content and dream of the world beyond," Astrid said, her voice filled with a hint of longing.

Michael admired the library, nodding in agreement. He also made a point to offer her words of reassurance. "One day, you'll see that vast world with your own eyes. This is truly a beautiful space."

Astrid looked at him with a wistful gaze. Could that dream really come true?

"There are so many books here. I've never seen anything like it," Michael remarked.

"Our kingdom has collected these books over many years. From fairy tales for children to enchanting tomes of magic, we preserve every book we acquire, even those taken as spoils of war," Astrid explained.

Michael marveled at the collection. It was no small feat to gather such a vast array of knowledge, especially considering the challenges noble families faced in protecting their legacies.

"Would it be inappropriate if I read some of these?" he asked.

"Not at all. Feel free to explore the general collection. Unfortunately, the restricted section is off-limits. It's my father's rule, and I must follow it," Astrid said with an apologetic smile.

Michael returned the smile, reassuring her. "No need to apologize, Astrid. This is more than enough. Shall we pick out some books together?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded with a laugh. They quietly selected their books and settled into their seats to read. The handmaidens, sensing an opportunity to give the princess some freedom, discreetly left the library. They had worked hard to convince the queen to allow this meeting and hoped it would bring Astrid some solace.

Time passed in serene silence, broken only by the sound of turning pages. After two hours, Michael glanced up and found Astrid deeply engrossed in her book, biting her lower lip lightly—a habit, it seemed.

He couldn't help but admire her beauty, though his admiration felt more like appreciating a work of art than romantic desire. Sensing his gaze, Astrid looked up and met his eyes. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

"You're staring. It's embarrassing," she murmured.

"Forgive me, Astrid. I couldn't help it. You look so captivating when you're focused," Michael admitted.

Flustered, Astrid quickly set her book down and stood. "It's already so late. I should be going. I'll send you a letter soon."

Michael rose and bowed politely. "I'll look forward to it, Astrid. I hope today brought you as much joy as it did me."

"I truly enjoyed myself as well. Until next time," Astrid said before leaving the library with a graceful demeanor. Outside, she instructed her handmaidens to close the door and leaned against it, trying to calm her racing heart.

Her thoughts raced. The way Michael had looked at her, the way her face had burned—it was overwhelming. What was this feeling?

As Michael exited the palace, he felt lighter than ever. He believed they had grown close enough for the king to speak kindly of him. Continued correspondence with Astrid would surely yield even more benefits in the future.