In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 84 The Baron Of Chamber

"Ah, you seem to have grown close to Miaomiao. That little one loves handsome and beautiful things, so I figured she'd warm up to you."

"Haha, I'm flattered. Thank you, Grandfather."

"But there's a slight problem. I have an errand to run tomorrow, so I'll be away for a bit. Could we leave the day after?"

"There's no rush. The title transfer for the territory hasn't been finalized, and the nobles of the northeastern and northwestern provinces seem to be locked in a power struggle. I'll use tomorrow to take care of some business and come back the day after."

"That sounds like a good plan."

Alfred gazed at Michael, the shadows of the setting sun casting a soft glow on his face. His heart ached once again. When will this pain ever go away?

"Will you stay for dinner?" Alfred asked.

"Of course! Take a seat, Grandfather. Tonight, I'll cook for you. It's a dish I used to enjoy, and I think you'll like it too."

With that, Michael hurried outside. He wanted to prepare a French-style braised beef dish he used to cook occasionally in his solitary days. It was a simple recipe: sautéing vegetables, meat, and bacon before simmering them in wine.

He retrieved the beef and other ingredients wrapped in parchment from Bucephalos's saddle and began cooking.

When Alfred tasted the finished dish, his eyes widened. "This is delicious. I didn't know you could cook like this."

"Well, I lived alone for a while, and sometimes I just wanted to treat myself. This was one of those dishes."

Alfred's gaze softened as he looked at Michael. "You must have been lonely. Didn't you ever think of finding someone to share your life with?"

"Hmm… I had a few blind dates and arranged meetings, but I always ended up stopping partway through. I felt like someone who'd never been loved couldn't love another or build a family. But now… things feel different."

Alfred patted the back of Michael's hand. "That's right. It's time to live differently. This is really good. Eat up."

Under the warm glow of the magical lamp Leonardo had gifted them, the grandfather and grandson shared a pleasant conversation over dinner. The atmosphere was peaceful and comforting.

Michael held up the saddle, now a familiar piece of equipment for him. Marcus, having grown accustomed to the process, immediately enlarged his body and crouched down to allow the saddle to be strapped on. The servants around them gasped and scurried back, their wide-eyed gazes darting between Michael and Marcus with a mix of awe and fear.

Michael attached a specially crafted net beneath the saddle. He carefully loaded the wooden boxes into the net, padded them with extra materials to prevent scratches, and pulled the ropes taut to secure them.

"Um, my lord... Are you sure we won't fall from the sky wearing this?" one of the squires asked nervously as they helped load the gifts into the net. Their trembling hands fastened their harnesses.

"Of course. As long as you wear the harness and hold tightly to the handles attached to the saddle, you'll be fine," Michael assured them calmly.

Sighing in reluctant acceptance, the squires climbed onto the saddle, their hands shaking as they took their places. The saddle covered nearly half of Marcus's broad back.

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Michael, seated at the front where the reins were attached, unfolded a map. He had identified three potential territories where the former residents of Iron Valley might have settled. Deciding to start with the closest one, he set his course for the Chamber Barony.

Once everyone was seated, Michael gave Marcus a gentle command. "Alright, let's go. Fly with as much dignity as possible. I'll direct you as we go—head west for now."

Marcus obeyed, soaring gracefully into the sky. For Michael, this was an exceptionally convenient mode of transportation, though the squires behind him, gagging and groaning, would undoubtedly disagree.

It wasn't long before the Chamber Castle came into view. As Marcus, with his saddle and passengers, approached the castle, the villagers below screamed and fell to the ground in terror.

Pleased with the intended effect, Michael leaned forward and said, "Marcus, could you give a roar? It might impress them enough to bring you some jewels."

Despite Miaomiao's judgmental stare, Michael remained unbothered. Marcus, flattered by the suggestion, let out a deep, resonating roar.

"[Grrraaaahhh!]"

The sound echoed through the air like the ominous rumbling of an impending volcanic eruption. Inside the castle, the Baron of Chamber, who had rushed out upon hearing of the dragon's approach, clutched his ears and threw himself to the ground in panic.

"Is the dragon attacking? What's happening?" the baron exclaimed.

"...My lord," a steward replied, "it appears the dragon only roared. The rider atop it is asking if they may land in the courtyard."

"A dragon? Why would a dragon land in my castle?"

"It's not just the dragon—it's a dragon rider."

Slowly lifting his head, the baron spotted the saddle atop the dragon hovering by the castle walls.

"I am Michael von Crassus, heir to Viscount Crassus. I've come to speak with the lord of this castle, Baron Chamber. May I land in your courtyard?"

Dusting off his clothes and feigning composure, the baron called out, "Of course! Welcome, esteemed Dragon Knight of the Eighth Order!"

Michael's reputation as a dragon rider who had once flown into the capital alongside a sphinx had spread across the kingdom.

"Steward, show our utmost respect. There's no harm in forging a friendship with a Dragon Knight," the baron whispered.

With a grand welcome, Michael was escorted into the baron's office. The meeting yielded the desired results swiftly. Baron Chamber granted permission for Michael to take as many of the former Iron Valley residents as he wished.

The process unfolded efficiently. The steward summoned the domain's manager, who instructed the townsfolk from Iron Valley to gather in the square.

As they assembled, their anxious gazes flitting nervously, Michael stepped forward and addressed them.

"I am Michael von Crassus, heir to the new lord of Iron Valley, Viscount Crassus. Are there any miners among you who once worked in Iron Valley?"