In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 95 Hook, Line, and Sinker!

Michael shook his head modestly. "He's family now. Helping each other is only natural."

Elizabeth's smile wavered, and a shadow passed over her features.

"Not every family works that way, Michael," she murmured, her voice carrying a trace of bitterness.

Michael fell silent, sensing the weight of unspoken memories.

Elizabeth recovered quickly, brightening as she redirected the conversation.

"Anyway, let me know if you have any special requests for your quarters at the new castle."

"Actually, I'd like two extra rooms attached to my suite—for Miaomiao and Isper to use."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Of course. A main bedroom with an adjoining sitting room, two guest bedrooms, and a dressing room should suffice, don't you think?"

"That would be perfect. Thank you, Sister," Michael replied with a grateful nod.

She smiled, pleased to fulfill her brother's request.

"What about Marcus's lair? Should we move the existing one or build a new one?"

"The current lair should do, but it needs to be moved in his presence—he's very possessive about his things," Michael warned.

Elizabeth laughed softly, brushing her golden locks back with a graceful motion.

"A dragon's nature, I suppose. Though I must admit, even my hair isn't safe from his covetous gaze," she teased, her tone light.

Michael chuckled, standing as Elizabeth prepared to leave.

"Shall I have some light refreshments sent in?" she offered.

"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Sister."

Elizabeth nodded, gliding out of the room with a poise that reminded Michael just how fortunate he was to have her.

Left alone once more, he began organizing his thoughts, mentally reviewing the tasks that lay ahead.

The arrival of the capital's mages had been perfectly timed; he could assign them to oversee repairs in the village. It wasn't the work they were accustomed to, but they'd have to make do.

A while later, a well-rested Miaomiao and Marcus entered the reception room, both looking refreshed and prepared. Michael stood, having just finished the sandwiches and tea brought in by the maids.

The timing was perfect—it was finally time to make their entrance.

Following Michael's instructions, Miaomiao and Marcus had dressed to impress. Whatever awaited them in the audience chamber, Michael was ready to take control of the situation.

Marcus stood proudly adorned with sparkling jewels on each claw, his golden reins catching the light like a parade of wealth. While Marcus basked in the splendor of his flamboyant attire, Miaomiao's mood was far less cheerful. She wore an emerald circlet on her forehead and looked utterly displeased.

"Come on, Miaomiao, don't scowl like that. It suits you perfectly!" Michael chuckled, finding her grumpy expression utterly endearing.

[Exactly, Sister! If you don't like it, give it to me!] Marcus teased, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

[Hiss! Who said I don't like it?] Miaomiao snapped back, her fur bristling as she bared her sharp teeth at Marcus.

As always, Marcus's playful needling worked wonders to rouse Miaomiao from her sulking. Michael intervened before their banter escalated further.

"Alright, that's enough, you two. We need to focus. This is an important moment."

Hearing the firmness in his voice, both creatures straightened their postures and fell in line behind him, their playful antics momentarily set aside.

As they approached the audience chamber, the sound of heated arguments leaked through the heavy wooden doors. Michael gestured for the guards to open them, and the scene inside confirmed the chaos.

"We were here first! As wizards from the esteemed Mage Tower, we absolutely cannot tolerate these knights overstepping their bounds!"

The speaker, a wizard with a long beard that nearly brushed his waist, glared furiously at the opposing group, his face red with indignation.

"Overstepping? Can't you see our beasts waiting outside? It's clear the Sphinx should be researched first, while we take the dragon!" retorted a knight, his tone a mix of anger and urgency.

The wizard scoffed. "And you think this dire political situation calls for breeding experiments? If anyone should have priority, it's us!"

"Breeding experiments? Don't be absurd! The dragon's potential is wasted on your so-called research. It's far better suited to bolster military strength!"

Their arguments escalated into a near-shouting match. Meanwhile, Dominic sat at the head of the table, visibly exhausted as he tried—and failed—to mediate.

Michael stood for a moment, observing the unruly scene. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to the cacophony around him. He walked purposefully toward the high seat, Miaomiao and Marcus flanking him like regal guardians.

All eyes turned to Michael as he entered the chamber. His steady stride and the imposing presence of his companions immediately drew attention.

"Gentlemen, please," Michael said, his voice low but commanding. "Take your seats. No matter how much you argue, the decision lies with us. Save your energy."

His warning carried weight. Even Miaomiao and Marcus added their own expressions of displeasure—Miaomiao's eyes gleamed with an intimidating glow, while Marcus let his claws scrape audibly against the stone floor.

The effect was immediate. Wizards and knights alike hesitated before slowly returning to their seats, the tension in the room palpable.

One of the wizards was the first to break the silence, though his tone was laced with frustration.

"This is not what we agreed upon! We were assured access to the Sphinx and dragon for research purposes—"

"Enough!" Michael interrupted sharply.

"Was that truly the agreement? Or are you conveniently forgetting the terms? Let me remind everyone here: the agreement was contingent upon your assistance with the development of the new territory. Tell me, what contributions have you made so far?"

The wizard faltered, his confidence shaken. Indeed, they hadn't lifted a finger to assist yet.

Sensing an opportunity, a knight rose from his seat.

"We've already paid significant sums! Surely, that entitles us to priority access—"

"Paid?" Michael raised an eyebrow, taking a deliberate step toward the knight. "Did you think Marcus was for sale? Let's be clear: your payments were investments in the territory, nothing more."

Michael retrieved a copy of the contract from his dimensional pouch and held it up for all to see.

"It's all here in writing: 'Funds provided are investments in the territory's development, to be reimbursed over a century as the land prospers.' Your payments do not grant you ownership or special privileges."

The knight opened his mouth to protest but hesitated, unsure of how to counter.

"Yes, you'll receive dragon blood," Michael continued, his tone even, "but only once the territory is fully developed."

He turned to the assembled knights, meeting their gazes one by one.

"Now, here's a proposal: if war does break out, any knight who aids us until its conclusion will receive a flask of dragon blood as compensation."

The room fell silent, the weight of Michael's words sinking in.

"For those unwilling to join us in battle, you may still receive your investment returns over a century—or, alternatively, contribute directly to the territory's development. However, with war looming, the timeline for development will likely stretch significantly."

The knights exchanged uneasy glances, their faces betraying a mix of frustration and resignation.

Michael shook the contract again for emphasis.

"Let me remind you of another clause: any offspring produced from Marcus's dragon blood will belong to our house. You agreed to this when you signed."

He smiled faintly as the knights' expressions soured further. Meanwhile, the wizards smirked, finding some schadenfreude in their rivals' predicament.

But Michael wasn't done.

"Now, as for the esteemed wizards," he said, turning to them, "your work begins tomorrow. Those who are prepared to assist in the territory's development first thing in the morning will have the privilege of riding on Marcus's back."

The room erupted into murmurs as the wizards processed his words. The chance to ride a dragon was a rare and coveted opportunity.

Michael's smile widened ever so slightly.

Hook, line, and sinker.