In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 251 - Spoils Of War

"For all his faults, no one can deny that he's a master of warfare."

The mention of Maximilian Grand Duke darkened Guinness's expression. He hesitated, then forced a sycophantic smile.

"Ha-ha, but Geneviève, you must remember that he declared his retirement after the last royal council. He explicitly said he wished to sever all ties with worldly affairs. To summon him now would damage the royal family's dignity…"

Geneviève cut him off with an exasperated gesture.

"Then will you lead the army yourself, dear brother?"

Guinness fell silent, shrinking into his chair. Satisfied with his silence, Geneviève sighed heavily.

"I don't want to resort to this either. But what choice do we have? Alphonse is still a child, and I am but a 'weak woman.' If there's no hero willing to lay down their life for this kingdom, what are we to do?"

For a moment, her voice cracked, and tears welled in her eyes. She lamented their dire circumstances, lamenting loudly enough to move even the most hardened onlooker.

Guinness watched her display with a mixture of admiration and wariness. 'Her acting is as sharp as ever,' he thought, recalling how she had managed to win over the late king's favor despite his notoriously difficult nature.

After her theatrical outburst, Geneviève composed herself and sat upright. "He's always leapt at the chance to serve the kingdom. If we appeal to his patriotism, he's sure to come."

Still, Guinness hesitated. He knew exactly why he dreaded summoning Maximilian. The grand duke's last words to him rang in his ears, a chilling memory from the royal council where he had declared his departure from public life.

"I care not how you run this kingdom, but do not call on me again. Should you summon me once more, I will sever all ties with the crown—and make this land my own."

Maximilian was no idle braggart. He had both the resources and the temperament to make good on such a threat. Yet Guinness couldn't ignore the grim reality: the Pamir Empire's voracious army was devouring their lands, and soon, his precious estates would be next.

"Very well, Your Grace," he said at last, bowing stiffly. "I leave it in your capable hands."

Geneviève waved him off, and Guinness retreated from the room. But his heart raced, and the cold sweat on his back wouldn't dry.

After exiting the underground aqueduct, Michael, Miaomiao, and Marcus paused momentarily. The fresh air filled their lungs, providing a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere they had endured. Their expressions noticeably relaxed, reflecting their shared relief.

"[Ugh, my paws were so damp I thought I was going to collapse! How could it be so cramped and soggy down there? The difference between the inside and outside is like night and day!]" Miaomiao exclaimed, shaking her head.

Marcus nodded in agreement. "[You said it, ma'am. It felt like water was dripping off the tips of my wings the whole time. Squeezing through those tight spaces nearly tore my hide apart.]"

The underground aqueduct had been well-preserved by ancient magic, but the secret passage and stairs connecting directly to the imperial palace had not fared as well. The bricks forming the passage walls had crumbled in several places due to the wear of countless years, and the stairs were in such disrepair that every step felt like it might give way beneath them. As a true secret passage, it had been impossible to maintain properly, leaving those who traversed it covered in dust and forcing them to squeeze through narrow gaps.

Marcus, in particular, had borne the brunt of the ordeal, as he carried the emperor's body on his back. Michael glanced at him apologetically, silently lamenting that he had filled his spatial ring with treasures, leaving no room for easier transportation of the body.

By the time Marcus emerged from the passage, he was in a pitiful state. His once-beautiful hide was scraped and dusty, evidence of his struggle. Miaomiao tried to comfort him. "[The lower sections were at least better ventilated and had higher ceilings. Honestly, humans in the Pamir Empire can't seem to do anything right. You've really been through a lot, little chick.]"

Marcus heaved a deep sigh. "[The last part was the worst… Why didn't I notice it when we went in?]" he muttered, recalling how he'd perched on Michael's shoulder to make himself as small as possible.

After reassuring his companions, Michael sought the help of a passing attendant to wash away the dust and fatigue. They couldn't present themselves in their current state, especially when delivering the emperor's body.

Once cleaned and refreshed, the group promptly handed over the emperor's body to Crown Prince Oswald. The prince gazed at his father's remains with a somber expression. "Why did you make such a choice, knowing this is how it would end?" he thought bitterly.

The emperor's actions had inflicted significant damage. The palace's foundations had cracked, and the gardens were so thoroughly destroyed that their original splendor was unrecognizable. The once-glorious Pamir Palace now bore the marks of looting, a bitter irony for a kingdom that had so often been the aggressor. Exquisite carvings crafted by master artisans and priceless paintings by renowned artists were now gone, leaving the palace's grandeur a distant memory. Even the treasure vaults had been completely emptied, ensuring that restoring the palace's former majesty would take an extraordinary amount of time and effort.

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After allowing Oswald a moment with his father, Michael quietly left the chamber. Miaomiao and Marcus, now adorned with treasures acquired during their journey, followed him as they headed toward the grand banquet hall, where the strongest warriors of the empire had gathered.

The gilded doors swung open to reveal a massive hall filled with spoils of war piled high like mountains. Michael's gaze immediately went to the treasure trove in the center of the hall. It appeared that, to avoid suspicion, the participants had agreed not to use any spatial storage items, leading to an impressive and chaotic display of wealth.