In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 274: Appointment as Grand Duke

However, let us not forget that this peace was built upon the sacrifices of countless knights and soldiers. Above all, we owe this achievement to the valor and wisdom of one man—our hero, Michael. His leadership in guiding the Lania-Elonia alliance to victory has made today's peace possible.

By the divine authority vested in me, I hereby honor his contributions by appointing Michael von Crassus as Grand Duke, granting him dominion over the northeastern frontier and the entirety of the Argo Mountain Range."

King Charles V's voice rang with solemnity as he turned to Michael.

"Michael von Crassus, as Grand Duke, you and your lineage shall bear the sacred duty of guarding Lania's borders for generations to come. Do you accept this charge?"

Michael, kneeling before the King, responded with a powerful voice that carried across the room.

"I accept, Your Majesty."

A steward approached, carrying an ornate silver tray with the Grand Duke's sigil resting atop it. The sigil, forged from the finest gold, bore the intricate emblem of House Crassus, surrounded by rubies and sapphires at Michael's request.

King Charles V held the sigil for a moment, his aged hands contrasting against Michael's youthful strength. With a faint sigh, he handed the sigil to Michael.

"Michael von Crassus, you are now the sole Grand Duke of the Lania Kingdom. Under your name, may all endeavors serve the prosperity of the kingdom and the welfare of its people."

Michael placed his hand over his heart, bowing deeply.

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's trust. The Crassus family pledges to devote its every effort to the prosperity of Lania." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Nodding approvingly, King Charles V unsheathed the ceremonial sword at his side. He gently touched the blade to Michael's shoulders in a gesture of knighthood.

"By this act, I declare Michael von Crassus the Grand Duke of the Lania Kingdom. His rank shall stand above all other nobles, and he shall bear the authority and responsibility for ensuring this land's stability and prosperity."

As the King concluded, the ballroom erupted in applause and cheers. Nobles clapped fervently, some rising to their feet in celebration. The air was filled with jubilant cries, a fervent expression of hope for the kingdom's bright future.

Princess Astrid stepped back, her smile radiant as she clapped along with the crowd. Her eyes remained fixed on Michael, filled with unwavering pride and admiration. Her every gesture conveyed her quiet support, encouraging Michael to savor the moment.

When the applause began to subside, King Charles V raised his hand once more, signaling for silence. The room quickly grew quiet as all eyes turned toward the dais.

Michael stood and turned toward Princess Astrid, his expression a mixture of excitement and solemnity. As he approached her, the tension in the room grew palpable.

Upon reaching Astrid, Michael lowered himself onto one knee. The ballroom collectively held its breath, anticipation thick in the air. From a small velvet box, he retrieved a ring.

Crafted from platinum, the ring was adorned with a flawless ruby and sapphire set side by side, gleaming under the chandelier's light.

Looking up, Michael met Astrid's gaze, his crimson eyes filled with sincerity and determination.

"Astrid," he began, his voice steady yet warm, "with this ring, I offer you my life. Will you, in turn, give me yours?"

King Charles V stiffened in surprise at the boldness of Michael's words. Such a declaration was unusual for a royal engagement. But before anyone could react, Astrid had already taken the ring, sliding it onto her finger with trembling hands.

"Yes," she replied softly, her voice carrying a certainty that silenced all doubts. "I gladly will."

Their eyes locked, crimson meeting sapphire, as an unspoken connection passed between them. Time seemed to pause as the entire ballroom watched in silence.

Finally, as if drawn by an invisible force, Michael and Astrid embraced, their smiles filled with the promise of a shared future. Their union symbolized the merging of two powerful spirits, each finding solace and strength in the other.

The silence was broken by a wave of applause and cheers that rippled through the ballroom. The nobles erupted into celebration, their voices rising in joyous harmony.

Still holding Astrid's hand, Michael glanced at her with a tender smile. Astrid, in turn, gazed back at him, her expression glowing with happiness. Together, they basked in the adoration and hope that filled the room.

Unbeknownst to them, their simple act of exchanging a ring would inspire a tradition that would spread across the continent—a future symbol of love and unity.

For now, however, the moment belonged to Michael and Astrid, two souls bound by destiny amidst the resounding cheers of a kingdom.

The long festival had finally come to an end. Michael was now officially installed as a Grand Duke and had been formally recognized as Astrid's fiancé.

Dominic, immensely proud of his son's achievements, was busy attending invitations from various noble houses.

After Michael's ascension, Dominic regained the title of Count Crassus. While his rank was lower than his son's, being a count was still an honor. Even if the title was largely ceremonial, it certainly didn't dampen his spirits.

"Ha ha, Sir Dominic—no, Count Dominic now, isn't it? Seeing your son must make you feel full without even eating a meal," one nobleman remarked with exaggerated flattery.

Nobles who had once ignored Dominic now scrambled to win his favor. Among them was the Huntington family, Lincoln's maternal relatives and renowned auctioneers in the capital. They, too, made frantic efforts to reestablish connections with Dominic, despite the strained relations from the past.

The Huntingtons had an estate adjacent to the former Crassus lands but resided in the capital, leaving only a distant relative to manage their property. Their dwindling influence after the passing of the patriarch weighed heavily on them.

"If things continue this way, every noble in the capital will turn their backs on us," Frederick, the current head of the Huntington family and Dominic's brother-in-law, fumed.

He struggled to hide his frustration, though it was more jealousy than anger. There was a time when the Huntington family far outshone the Crassus family. Now, the tables had turned. The thought of Dominic living in luxury and basking in power thanks to his son made Frederick grind his teeth in bitterness.