In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 145 Victory Banquet

While it would have been sufficient to send only the crown prince to congratulate Lania, bringing along two princesses adorned so exquisitely spoke volumes about Elonia’s intentions. Throughout the hall, knowing smiles spread among those who grasped the political underpinnings of the spectacle.

Both princesses were stunning, but it was the eldest, Princess Elise, who truly shone. Her radiant smile seemed to transform the very air around her.

"She’s truly breathtaking. The Elonian royal family is famed for its beauty, but seeing it in person is something else entirely," one noble murmured, unable to take his eyes off Elise.

"Even with this victory, the war is far from over. Why would the princesses come here?" another asked, his tone laced with confusion.

"Shh, keep your voice down," his companion replied with a sly smile. "Isn’t it obvious?"

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Elonia had undoubtedly sent the princesses to capture Prince Randolph’s attention. The lavish banquet was not merely a celebration but an extension of political maneuvering.

Princess Elise, unfazed by the attention, gracefully approached Prince Randolph. Lifting the hem of her dress in a formal greeting, she spoke with a warm smile.

"It is an honor to meet the radiant sun of Lania, Prince Randolph. All the people of Elonia offer their deepest respects for your magnificent victory."

"It’s a pleasure to see you again, Princess Elise. I recall meeting you at a banquet several years ago," Randolph replied.

"I was very young back then," Elise said with a playful smile.

"Indeed. Much time has passed since," Randolph agreed.

Standing behind the prince, Michael deliberately kept his distance. As the central figure in the victory, his position had elevated dramatically, and he was careful not to invite any misunderstandings. Fortunately, the princesses had no interest in him, focusing their attention entirely on Prince Randolph.

Princess Elise, at a marriageable age, deployed all her charm. She wore a rose-hued gown embroidered with gold thread and a ruby-encrusted crown, accentuating her dazzling beauty. If Lania’s Princess Astrid was the epitome of innocence, Elise radiated allure and playfulness.

A pearl necklace sparkled between her delicate collarbones, resting just above her ample bosom. When she lifted her fan with a smile, she resembled a blooming rose.

"You’ve grown truly stunning. Would you honor me with a dance?" Randolph asked.

Smiling sweetly, Elise accepted, taking Randolph’s hand and moving to the center of the hall. Their graceful dance captivated the audience, as if they were watching a painting come to life.

Whatever words they exchanged during the dance, they left Elise laughing as she playfully tapped Randolph’s chest with her hand. Her lighthearted gesture brought a broad smile to the prince’s face.

Even after the dance ended, their conversation continued. Elise listened intently, her sparkling eyes reflecting curiosity and understanding. Occasionally, she posed sharp questions that caught Randolph off guard or offered subtle smiles that stoked his competitive spirit.

Her strategy wasn’t to agree with everything Randolph said but to display her intellect while subtly enticing him. Observing her deft handling of the prince, Michael couldn’t help but marvel at her skill.

Charlotte, the second princess, wore a sapphire-studded crown and a blue gown embroidered with silver thread, her long hair braided elegantly down her back. Unlike her elder sister, Elise, who actively engaged Prince Randolph, Charlotte appeared indifferent.

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Perhaps it was her youth—her face still bore traces of baby fat, giving her a childlike appearance. Occasionally, she covered her mouth with a fan to stifle a yawn, her disinterest evident. She seemed content to play a supporting role, allowing her elder sister to take the lead in capturing Randolph’s attention.

Randolph, standing between the radiant princesses, seemed utterly captivated. His expression of pure happiness left Michael inwardly sighing.

The crown prince’s vulnerability to beauty suggested the rumors of his sheltered upbringing were true. He had no defenses against such charms and was already completely entranced by Princess Elise.

Michael felt a wave of frustration but quickly dismissed it. If Randolph was willingly falling into this trap, what right did Michael have to intervene?

While Prince Randolph was engrossed in his growing rapport with Princess Elise, the military leadership convened for a meeting.

The generals from Elonia entered the room with grim expressions, the tension palpable. Despite the overwhelming success of the first battle, there were still many challenges ahead.

The vast plains that brought Elonia prosperity were a significant weakness in wartime. Michael couldn’t help but lament the fall of the Dolce defensive line.

Had the defenses nestled among the foothills of the Draco Mountains held, military operations would have been far easier. Now, only a few fortresses scattered across the plains remained to stand against the enemy.

The generals grappled with mixed emotions—whether to blame Elonia’s incompetence for losing such a crucial line or to admire the strength of the Pamir Empire’s forces. The Pamir soldiers’ overwhelming numbers and exceptional cavalry rendered Elonia’s flat defenses nearly useless.

Elonia’s generals looked visibly uncomfortable, some even embarrassed. Michael steadied himself.

There was no point in dwelling on the past. What was lost could be reclaimed, and the remaining fortresses needed to be used for flexible defense strategies.

Surveying the room, Michael spoke calmly, his presence commanding attention. Having led the first battle to victory, he was now treated with the deference of a de facto commander.

"The loss of the Dolce defensive line is regrettable, but the war has only just begun. Let’s focus on developing new defensive strategies."

Some generals bristled, but Michael paid them no mind. His reputation as the master of a sphinx and dragon, a prodigious swordsman, and an unmatched marksman preceded him. Furthermore, Prince Randolph’s open support for Michael during the previous night’s banquet lent additional weight to his words.

Michael continued, his tone conciliatory. "I’d like to hear your insights. If anyone has ideas for strategies, please share them."

His genuine demeanor softened the generals’ initial reluctance, and they began exchanging ideas.

The room regained its energy as Count Demonic, one of Elonia’s most renowned strategists, spoke up.

"We must neutralize the mobility of their forces on the plains. Most of the Pamir warriors move on horseback. How about setting traps throughout the plains?"