In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 180 Randolph Leading The Reinforcements

Sir Philip, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Rochester and the new master of the former Crassus estate, had recently been cultivating a relationship with Crown Prince Randolph.

Rumors quickly spread that a confrontation had occurred between the crown prince and Michael during a recent military meeting, resulting in Prince Randolph storming out in anger. Seizing the opportunity, Philip, who had long envied Michael’s meteoric rise, approached the prince and succeeded in befriending him.

With the rhetorical skill inherited from his mother, who had captivated the Duke of Rochester, Philip found the task relatively easy. His exceptional eloquence and polished social skills pleased the crown prince, and the shared animosity toward Michael served as a convenient bridge for their camaraderie.

Philip skillfully stoked the prince’s inferiority complex and dissatisfaction, subtly manipulating his emotions. After all, wasn’t a mutual target for criticism the shortest path to friendship? Yet Philip’s ambitions extended far beyond mere friendship with the prince.

He began subtly provoking the crown prince’s desire to lead an army and achieve glory on the battlefield, feeding his aspirations bit by bit.

"Your Highness, listening to your vast insights, I can’t help but think how unfortunate it is that such a noble figure as yourself has not had the chance to personally participate in the battlefield," Philip remarked in a low, weighted tone, lowering his gaze.

"I hail from the Northwest Palace," he continued, "and had frequent clashes with the Pamir tribes. They are numerous, yes, but far from formidable. Their numbers only contribute to the chaos of their command structure."

Noticing the spark of interest in the prince’s eyes, Philip pressed further. With a confident expression, he whispered, "The Five Great Tribes may be renowned, but look at the prisoners of the Rock Bear Tribe that Sir Michael captured. Where in them can one find any sense of spirit? With a dragon or a sphinx, anyone could claim such victories."

Philip’s flattery-laden rhetoric began to sway Prince Randolph, who had already been entertaining similar thoughts. While others around him had dismissed and discouraged his ideas, Philip’s sweet words tantalized the prince, stirring the embers of repressed ambition. A faint smile crept across Randolph’s face as the suppressed flames of his desires reignited. His heart thumped with anticipation as a long-buried ambition took root.

Sensing the prince’s wavering resolve, Philip leaned in slightly, lowering his voice further to continue his persuasive efforts.

"Though I cannot compare to Your Highness, I too have some military insight. Even in the barren and desolate conditions of the Northwest Palace, I have achieved several victories, which has earned me the loyalty of many knights."

Philip paused momentarily, giving Randolph time to reflect on his words. Then, with a subtle gesture of his hand, he added, "If I could rally these men and achieve a victory, Your Highness’s fame would spread across the entire kingdom. Of course, even without military achievements, Your Highness is already the most radiant figure. But imagine the glory if military triumphs were added to your brilliance."

Philip had been diligently recruiting knights who had failed to join Michael’s ranks. With the prestige of his father, the Duke of Rochester, combined with his budding rapport with the crown prince, a significant number of knights had begun to gather around him.

Though most were nobles from the central and southern regions, they too formed their own factions. By combining the forces of their soldiers, Philip had amassed an army of approximately five thousand men.

Even if Duke Capone, a close confidant of the crown prince, disapproved of Randolph personally leading troops, Philip believed it mattered little. After all, Randolph would be a mere figurehead while Philip assumed true command.

Having kindled the flames of ambition in the crown prince’s heart, Philip awaited the right moment to act. When news of another of Michael’s victories reached them, Philip and Randolph convened once more.

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The crown prince, buoyed by Duke Capone’s approval, appeared visibly elated. Observing Randolph’s confident expression, Philip inwardly laughed. Clearly, the duke had granted permission.

Philip silently mocked the crown prince’s impotence, requiring a subordinate’s consent to join the front lines even as the heir to the throne. Yet he quickly concealed his contempt; after all, this granted him his own chance to achieve glory.

"The enemy will soon be upon us. I have received Duke Capone’s permission to join the front," Randolph declared, omitting the condition that he would remain safely in the rear. "Are the soldiers prepared?"

"Do not worry, Your Highness. Five thousand soldiers eagerly await the chance to achieve glory under your valiant command," Philip replied. Of course, he didn’t disclose that most of the assembled soldiers were inexperienced novices, making them something of kindred spirits.

"Are they all in agreement with my leadership?" Randolph asked, his expression serious. While lacking practical combat experience, he was well aware of the risk of becoming a mere puppet.

Noticing the prince’s unease, Philip offered a sly smile, attempting to assuage his concerns.

"Your Highness, everyone is eagerly awaiting your orders. They are utterly weary of Sir Michael’s tyranny and deeply grateful for your intervention."

In truth, the knights were merely outcasts lacking military prowess, political acumen, or wealth, relegated to insignificant posts. But the crown prince need not know that. Their efforts to align themselves with different factions were at least genuine.

"Hmm, as crown prince, I cannot stand idly by while my subjects struggle. This is all due to Sir Michael’s discrimination. As the supreme commander, he should not reserve opportunities for glory solely for his close associates," Randolph proclaimed, his voice firm as he looked toward Philip.

Philip, naturally, fully agreed with these sentiments. After all, hadn’t Michael utterly ignored him, denying even the smallest chance for recognition? Though Philip could have ingratiated himself with Michael, the pragmatist, he had no intention of doing so.

"Exactly, Your Highness. Sir Michael’s unfair practices have left many disheartened and without opportunity," Philip said, pushing harder as he caught the prince’s approving gaze.