In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

He quickly regained his composure.The kings gathered here were like a pack of wolves.The moment he showed weakness, they would descend upon him and tear him apart.

Following Henry III's example, the rest of the monarchs hastened to greet Alfred as well.Grand Prince Maximilian approached with an especially enthusiastic expression and even offered a handshake.

"It is an honor to meet you. I had only heard the stories until now, but now I understand why Lord Michael carries such a heroic presence. To possess such noble bloodlines from both sides of the family—truly, it is a blessing upon the continent of Rubel."

Even Queen Dowager Guinevere, wearing a forced smile, rose from her seat.With Maximilian acting so openly, she couldn't afford to appear indifferent.

She urged her son Alphonso to greet Alfred.Alphonso, who had been sleeping and drooling, whined sleepily as he rubbed his eyes.

"Ugh… that grandpa's intense. He's… he's surrounded by a powerful aura…"

Guinevere quickly covered the boy's mouth.

"Aha ha, the child must've had a strange dream upon waking. It's an honor to meet you, Judge Alfred."

Alfred's eyes glinted curiously.

A powerful aura, the child had said.He can sense my spiritual presence?

That suggested an extraordinary gift—perhaps the potential to become a wise leader or a devoted servant of the Creator.

Michael, too, clicked his tongue silently.

So my mother still hasn't given up on making him king… But if Maximilian takes over the kingdom, I'll just guide the boy toward a higher purpose, perhaps as a righteous leader, a just judge, or a wise scholar.

A bit dazed, perhaps, but for the child's future, that might be the better path.Better than being executed or imprisoned at a young age.

After the flurry of greetings, the room finally calmed.

Michael moved on and opened another document.

"Next, we address the concept of provision and sustenance. Rather than fragmenting this into lesser deities, we will emphasize the Almighty's role as the ultimate provider. He is the one who brings forth the rain, nourishes the soil, and grants abundance to the land."

He gave a small shrug and continued.

"As most of you already know, I own the continent's largest merchant guild—the Zirak Trading Company. Through it, I intend to build places of worship and charity in key regions, where the less fortunate can find support, and the blessings of the Almighty can be shared freely."

A knight standing behind Michael handed out a list of cities where these centers would be established.

"Next, we must address the warriors of the land. Rather than swearing oaths to lesser war gods, soldiers and knights will pledge their lives to the one Creator, acknowledging that all strength and victory come only through His will."

A murmur of admiration filled the room.Among those gathered, only Astrid and Queen Dowager Guinevere were not knights.

"I also plan to offer protection and honor to mercenary groups, ensuring that those who risk their lives in battle are not mistreated or discarded once their purpose is served."

An excellent move.

While mercenary guilds existed, they were not strong enough to stand against nobles or royalty.But if these warriors were united under the banner of a single, supreme faith, they would become a formidable force.

In addition to these, Michael gave explanations for the roles of those who travel the seas, craft with their hands, seek knowledge, tend to the sick, and hunt the wilds.Each of these aspects, he explained, were merely reflections of the Creator's diverse blessings upon humanity.

Hearing all this, Romano II stroked his beard, looking concerned.

"The intention is noble," said Romano II, his tone cautious, "but I do have one worry. You said you wish to unify all under one truth—what if remnants of the old ways cling to this new faith, corrupting it from within?"

It was a valid concern—one well worth raising.

Michael answered without hesitation.

"That will be prevented by none other than Judge Alfred, seated with us here today."

All eyes turned to Alfred.

His imposing frame and broad shoulders exuded such presence that several kings nodded in wordless agreement.The room fell silent as his steady gaze swept over them, a reminder of unwavering justice.

Michael looked around at the gathered monarchs.

"Unlike the fractured beliefs of the past, this faith will recognize humanity as servants of the one true Creator, not as slaves to a pantheon of flawed deities. It will be a faith built on unity, compassion, and the pursuit of righteousness."

He had no reason to fear the return of false gods or the invasion of corrupting influences.After all, their faith was built on the pure, unchanging truth that all power belongs to the Almighty alone.

From his seat, Alfred watched Michael with a proud gleam in his eyes.

That child who once lay cradled in a bassinet… To think he has grown so much. The day I fulfill my life's wish must be close at hand.

But beneath that pride stirred a quiet sorrow.

What will happen once this is all over…? There's no telling when or how it might end. I must do everything I can for this boy while I still can.

Unaware of his grandfather's thoughts, Michael continued the meeting.

The atmosphere had grown warmer.Though Queen Dowager Guinevere occasionally interrupted with misguided remarks, Grand Prince Maximilian always managed to steer the conversation back on course.

Astrid also played a significant role.Her intelligence and qualities as a ruler had not gone unnoticed—several monarchs were clearly growing wary of her potential.

After the meeting concluded, several kings gathered separately—excluding those from Pamir, Serest, Lania, Elonia, and Pasha.

They sat together over wine, lost in thought.

"Whew… Emperor Sigmund of Serest is as formidable as ever. That nation will only continue to rise, no doubt."

The soft flicker of candles lit the room, casting wavering shadows across the table.

The scent of cigars drifted faintly through the air, and the night deepened outside the windows.

The tone of their conversation gradually grew more serious.

"Well, at least Pamir and Pasha are becoming irrelevant," someone remarked. "Although, who knows when Pamir might rearm and start rampaging again…"

Romano II sighed as he opened a prized bottle of whiskey.He too had suffered greatly during the war against the Pamir Empire.The fact that it had ended quickly was nothing short of divine providence.

King Leopold shook his head.

"That remains to be seen. Grand Prince Maximilian is a dangerous man. Didn't you see how effortlessly he subdued the Queen Dowager? He won't hesitate."