In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 223 Proposal

"First, I believe tending to the princess's injury takes precedence. Someone, please escort Her Majesty to her chambers. The sunlight seems unusually harsh today—her complexion appears rather unwell."

The queen's attendants, who had been standing by anxiously, quickly stepped forward to intervene. Even they couldn't ignore the impropriety of the queen leaving visible marks on the Crown Princess. Recognizing the need to preserve her dignity, the queen adjusted her skirts and withdrew with a haughty air.

Duke Capone watched her retreat with a faint smirk before turning back to Astrid.

"Take my hand, Your Highness. Let's address your injury first."

Astrid hesitated, biting her lip. She had tried so hard to avoid this kind of confrontation, yet here she was.

"I must look so pitiful. Thank you, Duke Capone, for stepping in."

The duke gave her a reassuring smile. "Rescuing a princess in distress is every knight's dream, Your Highness. Think nothing of it."

Astrid allowed herself a small smile as she took his offered hand. He called over his attendant healer to treat her wrist, then led her toward a rose garden in full bloom.

"There's something important I wish to discuss with you today," the duke began.

Astrid stopped in her tracks, her heart sinking. Even him? she thought. Was he here to propose another unwanted match?

Not wanting to worsen the situation, she decided to decline before he could ask.

"Duke Capone," she began, her tone apologetic, "if this is about a marriage proposal, I must refuse. I have no interest in marrying your grandson. Ludwig is more like a brother to me."

The duke blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter.

"Ludwig? As the queen's consort? No, Your Highness, perish the thought. The boy would be hopelessly out of his depth."

Astrid's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. She had jumped to conclusions too quickly.

"My apologies, Duke Capone. I was hasty in my assumption. Lately, so many have approached me with proposals…" She trailed off, her voice tinged with regret.

The duke waved off her apology and guided her to a bench in the garden.

"No need to apologize. To be clear, I am here about a proposal—but not one involving my grandson."

Astrid tilted her head in confusion. If not Ludwig, then who?

The duke continued in a measured tone. "Tell me, Your Highness, what do you know of Count Michael?"

At the mention of Michael, Astrid's face turned crimson. She looked straight ahead, avoiding the duke's gaze, as her heart raced.

"Count Michael… You mean the war hero? I met him once at a banquet. It was a remarkable event, with his dragon and sphinx in attendance."

The duke's expression brightened. If she had already met Michael, his task would be much easier.

"Indeed. He's a fine young man, exceptionally capable. You're aware of his contributions to the war effort, of course."

Astrid nodded silently, memories of her nightly prayers for Michael's safety flooding her mind.

"His Majesty is currently deliberating on what reward would be fitting for Count Michael," the duke explained. "Given the titles and lands he's already received, he's practically a margrave. And his potential for further achievements is limitless."

Pausing, the duke observed Astrid's reaction. Thankfully, she showed no signs of resistance.

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"That being said," he continued, "there's a need to secure his loyalty. Do you understand what I mean?"

The duke's reasoning was pragmatic: tying Michael to the royal family would strengthen the kingdom's position. However, he was unaware of Astrid's personal feelings for the count.

Suppressing her excitement, Astrid nodded slowly. "Yes… I see your point."

Her voice faltered as she tried to frame her next words. Proposing her own marriage felt improper, even as the Crown Princess.

The duke, sensing her hesitation, took the opportunity to broach the topic directly.

"As the future queen, would you consider Count Michael as your consort? Of course, this depends on his willingness. I'm speaking with you first to gauge your thoughts before presenting the matter to His Majesty."

Astrid's heart leapt, and she struggled to contain her elation. Was it possible that Michael felt the same?

Pressing a hand to her chest to calm her pounding heart, she asked softly, "Has Count Michael… agreed to this match?"

The seconds stretched into an eternity as she awaited the duke's reply. Finally, he nodded.

"Count Michael has expressed his willingness to accept the proposal. He even entrusted me with a letter for you, should you wish to read it before deciding."

Astrid took the letter with trembling hands, her heart racing as she noticed the faint rose emblem on the envelope. Knowing that Michael had touched it made her blush even deeper.

The duke, seeing her reaction, felt confident the match would succeed.

After a long moment, Astrid spoke, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her.

"For the good of the kingdom, we must honor the contributions of a war hero. I will accept the proposal. Please convey my decision to my father."

As early summer approached, the royal garden was adorned with a radiant glow. Verdant leaves shimmered with sunlight, creating a rippling sea of green, while vibrant flowers bloomed in abundance. The fragrant aroma of roses filled the air, and their red and white petals drifted wistfully in the breeze.

After concluding his conversation with Crown Princess Astrid, Duke Capone immediately sought out Charles V. Upon entering the king's reception room, he saw Charles V standing by the window, gazing out at the scenery. The king's eyes were somber, a reflection of the grief he still bore from the tragic death of his son, Crown Prince Randolph.

Suppressing the sympathy that welled within him, Duke Capone greeted his old friend. "Aren't the roses beautiful?"

Charles V turned to face the duke, a faint smile forming on his lips. Yet behind that smile lingered an indelible sorrow. With a deep sigh, the king nodded. "Welcome, Duke Capone. People vanish so quickly, but the flowers bloom just as they always have."