In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 58 - 58 Titles And Lands

After all, yoma were fundamentally different from demons or Outsiders. While yoma were created from transformed spirits, animals, or human souls, demons and Outsiders were beings from entirely separate planes of existence.

The distinction explained why yoma were treated differently.

Michael smirked at the irony of the situation. Wasn't the Church of Radiance's behavior no different from the Outsider cults they vilified? Hidden away, gathering power in secret, the Church only seemed "divine" because its influence was already established.

He quickly shook off the thought. In a world where divine eyes could land upon you at any moment, such musings were dangerous.

Curious, Michael asked, "If Leonardo has become a yoma, what abilities has he gained?"

Alfred took a sip of tea, courtesy of Clara, before responding.

"Not all yoma gain special abilities, but ones created like this often do. Given Leonardo's prior gift from the Outsider, it's likely his abilities have evolved."

Leonardo beamed with excitement.

"Indeed, Master! I can feel it. My original persuasion ability has expanded into the realms of hypnosis and suggestion. Should I demonstrate by charming this woman here?"

It seemed becoming a yoma hadn't improved Leonardo's social awareness.

Michael shook his head in exasperation.

"She's my aunt. Treat her with the same respect you show me."

Startled, Leonardo quickly apologized.

"Oh, my deepest apologies, my lady!"

Clara, ever unfazed by unusual personalities, smiled warmly and reassured him.

"It's fine, really. Just relax. By the way, could you chop some firewood outside? And while you're at it, maybe do some laundry too."

Her cheerful, nonchalant tone as she assigned chores left Michael speechless.

Indeed, the true ruler of the house was Clara.

At that moment, Court Marquis Woodrock sat in his opulent study alongside Count Charles, reviewing a missive from the royal palace. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting shadows across the room and accentuating the refined elegance of the estate.

The walls were lined with centuries-old tomes and exquisite artwork, while the heavy cherrywood desk bore neatly arranged documents adorned with intricate insignias.

"So, they're quietly asking us to investigate the whereabouts of the blood quill…" Marquis Woodrock mused, folding the missive carefully and setting it aside.

He looked up, his expression thoughtful.

"Count Charles, you thoroughly

"I hear that young Michael of House Crassus distinguished himself during this ordeal. What's your impression of him?"

There was a trace of curiosity, perhaps even envy, in the Marquis's voice. While he acknowledged Michael's accomplishments, there was a subtle undertone of resentment—an unspoken comparison to his own son, who had yet to receive such recognition.

Charles's reply carried a hint of tension.

"He's a decent man. I had my son Louis spend some time with him, and the boy said Michael was both competent and virtuous. From what I've seen, he's an exceptional talent, particularly in training soldiers. I even considered proposing a marriage alliance by offering my illegitimate daughter, but… I didn't want to risk straining relations over her status, so I dropped the idea altogether," Charles admitted, his tone tinged with regret.

Marquis Woodrock watched Charles's expression with interest, detecting the faintest trace of jealousy.

"I see. If he's of that caliber, then it's no surprise the royal palace is considering raising his title and expanding his lands," Woodrock remarked casually.

Charles's eyes widened in shock.

"An elevation in rank and additional lands?"

He sank back into his chair, struggling to process the news. Jealousy and wariness swirled within him at the prospect of House Crassus receiving such a substantial reward.

"That's… problematic," Charles murmured. "House Crassus holds one of the five baronies carved from the old Barkley Earldom, shared among five vassals. Expanding their territory would cause significant backlash from the others. They swore a pact among themselves to prevent just such an occurrence."

His voice carried both genuine concern and thinly veiled resentment.