In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

She swallowed the rest of her words. The man she called father was someone who wouldn't hesitate to kill them after pocketing the gold.

Pavel understood. He lowered his gaze and fell silent.

"…Then how about this—what if we pledged loyalty to Grand Duke Michael instead?"

The duchess recoiled in shock.

"You can't be serious! You're the heir of House Rochester. Are you really going to serve someone else?!"

Looking at his mother, still shackled by the ghosts of the past, Pavel felt a wave of disappointment.

Their entire house had been obliterated. What use was a title now?

"…It's best to accept that the title is already gone. Right now, staying alive and finding someone who will protect us is the priority."

Pavel, who had always preferred reading to swordsmanship, understood more than most what became of a noble family that lost its pillar of strength.

He looked at his younger sisters and mother, trying to persuade them.

"If we end up depending on the wrong person, they might just kill us for our remaining wealth. But from what I've heard, Grand Duke Michael values both pragmatism and honor. He won't cast us aside."

And… his domain is said to be filled with wonders and new innovations…

Pavel swallowed the last part of his thought and met his mother's eyes.

Though he'd outwardly scorned Michael to please his father, in truth, Pavel had long harbored admiration for the Grand Duke.

Seeing the sincerity in her son's eyes, the duchess slowly nodded.

"If you truly believe it's the right thing… then so be it. Let's seek protection from Grand Duke Michael."

Pavel released the tension in his fists.

Finally, the burden of noble pride and the expectations tied to the Rochester name could be cast aside. He could live his life doing what he wanted now.

He smiled subtly, making sure his mother didn't see it. The shackles he'd long wanted to escape had finally broken.

Unaware of her son's inner joy, the duchess asked cautiously, "Then… what about the three elders of the family?"

Pavel grimaced slightly, recalling the stubborn, narrow-minded old men. If anything, they would only hinder their future.

With cold finality, Pavel shook his head. "Leave them behind in the waterway. We'll go on without them."

The duchess was taken aback. "But who will advise us?"

Pavel's expression brightened.

"Do you remember my childhood attendant—Sancho? He showed talent in magic, so we sent him to study at the Mage's Tower."

The duchess searched her memory. She vaguely recalled her son's enthusiasm about a clever servant with unusual talent.

"…Yes, that does sound familiar."

Pavel puffed out his chest with pride. "He's currently working as a mage in Crassus territory—not formally employed, but I hear his master is utterly obsessed with the tier-one magical beasts there."

He smiled fondly, thinking of Sancho. That clever boy would surely be able to help build a bridge to Michael.

Elsewhere, Michael watched with curiosity as a hesitant mage nervously approached.

Sancho hesitated, fidgeting and mumbling to himself for several moments before finally squeezing his eyes shut and blurting out, "Y-Your Grace! I have something to report!"

Michael, his handsome face adorned with an easy smile, responded warmly.

"Don't be shy, Master Sancho. Speak freely."

Sancho had recently been promoted to a master thanks to a sudden leap in magical ability, and Michael was already somewhat familiar with him by name and reputation. In fact, he'd once considered trying to recruit him formally.

Sensing that Michael was in good spirits, Sancho gathered his courage.

"I… I know where the direct heirs of House Rochester are."

Immediately, Michael's interest waned.

So what if I do? he thought. I've already decided to let them go. I have no interest in chasing them down now.

Sancho noticed Michael's disinterest and quickly clarified, waving his hands in panic.

"N-no, that's not what I meant! Actually… I used to be sponsored by Lord Pavel of House Rochester."

That changed things. A flicker of curiosity returned to Michael's eyes.

"Go on, Master Sancho."

Sancho continued passionately.

"Unlike the treacherous Duke Rochester, Lord Pavel was kind and valued talent. He loved books, cared about the common folk… The duke dismissed him as weak, but I assure you, he wasn't."

Sancho clenched his fist, remembering how young Pavel used to cry while reading in the study.

"He recognized my magical potential and begged the duchess to sponsor me. And now… I have a request to make."

Michael, suppressing a smile, replied kindly.

"Ask freely. If it's something I can grant, I will."

Relieved, Sancho finally voiced his plea.

"Please allow Lord Pavel, the duchess, and his two younger sisters to take refuge in Crassus territory. I've already discussed it with him."

Michael mentally cheered.

Jackpot.

Pretending to hesitate, he responded, "Hmm… I can't just welcome them without any justification. Did he offer anything in return?"

Sancho nodded quickly. "Yes, he's willing to hand over all the wealth they escaped with, as well as transcribe the knowledge passed down in his family. And… I personally intend to follow Lord Pavel. He's incredibly capable—especially with calculations and architecture."

Michael smiled broadly and answered without pause.

"In that case, they are most welcome. Where are they now?"

This was a windfall if there ever was one.

A talented young noble who respected scholarship, a loyal mage intermediary, and a cache of inherited knowledge and wealth?

Like a golden pumpkin rolling right into his lap.

Pavel emerged from the dank, foul-smelling underground sewer tunnel. Though the destination where the three elders of House Rochester were waiting wasn't as filthy as this halfway route, it still offered little comfort.

The emergency passage was lined with slippery moss, and water dripped steadily from the ceiling, adding to the discomfort. His palms and knees were already scraped raw.

And still, Pavel was faring better than the others. His mother, clad in layers of lace and fine dress fabrics, was sobbing quietly as she crawled along the tunnel, entirely unaccustomed to such hardship. His two younger sisters clung tightly to their mother and brother, their eyes filled with unease.