Now elevated to the rank of Viscount, Dominic maneuvered effortlessly through the capital's elite circles, forging valuable connections with influential nobles.
Amidst his efforts, he spotted his son, Michael, engaged in animated conversation with Princess Astrid. Whatever Michael said must have been amusing, for the princess's radiant laughter lit up the space around her.
A satisfied smile spread across Dominic's face as he observed the scene. Perhaps, just perhaps, Astrid might one day become Michael's lady. Even if romance or marriage between the two wasn't a realistic possibility, having the princess as a close ally could yield immense political and social advantages. The support and goodwill of the kingdom's sole princess would be a treasure beyond measure.
Unaware of his father's thoughts, Michael was sincerely enjoying his conversation with the princess, entirely free of ulterior motives. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire
"I never imagined a sphinx could be so captivating," Astrid remarked, her voice tinged with wonder. "I always thought of them as creatures of legend—real but entirely out of reach for someone ordinary like me."
Smiling warmly, Michael replied, "Ordinary? Your Highness, you're anything but. Just look at Neferetari—she's comfortably curled up in your arms, enchanted by your beauty."
At that moment, Miaomiao, ever opportunistic, nestled closer into the princess's embrace, rubbing her head affectionately against her arm. Helping Michael score points is a small price to pay for being pampered by royalty, Miaomiao seemed to think.
Unused to such interactions with young men, Astrid's cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink. As the precious only daughter of the king and queen, she had grown up protected and sheltered, leaving her unprepared for Michael's easy charm. She lowered her head slightly, focusing on stroking Miaomiao to hide her flustered expression.
"Such high praise," she murmured. "But truly, it's my mother who's the renowned beauty."
The queen, once the daughter of a count, had captivated the king with her intelligence and unmatched elegance, becoming a formidable presence in the royal court. Yet Astrid, unlike her assertive and commanding mother, seemed gentle and reserved. Of course, one could never tell what storms might lie hidden beneath her calm exterior.
Michael continued, his gaze steady on the princess. "Your Highness, I find you far more captivating. You should have more confidence in yourself."
Miaomiao gave Michael an approving look as if to say, Finally, you're learning how to play the game.
Astrid, clearly unused to such compliments, fanned herself with a dainty folding fan, her cheeks flushing an even deeper red.
"You may call me Astrid, Sir Michael. That is, if addressing you as 'Sir Michael' isn't too forward?"
Her words startled Michael, but a hint of joy crept into his expression. Excellent! We're becoming more familiar, he thought.
"It's an honor, Princess Astrid," he replied, his tone sincere and respectful.
Astrid felt a warmth spreading through her chest. Life within the rigid confines of the royal court had often left her feeling stifled, unable to express her true self. But conversing with Michael was like stepping into fresh, open air.
Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the dreams and aspirations she had long kept hidden. "Then I shall call you Sir Michael without hesitation. It's been a delight talking with you."
Michael, recalling advice from a once prolific friend skilled in navigating social dynamics, maintained eye contact and responded gently. His previous life hadn't exactly afforded him many close female friendships, but he assumed the same principles applied in this world. Judging by Astrid's animated expressions, it seemed he was making progress.
"The pleasure is mine, Astrid," he said. "Having this opportunity to speak with you is a privilege I deeply cherish."
To any observer, the princess appeared like a young girl experiencing her first brush with love—though Michael, utterly oblivious to the effect he was having, remained unaware.
His lack of perception stemmed from a lifetime of underestimating his own appearance. In his former life, he had been an average reserved man in his thirties. Before that, Michael had been a withdrawn 17 year old with little confidence.
However, to Astrid, Michael was the epitome of a hero tall at over 190 cm, angelically handsome, with striking crimson eyes, and a demeanor that radiated both grace and strength. Unlike the impulsive boys her age, Michael's composed and thoughtful manner was irresistibly charming.
As Michael's conversation with the princess carried on, nobles milling around them shifted their attention to Dominic instead, flocking to the viscount in hopes of gaining favor.
Meanwhile, Michael remained focused solely on Astrid, oblivious to the flurry of activity around him.
A growing number of young women had also set their sights on Michael, intrigued by his rising reputation as the "Godly Archer" and his unassuming yet captivating presence. For many noblewomen, marriage was as much about survival as romance, and Michael—unmarried, accomplished, and destined to inherit both title and land—was a prime candidate.
Yet Michael's straightforward nature and disinterest in social games created an unyielding barrier, leaving most of his admirers frustrated. His continued attention to Astrid stemmed from a desire to make a favorable impression on the princess, hoping she might speak positively of his family to the king.
While Michael's demeanor seemed warm and affable, his every word and gesture toward the princess was carefully measured, aimed at cultivating goodwill and rapport.
As the evening wore on, the dazzling lights, lively music, and clinking glasses created a festive atmosphere. But for Michael, his sole focus remained on building a connection with Astrid.
Fortunately, the princess's affection for Miaomiao and Marcus ensured their conversation flowed easily. The night unfolded in a haze of laughter, charm, and mutual admiration, leaving the guests in awe of Michael's composure and skillful diplomacy.
The next morning, the inn was abuzz with activity.
A colorful array of visitors—nobles, knights, robed elders with flowing white beards, and portly merchants bedecked in opulent attire—crowded the premises, eagerly awaiting an audience.
Sensing a business opportunity, the innkeeper set up a makeshift stall outside, selling refreshments to the throngs of people.