In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

The long oak dining table reflected the soft glow of candlelight, and an array of exquisite dishes was carefully arranged on a pristine white linen tablecloth. A fireplace in the corner emitted a warm, cozy heat, fueled by enchanted logs.

The opulence of the dining room was evident in the rich tapestries adorning the walls and the glittering crystal chandelier hanging overhead. Behind the family stood neatly dressed attendants, waiting silently to serve.

The meal began with a selection of light drinks, appetizers, and soup. At the center of the table sat a roasted duck glazed with honey, its golden-brown skin gleaming. The duck was stuffed with aromatic spices, dried fruits, and walnuts, and the juices pooled on the silver platter, releasing a tantalizing aroma.

Michael sipped the pumpkin soup before him, the creamy texture and subtle sweetness delighting his palate. But as he savored the flavor, he suddenly paused, his senses sharpening.

He glanced around discreetly. His father and sisters seemed to be enjoying their meal without noticing anything amiss.

"There's a trace of otherworldly energy in the soup."

Michael took a deep breath, calming himself as he began channeling his inner magic. There was no doubt—a foreign energy was circulating through his body. The soup was tainted with some form of malevolent force.

Maintaining his composure, Michael quietly summoned the head steward.

"Seal the estate immediately and summon every servant and maid involved with the meal. Inform Sir Roderick as well."

The sudden command caused Dominic, who had been enjoying the feast, to stiffen. His sisters also put down their utensils, their expressions filled with confusion and concern.

Dominic's voice was heavy as he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

Michael calmly pushed his plate aside and replied in a low tone, "There was an assassination attempt. Fortunately, the elixir I consumed previously has kept me unharmed. For now, leave the food as it is."

Elizabeth, Phoebe, and Kate were visibly alarmed.

Elizabeth, her concern evident, placed her napkin aside and looked at Michael with worry.

"Are you sure you're all right? Even with the elixir, we can't be certain. You should call Anita for treatment immediately."

Michael gave his sister a reassuring smile. Her once-distant demeanor had warmed, and her genuine concern for him filled him with a quiet gratitude.

Phoebe and Kate puffed their cheeks indignantly, their voices filled with worry.

"Brother, if someone tried to poison you, shouldn't you have caused a scene? You're way too calm about this!" Phoebe said.

"Exactly! Are you sure you're fine? Let's call Anita right away!" Kate added, already pushing back her chair to stand.

Anita, a trusted guest of the estate, was staying in a separate wing. But before Kate could rush off, Michael gestured for her to stay.

"There's no need for that," he said firmly. "I know my body well enough. Sit down, all of you. Anita is probably having her meal as well—no need to bother her unnecessarily."

Despite his reassurance, the family's concern did not waver.

Dominic frowned and said, "Kate might be right, Michael. What could be more important than your health? You should prioritize treatment."

Michael shook his head resolutely.

"No. First, we must apprehend the assassin. We need to find out who dared to attempt this and why."

Realizing the validity of his point, Dominic nodded gravely. Elizabeth, Phoebe, and Kate exchanged worried glances but refrained from pressing further.

Moments later, chaos erupted within the estate.

Upon hearing of the assassination attempt, Miaomiao and Marcus—Michael's two powerful magical beasts—burst into action.

["Who dares attack my Michael? Bring me everyone involved immediately!"]

Miaomiao's furious yowl echoed as she stormed down the stairs, her claws shredding the luxurious carpet with each step.

["Exactly! Sister is right! Whoever did this will regret it. I'll savor every moment of devouring them,"] Marcus growled, his mouth glowing faintly with flames. The heat radiating from him was palpable even from a distance.

Their rage cast a tense pall over the estate. Servants scrambled to avoid their wrath, and even the knights seemed uncertain of how to respond.

Dominic, too, flinched at the display. "So this is the power of enraged first-class magical beasts. It's terrifying."

Miaomiao leaped into the dining room, sniffing the soup bowl Michael had set aside. After a moment, her sharp cry broke the silence.

["This is a deadly poison laced with otherworldly curses! It's incredibly rare, likely from an ancient noble family or the shamans of the Pamir Empire."]

Michael worked to calm the furious magical beasts.

"Now, now, both of you, calm down. I'm perfectly fine. See? The otherworldly energy has no effect on me—it may even be beneficial."

Though Miaomiao and Marcus quieted slightly, they remained on high alert, refusing to leave Michael's side. Miaomiao flexed her claws, glaring around the room.

["You'd better bring the culprit here quickly. Otherwise…"]

She made a slicing motion through the air with her claws, her meaning unmistakable.

Sir Ronald, known for his integrity and exceptional investigative skills, worked alongside the head steward Oliver to apprehend the suspect.

It didn't take long to capture Henry, the assistant chef responsible for preparing the meal.

"Why did you betray the Grand Duke?" Sir Ronald demanded, his stern voice cutting through the tension.

Henry, pale and trembling, collapsed to the floor. "I-I had no choice! They took my child hostage. Please, spare my life!"

Though his words begged for mercy, his demeanor hinted at something darker.

As Henry spoke, his darting eyes betrayed his words. It was clear he was lying. Michael's icy gaze bore down on him, sharp and unrelenting as a blade.

"Your child was kidnapped? Very well. What is your child's name?"

Michael already knew the truth. Through the diligent investigation of the steward, Oliver, it had been confirmed that Henry was a widower who had lost both his wife and child.

Henry froze at the question, his lips trembling as his eyes flitted about, searching for an answer. Silence fell over the room, thick and heavy.