Just Enchanted by Her Strength

Chapter 7: Phoenix's Decision

"So, Lord Andrei offended the Stellaris Duke, it seems?"

After hearing Eleanor's account of the situation, the Regent turned to Phoenix and Andrei, stating:

"The Solren family has always been a pillar of the Empire, but perhaps their illustrious status has led this ancient family to forget the meaning of a [Luminbranch Crowns]... Lord Andrei, do you even know the significance of a [Luminbranch Crowns]?"

Andrei stammered, "Isn't it merely a sign of the God Ancestor's benevolence...?"

The Regent countered, "A [Luminbranch Crowns] is the Empire's frontline against the Chaos Tide, an indispensable bulwark. Lord Andrei, have you ever witnessed the Chaos Tide?"

"I've seen it in books...and in recordings..."

Celerivira pressed on, "That's not enough. Chaos is the ultimate enemy of civilization and order, an extreme of terror and destruction that constantly assaults the borders of our Nation of Order. Those who dwell in Sacred Roots, enjoying peace, have no right to scorn those who face Chaos head-on!"

"It is indeed unseemly for a [Luminbranch Crowns] to languish in the Imperial Capital, but the destruction of the Stellaris Domain was a natural disaster. The Chaos Incursion two years ago would have been apocalyptic for any border province. The Stellaris Domain resisted it almost single-handedly."

Eleanor eagerly agreed, "It was a tragedy, to be sure, but the name of Gleaming Radiance will not be buried. We will return to the Glade of Purity one day."

The Regent turned to Andrei, speaking slowly, "Insulting a [Luminbranch Crowns] is a crime against the Empire and the will of the God Ancestor. Lord Andrei, I will overlook your transgression due to your youth, but you will apologize to the Stellaris Duke."

Delivering her judgment directly, the Regent added a veiled threat, "Otherwise, I will be forced to summon the head of the Solren house."

"No! Please, don't! I...I understand."

Andrei was visibly shaken. He might not greatly fear the Regent, but the mere mention of his stern father sent the young noble into a panic.

"Ugh..."

Andrei clenched his fists, and after a moment of intense internal struggle, he knelt before Phoenix, humiliated.

"R-Respected Stellaris Duke, please forgive my offense. I forgot to respect the honor of a [Luminbranch Crowns]. It was utterly presumptuous..."

"Lower yourself further. Does that look like an apology to you?"

Andrei trembled, then prostrated himself fully on the ground.

Phoenix said, "Very well. I forgive your rudeness."

Andrei leaped to his feet as if granted a pardon, glared at Phoenix with resentment, and fled.

"Brother, Andrei is likely to hold a grudge against you for a while now," Eleanor sighed.

Phoenix responded nonchalantly, "Are you blaming me for antagonizing the Solren family?"

The fairy-like girl with hair like snow smiled Stellarisly and shook her head.

"No, you did well. You're almost making me change my opinion of you, brother."

Eleanor glanced at the Imperial Capital nobles who had witnessed the scene and avoided her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Since the disaster two years ago, the Gleaming Radiance family has been mocked for too long. To the people in the Imperial Capital, we are outsiders, displaced refugees. By so openly displaying contempt for the name of Gleaming Radiance, they deserved to learn that the authority of a [Luminbranch Crowns] is not to be questioned!"

Evidently, Eleanor had suffered her share of slights due to her family's misfortune. Although most people were betting on her future, wanting to recruit the promising newcomer, the girl perceived this as an insult.

Phoenix's forceful response against Andrei pleased Eleanor greatly, especially the awed gazes of the surrounding nobles, which made her feel as though the shadows that haunted her had been swept away.

"And...what is the meaning of this?"

Having resolved the conflict, the Regent turned her attention to Daphne, addressing Phoenix.

"Stellaris Duke, you've certainly done something that has...surprised me."

Upon hearing Celerivira's voice, Daphne slowly opened her eyes, the exquisite irises filled with the lingering reluctance of a fading dream. She forced herself to greet the Regent.

"Your Royal Highness the Prince Regent..."

"No need for formalities. You are, in a manner of speaking...my Imperial Sister."

The Regent looked at the Silver-haired Dragoness, her voice devoid of warmth.

Although Daphne was considered by most in the Imperial Capital to be a mongrel whose very presence was defiling, Celerivira herself held no particular animosity towards her younger sister.

After all...had Daphne's birth not taken Old Deng away, she would never have had the chance to taste the Empire's supreme power.

However, as Regent of the Empire, she needed to project the absolute correctness of policy.

The Regent stated coolly, "The disturbance tonight was caused by your presence. You should not have come out. Now, is that enough? Go back. Do not show yourself again."

Daphne nodded, and as she turned her wheelchair to leave, the silver-haired Imperial Princess hesitated for a moment, saying to Phoenix:

"This has been the best day...thank you."

Good enough for me to replay in my mind for the rest of my life.

However, Phoenix reached out and grasped the back of her wheelchair, asking:

"May I visit you sometime?"

Daphne gasped, "!"

Phoenix smiled. "As a [Luminbranch Crowns], I have the authority to enter the Aurelian Oak Palace freely, but to visit a private residence, I must obtain the owner's permission."

The Regent frowned. "Stellaris Duke, I understand your gesture of kindness and your willingness to dance with my Imperial Sister, but this is enough. Do not do anything that might cause further misunderstandings."

"Your Royal Highness the Prince Regent, I must correct your statement. I am not acting out of pity. There is no compassion or sympathy involved."

Phoenix shook his head slowly and firmly, placing a hand on his chest.

"I feel no pity or compassion towards Princess Daphne. What I harbor is pure envy, even admiration."

"Envy? Admiration?"

What are you talking about?

Stellaris Duke, are you in your right mind?!

Celerivira was an experienced high-ranking ruler capable of exceptional facial expression management, but even she suspected she had misheard Phoenix, struggling to maintain her composure.

The Regent remained silent for a moment before stating, "The Stellaris Duke may have had too much to drink tonight! Guards! Escort Imperial Princess Daphne back to her chambers!"

Royal Guards, who could no longer tolerate the "filth and defilement", swiftly moved forward, seizing Daphne's wheelchair, ready to push her away roughly.

But Phoenix once again blocked their path, disregarding Eleanor's frantic signals, and earnestly asked the silver-haired Imperial Princess:

"Princess Daphne, what is your answer?"

The silver-haired Imperial Princess looked up, met Phoenix's deep Purple Eyes, and her lips twitched. She ultimately turned her head away and said nothing.

Phoenix stated, "If you don't answer, I will assume it is an agreement. I will come to visit you again tomorrow."

After the Royal Guards pushed the wheelchair away, the Regent finally sighed deeply.

"Stellaris Duke, are you serious? Although you are a [Luminbranch Crowns], I have no right to interfere with your actions. However, if you associate too closely with Daphne, the entire Imperial Capital will become estranged from you. The assistance that the Stellaris Domain needs may prove difficult to obtain."

"I am quite serious, Your Highness."

Phoenix did not intend to offer further explanations. He was fully aware of the gravity of his actions, but decisive action was necessary. After all, Daphne's favor was more important than the goodwill of the entire Imperial Capital nobility.

The Regent rubbed her forehead in distress, stating:

"I had intended to help you reclaim your homeland, but...please reconsider. If the nobles of the Imperial Capital harbor deep-seated prejudice against the Stellaris Duke, I cannot act unilaterally."

The Regent dismissed him, and Phoenix felt that he had successfully achieved his goals for the night, leaving the Aurelian Oak Palace with a light heart.

Returning to the Gleaming Radiance mansion, Phoenix removed his coat, only to suddenly feel a prickling, uncomfortable gaze.