Just Enchanted by Her Strength

Chapter 5: The Duke's Calculated Dance

Without a moment's hesitation, Phoenix swept the silver-haired Imperial Princess into his arms and began to dance with Daphne.

However, "dance" was perhaps too generous a term. It was more akin to a solo performance by Phoenix, who simply held Daphne close and spun her around in an impromptu waltz.

It wasn't a courtly dance, but rather a spontaneous expression of his mood, dictated by the rhythm of his heart.

Yet, the man's movements were so confident and generous that the dance possessed an undeniable elegance and grace.

After Phoenix, defying all expectations, had taken the shunned Sinblood Imperial Princess onto the dance floor, no one could remain indifferent. Stunned gazes followed this preposterous scene.

Any lively gathering would give her a wide berth – no one wanted to approach that cursed, tainted bloodline; a being whose very existence was deemed an abomination.

The vast plaza became, in effect, a stage for Phoenix and Daphne alone.

"Why is that wretched thing even here?"

"Where are the guards? Why haven't they removed her!"

"The Stellaris Duke is holding her? What on earth is he doing?"

"I've heard the Stellaris Duke isn't picky, but this... this is beyond depraved."

"Perhaps he's after the Imperial Princess's status? Even a tainted one is still a royal."

Contempt, bewilderment, disgust, mockery... a torrent of judging looks and whispered insults washed over them. Daphne, hearing the vile words and gazing at the beautiful, almost ethereal face so close to hers, murmured:

"Stellaris Duke, you're isolating yourself from noble society with this."

"Do you care about their gaze? Or their opinions?"

The silver-haired Imperial Princess shook her head. "I'm used to it, but you shouldn't do this."

Phoenix chuckled. "Why not? Have you done anything deserving of blame?"

Daphne: "My birth... is the original sin. Many have died because of me. Their parents, children, siblings..."

"So how is that your fault?! Birth as sin? I refuse to acknowledge such an absurd thing."

The handsome young man spoke loudly, as if emphasizing a point:

"It's nothing more than bullying the weak out of fear! Afraid to direct their anger at the true culprits, they band together to torment a little girl!"

"Those shallow fools who can't see your beauty! Those mediocre souls who fail to perceive your charm! Why should I care about their thoughts?"

"Praise and ridicule, adoration and hatred... it's all the same to me. I care not!"

Phoenix simply wanted to increase Daphne's favor, striving to unlock her T0 talent as soon as possible.

As for the opinions of those around him? The nobility's aversion and ostracism?

Perfect. It was all part of the act.

After the public shaming, Phoenix unsurprisingly earned the ire of many.

*You haven't lost anyone because of her, so it's easy for you to talk!*

Even the once-powerful Luminbranch Crowns at its peak wouldn't dare to disrespect the noble elite like this!

Unfriendly glares immediately shifted to Phoenix.

"Does the Stellaris Duke consider us such unscrupulous people?"

"I've heard rumors of the Stellaris Duke's dissolute ways, but it seems the reality is even worse."

"This is terribly unwise. This isn't just misdirected anger..."

"............"

Even Daphne hadn't expected Phoenix to so openly defend her, as if he wanted everyone to know.

"You truly are... mad."

Phoenix gazed into the silver-haired Dragoness's striking blue and purple eyes. "The only one I care about is you. Ignore everyone else and just answer me: are you enjoying this dance?"

Enjoying it?

The question was too complex for Daphne. Since the moment she was born, she had never known "enjoyment."

She had only come to the corner of the ballroom hoping to see the flowers in the courtyard. Her near-complete physical disabilities made dancing impossible.

Yet Phoenix had practically forced her into his arms and asked her if she was enjoying it. Daphne didn't know how to answer.

What a rude and absurd man.

Daphne felt Phoenix's body pressed close to hers – a sensation she had never experienced. In the Aurelian Oak Palace, no one would touch her.

She didn't yearn for physical contact. Throughout her life, every touch had been unpleasant, ranging from kicks and punches to hair-pulling and slaps.

But in the quiet of night, Daphne would read her books and imagine what it felt like to be embraced by another, wondering if it was truly warm.

Daphne: "Colder."

"Hmm?"

"Your temperature... is colder than mine."

The silver-haired Imperial Princess's lips curled slightly in a smile she didn't even notice.

"But... it's warm."

Daphne grasped Phoenix's hand, summoning the courage to lean the one good part of her cheek against his shoulder, and slowly closed her eyes.

"I'm enjoying it. Very much."

"Please... let me sleep for a while..."

Phoenix watched the silver-haired Imperial Princess resting peacefully against him, as if shielding herself from the outside world, wondering how much the favor meter had increased with his actions.

Although her progress could not be quantifiably measured, it was clear that Daphne was very pleased.

That was enough.

Phoenix calmly continued the dance. Since Daphne wished it, he would continue until he exhausted his strength and could no longer go on.

Unfortunately, not everyone could tolerate Phoenix and Daphne's interaction. A tall, handsome young man in silver light armor stepped forward, righteously indignant.

"This is an utter desecration in broad daylight! Enough is enough!"

Phoenix: "Shut up!"

"What did you say? I am..."

Phoenix glared at him coldly. "I told you to shut your mouth! Whatever you want, save it for later."

Then, he directly commanded his cousin: "Eleanor, don't let him bother me!"

The girl's fairy-like face was filled with frost as she stared at Phoenix.

"Brother, you'll explain yourself to me later."

Eleanor glanced at the seemingly sleeping Daphne and stood between Phoenix and the guard knight.

"Andrei, please wait a moment."

"Lady Eleanor... why are you?"

The noble youth who had stepped forward clearly knew Eleanor, and frowned, hesitating.

Eleanor said calmly, "Just do it for my sake."

The noble youth pursed his lips, but ultimately did not press the issue, instead crossing his arms and watching coldly.

Phoenix was able to continue dancing with Daphne.

During this time, many of the spectators who had been gossiping gradually lost interest and chose to leave. After all, the Aurelian Oak Palace was large enough, and there were plenty of other places to enjoy the festivities without having to watch this unpleasant scene.

Finally, Phoenix, his stamina nearly depleted, trembled as he gently placed Daphne back in her wheelchair. The silver-haired Imperial Princess seemed to awaken from her slumber, her beautiful eyes filled with reluctance.