Just Enchanted by Her Strength

Chapter 6: The Nobility's Provocation

"Satisfied now, Stellaris Duke?"

Before Phoenix and Daphne could even exchange another word, the young noble interjected.

Phoenix turned, raising an eyebrow. "And you are?"

Eleanor offered a concise explanation. "This is Andrei, heir to the Solren family."

"What family?"

Eleanor gritted her teeth. "That ancient family that has endured since the very founding of the Empire! How many times have I told you? You should at least remember the important families of the Empire!"

Andrei chuckled derisively. "Unable to even recall the noble lineages? The Stellaris Duke is proving rather neglectful."

The young guard scoffed. "How dare someone like you even aspire to be Eleanor's liege? Where is the [Luminbranch Crowns] in you? Day in, day out, you're idle, aimless, merely leeching off Miss Eleanor, wallowing in the company of women. To sink to such depths is truly a pathetic sight."

"So much passion?"

Phoenix, far from being angered, studied the young noble. Noticing the way Andrei's gaze kept drifting towards Eleanor, he suddenly remarked, "You're fond of Eleanor?"

Andrei hesitated, then replied, "Well... to be precise, I'm a suitor. I am openly courting Miss Eleanor!"

Phoenix chuckled. "You certainly attract attention, sister."

Unlike Phoenix, the utterly destitute heir, Eleanor, a member of the family's collateral branch, displayed astonishing talent. At a young age, she had already ascended to the third tier, [Illustrious], a remarkable feat even within the vast the Empire of the Aurelian Oak. She was considered an undeniable prodigy, all but guaranteed to become a [Hero]-ranked powerhouse in the future, even seen as a potential legend. Combined with her Fairy-like beauty, Eleanor's name was renowned throughout the Imperial Capital.

"The last thing I want is to hear that from you, brother."

The Platinum-haired girl rolled her eyes at Phoenix. She might have many admirers, but compared to the Stellaris Duke, the Imperial Capital's notorious playboy, they paled in comparison... no, they couldn't even be mentioned in the same breath. Phoenix was a true hundred-slayer!

Andrei sneered. "The Stellaris Duke has the gall to joke? The first [Luminbranch Crowns] to lose territory, fleeing to the Imperial Capital like a stray dog seeking refuge, then behaving like a rutting monkey, spreading his seed, and now even tolerating this dragon-blooded mongrel..."

"Enough, Andrei. Insulting the Stellaris Duke is insulting me."

Eleanor stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Phoenix, her voice cold.

Andrei immediately protested. "So stop caring about the Clearsky family! You're just a member of the collateral branch! Why must you remain loyal to this incompetent fool? The Solren family can offer you so much more!"

The young man, clearly ignorant of Eleanor's true nature, was earnestly attempting to persuade her to escape the "burning pit" that was the Clearsky family. This, evidently, struck a nerve. As the Platinum-haired girl's gaze grew increasingly icy, Phoenix interjected.

"Even if I am a useless wastrel, are you a [Luminbranch Crowns]?"

Andrei paused, shaking his head. "No... Humph, while the Solren family isn't a [Luminbranch Crowns], we are an ancient family that has existed since the founding of the Empire! Our pedigree far surpasses Clearsky's!"

Phoenix raised a finger. "You're right, but the Autocratic Duke system is a completely new open-world border defense model autonomously created by the the Empire of the Aurelian Oak. Here, those chosen by the [The Aurelian Oak] are granted the authority of [self-determination in all matters] to defend the Empire's borders. I will play the role of a mysterious character named [Luminbranch Crowns], encountering companions with diverse personalities and unique abilities during free exploration and conquest, and together we will repel Chaos and build our territory—while gradually uncovering the truth of the [oath]."

Phoenix polished the medal on his chest, then said nonchalantly, "Insulting a [Luminbranch Crowns] is expressly f*******n by the Sacred Laws, Mr. Andrei. I believe you owe me an apology and should strive to earn my forgiveness and absolution. Otherwise, the situation might become rather unpleasant."

"You!"

Andrei glared, his face flushed with anger. "Waving around the title of [Luminbranch Crowns]? Your family is ruined, lacking territory, legions, and wealth. What gives you the right to pressure the Solren family?!"

Phoenix repeated his previous statement. "You're right, but..."

Andrei shouted, "I'm talking to you! Stop repeating that!"

"Pfft—"

Witnessing the farcical scene, Daphne, sitting in her wheelchair, couldn't help but giggle. She muffled the sound and quickly covered her face, unnoticed by everyone except Phoenix, who had been keeping a close eye on her.

As Daphne's eyes met Phoenix's, the latter winked at the silver-haired girl.

However, this dismissive gesture, which disregarded him entirely, broke Andrei's composure. He slammed his hand on the hilt of his sword, enraged. "You impudent and frivolous piece of trash!"

Just as the outburst threatened to escalate, the sound of military boots and steel clanging against the ground echoed through the square.

"Thud, thud, thud—"

A squad of Royal Guards emerged from the palace doors at the top of the steps.

They wore hinged faceplate helmets with intricate patterns, the thick silver plumage cascading down like a lion's mane, concealing their entire faces. Mithril alloy encased their arms, and the guards wielded Mithril-crafted lances adorned with spiraling patterns of flowing, ethereal blue mana. Heavy dragon swords hung at their waists, and their armor gleamed, a testament to its superior quality and resilience.

Upon seeing the austere and dignified Royal Guards enter the scene, the onlookers immediately retreated, obediently bowing their heads to acknowledge the impending arrival of the celestial Noble Aristocrat.

The Royal Guards escorted a woman to the plaza, and she inquired directly, "What is happening here? What is the cause of this disturbance?"

Her Stellaris golden hair was styled into a high ponytail that cascaded down her back, shimmering like fragments of the sun. Her exquisite face was stunningly beautiful, and her clear sapphire eyes were as lovely as gems, yet their commanding and resolute presence made it difficult to meet her gaze.

She wore a light and elegant military uniform, consisting of a black underdress beneath a double-breasted, high-collared white overcoat with gold embroidery at the collar and cuffs, lending an air of exquisite opulence.

The uniform was fitted perfectly to her figure, and on her chest she wore the Aurelian Oak emblem, signifying her status as Regent. Golden tassels draped to her waist, while her legs were covered with thin black stockings.

She was as Stellaris as the sun, commanding respect with her mere presence.

The Imperial Regent, Celerivira Sunglow.

Eleanor immediately stepped forward, placing a hand over her chest and bowing in reverence. "Your Royal Highness the Prince Regent, it was merely a small disagreement."

The Regent replied coolly, "Eleanor, explain the situation to me."

The Platinum-haired girl carefully chose her words and recounted the events that had transpired.

As Eleanor explained, Phoenix scrutinized the Imperial Princess Celerivira. "She is much the same as she was in the game," he mused, "Her [The Aurelian Oak] Bloodline grants her a T1-level bloodline talent, but alas, she is purely a political animal, making her extremely difficult to conquer."