Infatuation Level

Bai Xiaowen's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the cheerful atmosphere in the room.

Cecilia's gaze towards Bai Xiaowen was somewhat complicated. She could certainly sense that the way others were looking at "Dio" was becoming subtle.

Reason told Cecilia to take a few steps back and distance herself from "Dio." However, in Cecilia's heart, there was a strange admiration and feeling for this outspoken young lord.

How wonderful! They uphold their principles, defy authority, refuse to conform, and resist vulgarity. In this corrupt aristocratic circle, people like them are becoming increasingly rare.

However, the others clearly didn't think so, especially Count Danton, who had been humiliated. He snorted heavily, "Baron Dio, if you didn't have the merit of killing the Orcs vanguard officer, based on your words just now, I could consider you a coward!"

Several nobles standing on Count Danton's side began to criticize Bai Xiaowen, and some even questioned his military achievements.

"Can someone with such courage be considered Hero Tier of the Human Allied Army?"

"I heard that the Orcs vanguard commander was Severe Injury by Prince Nicholas, which is why Baron Dio was able to take advantage of the situation..."

"Yes, His Highness is magnanimous, which is why he praised him. But this Dio really doesn't know his place, daring to be so insolent in front of His Highness and the Earl..."

Bai Xiaowen ignored the nobles, met Count Danton's gaze, and calmly said, "Those who dare to admit the enemy's strength are not cowards. Those who dare not face reality and indulge in their own fantasies are the real cowards. When the enemy arrives, those cowards immersed in fantasy will pay a far heavier price for their lack of preparation!"

That's enough.

Seeing the dispute escalating, Prince Nicholas raised his hand to stop the conflict. He noticed that the noblemen and women in the dance hall had stopped dancing and Incarnation into onlookers.

Whispers rippled through the crowd, mostly discussing how Baron Dio was ungrateful and arrogant after achieving some success.

"Dio, I understand your concerns," Prince Nicholas nodded slightly and said seriously, "However, this is a ball celebrating victory. I don't want any quarrels to spoil the atmosphere, so please refrain from speaking further."

Bai Xiaowen's facial muscles twitched, revealing a look of unwillingness, but he still let out a breath and bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

After bowing, Bai Xiaowen left the small circle and sat silently in a corner of the ballroom. Seeing his appearance, everyone kept their distance, and the delicate young ladies began to look for new targets to fawn over.

"You don't mind me sitting here, do you?"

A familiar voice rang out, Cecilia, the White Rose, gently sat down beside Bai Xiaowen.

Bai Xiaowen gave a helpless smile, "Madam, you should stay away from me." He pointed to a small circle not far away, where Prince Nicholas and Count Danton had resumed their jubilation.

"Really?" Cecilia gave a charming smile, but then sat even closer to Bai Xiaowen.

Their legs were almost touching, and even through their clothes, Bai Xiaowen could feel the elasticity and firmness of those thighs.

"Today, you showed me another form of courage," Cecilia said softly, leaning closer to Bai Xiaowen. "Compared to your bravery on the battlefield, the courage you just displayed is even more precious, Dio."

"Don't laugh at me, Cecilia," Bai Xiaowen said, leaning against the wall and stretching. "This should be called recklessness..."

Cecilia suddenly leaned closer and wrapped her arms around Bai Xiaowen's neck.

The movements were similar to those during a dance, but since the two weren't dancing now, such actions undoubtedly seemed a bit too intimate. Fortunately, they were in a corner, and few people were watching.

Bai Xiaowen stiffened slightly. He could feel Cecilia's softness brush against his arm. Then, Cecilia's slightly cool lips pressed against Bai Xiaowen's cheek.

"Do you now believe me that I wasn't mocking you?" Cecilia said softly. "I support you, Dio."

A notification message regarding the Spirit Realm Rules has arrived:

"Lord Cecilia's Affection Level towards you has increased; current Affection Level level: Friend."

"You have reached the 'Friend' level of Affection Level with a female Spirit Realm (Lord Cecilia). You can now view your ' Infatuation Level ' level with her."

"Currently, Lord Cecilia's level of Infatuation Level for you is: Heart Fluttering."

Bai Xiaowen was a little surprised. He had never encountered a system of "Infatuation Level" between men and women that was separate from the Affection Level system. The data he had collected before did not include this feature.

This was, after all, the venue for a ball, so Cecilia only gave Bai Xiaowen a light, fleeting kiss on the cheek before retreating. Bai Xiaowen didn't dare to act rashly, lest he make a mistake.

After calming herself down, Bai Xiaowen quietly looked up information about "Infatuation Level".

The feedback from the Spirit Realm Rules is:

"Infatuation Level, usually referring to a relationship between opposite sexes, is divided into 7 levels."

"Normally, the level of Infatuation Level is hidden and will be displayed after certain conditions are met."

"The normal level of Infatuation Level is 'Normal'. As Infatuation Level increases, the higher levels are 'Admiration', 'Heartbeat', 'Romance', and 'Deepest Devotion '. Infatuation Level levels below 'Normal' are 'Dislike' and 'Aversion'."

The feedback was somewhat limited. Bai Xiaowen continued her inquiry, "What impact would it have if we reached the 'Romantic' or ' Devotion ' level?"

The Spirit Realm Rules did not provide further answers in this regard, "Awakened beings are to explore this for themselves."

Bai Xiaowen pursed her lips.

Bai Xiaowen poured cold water on the ball, and also made all the nobles, big and small, in Blackrock Fortress remember this young Bai Xiaowen.

No one continued discussing the topic of the Remnants of the Ming dynasty until the ball ended.

"Let's go." Bai Xiaowen stood up.

Suddenly, a waiter approached and bowed. "Your Excellency Baron Dio, His Highness the Prince is preparing to convene a high-level military meeting and requests your attendance."

Prince Nicholas once said that Bai Xiaowen had the right to participate in and speak at high-level military meetings.

"It seems His Highness isn't angry about this. Go on, don't worry about me." Cecilia was also happy for Bai Xiaowen.

The waiter said, "Your Excellency Cecilia, His Highness the Prince said that if Baron Dio's companion is also present, please invite her over as well."