The Engagement of the Baron of Flowers and the Withered Tree Lady. - Chapter 1

The Engagement of the Baron of Flowers and the Withered Tree Lady

Chapter 1: The Withered Tree Lady’s Marriage Proposal.

Julia is the daughter of the Earl of Woodcliff.

However, despite being the daughter of the Earl, she is a bastard child born to a commoner from another place, and was taken in by the Earl two years ago.

Naturally, she was mistreated by the legal wife and the daughters born to the legal wife, and ignored by her brothers.

Nevertheless, since she technically became a daughter of the Earl’s household, she couldn’t afford to bring shame upon herself.

Julia was assigned a private tutor by her father’s command, and she received strict education in refinement and culture.

Originally, Julia had been raised properly by her mother, who served as a maid in a noble household when she was young.

Furthermore, Julia resembled her father and was a highly intelligent and exceptional girl. Within less than two years, she had mastered manners and education.

As a result, Julia, who had no issues as a noble lady, was actually ready to appear in public without any problems.

However, it seemed to have become an annoyance to the people in the mansion instead.

Julia was hardly given proper meals and was made to work like a servant from morning till night, except for her lessons, which resulted in her becoming severely underweight.

Because of this, she was called the “Withered Tree Girl” by her family and the “Withered Tree Lady” by the servants

However, it is unclear to what extent the father was aware of his daughter’s situation.

The Earl of Woodcliff was mostly absent from home due to work, returning to the estate only once or twice a year. Moreover, his visits lasted only a few days.

In other words, since being taken into this mansion, Julia had only met her father three times.

Moreover, those encounters took place surrounded by individuals emitting an aura that said, “Don’t talk about unnecessary things…”

When Julia reunited with her father, the Earl Hardis Woodcliff, two years ago, he tightly embraced her while shedding tears, expressing his deep affection.

“I wanted to see you. I’ve been searching for you all this time,” he said.

Her father, whom she saw after seven years, hadn’t changed much from her memory.

With wavy, chestnut-brown hair and gentle, light brown eyes, he appeared remarkably youthful. His appearance was that of a calm and kind-hearted young man.

There was no way he could be mistaken for a lecherous man surrounded by mistresses in the port.

Certainly, when her father lived in the port town in the past, they rarely had the chance to meet, but he was incredibly gentle.

In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he doted on her. He would always hold her in his arms or place her on his lap.

Despite his frequent absences due to his trade business, her father would constantly send letters and gifts to her and her mother from his work locations throughout the year.

However, if her father truly loved her, Julia couldn’t help but wish that he hadn’t searched for her.

One year before her father found her, she had lost her mother, Margaret, in a carriage accident.

However, the couple who owned the farm had kindly offered her a live-in position.

Thus, she had never faced any difficulties in terms of food, clothing, and shelter.

Moreover, she felt reasonably happy as she had found her calling in tending to plants, which she loved dearly.

And yet…

In the mansion of the royal capital, where she was forcibly taken by her father, she was made to work tirelessly and received no wages.

The room she was given was a dim, cold storage room in the half-basement, barely receiving any sunlight.

While she was provided with dresses befitting a noble lady, she was only allowed to wear them when her father was present in the mansion. Otherwise, she was given hand-me-downs and nothing more.

And what was most difficult of all was the extreme lack of greenery in the Woodcliff Earl’s estate.

Despite being in the royal capital, the grounds of the Woodcliff Earl’s estate were quite vast. However, there were hardly any trees planted around the mansion.

What’s the deal with not even having a lawn and instead being covered in cobblestones?

In the beginning, Julia was greatly bewildered. As a girl who grew up on a farm and loved greenery, ever since being brought to this mansion, her spirits were constantly on the decline.

Yes, it was a far more miserable existence than when she was an orphan.

Furthermore, at the far end of the garden, there were various types of plants, including a magnificent rose garden. However, Julia, unable to freely roam, was initially unaware of this.

Julia attempted to escape numerous times, but she was quickly found and brought back home.

It was puzzling to her why they would want to keep her in this house when they should find her presence bothersome and inconvenient.

However, a month ago, she realized the reason. She thought she was needed for a political marriage.

Her two elder sisters strongly rejected the proposal brought by their father.

No matter how prestigious the family was rumored to be at the moment, even if the suitor was someone her father considered an important business partner, it was no joke for them, the Earl’s daughters, to marry into a lower-ranking baronial family…

Wasn’t it your elder sisters who taught you that it’s only natural for nobles to engage in political marriages for the sake of the family?

Stop complaining and obey your father’s orders.

Julia cursed inwardly in her heart.

However, she decided to accept the forced arrangement with an open mind.

And soon, she agreed to meet the Baron as requested by the other party.

The reason she obediently followed the Earl’s commands was because she was aware that she was a fake noblewoman.

If she were to be married off to a high-ranking noble family, her true identity would be exposed in no time, and she would be cast aside.

No, being divorced wouldn’t bother her, but being deflowered by someone she didn’t even love and then discarded would be unbearable. It would be even more tragic if she ended up pregnant.

Julia thought that if she were to marry a lower-ranking nobleman than an Earl, she wouldn’t be easily cast aside.

Moreover, the prospect of marrying someone involved in managing a farm was quite appealing.

Ah, how she longed for the sight of greenery.

Moreover, if the prospective partner turned out to be absolutely unbearable, she could simply escape.

Engaging in this betrothal would also provide her with more opportunities to venture outside, increasing the chances of finding an escape route.

With these thoughts in mind, Julia accepted the proposal, but she was taken aback when she finally met Baron Plant, her prospective partner.

Julia had assumed that if her father’s business partner was involved, it would be someone of her father’s age, perhaps an uncle-like figure.

However, sitting right in front of her at a trendy café, the man was a young gentleman who appeared to be close to Julia’s age. He had vibrant, flowing crimson hair and radiant green eyes, making him a strikingly handsome individual. Moreover, he had a tall stature and a well-toned physique.

Julia couldn’t help but think that Baron Plant resembled a noble, vibrant red rose in bloom.

Though it may not be the most fitting comparison for a man, it captured the essence of his presence.

“I am Romand Plant. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to consider this proposal.”

“Nice to meet you, Baron Plant.

Um, it’s a bit difficult to say, but my name is Julia Woodcliff.”

“Yes.”

The baron nodded with a smile, causing Julia to wonder. Could it be that he doesn’t remember the name of his potential match?

With that thought in mind, she reluctantly attempted to confirm.

“Do you happen to know who from the Woodcliff family you are being considered for in this engagement?”

“Of course.

“It is with you, the esteemed daughter of Count Hardis Woodcliff,” the baron replied with a slightly perplexed expression, as if wondering why she was asking such an obvious question.

“Um, in the Woodcliff family, there are three daughters. Is there a possibility that you might be mistaken and considering an engagement with one of my sisters instead of me?”

Even though he is a lower-ranking baron, with such a handsome appearance, he must have plenty of options among women, thought Julia. Even if the choice is based on business connections, she didn’t believe she would be the one selected.

As evidence, the baron glanced at Julia and momentarily looked surprised, then his expression turned slightly stern.