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

Chapter 27: The Withered Tree Lady and the Future Uncle by Marriage

“I had a hunch as soon as I heard that my stepmother wanted to send you to study in the royal capital. But I never imagined you would turn out to be my un…cle.”

Lord chuckled softly.

“It seems that my stepmother wanted either you or me to become the Plant Baron. And she wanted to ensure that whichever one of us it was, we wouldn’t bear the burden, so she wanted us to restore the Plant family as much as possible before we graduate.”

“As I mentioned before, I had no intention of becoming a baron, so I wanted you to succeed me. But I didn’t like the idea of burdening you with all the responsibility alone. Therefore, my plan was to temporarily assume the title and once the management of the estate was back on track, I intended to hand it over to you. However…”

Indeed, at that time, Lord, being friends with the Crown Prince, was suddenly entrusted with the task of procuring flowers for the renowned Queen’s birthday party.

Unexpectedly, this gained popularity and resulted in the Plant Baron family becoming the official supplier to the royal palace.

Moreover, the condition for this arrangement was that Lord would become the head of the family.

The royal family was aware that Lord possessed the Green Thumb and the Crown Prince had vouched for his character, making them trust him over anyone else as the head of the family.

Upon hearing this, the baron was overjoyed and readily accepted the proposal, declaring that he would pass on the title of baron to his nephew, Lord, without his consent.

Once it had come to that point, Lord had no choice but to accept it.

And so, before graduating, Lord succeeded to the title and became Romand Plant, the Baron.

Furthermore, he unintentionally acquired the nickname of the “Flower Baron” and found himself unable to back out from it.

This unexpected turn of events left Lord with no opportunity to have a thorough discussion with Robert.

Realizing that he couldn’t transfer the position of the head of the family for the time being, Lord made up his mind. If he were to step back now, it would raise suspicions of a family dispute or some underlying problems within the Plant Baron family, which would affect their credibility.

While contemplating the best timing for such a transition, Lord came across Julia and, in no time at all, they became engaged.

Of course, this was a stroke of luck for Lord. However, without properly explaining the situation to Robert beforehand, he became unable to pass on the title of baron to him.

“I’m sorry. Because of my trivial question at such an important time, I ended up burdening the Baron with a heavy conversation. It wasn’t appropriate for someone like me to inquire about it…”

Rufie apologized with a remorseful expression. Julia thought it wasn’t Rufie’s fault, but the nature of the discussion was so weighty that she remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

In the first place, if it was because of her that Romand made the decision to inherit the barony, and if it was because of her that Robert couldn’t inherit it, then it means it’s my fault, right? Julia began to feel tormented by such thoughts.

At that moment, Romand looked at the downcast faces of Julia and Rufie and spoke apologetically.

“I’m sorry for burdening you with such a heavy conversation. But I couldn’t find the right opportunity to talk to him, so I thought it might be a good chance. I’m sorry for involving you both. And Robert… I’m sorry too!”

Upon being called by his name with the honorific, Robert’s face twisted in annoyance.

“Please, my lord, stop it. I am a servant of the Plant Baron’s family.

I have never once desired to inherit the barony. If I had ever entertained such thoughts, I would never have let you bear the burden alone. I am not that kind of coward.

Certainly, I have been desperately striving to do something for the Plant family, but it’s not because I have Plant blood running through my veins.

Well, when I was still a child and unaware of the truth, I must admit that I had such feelings. However, once I witnessed your abilities up close, any intention to compete with you vanished in an instant.

To be honest, if it weren’t for Madam and my mother, I wouldn’t have cared about the barony at all. It was infuriating to think of rebuilding the estate for the sake of those who had tormented our family.”

“But being by your side, unexpected things kept happening one after another, and it was thrilling and enjoyable… I wanted to stay by your side and be someone who could be even a little helpful to you.

Yet, it seems you intended to abandon me, didn’t you?”

Robert said this with a sorrowful expression he had never shown before and looked down.

Upon seeing this, Romand hurriedly spoke up.

“To say that you intended to abandon me……

I have made it this far because you have always been by my side. Of course, I want you to stay by my side forever. But it wouldn’t be right to keep you tied to me and rely on you indefinitely, would it?

You are a capable person who can stand on your own.”

“I appreciate being called capable, but I believe my strength lies in supporting others. I’m not the type to take the lead myself.

For example, when our family fell into despair and many of the servants left, if Romand-sama had become the head and regained momentum, wouldn’t those former servants have come back seeking reemployment?

If I were the head, I think I would have hired all those former servants. It would have been easier to have experienced hands on board since we were short-staffed.”

“But in reality, we didn’t do that. We didn’t hire those who looked down on and bullied me and Romand-sama.

When you employ someone who belittles their superior, you never know when they might turn against you.

You have the ability to make such calm and calculated judgments for the sake of others, but I can’t do the same for myself. I…”

“The same goes for Lady Julia, right?”

“Oh yes, that’s true. Lady Julia is someone who can endure any injustice done to herself but becomes stronger for the sake of others.

She protected us, even excluding her own son for the sake of the people. It must have been truly difficult for her.”

“Yes, I’m the same. I can become stronger to protect those who are dear to me.

So, if you want to make the best use of my capable abilities, please let me continue working by your side, just as before.”

“Robert-san…”

“That’s why, please stop that. Just call me as you always have. It wouldn’t look good to those around us.”

“It’s not that simple. You’re older than me, and you’re my uncle…”

Julia, who had been listening to their aimless conversation, finally intervened, feeling exasperated.

“Among nobles, there may be hierarchical relationships, etiquette, and various formalities when it comes to addressing each other. But the four of us here all have commoner blood running through our veins, so honestly, does it really matter what we call each other?

When I worked at the farm, I would call older people ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ even if they were strangers, and people of similar age would address each other casually, regardless of seniority.

Besides, no one here even knows that Robert-san is the son of the previous Baron. If we speak in polite language, it would actually be more suspicious, wouldn’t it?

And Lord introduced Robert to me as an excellent man whom he trusts the most, his closest friend. If he’s a close friend, isn’t it fine to address him casually?”

“That’s right. Robert-san, despite being younger, calls me by my first name because we’re friends, right, Ro-ba-to?”

Julia and Rufier’s words made Romand and Robert exchange glances.

“I’m glad you consider me your close friend. That makes me happy. In that case, in private settings, I’ll address you casually, Ro-ma-n-do…”

Robert blushed and said this with a shy expression, and blushing as well, Romand responded:

“Yeah, that sounds better. I’ve actually disliked being addressed with honorifics since I was a child. Because, you see, Robert is kind, strong, and cool. I’ve always admired him as an older brother.”

* * * * *

“I’m sorry for burdening you with my troublesome matters, especially after what you went through today. Please take it easy tomorrow morning, as we’ll have enough time to prepare for the evening gathering.”

“It’s alright. I was glad to be present in a setting where both of you could express your important feelings to each other.”

Julia felt a sense of joy in becoming closer to Romand, Robert, and even Rufie, as if they had become a family.

“I also feel relieved that I don’t have to keep any more secrets from the people dear to me. Oh, speaking of important people, it’s about Viola. She intends to work here, so please let her know. She might be anxious about what the future holds. I suppose she’s taking care of her family all by herself?”

Julia was surprised, wondering how he knew about that.

In truth, Viola originally belonged to a family of four, consisting of her parents and younger brother. However, they lost their father at an early age, and later on, her mother fell ill and became unable to work.

That’s why she started working and living at the Woodcliff Earl’s estate, sending money back home to support her mother and brother.

Because of this, no matter what kind of harassment she faced from her colleagues, she persevered and continued to work without quitting.

As I wondered if he had been concerned about me and had investigated all the servants of the Woodcliff Earl’s estate, Roman said the following words.

“In one of the vacant shops within the morning market, I plan to open a flower shop directly operated by the Plant Baron’s family. And eventually, I’m thinking of having Viola become the manager there.”

“Eh? Viola?”

“Yes. You see, that vacant shop was originally operated by Viola’s late father. It was a well-known flower shop. Supplying flowers to that shop was a dream or rather a status symbol for the flower farm.”

“Well, let’s discuss the details after the evening gathering is over. For now, let’s keep the shop a secret and make sure she doesn’t feel anxious.”

While gently escorting Julia to her guest room, Roman spoke these words.