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

Chapter 30: The Debut of the Withered Tree Lady in Society

On the forest road leading to the royal palace, a long procession of carriages had formed, and Julia looked out the window in awe.

“Julia-sama, are you alright? Did the crowd make you anxious?” Robert asked with concern, thinking that Julia might be frightened on her first night at the royal palace.

However, Julia turned towards him, smiled brightly, and shook her head. “No, quite the opposite. I feel relieved.”

“Relieved?” Robert responded, slightly surprised by her unexpected answer. He had been worried that Julia would be overwhelmed by nerves, fear, and anxiety, considering it was her first time at the royal palace, her first night assembly, her debutante introduction to the royal family, and her first social event.

“Well, there are so many people attending the night assembly. No one really cares about me. So even if I make a few mistakes, I don’t think anyone will notice,” Julia explained with a carefree attitude and what could be called positive thinking.

Robert, who had been determined to protect Julia from malicious gazes and potential danger, felt a bit deflated, his enthusiasm waning. Meanwhile, Ruffie, who was sitting inside the carriage wearing a tuxedo (albeit being a temporary arrangement since he usually sits next to the coachman as a guard), observed the situation and commented, “If you don’t loosen up a bit, your body won’t be able to move when the time comes.”

Ruffie, usually positioned beside the coachman as a guard, was temporarily acting as a royal knight today, sitting inside the carriage. He wore a tuxedo that suited him well, displaying his impressive, well-proportioned, muscular physique.

Even in borrowed attire, Ruffie’s tuxedo-clad appearance was quite impressive. The well-fitted formal wear accentuated his symmetrical, muscular body. His usually unruly brown hair had been neatly groomed by a maid, enhancing his ruggedly handsome face.

When Ruffie came to fetch Julia in her quarters, she was taken aback by the stark contrast to his usual appearance. However, due to her swollen eyes from crying, it was difficult to discern her reaction, but she recalled her wide-eyed astonishment and blushing face.

Recalling that moment, Julia couldn’t help but smirk in her heart.

Although it took quite some time due to the crowded carriage procession, it seemed to be a planned occurrence. They arrived at the front gates of the castle approximately fifteen minutes before the opening ceremony. As Julia and the others entered the entrance floor, they were greeted by Romand, dressed in a black tuxedo.

Romand had a tall stature, a well-toned and balanced physique, and excellent posture, making the tuxedo look particularly fitting on him. While his usual suit attire was commendable, formalwear brought out an extraordinary charm.

Upon seeing Romand in a tuxedo for the first time, Julia was dazzled by his impeccable appearance.

Many of the older gentlemen around them were wearing tailcoats, but Julia felt that a tuxedo suited the still youthful Romand better.

“Romand-sama, you look absolutely wonderful,” Julia murmured in a formal tone, unable to contain her admiration. In response, Romand smiled with a dazzling radiance reminiscent of blooming roses, just as he had when they reunited.

“Thank you. I’m glad to hear that. I want to be the man worthy of you. You look incredibly beautiful and adorable, more than anyone else. You’re my Julia…” Romand replied, stringing together adjectives that he felt were unworthy of himself, but today, Julia decided to accept his words wholeheartedly.

Considering all the kindness she had received from everyone in preparation for her debutante, Julia felt that she shouldn’t belittle herself.

Her mother had designed the dress, her father had provided the fabric and other materials, and her future stepmother, Madame Flora, had adorned it with exquisite embroidery and scattered pearls, creating such a magnificent evening gown.

The maids and attendants had polished her body, washed her hair, applied makeup, and styled her hair into an adorable chignon with delicate decorations.

Butler Hyde, Head Maid Anise, Robert, Viola, and even Ruffie had all been considerate and showered her with kind words.

And the large pearl necklace adorning her neck and the pearl earrings shaped like teardrops were gifts from Romand…

How fortunate she was!

Even if she had been called a withered tree lady, today she had to carry herself with dignity, Julia thought. After all, she had received the seal of approval from her late mother and her etiquette tutor on her impeccable manners. She could do this. She would be fine.

That’s what Julia reassured herself.

And then, Julia extended her arm, and Romand, wearing white gloves, offered his hand. Romand smiled again, as charming as a flower. Standing beside the lovely and adorable Julia, he finally trembled with pride, knowing he could proudly declare himself as her fiancé.

How long they had longed for this day.

Julia and Romand gazed into each other’s eyes, completely unaware of the surprised, envious, and admiring gazes from those around them. They had completely immersed themselves in their own world.

“If we don’t stay alert, we won’t notice if someone tries to harm us,” Ruffie and Robert thought simultaneously.

Robert began to understand why the Crown Prince had assigned them as the escorts.

“He becomes a different person when he talks about his fiancée,” Robert recalled, thinking back to the Crown Prince’s wry smile when they came here for the party preparations.

As the opening time approached, the doors to the grand hall opened, and the invited guests filed inside.

Only the debutantes and their partners remained in the lobby, accompanied by the royal guards lined up to protect them.

“Indeed, the Royal Knights do wear green knight uniforms,” Julia murmured to herself. The embarrassing memory of mistaking the fake Royal Knights in red uniforms for the real ones in front of the reception hall resurfaced, causing her face to blush.

At the same time, she realized that it had already been half a year since their first date. The thought of being able to finally announce their engagement in public filled Julia’s small heart with joy, making it dance with excitement.

Soon, the fanfare echoed through the hall. It must have been the arrival of the royal family.

After a while, the doors to the grand hall opened again. Names were called, and people entered slowly, according to their high social status.

There was one duchess, four countesses, and Julia, being called as the first viscountess. The lobby and the grand hall buzzed with excitement.

Julia didn’t know, but it seemed that the Woodcliff family held a high position even among the viscounts. Ah, were they one of the founding members of this country? In historical terms…

Despite such thoughts, Julia somehow managed to find the composure to take a step forward. In the grand hall, she was nothing more than a speck of dust.

With these thoughts in mind, Julia was escorted by Romand and took her steps into the grand hall.

As she looked around, she noticed that there were indeed many people present, but a straight path had been cleared towards the elevated royal seats.

The fanfare resounded once again, and the lights in the grand hall suddenly dimmed, leaving only the elevated stage illuminated.

The debutantes, escorted by their partners, lined up in two rows and quietly awaited their turn.

One by one, as their names were called, the young debutantes ascended the stage alone and curtsied before the king and queen.

Upon curtsying, they received words of congratulations from His Majesty and were adorned with a flower crown woven with white miniature roses, baby’s breath, and foliage.

With the placement of the flower crown, these young girls were recognized as members of the country, acknowledged by the king, even if they were not yet adults.

Then, they were embraced by the queen consort, who bestowed upon them the happiness of womanhood, marking the conclusion of the debutante ceremony.

First, the duchess ascended the stage and performed a graceful and exquisite curtsy, flowing with elegance. Julia watched attentively, trying to take notes from the movements of the other young ladies.

However, Julia’s name was called soon after. After all, she was the sixth in line.

When Julia released her hand from Romand’s arm and looked at his face, she was met with a gentle smile full of affection. He lightly touched her back with his hand.

Though it lasted only a moment, Julia felt as if Romand’s warm energy had been infused into her. The loud and intense thumping of her heart vanished, replaced by a serene calmness.

With her back straight and focused solely on the path ahead, Julia ascended the stairs. In front of His Majesty, she performed a graceful and flawless curtsy. The nearby guests couldn’t help but express their admiration.

After receiving the king’s words of congratulations, it was time for Julia to kneel and have the flower crown placed upon her head.

Suddenly, a radiant light emanated from the flower crown.