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

Chapter 31: The Determination and Memories of the Withered Tree Lady’s Dance.

The grand hall was filled with commotion.

Julia felt a chill, wondering if she had done something wrong. However, thanks to Romand’s energizing presence, her heart remained steady, and she slowly raised her head without panic.

To her surprise, the king wore a look of astonishment, but it wasn’t a contemptuous expression. Julia felt relieved inside.

Then, as the queen consort embraced her, Julia heard a whisper in her ear.

“I look forward to your future endeavors. And I sincerely pray for your happiness, even for the sake of your mother.”

Julia widened her eyes in astonishment, inadvertently gazing intently at the queen consort.

Oops! Julia thought her heart would stop due to her rude behavior, but the queen consort’s eyes were infinitely gentle and compassionate.

Somehow, Julia managed to maintain her composure and descended the stairs without interruption.

She then placed her hand on Romand’s arm, who was waiting beneath the stairs, and together, they briefly stepped out into the corridor through a side door near the platform.

“You were magnificent, Julia. You did your best.”

“Well, unexpected things happened, and it made me flustered. Did my movements appear smooth?”

“Yeah, you did great. But was the unexpected part when they placed the floral crown on your head?”

“Yes, exactly. The atmosphere became restless, and I wondered if I had made a mistake. Even His Majesty seemed slightly surprised.”

Upon hearing Julia’s words, Romand chuckled slightly. Curious, Julia tilted her head to the side.

Julia couldn’t see it. That floral crown, it emitted a glow. The moment it was placed on Julia’s head…

“Huh?”

“Take a look in the mirror.”

Julia was led by Romand, who held her hand, to stand in front of a grand mirror in the corridor. Peering into it, she was astonished.

The white roses of the floral crown were in full bloom. She distinctly remembered them being buds when the king held them in his hands.

Nevertheless, what a beautiful floral crown it was. Though it might sound conceited to say it herself, it somehow suited her.

“Julia, you look stunning. Like a fairy of flowers.”

“Thank you. That makes me happy. But comparing me to a fairy might upset them.”

Romand’s words were delightful, but Julia couldn’t help but feel it was disrespectful to liken herself to a fairy.

Considering their position as messengers of the “Green Spirits” already, it would be scary to incur their wrath by entertaining such arrogance. Julia thought to herself.

In response, Romand chuckled, as always.

“The ‘Green Spirits’ recognized you as someone worthy of this floral crown. So, they used their power to make the flowers bloom. Well, it’s only natural.”

“Well, the secret of being a ‘Green Spirit User’ is known only to the royal family and high-ranking nobles. They should perceive you as someone possessing the ‘Green Thumb.'”

“So from now on, Julia, you must be aware that you are a ‘Green Thumb user, and moreover, a ‘Green Spirit User.’ You have to carry yourself confidently. If you become timid, thinking that you’re unworthy, it would be disrespectful to the ‘Green Spirits’ themselves.”

“What?! That’s impossible…”

Julia shook her head in response to Romand’s words.

Why did the ‘Green Spirits’ come so close and reveal in this royal castle that I, a withered tree lady, am their familiar? It damages the authority of being a ‘Green Spirit User’!

But wait, could it be that the royal family members were surprised because they realized I am a ‘Green Thumb user? Julia found herself agreeing to that.

There aren’t many ‘Green Spirit Users,’ and female ones are quite rare, they say.

Ah, I see. That’s why the queen consort said such things.

“I look forward to your future endeavors.”

However, it’s impossible. Absolutely impossible!

Julia placed both hands on her cheeks and began shaking her head again. However, Romand gently covered her hands from above, halting her movements.

“Julia, you can fulfill your duties as a ‘Green Spirit User’ properly. After all, the ‘Green Spirits’ choose those who are qualified and worthy to be their handlers. Otherwise, they wouldn’t bestow upon you their precious and mighty abilities. They know their influence better than anyone else. So have confidence in yourself!”

As Romand earnestly spoke with a serious gaze, Julia’s heart skipped a beat.

That’s right.

I was loved by my parents.

Kent, Ruffie, Viola, Robert, Madam Flora—they all cherished me.

And Romand, my first love, has loved me even after we couldn’t see each other anymore.

I have decided to walk with confidence, to become the person deserving of everyone’s affection.

Yet, I immediately thought, “But who am I…?” It’s truly a bad habit. When did this negative mindset become ingrained in me?

Perhaps it was after I was brought to the Earl’s mansion.

“It doesn’t matter, it’s just me…” Thinking that way was easier. Unconsciously, I was trying to escape from difficult situations.

But I have to stop this way of thinking. Otherwise, I won’t be suitable as the fiancée of the ‘Flower Baron.’ And as a ‘Green Spirit User’…

After blinking several times, Julia focused her gaze on Romand once again and spoke.

“I’m sorry. It was disrespectful of me to belittle myself, especially when you’ve come to love me. It’s also disrespectful to the ‘Green Spirits.’

I will do my best to become someone worthy of you and the ‘Green Spirits.’ So please lend me your strength, Romand!”

“Of course, Julia.”

Romand replied immediately. But deep down, he thought to himself.

“To be honest, you’re more than enough just as you are now, and even more so. But if striving helps you gain confidence, well… I suppose that’s fine.”

Eventually, chamber music began to play. The debutante event must have come to an end. Girls wearing white dresses and flower crowns, just like Julia, returned to the grand hall one after another with their partners.

However, many of the debutantes blushed as they passed by Romand and Julia.

“Even if Romand is attractive, it’s not appropriate for them to blush and gaze at him when they already have partners, is it?”

With a ladylike smile on her face, Julia thought this.

But she didn’t know. The girls weren’t blushing and smiling solely at Romand. They blushed because Romand and Julia made such a perfect and lovely couple, and they couldn’t help but admire them.

As Julia and Romand entered the grand hall last, the next dance song began. It was a nostalgic melody that they both recognized.

Julia and Romand instinctively locked eyes.

“It’s a familiar song, remember?”

“Of course. It’s the first song we ever danced to. Actually, we always danced to this one.”

Julia chuckled as she recalled the memory.

Nine years ago, when Julia was staying at the Plant Baron’s farm, the two of them often danced to this melody. They always danced the same waltz. The reason they danced only to this song was that it was the only melody Margaret, Julia’s mother, used to hum.

“I want to dance a different song.”

As Julia pouted, Margaret put on a serious face and said,

“I’ll teach you the next dance once you’ve mastered this one.”

However…

Finally, when the two of them had mastered the waltz, Julia and her mother were discovered by the former Baron and had to leave the farm. That’s why they only danced to this waltz together.

After nine years, they danced together again. Both of them had grown into adults. Yet, as they danced, it felt as if they had slipped back in time, bringing a sense of joy that was indescribable.

They danced with passion. Their bodies moved naturally in sync with the melody, without even needing to think about it.

The people around them couldn’t help but be captivated by their beautiful dance.

The fact that the “Baron of Flowers,” who had never danced with anyone before, was dancing with such a graceful and enchanting young girl, made everyone astonished.

And thus, everyone came to recognize that she was his special someone, whether they accepted it or not.