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

Chapter 33: The Withered Tree Lady and a Mock Defense Training

“Are the people around us unable to see this moss green curtain?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s the power of the green spirits, visible only to their wielders.”

“If we are inside this curtain, are we safe? I mean, not just from physical harm but also in terms of privacy…”

“Yes, indeed. Those outside the curtain perceive us as having a normal conversation, and they believe they can hear us. However, in reality, they don’t understand anything. Furthermore, despite their attempts to approach us, they don’t question why they can’t get closer. So if it weren’t for the curtain, you would probably have been attacked by those intense ladies by now, don’t you think?”

Upon hearing the Marquis Sandbeck’s unspoken words implying that he couldn’t protect his fiancee, Romand felt a surge of frustration. However, it seemed that the senior members didn’t intend it that way.

“No, we know you’re strong, of course. Your power is said to rival that of the Defense Commander. You even blew away an abandoned castle during training, didn’t you?”

Julia’s eyes widened at the Viscount Hassan’s words, and she involuntarily held her breath. When Romand was asked by Rufie last night about how strong he was, he replied that he could easily blow away the royal palace, and now Julia realized that it wasn’t an exaggeration but the truth, sending a chill down her spine.

“In other words, your power manifests when facing formidable or numerous enemies, but since control is not yet fully mastered, it would be difficult to use it in a place like this,” Hassan explained.

“Don’t worry. I will protect her using conventional swordsmanship and martial arts,” Romand retorted, determined.

The gentlemen looked at Romand, taken aback by his response. Usually, he displayed maturity beyond his years and remained cool-headed, so they found it unusual to see him expressing his emotions in line with his age today.

“I see. To the point where it stirs his emotions, she must be a cherished woman to him. Definitely not something driven by political motives.”

As everyone was thinking such thoughts, Julia smiled happily.

“Everyone, there’s no need to worry. I have decent defensive abilities. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to test my powers much since I haven’t ventured outside the estate much. Therefore, if possible, I would like to learn. Could you please give me guidance? I would greatly appreciate it, especially if you could teach me about this defense shield. Honestly, I was a bit afraid of all you noble ladies.”

“Julia, were you really scared? I’m sorry. I knew you were anxious about your debut in high society, but I didn’t realize you were that scared. It’s alright. I’ll never leave your side.”

Romand hurriedly expressed his words, but the senior members thought that she might be frightened precisely because he was by her side. While they could easily fend off unruly ruffians with force, they couldn’t do the same when dealing with women.

“Thank you very much. However, from now on, I’ll also have to attend social gatherings with only women, so I think it’s important for me to be able to defend myself to some extent. Therefore, Lord Sandbeck, if possible, could you teach me how to deploy this defense shield?”

“Of course. I excel more in offensive abilities, but I can still teach you since you can use it. And as I mentioned earlier, please call me by my nickname, Julia.”

Upon hearing this, Julia made a slightly troubled expression.

“That’s a bit too familiar… If I were to address you so casually, I would be scolded by my father and Lord Romand. So, at least let me call you Lord Maximilian.”

“My father is the Supreme Commander, who is my superior, and I am his subordinate. I don’t think it would be disrespectful. However, in that case, I’ll only use the nickname when we’re alone together.”

“But we won’t be alone, so that’s impossible!”

The people around smiled at Romand’s remark, which contained a hint of anger. Julia was earnestly determined to master the defense shield as soon as possible. She wanted to receive one-on-one lessons, but it seemed to be out of the question.

Julia knew that Romand was constantly bothered by women’s attention. Just by observing the actions and behavior of her sister-in-law and cousins, she could easily imagine the excessive fervor of the women towards Romand. Moreover, her presence would become widely known today, which could intensify the unrestrained approaches from the noble young ladies.

To be honest, Julia wasn’t afraid of those noble ladies at all. After leaving home, she had lived a vagabond life for a while, and since her mother’s death, she had lived as an orphan, well acquainted with the harshness of society. It goes without saying that things were no different after being adopted into the earl’s family. She had long since mastered the art of ignoring unwanted words.

Furthermore, she had excellent physical coordination, making it easy for her to dodge violence and minimize harm even in places beyond Ruffie’s watchful eyes.

Julia had often borrowed and read books that Viola had borrowed from a lending library. Many of those stories followed a template where commoner girls or lower-ranking noble young ladies endured bullying from higher-ranking noble young ladies but persevered and made efforts to capture the attention of high-ranking noble sons or princes, leading to happiness.

Julia thought it was too good to be true. That’s why she still couldn’t believe that she, a mere daughter of a noble, could actually become engaged to the popular Baron Flower. In those novels, the heroines were indeed of low status, but they were all beautiful, lovely, and cute like flowers, evoking a desire to protect them.

Compared to that, I’m just a withered tree of a noble daughter. Well, at first glance, I may appear fragile and easily breakable, perhaps invoking a desire to protect… No, that’s not the case. A normal man would find me embarrassing, a sight not worth seeing, and turn away. That’s why I thought it was inevitable for me to be bullied by beautiful noble young ladies, considering that I won his affection just because we were childhood friends.

However, if Romand were to learn that I’m being harassed, he wouldn’t be pleased and would surely be infuriated. He would take various measures to protect me.

If that were to happen, it would cause significant trouble for Romand, who is already busy. He’s occupied with managing the estate, not to mention his role in defending the country as the “Spirit User.” I mustn’t burden him further with my own issues.

Perhaps I have been too insensitive about protecting myself until now. From now on, I thought Julia should value herself as well, in order to protect the people dear to her.

Besides, there may be times in the future when Romand has to fight formidable enemies to protect the nation. When that time comes, I want to be by his side and be someone who can at least protect him.

With that in mind, Julia strongly resolved to enhance her defensive abilities.

So, Julia asked Viscount Sandbeck once again. When can I receive instruction?

The viscount, recognizing Julia’s earnestness, responded with a serious expression:

“I will be on guard duty in the forest near the capital for the next two weeks. Therefore, I will be in the capital. If you come to the forest during that time, I will teach you.”

“Thank you very much.”

Julia’s face brightened instantly. Now that she had left the Woodcliff family, she could freely go out. Remembering that fact, Julia felt a deep sense of relief.

However, seeing Romand’s slightly discontented expression, she whispered in his ear:

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with Ruffie. Besides, I plan to master it in less than two weeks.”

And it actually happened.

Nine years ago, when Julia was only seven years old, she had been communicating with the green spirits. Moreover, she had never asked them for favors out of personal gain.

The spirits believed in Julia.

That’s why Julia didn’t have to recite complex incantations; she only needed to focus on them in her heart.

The following week, when Julia went to the forest near the capital, she was taken aback.

“Activate the defensive shield!”

Julia silently pleaded, and in an instant, the “Green Spirits” responded by erecting a shield within the desired range she had envisioned.