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

Chapter 38 The Father Who Protects the Withered Tree Lady and the Future Fiancé

It took Romand two and a half years to persuade the Crown Prince. Two and a half years…

He was an intensely stubborn and inflexible man. Romand, who later became a member of the lower nobility, seriously wondered if it was really okay for someone so rigid and lacking in flexibility to become the king.

However, during their time at the academy, the Crown Prince, realizing that Romand and Everlotte’s baseless rumors were detrimental, took action to dispel them.

For instance, he offered Romand the condition of adopting him and transferring the noble title in order to make the Plant Baron’s estate an official property of the royal palace…

Romand, at the request of the Crown Prince, spread the false story that he became the private tutor for Everlotte, the Crown Prince’s childhood friend…

He even declared that the relationship between the Crown Prince and Romand was like “commoners’ camaraderie,” meaning that they could be friends regardless of their social status or position.

Apparently, these measures had an effect, and Romand himself felt the change in the atmosphere. But for Romand, it didn’t bring any benefits. After all, the Crown Prince hadn’t given up on finding the “Green Spirit User.”

Furthermore, it was due to the request for delivering flowers for the party that Romand himself, as the “Green Spirit User,” ended up being exposed to the Crown Prince.

While the Crown Prince was still in a state of agitation upon learning the fact that he was seeking and marrying the “Green Spirit User.”

Even within the academy, Romand repeatedly declined the request. After all, there were plenty of other flower suppliers available.

However, the Crown Prince himself went out of his way to come to the reception room of the dormitory, bowing his head, emphasizing that it was a matter related to the royal family’s honor.

He was convinced that Romand was the possessor of the “Green Thumb.” That’s why he wanted to make the request directly to him.

If Romand were to say that it was impossible to deliver the flowers on the day of the event, it would tarnish the reputation of the Queen, who was his mother, on her birthday party.

Since hearing that story, Romand had been suppressing his anger. That’s why he didn’t want to get close to the Crown Prince. He was afraid of revealing his emotions.

However, the moment the Crown Prince touched Romand’s shoulders while sitting face-to-face, the pent-up anger erupted with tremendous force.

Inadvertently, he pushed the Crown Prince away or rather, brushed him off.

As a result, His Highness was sent flying and forcefully collided with the backrest of the sofa.

However, the situation was resolved because the “Green Spirit” restrained its wielder’s power. Even if the Crown Prince was disliked by the “Green Spirit,” it seems that it didn’t want its wielder to become a murderer.

In truth, Romand hadn’t moved a finger at that moment. That’s why he wouldn’t have been caught by the attendants or guards.

However, deep within his heart, he was not only disrespectful but also contemplating something even more dangerous.

And when the Crown Prince directly encountered this invisible power, he must have instantly understood. He realized that this was the power of Romand’s “Green Spirit User.”

The Crown Prince smirked, as if only visible to Romand.

In fact, he had suspected for a while that Romand might be the “Green Spirit User.”

Realizing that he had been exposed, Romand had no choice but to accept the Crown Prince’s request.

However, afterward, the Crown Prince never used that secret as leverage to demand something from Romand. He also didn’t assign him any tasks as the “Green Spirit User.”

Romand’s enlistment in the special forces as a “Green Spirit User” after graduation was solely due to being recognized by Count Woodcliff.

* * * * *

Romand, who went from being a commoner to a baron, did everything in his power to protect Julia.

He explained to the Crown Prince about the “Green Spirit User” and continuously persuaded him that marrying her would be a foolish act that would anger the spirits.

“The ‘Green Spirit User’ is not a spirit, but a normal human who can fulfill the pure wishes of the wielder. Even for the sake of the country, a wielder who is forced into a loveless marriage cannot sincerely wish for the peace of the nation and its people.”

The Crown Prince claimed that he would love the woman he married, but Romand laughed.

“If you truly loved your childhood friend, you wouldn’t be considering marrying the ‘Green Spirit User’ just to spare her from hardships. Don’t say such hypocritical things. Such feelings are easily conveyed to the other person. Consider the recent rumors that have spread. Everlotte may be ignored and avoided by others, but she never leaves your side because she believes you still care about her.”

Well, whatever. It’s pointless to say anything to someone who remains blind to their own foolishness.

While thinking this in his heart, Romand patiently persuaded the Crown Prince and subtly provided information about how wonderful and popular Everlotte was. He also suggested the classic approach of “If pushing doesn’t work, try pulling.” The Crown Prince should realize how badly he has treated her.

The Crown Prince is a serious and capable individual, but he is ultimately naive. Even if he can be with the one he loves as long as he desires, he can willingly let go because he has never experienced the loss of something precious. Most people suffer when they can’t obtain something they desire, no matter how much they want it.

Although this indirect approach was not in his nature, Romand believed that the absence of direct interaction with her would only increase jealousy and a sense of urgency, gradually affecting the Crown Prince’s heart.

* * * * *

After graduating from the academy, Romand began his work as the official head of the Plant Baronet’s family.

His first task was to pay a visit to Count Woodcliff, who had been a great help to the baronet family during their most difficult times.

Although they had already exchanged letters, the Count had been traveling not only within the country but throughout the world, so Romand had never had the opportunity to meet him during his student years.

When they met for the first time, introduced by Robert, Romand was taken aback because the Count’s appearance bore a striking resemblance to his beloved.

“What’s the matter? Is there something on my face? Or perhaps I resemble someone you know?” the Count asked.

“I apologize. You bear a striking resemblance to another person who holds a special place in my heart, so I was surprised,” Romand explained.

“Resemble me, you say? I wonder who that person might be. It’s quite intriguing,” the Count replied.

“Well, it’s more about the hair and the eyes. But, in any case, that person is actually a woman. I apologize for saying something strange,” Romand clarified.

“A woman…?” Count Woodcliff’s large, hazel eyes widened to their limits as he focused his gaze on Romand’s face.

“What is the name of this woman?” the Count inquired.

“Her name is Julia. Julia Laurie,” Romand responded.

“No…” the Count’s voice trailed off.

“Huh? What do you mean by ‘no’?” Romand asked, puzzled.

“I’m curious, what kind of relationship do you have with this woman named Julia?” the Count inquired further.

“She is my benefactor, my savior. When our baronet family fell victim to fraudsters who tarnished our estate, she cleansed it. She is the most precious woman in my life,” Romand explained earnestly.

The Count’s gaze remained fixed on Romand for a few minutes before a gentle smile graced his face as he spoke.

“If she is your most precious woman and your benefactor, it would be crucial for you to know her formal name, wouldn’t it? Her name is ‘Julia Woodcliff,’ Plant Baron…”

Now it was Romand’s turn to widen his large green eyes in astonishment.

In this way, Romand learned that Julia was the daughter of the Count.

Shortly thereafter, when Romand proposed marriage with a resolve to be defeated, the Count, who had learned of their relationship, readily accepted it.

He said that he would approve of their marriage if Romand would continue the work as the “Green Spirit User.”

Romand was taken aback by the unexpectedly surprising response. Moreover, the Count even mentioned that it was alright to marry off his precious daughter, which made Romand suspicious.

Then the Count spoke about his own married life and expressed that he did not want to subject his beloved daughter to the hardships of being a wife.

“The Crown Prince, you see, stated that the true role of the ‘Green Spirit’ is to protect people’s living environments, and defense is the duty of the royal family.

However, without us noticing, the ‘Green Spirit’ and the ‘Green Spirit User’ have been overworked with defense tasks as well.

This is fundamentally absurd, so the responsibility for defense should lie with the royal family and the government,” the Count explained.

Therefore, he believed that it would be impossible immediately, but he had a little hope for the future.

He wanted the burdens of the young ‘Green Spirit Users’ to be lightened even just a little, so he intended to cooperate with that.

But it would take time to bring about reforms. That’s why he didn’t want to burden Romand, his future son-in-law, with overwork like his own.

Upon hearing this, Romand interrupted in a hurried manner and said, “Wait a minute!”

Then he shared the information that the Crown Prince was planning to marry a female ‘Green Spirit User’ for the sake of these reforms and make her the Queen.

The Count was speechless. And immediately, he became furious. It was only natural because the ‘Star Reader’ fortune-teller had said that the female ‘Green Spirit User’ was none other than Julia.

“If Lady Julia is willing to marry into the Plant Baron’s family, there would be nothing more joyous. However, if it were to be exposed before the marriage, wouldn’t it be obstructed by the power of the royal family? In that case, wouldn’t it be safer to take a husband from the Count’s family, where the Crown Prince cannot intervene? I have no intention of marrying into a family, but the most important thing is to be by Lady Julia’s side.”

The Count shook his head at Romand’s suggestion.

“The Crown Prince must have someone he reciprocates feelings for, right? In that case, if Lady Julia agrees, we can arrange a marriage with that person. Of course, it depends on Julia’s consent, but if my daughter chooses you, we will expedite the engagement as soon as possible. Until the Crown Prince’s engagement is decided, we won’t expose Julia to the public. The main point is to prevent Julia’s identity as the ‘Green Spirit User’ from being revealed. We’ll keep our daughter’s matters confidential, but we will inform the King about the Crown Prince’s situation. If they attempt to exploit the ‘Green Spirit User’ for political purposes, I will strongly protest and denounce them, leading to the loss of trust in the spirits. And if they still intend to proceed with their plans, I will personally declare the destruction and eradication of the Woodcliff Count’s family.”

The disappearance of the Woodcliff Count’s family, who leads this country alongside the royal family, means there will be no one to uncover the ‘Green Spirit User.’ And that, in turn, signifies the absence of those who protect and defend this country.

“This is not a mere threat. We no longer need a family that cannot even protect their own kin. Such a family, which has existed on the sacrifices of fathers, brothers, myself, and our ancestors, should come to an end. Enough is enough. Presumably, even the spirits do not wish for further suffering upon our family members.”

In the eyes of Count Woodcliff, intense anger and unwavering conviction could be discerned.