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

Chapter 41 Introduction of the Withered Tree Lady’s Family

“Julia, I’m going with you too. We need to properly greet them, you know.”

As Julia attempted to move forward toward her step-aunts, Romand called out from behind and placed his hand on her waist.

“Is it okay? You didn’t want to meet them, right? It might make you feel uncomfortable.”

“It’s fine. Avoiding contact with them was only until we officially announce our engagement. We need to show proper respect and gratitude for their help. However, let’s keep yesterday’s incident with the torn dress a secret. I gave a brief explanation to my stepfather this morning, but we haven’t decided how to handle it yet. Julia, please keep that in mind.”

Whispering in her ear, Julia nodded silently. Then, she heard her step-aunt’s voice.

“Well, you two seem to get along really well. Julia, we finally get to meet your fiancé.”

“Allow me to introduce him. This is Baron Plant. Baron, this is Countess Woodcliff. And these are my step-cousins, Kirk, Linda, and Cathy.”

“Nice to meet you all. Countess Woodcliff, Sir Kirk, Miss Linda, Miss Cathy. I am Romand Plant.”

Being referred to as “Step-Aunt” and “Countess Woodcliff” by Julia, Cindy Woodcliff frowned for a moment. Just recently, Julia used to address her as “Mother,” but because of those stupid stepdaughters blabbering unnecessary things, Julia suddenly became distant, which irritated her.

“Julia had no knowledge of the letters exchanged between my step-brother and her, as they were all obstructed. But well, if she’s going to marry into the Baron’s family, she won’t be a hindrance to my son. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to get close to the prominent Baron Plant family, who are currently the center of attention.”

With those thoughts in mind, Cindy flashed a polite smile at Romand.

“By the way, it’s been over half a year since Julia and I got engaged, but why didn’t you come to our house for greetings?”

“I apologize for being rude. Actually, the Earl instructed me to meet everyone when you’re all present.”

“Eh?”

The Woodcliff family reacted simultaneously, including Julia, of course.

“What does that mean?”

“I simply followed the Earl’s instructions, so I don’t know the details.”

“I see. Very well then. But Baron, you seem to have a great relationship with the Crown Prince. I heard rumors, but they turned out to be true.”

“Not as close as you think. We were just classmates and served together in the student council.”

Although Cindy had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right with Romand’s answer, she didn’t pursue the matter further.

Afterwards, it was Cathy who started asking questions, following behind Mrs. Woodcliff.

“Baron, you haven’t given Julia many gifts, have you? Like dresses or accessories…”

“Yes, we did receive flowers every day, but those were business-related, right? I hate to say this, but we thought you were stingy, despite running a prestigious royal-approved farm.”

“Cathy, that’s quite impolite of you to say. Baron…”

Julia began to explain how they did receive many dresses and accessories, but they couldn’t bring them back to the mansion as they would be stolen or damaged. However, Romand interrupted her.

“But it was our misunderstanding. Instead of giving small gifts, he presents grand and luxurious ones. Truly befitting of the up-and-coming Flower Baron. Julia’s dress, for example, it’s a one-of-a-kind creation by Madame Flora, isn’t it? The embroidery and pearls, it’s so luxurious and beautiful. I heard Madame Flora has been quite busy and rarely accepts new orders.”

Indeed, the dress she was wearing was a handmade creation by Madame Flora, but Julia had no idea that other customers’ orders were turned down to make it. She felt apologetic towards Madame Flora and the other clients.

“Cathy, it’s not a misunderstanding at all. I truly love Julia with all my heart, and I do want to shower her with dresses and jewels like mountains. However, our Baron family faced near ruin in the previous generation, and we have only recently managed to secure a plan to repay those debts. So, at present, I’m ashamed to admit that I can only afford to give my own flowers as gifts.”

Romand spoke with a dejected expression and tone.

Once again, the Woodcliff family was left stunned.

“Are you saying that the Plant Baron family is currently in debt? I heard from my father and others that you also export agricultural products to other countries,” Linda boldly asked, following in Cathy’s footsteps.

Julia nodded inwardly, finally realizing the intention behind Romand deliberately belittling himself.

These two distant cousins not only desired high titles but also sought connections with wealthy families, especially Linda.

They had grown fond of the charming Flower Baron and were almost willing to settle for him, despite his family’s financial situation. But if they were to discover the dire state of his household, they would no longer pursue Romand.

“I apologize for being impolite, but why did your father try to marry Julia off to you?” Kirk spoke, displaying a truly rude attitude and furrowing his brows in displeasure.

Kirk was a year younger than Romand and still a student. However, like his sisters, he attended the Royal Capital Academy rather than the prestigious Royal Academy from which Romand and the Crown Prince graduated. Hence, none of them had met Romand before.

“Perhaps the Earl was either touched by my persistent passion or simply exasperated by it. I’m not sure if everyone here is aware, but I was a commoner until two years ago. I fell in love with Julia when we were children, and I had been searching for her ever since. After graduating from the academy and starting to work with Earl Woodcliff, I discovered that the Earl’s daughter was Julia. Overwhelmed with joy, I impulsively proposed to her.”

As Romand blushed, his words captivated not only the Woodcliff family members but also those around them, regardless of gender, who momentarily became mesmerized by his beauty.

“That’s impressive acting skills. Even if it’s just to amaze my sisters-in-law.”

Julia couldn’t help but think that Romand’s extravagant words and demeanor were all part of an act. However, at this moment, Romand was merely stating the truth. The destructive power of his authenticity was truly overwhelming.

“Just with your passion, your father accepted the marriage with his daughter?”

“Yes. And since the Earl is a first-class trader, he doesn’t cling to conventional thinking. I believe he saw potential in my future rather than focusing on my current status and title. I apologize for my presumptuousness, but that’s what the Earl told me.”

“I heard that the Earl had been looking for partners for his children other than Julia. Isn’t that right?” Romand discreetly pointed his finger towards the people around them, being careful not to be disrespectful.

Though most of these individuals had lower titles, they were making a name for themselves in various fields lately. They all had splendid appearances and were accompanied by suitable partners.

When the members of the Earl’s family seemed bewildered by Romand’s intention, he whispered with a voice filled with significance.

“Oh, haven’t you noticed? All of them are people whom the Earl has been keeping an eye on for some time. And wasn’t he planning to introduce them to all of you? That’s what I was told by the Earl.”

“I couldn’t help but admire the Earl’s foresight… I would love to get to know those individuals myself, but since I’ve become a relative of the Woodcliff family, that’s clearly impossible.”

Romand sighed as if disappointed. In reality, he had secretly developed relationships with those people.

“I’m sorry, Baron. It’s all because you got engaged to someone like me.”

“What are you talking about? I have obtained my most beloved person. I am the happiest man in the world. Everything else is trivial. I apologize for making remarks that may have caused you misunderstandings.”

Romand was genuinely taken aback by Julia’s sincere acceptance of his words. She was truly too pure-hearted, and her self-esteem remained low as always.

But when he thought about the individuals before him, Romand became increasingly infuriated, feeling that they were to blame for it. He wanted to condemn every one of them in front of this crowd. Negative emotions surged within Romand’s heart at that moment.

However, he felt a gentle and warm sensation enveloping him as Julia’s hand rested on his arm. It was a soothing feeling, as if it were erasing the negative emotions that had been building up. Perhaps Julia unconsciously sent her comforting presence to Romand, reacting to his troubled state.

There had been one instance when Romand’s emotions almost spiraled out of control. Since then, he had never let his emotions run wild, and most people were unaware of his passionate nature even now.

Yet, Julia was the only one who sensitively responded to his emotions. That fact brought both joy and a sense of shame to Romand.

That’s why Romand wore a genuine smile as he revealed the truth to Julia.

Then, Romand realized their significant mistake, and in the midst of the stunned silence, he addressed the bewildered individuals:

“I’m sorry. We have made a big mistake, and I only just realized it now.”

“Oh, as I mentioned earlier, it’s like I’ve been recognized in futures trading. Therefore, with my current abilities, I cannot afford to gift Julia such an exquisite dress.

This dress, I heard, was ordered by the Earl himself for Madame Flora half a year ago.

Besides, preparing a debutante dress for one’s daughter is the father’s responsibility, isn’t it? I can’t just take that away.

I assume the debutante dresses for both of you were also made by the Earl?”

Linda and Cathy exchanged startled looks.

“Julia, I…”

When Cathy was about to say something, once again, the fanfare resounded.