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

Chapter 65 A request from Julia

And after some time had passed with casual conversation and becoming more acquainted, Fermeel spoke up.

“Lady Julia, the reason we came here today is not just because of Ramey, but also because of a request from Lord Romand.”

At these unexpected words, Julia’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean by that?”

“We were asked to help because someone dear to you is in a difficult situation due to a severe injury.”

“Do you mean that you both possess healing powers?”

Julia leaned forward eagerly. Healing was a very precious and valuable power held by the Saints, but she had heard that no Saints had been born in this country for decades. As expected, the two shook their heads.

“We do not have the healing powers of a Saint. But as you know, Lady Julia, we as ‘Green Spirit Envoys’ can revitalize weakened plants, even if we can’t revive those that have withered completely. Similarly, Ramey, as a ‘Yellow Spirit Envoy,’ has the power to heal animals. Therefore, she can somewhat heal humans too, since humans, after all, are just animals like cows or horses.”

“I am neither a Saint nor a doctor, so I cannot cure diseases or serious conditions. So when I say I can heal, it is limited to minor injuries.”

“Your power is wonderful, Lord Ramey. Please, alleviate Viola’s pain and swelling. She was lynched by her fellow maids for my sake, and her face is so swollen that it’s painful to look at. She still can’t eat properly. Please, I beg of you.”

“Lynched…”

At this unexpected word, Ramey was taken aback, but Julia grasped her hand and pleaded earnestly.

✽

“Thank you so much. The pain has completely disappeared. I can’t believe it…”

Viola tightly held the hand of Ramey, which just moments ago had been comforting her cheek, and murmured with eyes that seemed to worship her like a saint.

The feeling of disbelief was shared by Julia and Sharie, who had been watching. Just a few minutes ago, Viola’s face had been swollen and reddened, but in an instant enveloped in a golden-yellow light, it transformed into a snow-white complexion.

“How are the pains in your stomach and back?”

At Ramey’s inquiry, Viola shifted variously on the bed, but seemed to have no pain at all.

“I still can’t believe it. That women could treat another woman so cruelly.”

Ramey spoke with indignation.

“It’s likely due to group psychology. Individually, they probably wouldn’t have been able to do something so cruel. But as a group, they become emboldened knowing they’re not alone. Plus, there’s the fear that if they don’t participate, they might end up being ostracized later.”

Sharie, the maid, tightened her beautiful face slightly and said.

“That could be true. The head maid is a very intimidating person, and they might have feared that going against her would lead to them being targeted next. But they were laughing as they kicked me. It was like they were enjoying it to no end. They probably thought they could escape responsibility by saying it was all the orders of the head maid and Miss Linda. But aside from me, cutting up the young lady’s precious dress—no matter the orders given, such actions cannot be justified. They need to reflect properly and receive appropriate punishment, or they’ll surely repeat the same mistakes.”

Ramey made a face that seemed to say, “As expected,” at Viola’s words.

“Could this Miss Linda possibly be the daughter of Count Woodcliff?”

“Yes, she’s my cousin. She attended the same academy as you, Ramey. Did you know her?”

“Yes, well…”

Seeing Ramey’s troubled expression, Julia understood.

“Did my cousin do something disrespectful to you, Ramey-sama?”

“Yes. Initially, when we first enrolled. She looked down on lower nobility. And I, well… I stood out in a way that wasn’t very ladylike, so that didn’t help.”

“I’m sorry.”

Julia deeply bowed her head, and Ramey hurriedly responded,

“Please don’t apologize, Julia-sama. Miss Linda and Julia-sama are different personalities. Besides, my ordeal didn’t last that long. I had a shield up except during classes, so I didn’t hear her verbal abuse or endure any harassment.”

“A shield? Is that different from the defense shields used by the ‘Green Spirit Users’?”

Thinking back to the beautiful moss-green canopy erected by Marquess Maximilian Sandbeck at the soirée two nights ago, Julia asked.

“No, the structure of shields using various spirits is fundamentally similar, I believe. But their effectiveness depends largely on the skill of the user. For instance, if it were His Excellency, the Minister of Defense, Julia-sama’s father, he could probably put up a shield that covers an entire mansion. However, for most people, they can only cover themselves or maybe a room at most.”

“I wouldn’t call my shield a defense shield per se. It’s just enough to protect myself. It can fend off physical attacks or unwanted noises, at best.”

Ramey said somewhat apologetically, but Julia responded earnestly,

“That’s amazing, Ramey-sama. To be able to protect yourself with your own strength. Many women, including myself, can’t even walk freely outside without someone to protect us. Not to mention that even in places we should feel safe, like our homes or schools, being alone can be dangerous. For you to have protected yourself through all that malice, you are truly remarkable.”

Julia’s words carried warmth, and it was evident that she wasn’t merely flattering or trying to placate Ramey, which made her feel a bit bashful. But soon, her brows furrowed again.

“I only suffered until Fermeel-sama enrolled. But Julia-sama, you lived with Miss Linda at the mansion, so it must have been very difficult for you. Especially if the servants followed Miss Linda’s lead.”

Upon hearing Ramey’s words, Viola enthusiastically agreed. However,

“Yes, that’s right. Not only Miss Linda, but also Madam and the other siblings—well, they were actually cousins—everyone in the family mistreated Julia-sama. Even I, for turning a blind eye, I can’t claim to be righteous…”

Her voice trailed off. Holding Viola’s hand gently, Julia spoke kindly,

“Just the fact that you didn’t join in the bullying in that situation is remarkable in itself. Thank you. And besides, you couldn’t afford to lose your job for the sake of your mother and brother. I was also very grateful to know that there were allies besides Ruffie-san who supported me in secret.”

Listening to Julia and Viola’s exchange, Sharie and the two guests empathized deeply with the difficult environment they had been placed in.