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

Chapter 66 Julia’s Self Defense Measures

Everyone fell silent with pained expressions for a while, but suddenly, Fermeel had a question.

Since coming to the royal capital, even though she had a skilled bodyguard, he had heard that Miss Julia had lived among the common people before being found by her father, Count Woodcliff. Moreover, she lived as an orphan.

How on earth had she protected herself?

No matter how much she dressed like a commoner, there was no way society would leave such a lovely and refined girl alone. Especially if she had lived in the countryside.

Julia’s background and history had been spread in a somewhat embellished story. However, even without detailed explanations, the members of the special forces had roughly understood the situation.

And as for Fermeel, he had heard about her background from Baron Romand yesterday.

Though they had attended different schools, Fermeel and Baron Romand were the same age and held the same rank, so they were the closest of friends. However, until now, they had never discussed their private matters, especially their fiancées.

But thinking that there was no one else to turn to for help, Fermeel confided in Baron Romand about his important fiancée.

Then, Baron Romand also shared his own story about his fiancée.

Understanding that, just as he trusted Baron Romand, Baron Romand trusted him as well, Fermeel felt very happy.

“Miss Julia, it seems you were unaware of the existence of the Shield, but does that mean you were unconsciously able to create a Shield up until now?”

When Fermeel asked this question to Julia, she replied with a no.

“My spirit was not good at talking, so it didn’t tell me about the Shield. However, whenever I prayed for help in my heart, I was able to avoid danger, so I believe the spirit was helping me. But rather than protecting myself with a Shield, it felt more like I was blending into nature and erasing my presence to get through the moment.”

Hearing this, Fermeel widened his eyes in surprise.

“Spirit users have such abilities, don’t they? I didn’t know that. Or maybe it’s because it’s you, Miss Julia. It’s an amazing ability.”

“It’s not amazing at all. I haven’t made any effort myself; I’ve always been protected by the spirit and my strong bodyguard, Mr. Ruffie. And since getting engaged, I’ve also been protected by Baron Romand and Mr. Robert.

I’m very grateful for that, but now I think, if I had taken my abilities more seriously, like Ramey-sama, I might have been able to protect myself. If I had done that, I wouldn’t have had to monopolize so much of Mr. Ruffie’s time, and I wouldn’t have put Viola in such a terrible situation.”

At that, Viola shouted.

“That’s not true.”

“Miss Julia, you’ve always done your best. Mr. Ruffie and I know that better than anyone. It was impossible to do any more than you did.

In a world where you were isolated and closed off from others, what else could you have done? I’m only here because you saved me.

After I started working for the Woodcliff family, my health gradually deteriorated. I couldn’t collapse for my family’s sake, so I gritted my teeth and worked hard, but I was close to my limit. At that time, Miss Julia secretly gave me flowers without the other maids knowing.

I am a florist’s daughter. Although I didn’t realize it myself, flowers seem to give me strength. Even though you were in a painful situation yourself, you cared about me. Miss Julia, you protected me.”

Julia and Viola hugged each other and cried. They realized they had been thinking of and helping each other all along.

After they finished crying, Julia apologized to Fermeel and the others.

“I’m sorry for showing such an unsightly scene to our guests.”

“No, we could somewhat imagine the inner workings of the Woodcliff family. We knew His Excellency could hardly return home.

It must have been tough. You did well to endure it.

It’s understandable that Baron Romand was desperately gathering evidence to expose the crimes of the Woodcliff family.

Miss Julia, you are loved, aren’t you, by Baron Romand.”

Flustered by Fermeel’s words, Julia nodded slightly. Then, he continued speaking.

“Miss Julia, at the soirée the night before last, you asked Captain Mac to teach you how to create a defensive shield, didn’t you?”

Julia guessed that Captain Mac referred to Marquis Maximilian Sandbeck. He was a handsome man with blond hair and blue eyes, appearing to be in his late thirties, and he seemed to be a refined and gentle gentleman.

Yes, she had lightly asked that person to train her in creating a defensive shield, and later regretted her rashness. This country, especially the special forces, were in a tense situation preparing for a major operation, and despite not knowing that, she had made such an audacious request.

Moreover, the marquis had mentioned that he would be on duty as a warden in the royal capital’s forest afterward.

“Yes. As I will soon become the Baroness of Plant, I thought I should learn how to protect not only myself but also everyone in the mansion. However, I am ashamed of making such a selfish request without considering the situation of the special forces.”

When Julia looked down, Fermeel shook his head.

“There’s no need to worry about that. Captain Mac himself wanted to help in some way for His Excellency. To be able to assist His Excellency’s most precious daughter is a great honor for us special forces members.

And I feel the same way. However… hmm. While we can leave the large-scale defensive shield training to Captain Mac for later, it would be good for you to learn to use a shield as soon as possible to protect yourself. But I also have to head to the castle soon…”

Fermeel paused there, looked at his fiancée, and then asked her to teach Miss Julia how to create a shield in his stead.

“Me?”

Surprised by the unexpected request, Ramey widened her eyes for a moment but then broke into a smile.

“Are you saying that even I can be of help to you?”

“Not just anyone, but precisely because it’s you. Could I ask you to do this?”

“Of course. Leave it to me, my dear husband.”

Being called “husband” for the first time, Fermeel, who was engaged to a younger fiancée, turned bright red. It wasn’t only Ramey who thought he looked adorable.

However, Fermeel quickly regained his composure and, with a calm expression, asked her to please take care of his fiancée. Julia hurriedly bowed her head in response, thanking them for everything and asking for their continued support.

After inviting the hesitant two to lunch, Fermeel, looking apologetic, headed alone to the castle as a member of the special forces.

And so, with Ramey’s guidance, Julia immediately began learning how to create a shield.