If my opponent uses Hard Bargain, then I counter with Lilting Lullaby, then can my opponent still play an En Garde?
Yes, your opponent can play En Garde in this situation.
The Chain State
- Your opponent plays Hard Bargain ([Reaction] spell). It is on the chain.
- You play Lilting Lullaby ([Reaction] spell) in response. It is placed on top of Hard Bargain.
- The chain is currently in a Closed State.
Why the Opponent Can Play En Garde
- Reaction Timing: En Garde has the [Reaction] keyword. Per Rule 813.1.c.1 and the [Reaction] keyword definition, cards with [Reaction] can be played during Closed States on any player's turn.
- Chain Resolution: Because the chain has not yet finished resolving, players may continue to add more [Reaction] items to the top of the chain (LIFO - Last-In, First-Out).
- Lilting Lullaby's Restriction: The restriction imposed by Lilting Lullaby only takes effect once that spell finishes resolving. It does not prevent the opponent from playing a [Reaction] spell in response to Lilting Lullaby while it is still on the chain.
The Sequence
- Hard Bargain is on the chain.
- Lilting Lullaby is on the chain.
- Your opponent plays En Garde as a [Reaction] in response to your Lilting Lullaby.
- The chain consists of:
- Top: En Garde
- Middle: Lilting Lullaby
- Bottom: Hard Bargain
- The chain resolves in reverse order:
- En Garde resolves first.
- Lilting Lullaby resolves next, countering Hard Bargain. (Because Hard Bargain is countered, it is cleared from the chain and does nothing per Rule 425.1.a).
- The "can't play spells" restriction applies to the controller of Hard Bargain only after Lilting Lullaby finishes resolving.
Note: I could not fully verify this ruling against the retrieved rules.