The Prince’s Taste - Chapter 5.8

Judy Esther held his hand to steady herself. Richard’s gaze swept over her entire body. She smelled sweet, like honey, even though she hadn’t applied any perfume. The pale ivory dress she wore was both innocent and elegant.

“Judy, I don’t want to send you away, but I’m holding back because I don’t want you to hate me.”

He draped the robe he had removed over her shoulders.

“My prince, it would be nice if you always spoke this sweetly.”

“Should I say I’m being affectionate?”

“Don’t be too kind to me, Your Highness. If we break up, it will be too hard to forget you.”

Judy Esther’s nose scrunched. Richard bowed his head to lock eyes with her and smiled wistfully.

“Why would you even think about breaking up?”

“Not now, but later, much later. In the future, when someone appears who you think is your destiny, tell me. I’ll let you go.”

“My destiny is you, so stop pushing me away. Unless it’s because you don’t like me.”

He took a step forward and pulled her close to him. He wanted everyone in Adrian, both nobles and commoners, to know whose woman she was. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come out in the streets without hiding his identity.

“This is great. Is it because of the festival or because you’re with me?”

“I want to say it’s because of me, but maybe it’s just the alcohol.”

“You are too heartless, my lord.”

Judy Esther stumbled as she walked, muttering to herself about how good everything felt. The alcohol was making her bolder than usual.

“Your Highness, you’re really handsome.”

Judy Esther touched Richard’s chest and even kissed him on the cheek in the street. Various reactions like “Wow!” and “Oh my!” could be heard from the crowd. On one hand, Judy Esther felt annoyed at herself for publicly displaying their relationship like this, as if to say, “We’re dating!” On the other hand, she couldn’t help but worry about breaking up. She felt she was being selfish.

“Your Majesty, you’re really handsome. Is this why Judy fell for you?”

“Is it just about looks?”

Hearing others say those words, Judy Esther looked at him with a serious expression, then lowered her head, saying, “And after a while, my body too…” Her ears turned bright red.

Richard felt relieved that he wasn’t the only one with such thoughts.

“…Do you dislike nighttime activities?”

He whispered in her ear, suddenly wanting to tease her. She gasped, opening her eyes wide and grumbled.

“Go home, you say, but you keep tempting me…”

“I told you, it’s my first time, too. I’m new to this, so I lack self-control.”

In the distance, the vassals of the Marquis of Emers appeared. They likely had orders to bring Judy Esther back. Richard had seen them hovering around since she started drinking at the stall.

Initially, they kept their distance because of Calix, and now they couldn’t approach because of him.

“Judy, can you make a choice between two options?”

“First option is to walk straight ahead. Do you see…?”

Following Richard’s gaze, Judy Esther saw a carriage with the Marquis family crest. Her swaying body made it seem like the carriage was moving, so she steadied herself and furrowed her brow to get a better look.

“That’s our family’s carriage. I see the butler. Maybe my father sent it for me?”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? I hate to say it, but it’s been there for quite some time.”

“Oh.””

Judy Esther gazed at the carriage with deep green eyes, looking thoughtful.

“Your Highness, what’s the second option?”

“What do you think?”

Richard hugged her, his voice soft and affectionate, his golden eyes intense as he looked at her.

“Maybe it’s better to just take the carriage. My desires might trouble you.”

“But, Your Highness, you look like you’re in pain.”

Their bodies pressed together, something wriggled underneath. It felt like something hard was poking out.

“I’m not going to get home like this.”

“Well…we can work it out.”

“With whom?”

The corner of Judy Esther’s mouth curved. She’s clearly smiling, but her eyes are glaring at him. Her hand slipped slowly over his firm bulge. The gentle touch startled Richard, and his gaze darted around.

Not many dared to look them in the eye. Even if there were glances……. it was a good thing.

“Your Majesty, answer.”

“Judy, if you keep provoking me, can you go in there?”

Richard pointed to the inn directly in front of him. He could not afford to be lazy. Judy Esther looked at the inn and smiled broadly.

“I’ve never seen an inn in this world before, I’m excited. Should we rest for a bit before going back?”

“Judy, if you go in there, it’s impossible to just rest for a bit and come out. If you want to go home today, you’ll have to hold back.”

Richard sighed as he watched the Marquis’s people pacing in the distance. If they were to enter the inn, he could imagine what would be reported to the Marquis.

“A waterbed would be nice. I wonder if they have that here.”