The Prince’s Taste - Chapter 6.6

Now, wherever Judy Esther was, Richard could be found as well. Just as she had boldly declared, the Crown Prince of Adrian and Judy Esther were truly in a relationship. Rather than the grand halls of the royal ballroom, they openly dated in the lively streets where commoners celebrated the festival.

They made no attempt to conceal their identities, walking hand-in-hand and engaging in jaw-dropping displays of affection. The citizens cheered and congratulated the crown prince on his love affair with Adrian’s fairy.

The future queen, Judy Esther, spoke to them without reserve, ate the food from the stalls, and commented on how delicious it was. Some people were moved to tears by her unusually kind nature for a high-ranking noble.

The Crown Prince threw darts for Judy Esther, won, and gifted her a large teddy bear. They shared a romantic kiss by the seaside. Though the crown prince’s guards accompanied them, they did not chase away or control the festival-goers. Since that day, the seaside became a must-visit dating spot for lovers, and dart games with prizes have become a popular trend. The teddy bear Richard gave Judy Esther even gained the embarrassing nickname “Fairy’s Bear,” becoming a staple of lovers’ gifts.

The next morning, Judy Esther welcomed the rising sun from Richard’s bedroom. After four nights away from home, Judy Esther was beginning to feel more composed.

Yes. Today’s sun is shining dazzlingly bright, just like always.

“The accident isn’t getting resolved. It’s just snowballing.”

“Do you wish you’d gone home when I told you to?”

“Are you saying this is all my fault?”

Leaning casually against the headboard, Richard looked relaxed, while Judy Esther shot him a sharp glare. It felt like the title of the story was about to change.

The titles were getting progressively more aggressive. She quietly deleted the last one from her mind.

“We’re accomplices.”

“Your Highness seems so at ease, like this is your home.”

“No, I’m extremely worried. Can’t you tell by my face?”

He was glowing. Last night, he hadn’t let her go. Though she might be guilty for losing track of time in the fiery night games in the carriage, discovering the exquisite taste of a high-ranking male lead also played a part. So who could blame her for enjoying it so well?

“If you’re worried, how about announcing our marriage at tonight’s ball?”

“If you announce without permission, the backlash will be severe.”

“As you know, my father sulks for a long time.”

“If we plead that we love each other so much, wouldn’t he look at us more kindly?”

Judy Esther knew he was considerate. Who in Adrian would dare harm Richard? Even the Marquis of Emers was just a vassal who must lay down his life if ordered by the crown.

And yet this same Richard was offering to plead, not command. How could she not fall even deeper under his spell? Still, she kept a straight face and replied coolly.

“It’s a relief if he doesn’t see you as the thief who stole his daughter.”

“Is that so?”

“Anyway, it can’t happen until the Founding Festival is over.”

Judy Esther knew Richard’s feelings were genuine. However, her distrust stemmed from the immutable laws of the original story. Ella had yet to appear. The setup where Richard and Ella fall in love at first sight kept nagging at her. If the author simply wrote that he must fall for Ella, would he have the power to resist? Even if the ‘falling in love easily’ trope lacked plausibility, she had no power to change it.

Because just like in the original, all she can do is throw a tantrum and resent why his love has changed.