The Prince’s Taste - Chapter 7.1 - Cinderella’s Fairy

Today marked the final day of the Founding Festival.

Perhaps because Richard had chosen it himself, her gown was as white as freshly fallen snow. Golden thread embroidered the wide sweep of the skirt in elegant, intricate patterns. Even the maid attending to her couldn’t stop marveling.

“You look absolutely stunning, my lady.”

“It’s the dress that’s doing the work.”

“No, my lady, it’s beautiful *because* you’re wearing it.”

The head maid was all smiles. By now, the rumors about her relationship with Richard had grown so widespread, it was no surprise she was being treated like the future crown princess. Otherwise, there’d be no reason for the head maid, who typically only attended to the queen herself, to be dressing her with such care. And the tiara she brought… It was finely crafted with rare jewels and clearly regal in design. As far as Judy Esther knew, such tiaras weren’t even allowed to be worn in public unless one was of royal blood. A strange feeling bloomed in her chest as she looked at the tiara the head maid held out to her.

Her long pink hair was drawn up into a half-bun, twisted elegantly, and the tiara was placed right in the center. Gemstone pins glinted delicately around it. A diamond necklace that was chosen personally by Her Majesty the Queen, rested against the fine lines of her neck, and the matching earrings sparkled beneath the upswept curls framing her face.

It had to be Richard. He must have said something to the queen. He was going to propose today.

Her personal maids had pulled out all the stops. The makeup accentuated her best features—soft silver shimmer beneath her eyes, a gentle wing at the corners, and a blush-toned red on her lips.

She looked breathtaking.

But Judy Esther’s mind was far from calm. All she could think about was whether or not *Ella* would appear today.

In the end, needing air and a moment to quiet the storm in her head, she slipped out into the garden.

“It’s been a while. Thought it’d be easier to see you than the king himself.”

A voice—deep, smooth, familiar. The silver-haired, red-eyed second lead.

It startled her, and oddly enough, comforted her.

“I’ve just been a bit busy, Lord Calix of Rumelern.”

“You got all formal on me. Kinda boring.”

“If you insist.”

And just like that, she dropped the honorifics. Calix chuckled, pleased.

“You’re still tempting as ever. If things fall apart with Richard, come to me. I’ll treat you right.”

“I’ll pass. I’ve got more than enough men lining up without you.”

“You’re famous in Adrian now. No one but me could even handle you.”

“It can’t be that bad….?”

If even the second male lead,Calix, had heard about it, the rumors must’ve truly exploded.

“My father’s going to be furious.”

“Marquis Emers? He was quite the spectacle yesterday.”

“How so?”

Judy Esther gave him an earnest look. Her strategy depended entirely on how bad her father’s mood really was.

“He did a solid, freezing over the whole banquet hall. It was impressive. Judy, there’s something I’ve been wondering.”

“Go ahead.”

“Your family doesn’t produce knights, do they? I thought they were all scholars.”

“Correct. My father’s the Prime Minister, and my brother works in administration.”

Calix rubbed his jaw, muttering, “Black mana.”

“Brutal. When he heard you’d run off with Richard, well—let’s just say the palace got…interesting.”

“Oh.”

“I’d say you made the right call. Best to dodge a disaster when you can.”

If Calix had called it a disaster, that said it all.

“Was it really that bad…?”

“Honestly, I found your brother scarier than the Marquis.”

“My brother’s… kind of a softie.”

“Hmm. Maybe. But he doesn’t use a sword—he uses words. And let me tell you, I’ve seen fewer blades that cut that clean.”

Today already felt like a mess. At this rate, it wasn’t Ella who’d ruin things—it was going to be her father. She’d have to visit home and talk to them. The priority now was averting a full-blown family crisis. She’d need to convince them, and hand over the royal immunity document Richard gave her. That was probably going to be more useful to her father than to herself.

“Your whole family is wildly entertaining. Honestly, I kind of want to bring you all to the Empire with me.”

“Calix, I’m not a toy.”

“I’ve already got everything I want.”

“Then go find another toy. I’ve got things to do.”

Judy Esther didn’t have time to fool around with the secondary male lead. She had to go home first. She couldn’t avoid it forever—- best to face the music now. Take the scolding, get the permission she needed. Better to get the comeuppance over with in advance.

“I’ll see you at the banquet later.”

She turned on her heel and walked toward the carriage yard.