The Prince’s Taste - Chapter 7.10

“Judy Esther, you’re not going to regret accepting my proposal right away, are you? Even if you do, it won’t change anything.”

“I’m not that fickle a woman.”

“Good. Running off after stealing the Crown Prince is treason, madam.”

Richard whispered the slow threat into her ear, then gently brushed a strand of hair off her forehead with his finger.

“Who said I wouldn’t? You never even let me finish what I want to say.”

“Is that so?”

Judy Esther decided she’d let go of the “Secrets of Cinderella’s Climax” once and for all. The original story was already in shambles, and the main character of this world was now her. No, she had been the master of her world from the start—she had just been foolishly blinded by prejudice and hadn’t realized it.

“Your Highness, even if you regret it, there’s no backing out.”

“Indeed.”

In his limpid deep golden eyes, there was only her.

Arm in arm, they entered the ballroom. Though people had heard rumors, seeing the secret rendezvous between the Crown Prince and the Marchioness of Emers’ daughter firsthand was fascinating. Everyone looked at the couple with curious eyes. Richard slightly bowed his body toward her and extended his hand clad in a white glove.

“Judy Esther, would you honor me with a dance?”

“I’d love to.”

Judy Esther took his hand. They moved to the center of the ballroom and began dancing to the music. Richard held one of her hands, while his other arm wrapped around her waist. As he pulled her close, their upper bodies pressed tightly together. Their matching white ceremonial uniform and dress shone brilliantly, a perfectly coordinated couple look.

“Come to think of it, this is our first dance, Your Highness.”

“Isn’t this our first dance at an official event?”

“I’ve been too busy avoiding someone to have time to dance.”

Judy Esther winked playfully at Richard.

Beautiful music surrounded the couple. As Richard’s touch and steps guided her, Judy Esther began to dance lightly and gracefully. Like a fairy flying over flowers, she moved to his right, then left, then in front of him. The fairy who had been gazing steadily into his eyes stepped back and spun around once. The white hem of her dress swirled a perfect circle. The gold-embroidered skirt shimmered in the light, scattering flecks of gold like magic dust with every step she took in the Adrian ballroom.

As Judy Esther danced to Richard’s lead, she caught sight of Ella standing alone at the edge of the ballroom. Ella was beautiful.

Judy Esther didn’t know why Ella was standing there alone. She hadn’t yet realized that in the original story, Ella attracted attention because of Crown Prince Richard’s interest.

At this moment, all eyes in the hall were on Richard and Judy Esther.

As a result, no one paid attention to Ella, the daughter of the baron’s family, who was making her debut in society.

“Who are you looking at that you can’t concentrate?”

“Ella.”

“…… I’ve never heard that name before.”

Richard followed Judy Esther’s gaze and looked at Ella standing in the corner. Their eyes met. His brows furrowed slightly. Judy Esther’s heart fluttered. She felt his dancing falter slightly. Was he unsettled? Her thoughts began to tangle.

“That necklace. I gave it to you. Why is she wearing it?”

“Huh?”

Richard’s sudden words stopped Judy Esther’s swirling thoughts.

“It was a gift to celebrate your coming-of-age ceremony earlier this year.”

“You were the one who gave it to me?”

She had received so many gifts that she didn’t know who had given what. If she had known the jewelry was from Richard, she wouldn’t have let Ella wear it.

“My brother just tossed it to me… I didn’t know it was Your Highness’s gift.”

“I thought so.”

A flicker of anger flashed in Richard’s eyes.

“The dress and shoes that lady is wearing—they were your birthday presents two years ago, weren’t they?”

“…Huh?”

At Judy Esther’s reaction, Richard cursed under his breath, “Emers, damn it.”

Judy Esther felt a smile tug at her lips. She wanted to laugh out loud. It wasn’t because Ella caught his eye. It was because he was annoyed to see someone else wearing the gifts he had given her. It was too endearing.

Any lingering unease in the corners of her heart vanished completely. Richard Adrian was hers, entirely.

“The dress didn’t fit me anymore, and the jewelry — I just lent it to her. She couldn’t afford to attend the ball, so I let her borrow it.”

“You dressed her up?”

“Yes.”

Judy Esther met his gaze, a playful curve of her lips betraying her amusement. She couldn’t stop the laughter from bubbling out.

“From now on, if you have gifts for me, don’t send them to the Marquisate. I’d rather you give them to me directly.”

“I won’t send gifts through others anymore. I’ll give them to you personally.”

Meanwhile, the music ended. Before the second song started, they took a moment to catch their breath. While other couples changed partners, Richard didn’t let go of her hand.

“Everyone’s staring at you. I don’t know how much longer I can stand it. It’s driving me mad.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re so beautiful like this — that’s what’s so worrying.”