Chapter 7.14
That last part left an imprint in Judy Esther’s mind. Richard pulled her into his arms, his breath warm against her ear.
“It’s because you say things like that that I love you.”
“Just my words?”
“No. Everything. With you, I feel like I can finally breathe and relax.”
Seeing him so relaxed, she felt he was truly hers. No one can always be perfect and composed all the time.
“Let’s live out our lives loving each other.”
“Judy Esther, I love you.”
Richard’s confession stirred the hearts of everyone in the hall. From their clasped hands to the way they looked at each other, love poured forth. Richard didn’t take his eyes off her as he continued.
“Marquis, I intend to make my vows at the temple.”
“Mm.”
The Marquis of Emers’ expression turned serious. The vow at the temple that Richard spoke of meant pledging his blood to the gods. Breaking it could endanger his life.
“Richard, I believe you. You don’t need to do that.”
“No. Even God should know that my love is only for you.”
Seeing the burning light in his eyes, Judy Esther was reminded of the keywords of “The Secrets of Cinderella’s Climax”.
#exceptionallyendowedman, #secretlyabeast, #gentleman, #obsessiveman — and what else was there? Judy Esther’s eyes narrowed.
“We only need to look at each other for the rest of our lives. So Judy, let’s swear this vow together.”
“There’s no need to do it together…”
“But Judy, didn’t you say I’m all you need?”
That was true, but no one could predict how the future would unfold. Judy Esther hesitated, and Richard let out a low chuckle.
“Seems like my love isn’t enough for you. From today, I’ll love you so hard you won’t think of anything else.”
He tightened his grip on their interlaced fingers and spoke with endless tenderness.
“Don’t go that far.”
“I have to go to the temple tomorrow, before our Judy changes her mind.”
Judy Esther hadn’t mentioned anything about going to the temple. Then she remembered the early keywords of the original story.
#imprisonment, #chasetotheendsofthekingdom, #deathistheonlywayout, #ruinedifyourunaway.
In the author’s note, it was written that mid-serialization, the male lead’s personality changed from an obsessive sociopath to a gentle, exceptionally devoted man, and the keywords were revised. She had thought then that as long as the scenes were good, the male lead’s personality wouldn’t matter much.
Had her meddling in the original plot unleashed Richard’s original, early characterization?
Surely, it wouldn’t trigger the #obsessiveconfinement route?
“Your Highness, are you aiming for my daughter’s heart now?”
“Are you asking my little sister to die with you?”
It was going so well, but Richard’s sudden confession—no, bombshell—sparked an explosion in Marquis Emers, and even the usually composed young duke lost his composure and raised his voice.
“I’m staking my own heart as well.”
Richard raised his dark eyebrows slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“I don’t need your heart, Your Highness. My daughter’s life is far, far more important to me.”
The Marquis was visibly distraught. His words bordered on treason, and everyone regarded him with pity. All of Adrian knew how he cherished his daughter. He had raised her with all his love, only for the crown prince to steal her away. No matter how perfect a groom Richard was, he would never be good enough in the eyes of Marquis Emers.
“Your Highness, go to the temple alone. My little sister is not going.”
Even Daniel’s lips trembled in opposition.
“I understand it’s already been approved. The gifts were received with satisfaction.”
But it was undeniable that the tide was turning in Richard’s favor. At last, a man had appeared who could pierce the Marquis of Emers’ iron shield: Crown Prince Richard Adrian.
The crown prince was a strategic man. Rather than rushing forward swinging a sword, he read the entire board and then crafted detailed strategies. No matter how strong the Emers family’s defense, there are bound to be cracks.
Judy Esther was becoming increasingly embarrassed by the power struggle between Richard and the Emers.
“Richard, Dad, and Brother, please stop.”
She sighed deeply. It seemed she had to step in and settle this herself. Otherwise, this fight would never end.
“Richard, let’s go to the temple together tomorrow. We’ll swear the vow, seal it, whatever else we have to do. Life’s not that complicated. You just have to live happily with the person you love.”
It was she who wanted to swear an oath at the temple. Because then she could love and live without fear thereon.
“I’ll contact the temple at dawn.”
Richard looked as satisfied as a well-fed lion. Judy Esther turned to her father’s gloomy face.
“Dad, you know I love you, right? No matter how much I love Richard, you’re still my number one.”
“Judy…”
“I’m so happy you’re the prime minister. Even after I marry Richard, I’ll still be able to see you every day.”
At Judy Esther’s words, the marquis nodded.
“If that’s how you feel, then I’ll never relinquish my post, not until my dying breath.”
“Of course. You’re my eternal ally, Father. I love you. So please, give me your blessing to marry.”
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