The Prince’s Taste - Chapter 7.6

“You’ll be home early tonight, won’t you, my lady?”

Her personal maid looked at her, more pleading than asking. Her expression said what her mouth didn’t dare—’Please come home tonight. Please don’t stay out again.’ She couldn’t say it outright in front of Ella to save Judy Esther some face.

“Mm… probably?”

“Yes, the Marquis today.… oh, never mind.”

The maid sighed deeply. Why do you sigh, I’m the one who wants to cry.

“Lord Daniel seems to be waiting too, so… please be careful tonight, my lady.”

That was all her maid could offer—an earnest warning. Judging by the look in her eyes, the Emers household had been walking on eggshells for the past week. Judy Esther nodded.

She and the Marchioness boarded the carriage and left first. Before departure, Judy Esther instructed the coachman of Ella’s carriage to wait a while before setting out.

“Judy? What are you thinking about so deeply you didn’t hear your mother calling you?”

The Marchioness of Emers was watching her daughter closely, concern evident in her eyes.

“Mum, let’s go on a trip after the festival ends.”

“Did His Highness give his permission?”

“Why would we need his permission to go on a family trip? We just go.”

“Seems like my daughter’s feeling a little restless now that it’s almost time to get married.”

The Marchioness took Judy Esther’s hand and smiled gently.

“I want Dad and Daniel to come too. Do you think they’ll be too busy?”

“If you ask them, they’ll make time. And if they can’t, they’ll probably hand in their resignations.”

“Turns out I’m pretty loved.”

“You didn’t know?”

The thought of Richard pretending not to know her felt like something sharp digging into her chest, clawing at her heart. But as long as her family was with her, she could endure and eventually forget.

“It feels like it was just yesterday when you were talking about dating that musclehead knight, and now look at you— all grown up and dating the crown prince.”

“…I still love muscles.”

“Does His Highness have some hidden muscles?”

“He… has excellent ones.”

Judy Esther turned her head to the window, her cheeks going bright red. The Marchioness’s soft laughter filled the carriage.

“Judy, I trust you. I’m cheering you on. No matter what happens, I’m always on your side.”

“Mum…”

“I know what’s troubling you. Being the crown prince’s woman isn’t easy. Legally, he’s allowed to take multiple wives. That kind of life can wear down a person.”

That was what worried the Marchioness the most.

“Mum, nothing is set in stone yet. It’s too soon to worry.”

“Says the girl who’s been having the most scandalously loud romance in all of Adrian.”

“…Romance doesn’t always lead to marriage.”

Would it have been better not to know the original story? Then maybe, just maybe, she could have told her mother with confidence that Richard was her man. Judy Esther kept her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the carriage window. Even with night having fallen, the streets of the festival glowed brilliantly. The distant palace gleamed under the lights. It was beautiful, the palace in all its glory.

On the final night of the Founding Festival, the chandeliers in the grand hall sparkled overhead, brighter and more elaborate than ever. Perhaps because it was the last evening, everything inside shone just a little more splendidly. As soon as they arrived, the Marchioness of Emers excused herself to mingle with her circle of familiar noblewomen.

Judy Esther stood there, dazed and uncertain. She didn’t know what to do. Word of her relationship with Richard had spread and while young noblemen glanced her way, none dared approach. To someone unfamiliar, she must’ve looked like a wallflower.

But in truth, it wasn’t indifference that kept them away. None of them had the audacity to approach the crown prince’s partner. Moreover, her expression was far too grim that no one wanted to risk even casual conversation.

For a few days, Richard had been hers. In the original story, Richard was her fiancé. That is, until Ella appeared. He’d fallen for Ella at first sight, and without hesitation, Judy Esther was mercilessly discarded.

“Will it all unfold the way it did in the novel, or won’t it?”

If she’d had even a sliver of malice, she could have locked Ella away so Richard wouldn’t notice her. She would have stopped Ella from coming to the ball by any and all means necessary.

But if Ella truly was the heroine, none of those methods would’ve worked. Even if someone tried to assassinate her, she would survive. Even if she were imprisoned on some faraway island, helpers would emerge to rescue her.

That was the law of romance fantasy—the world itself rolled out the red carpet for the heroine.

“The Lady Ella of the Barony Gizzola is entering.”

Ella made her entrance. Dressed and polished by Judy Esther’s own hands, she was dazzling. . All eyes were on Ella, not on Judy Esther.

“His Royal Highness Crown Prince Richard Adrian is entering.”