The Prince's Taste - Chapter 3.2
The young nobles gathered at the banquet began to resent the sudden downpour.
If only the weather had been fine, perhaps Daniel wouldn’t have asked such strange questions?
No, he wouldn’t. Even without the rain, Daniel’s mind was always overflowing with theories, numbers, and questions. Today, it was simply because it was raining that his options had narrowed.
“Judy will go for someone smarter than Daniel. How could anyone think they’re better than Daniel when it comes to Judy!”
The Marquis Emers interjected firmly.
Daniel Emers is the kind of genius that comes along once in a hundred years in Adrian. Was there truly anyone smarter than him? Unless a sage emerged from centuries of study in the Mage Tower, it was impossible.
“But I am a scholar with a very broad mind. Conversations with young talents are always exciting. Visitors who wish to discuss with me are always welcome. The doors of our Emers estate are always wide open.”
Daniel wore a very satisfied smile. Although he emphasized that the doors were open, everyone present thought about whether anyone would have the courage to cross the threshold of the Emers estate.
Thus, Daniel trampled over young nobles approaching Judy using logical and rational methods befitting a chief administrator of the kingdom. As this story spread, noble families with sons of marriageable age sighed deeply.
As a result, even Crown Prince Richard had no choice but to be cautious. If Judy Esther frequently appeared in social circles or enjoyed banquets and tea parties, it might have been easier for him to approach her. He could have pretended it was a chance encounter. Unfortunately, Judy Esther did not like social gatherings at all.
However, for reasons unknown, she never missed the National Founding Day Ball. Consequently, the ball became a gathering point not only for the nobles of Adrian but also for single men from neighboring countries, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the kingdom’s “fairy.”
This year, in particular, saw an unprecedented number of attendees, as it marked the year of Judy Esther’s coming of age. For months, the noble families of Adrian had been abuzz; eligible bachelors scrambled to prepare attire and gifts that might win Judy Esther’s heart. Since Marquis Emers’s usual excuse that she was too young no longer held, this marked the beginning of serious competition. It could even be described as a war for Judy Esther’s hand.
Richard felt uneasy. Among this year’s guests of honor was the crown prince of the Rumelern Empire. Knowing what purpose he might have for attending kept him on edge.
There was no time to waste. If the iron gate of the Emers estate was an impenetrable shield, there was only one way: he had to seize her when she entered his home. Richard meticulously spun his web. He positioned his people along her likely paths. Every action and word of hers would be reported back to him.
When she made her appearance in the banquet hall, an intense jockeying for position erupted. Like peacocks in courtship, the lords and ladies of the court circled around her, each trying to catch her attention.
“But she didn’t even look at them and went straight to the terrace. Everyone’s expressions were quite something.”
Hans, Richard’s dedicated attendant, kept praising Judy Esther in Richard’s ear, saying she had dazzled everyone as soon as she entered the hall. Richard nodded; she was indeed beautiful.
“No one followed her in?”
“No, as soon as they approached the terrace, they were too busy watching each other.”
Hans trailed off at the end of his sentence. Although it wasn’t happening now, but if a high-ranking noble appeared, it could easily shatter this fragile situation.
The fact that royals entered last was always a point of dissatisfaction. Arriving later than common nobles at a ball was seen as a challenge to royal authority, which meant that royal entry times were often pushed back. This led to frustrating situations like this one where sometimes they couldn’t enter until the banquet was already in full swing.
“Your Highness, don’t worry. Even if some young noble bravely charges into the terrace, Lady Emers isn’t likely to give him the time of day.” Hans tried to reassure him, but from Richard’s perspective, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.
“Are there still nobles who haven’t arrived?”
It was the first day of the banquet, and the young ones were already causing a commotion, while the older nobles were as sluggish as slugs.
“This won’t do. Tell my father to come later according to the rules. I need to go in now.”
“Your Highness, please wait just a little longer.”
“If I wait, I’ll be late. Opportunities don’t just sit around and wait.”
It was an old custom for royals to enter last, and such customs were bound to be broken at some point.
Richard checked his appearance. He had slicked his hair back with pomade and wore a black tailcoat that matched his hair color. After observing Judy Esther for a long time, he had picked up on a few of her preferences.
Despite her avoiding him, he noticed her gaze subtly following him when he wore the black tailcoat.
“What about Marquis Emers and Chief Administrator Daniel?”
Before heading into battle, knowing the enemy’s movements was key to victory. To approach Judy Esther, he first needed to separate the Emers father and son from her.
“They are attending to the Crown Prince of the Rumelern Empire. The Rumelern side has notified us that His Highness will attend the banquet starting tomorrow, so neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Administrator will be at tonight’s banquet.”
“That’s what my father did.”
Richard sighed.
