The Prince's Taste - Chapter 5.2
As if suddenly recalling something, Judy Esther turned to the vendor.
“Oh, Sir, do you have any fresh oysters?”
“Of course!”
“Then bring me a full plate.”
“Yes!?”
Calix stared blankly at the stall owner, seemingly unaware of what oysters were.
“Sweetheart, didn’t you know? Oysters are supposed to be amazing for a man’s stamina.”
“…Ha, have I lived my life…?”
Calix trailed off with a deep sigh, unable to finish his sentence.
Richard stopped mid-step and let out a quiet scoff. He had always known Judy Esther was audacious, but to say such things to the Crown Prince of Rumelern? Even if she didn’t know who he was, how could she not sense the sheer danger radiating from him?
The vendor, who clearly had no intention of getting between them, shucked the oysters at swordmaster speed, swiftly plating them. Now, alongside the wriggling octopus, sat a dish full of glistening, golden, gelatinous oysters.
“You know, I can’t leave Adrian because of this food. I never imagined I’d be able to eat live octopus and fresh oysters in my magical time. It’s probably a setting error by the author, but who cares? As long as I’m happy.”
“What are you even talking about?”
“Nothing important. Hurry up and eat. Didn’t you say you wanted to have a meal with me?”
“I meant a proper meal.”
“Hmph. You’re a picky eater.”
“How ridiculous.”
As soon as Calix finished his sentence, Judy Esther had already speared an oyster with a long skewer and held it up to his mouth. Caught off guard, Calix instinctively parted his lips.
And before he could even process it, the oyster was already in his mouth.
Richard’s brows furrowed in irritation. No matter how carefree she was, this was too much.
“Ugh. What is this? It’s slimy and reeks of the sea.”
“So it’s true, you are a picky eater. No wonder the men of the Empire are so weak.”
Completely ignoring Calix’s complaints, Judy Esther casually popped an oyster into her own mouth, her expression turning blissful as she chewed. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she grumbled, “If there are oysters here, why isn’t there any gaebul? Does the author hate fat innkeeper worms or something?”
Calix stiffened. Whatever gaebul was, it sounded like a curse.
And judging by Judy Esther’s expression, it had to be yet another questionable delicacy.
“Judy Esther, I am different from the common imperial man.”
Calix grumbled, which was unlike his usual self—one who cut first and questioned later—now behaving unexpectedly different.
“How exactly are you different?”
“I am someone truly special—”
“Tch, you talk like you’re some kind of royalty.”
“Well, I am…”
Richard was annoyed as he watched Judy Esther speak so familiarly with another man. She was always so formal with him, yet she dropped honorifics entirely, as if Calix were an old friend.
Striding over, Richard swiftly closed the distance between them. He could not allow Judy Esther to be further exposed to the crown prince. If Calix were to discover the magical charm that made her so irresistible, things would become far too troublesome.
Judy Esther, her cheeks flushed from just a few sips of alcohol, looked at Richard and pouted.
“Richard?”
“…”
“What are you doing here?”
Her tone was casual—too casual, and even called out Richard’s name directly. Richard, who was about to scold her for speaking so informally with Calix, suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
“…I was just passing by and saw you.”
A blatant lie. Calix let out an amused scoff.
“What could you possibly be passing by here for?”
“Can the wind not blow anywhere?”
He rolled his eyes. Judy Esther raised a brow, then, as if coming to some thought, said,
“You sit here too.”
She patted the seat next to her. Richard complied without hesitation and sat down.
Calix clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“What got you so anxious that you had to come?”
“I heard there’s a wolf prowling around Adrian.”
“Well, I suppose that is a valid concern, even if it’s not me.”
Calix watched Judy Esther intently. Even something as simple as the way she slipped the skewer of rolled octopus tentacles into her mouth was charming. He had to admit, it was mesmerizing.
“Judy, chew slowly. You don’t want to get it stuck in your throat, do you?”
“Huh?”
Still chewing, Judy Esther reached for her mug and downed the rest of her beer in one go. Then, without missing a beat, she turned toward the stall owner.
“Mister, three more cold beers!”
“Judy, it’s broad daylight…”
“This is nothing. A former ‘ soju bomb’ expert like me won’t get drunk on this. Octopus pairs best with soju, but at least there’s beer in this world.”
“Soju? What’s that?” Calix asked Richard, but he didn’t know either.
“You know what? I’m feeling generous. Since you can’t handle octopus or oysters, I’ll order you some chicken skewers. Nothing pairs better with beer.”
“Judy, I can eat everything.”
“Not you, the Darling over there.”
She pointed a finger straight at Calix.
