That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 120

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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That’s not what kissing means!
Episode 120

At that same moment, Jayden sat trembling in a cold chair, his shoulders quaking.
Though he had served as an advisor to House Ashford for many years, this was his first time in the Underground Dungeon.
His body stiffened instinctively in the dark, damp interior.
“This is the interrogation chamber. It’s the most tolerable environment among all the dungeons here.”
Julian spoke to him with an expressionless face, and at the mention of even worse spaces existing, Jayden’s eyes widened.
Julian continued.
“The Duke will return shortly. Until then, dealing with me would be far more comfortable for you.”
“….”
“For your information, Lionel Priest cannot be summoned. I hear his body and soul have been separated.”
At this chilling revelation, Jayden’s face drained of all color.
He had been apprehended at the entrance the moment he guided Lionel to the Eastern Forest. The Duke had already known of the entire plan.
A flat voice reached his ears.
“I already know everything. Your collusion with the Grand Cleric, and your dealings with Oben Territory as well.”
Jayden could not open his mouth easily. Even now, his mind raced, calculating any possible escape route.
When Jayden said nothing, Julian’s lips curved upward as he watched.
“Then let’s change our approach.”
At his gesture, the Knights dragged someone forward.
Bound in iron chains, they were the Cleric who had been with Lionel.
Whatever had transpired, their once-white robes were now stained and blotched. Jayden’s pupils trembled as he observed their disheveled hair and limp movements.
They had been carelessly cast down, now kneeling on the floor.
Julian spoke leisurely.
“We intend to release whichever of you bears the lighter guilt.”
At those words, the Cleric’s eyes gleamed. Then he pointed an accusatory finger at Jayden.
“It was this man who informed us about the Eastern Forest! He handed over a map and revealed the location of the hidden Knights!”
Jayden jumped up and denied it vehemently.
“I-I didn’t even know the Knights existed! As an advisor to House Ashford, I could never participate in such a heinous crime….”
“That’s a lie! This man also knew the Knights would be sacrificed!”
A mudslinging match ensued, each accusing the other, down to the minutest details of their involvement.
Of course, Julian was recording this entire scene on video.
“You sent that letter!”
“Lionel Priest ordered me to…!”
“We only did as we were commanded!”
Julian regarded him with satisfaction, then opened his mouth to speak.
“How delightful to see someone tearing down their opponent like that.”
It was then that a Knight approached and reported something to Julian.
“The Duke has arrived.”
“Is that so?”
Julian settled into his chair and surveyed the three of them.
Cunning and treacherous faces looked up at him.
“It seems….”
Julian picked up his fountain pen and pointed it toward the Clerics.
“The crimes on this side appear to be far more grave.”
At his gesture, the Knight unlocked the restraints from Jayden’s wrists.
“You’re really letting me go?”
Jayden asked, his face filled with disbelief.
“Do you object?”
“No, not at all!”
Leaving the Clerics to their despair behind him, Jayden left the dungeon. Unaware of what expression Julian wore in that moment.
With each step up the stone stairs, the moisture beneath his feet felt unpleasant. This was a place he never wished to return to.
Finally, the door opened, and he was greeted by brilliant sunlight.
Jayden’s expression froze in an instant.
“…I greet you, Duke.”
Theo was waiting for him there. He smiled faintly and spoke.
“I’ll need your cooperation with the investigation.”

* * *

Jayden set everything aside. Following Theo toward the Gate, he answered his questions without reservation.
“Looking at the Clerics’ letters, there was a lot of ancient language in them.”
“…The merchant from Oben Territory is fluent in ancient language.”
Jayden’s voice trembled as he spoke.
“I heard he grew up in a Holy Kingdom orphanage as a child. That’s why he received ancient language education from the Clerics….”
“They mixed in ancient language so the letters wouldn’t be discovered.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Oben Territory is close to Ashford Estate. That would have made it easy to orchestrate things.”
“….”
“What’s the merchant’s name?”
“Chase.”
Upon entering the Technicians’ Village, they encountered Helena and Donovan.
Helena shot him a piercing glare. Even Donovan, who rarely showed emotion, wore an expression of barely contained rage.
Jayden deliberately avoided their gazes.
Evelyn and the Ashford Knight Order were waiting at the Magitech Research Institute.
“We depart now.”
At Theo’s command, everyone headed toward the Gate.

* * *

Oben Territory was renowned for its horticultural expertise. Its ability to cultivate flowers was particularly exceptional.
Developing rare varieties and producing perfume ingredients—the entire territory was engaged in horticulture.
Chase, having earned the lord’s trust, was the one managing trade for Oben Territory.
“Why is it so quiet….”
He muttered to himself while organizing books on the shelves.
This place was a bookstore in disguise. It was where covert transactions occurred and related documents were kept.
Chase had good instincts. As the Clerics who should have arrived long ago failed to appear, his anxiety only grew.
But there was nothing he could do about it.
‘If they don’t come by today, I’ll need to find out what’s happening.’
At that moment, the bookstore door opened.
Seeing Jayden, Chase greeted him warmly.
“I was just worried because we hadn’t heard anything. But where are the Clerics? Why have you come alone?”
Originally, only the Clerics should have come.
Had something happened?
At least Jayden had come to deliver news—that was fortunate.
“Well, about that….”
Seeing his tense expression, Chase pulled him closer.
“Let’s go underground first. This doesn’t seem like a conversation for here.”
That was when it happened.
“So there’s something important underground, it seems.”
The quiet air of the bookstore shifted in an instant. The man who entered exuded a considerable pressure.
“I apologize… Your Grace has discovered everything.”
Jayden’s apology fell behind as Chase assessed the Duke.
The bookstore employees also took defensive stances. From their posture, they appeared to be Knights.
“The lord is in on it too.”
If the lord of Oben Territory would lend his own Knights, he must already know of the dealings with the Holy Kingdom.
Theo opened his mouth.
“Produce all materials related to the Holy Kingdom. The lord’s permission is unnecessary.”
He presented the certificate he had received from the Emperor.
Chase’s pupils trembled uncontrollably. One could not defy an imperial decree.
But if the documents hidden underground were discovered…
That would be an even greater catastrophe.
After exchanging glances with one another, Chase’s group reached a decision.
Some drew short blades from their waists, while others retrieved weapons hidden throughout the bookshelves.
Sharp sword points aimed at Theo, tightening the encirclement.
Then the bookstore door opened once more. The Ashford Knight Order, which had been waiting outside, suddenly burst in.
Chase and his employees had felt no sign of their presence.
The Knights subdued and bound Chase’s group in an instant.
It happened in a brief span of time with barely any clash. It was a moment that reaffirmed the fact that only the Empire’s finest swordsmen had gathered here.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Evelyn descended underground with Vanessa.
The interior was meticulously maintained, suggesting it was a frequently used space.
Evelyn quickly located documents related to the Grand Cleric. Though ancient script was scattered throughout, it posed no difficulty for her.
“Why can’t I find it?”
Seeing her puzzled expression, Vanessa pointed to one section of the bookshelf.
“There’s a lock here, isn’t there?”
Among the open shelves, only one was sealed like a drawer.
“I suppose I’ll have to go back up and ask for the key…”
Clang!
Before she could finish speaking, the lock fell with a sharp tap.
Vanessa had struck it with the pommel of her sword.
“Please examine it, Evelyn.”
“Th-thank you.”
Evelyn calmed her startled heart and examined the documents.
As expected, they were filled with transaction ledgers involving the Grand Cleric.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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