That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 129

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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 129

As the luncheon drew to a close, the Emperor gazed upon Evelyn.
With a benevolent smile, he spoke with genuine warmth.
“You have labored greatly to accomplish this momentous task.”
Evelyn bowed respectfully and replied to the Emperor.
“From now on, I shall live as Duchess Ashford. The Imperial Palace loses a talented mind.”
The Emperor seemed to assume she would naturally resign from her position.
At his words, Evelyn lifted her head. With careful yet resolute conviction, she spoke.
“Your Majesty, I intend to return to the Royal Historical Research Institute.”
Within Evelyn still burned the dream of ancient languages.
The Emperor appeared taken aback by her declaration.
“You will soon become a Duchess, yet you wish to continue working as a researcher?”
“Yes, I wish to continue my research into ancient languages.”
Her clear, azure eyes met his. An unbreakable resolve shone within them.
At that moment, Theo, seated beside her, also spoke.
“I support her wishes entirely. Should she choose this path, I shall stand beside her always.”
The Emperor regarded them both in turn, then smiled with satisfaction.
“Then Evelyn, go inform the Institute of your return. In the meantime, I shall take tea with Duke Ashford.”
The Emperor graciously afforded Evelyn time to spend with her fellow researchers.
Evelyn rose with joy, offered her respects, and withdrew first.
Only Theo lingered with reluctance.

* * *

Upon arriving at the Royal Historical Research Institute, Evelyn surveyed her surroundings.
This place, once merely part of my daily routine, now felt refreshingly new.
I passed through the Garden where I once shared sandwiches with Paul and entered the East Building, where a long corridor stretched before me.
Before long, a placard for the Research Lab came into view.

[Ancient Language Interpretation Department]

At last, I had returned to my workplace.
The moment I opened the Research Lab door, familiar air enveloped me.
The scent of paper and ink, people moving busily between bookshelves….
In that instant, a welcoming voice reached my ears.
“Evelyn!”
It was Catherine, the senior researcher.
“You’re back now? You weren’t hurt anywhere, were you?”
Her usual warm manner of looking after me remained unchanged.
“Yes, I returned safely and well. It’s thanks to all of you.”
Starting with Catherine, the researchers crowded around me.
“We heard! You played a big role in bringing down the Envoy, didn’t you?”
“You must have gone through so much!”
“We didn’t even know…!”
As the Envoy’s misdeeds spread, my contributions became known as well.
I answered distractedly to the praise pouring in from all directions.
“So you’re returning to work now?”
Oliver, my senior, asked.
“Well….”
I smiled awkwardly and trailed off. It was when everyone wore puzzled expressions, noticing my flushed cheeks.
“…It seems that won’t be possible right away.”
“Why? What happened?”
I shook my head and added shyly.
“I’m getting married. We’re planning to hold the ceremony soon.”
“What? Congratulations!”
“That’s amazing! You managed to fall in love amid all that chaos!”
The researchers’ eyes gleamed as they fired questions at me.
“What kind of man is he? Where did you meet?”
The answer that followed was enough to shock them all.
“…Duke Ashford.”
….
….
Silence descended instantly. Paul, who had been listening, spoke like a cry.
“…That lunatic?”
“Paul!”
At Catherine’s warning, he flustered and covered his own mouth.
“Really?”
At Oliver’s question, I nodded again.
Then I felt the atmosphere shift subtly. Their gazes toward me had become cautious.
The moment I decided to be with Theo, this was what I had feared most.
That my colleagues would treat me not as a fellow researcher, but only as a Duchess.
Evelyn’s lips trembled.
“Still… I’d like to return. I want to work as a researcher at the Ancient Language Interpretation Department.”
She added hesitantly, as if gauging the reaction.
“…Is that alright?”
At that moment, Catherine wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“What are you talking about?”
Her firm voice reached Evelyn.
“Who else would work here if not someone like you who loves ancient languages and has real talent?”
Evelyn’s eyes wavered at those words.
“Your place is always here. Remember that.”
Starting with Catherine, everyone encouraged her.
“That’s right. What are you hesitating for?”
“Of course you should come back.”
Warmed by their welcome, Evelyn’s eyes grew slightly red.
“Thank you.”
Catherine, reading the moment, called out to the researchers.
“Come on! Let’s get back to work!”
Before leaving the Research Institute, Evelyn took her seat.
It was the space where she would continue to pursue her dreams.
As she caressed the desk surface with a swelling heart, it happened.
“…Wait, you’re really marrying the Duke?”
Paul still hadn’t grasped the mood.
He was too busy chattering away beside her, desperate to satisfy his curiosity.
“Tell me everything from the beginning. You know I love this stuff, right?”
“That’s for later…”
“How did this happen?”
Evelyn had no choice but to change the subject.
“What about you? What happened with the Librarian you had a crush on?”
“…”
Paul’s face fell instantly.
“She disappeared.”
He spoke again in a dejected voice.
“She just vanished one day. When I asked around, nobody knew anything.”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“That’s just how it ended.”
She disappeared suddenly?
Evelyn clicked her tongue.
The Librarian must have formally resigned. The remaining librarians probably told Paul nothing to protect her.
She couldn’t bring herself to say, “It was probably because you made her uncomfortable.”
Evelyn nodded at the conclusion she had reached.

* * *

The carriage carrying Theo and Evelyn arrived at the Ashford Estate.
Evelyn gazed at the manor and let out a delighted laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
Theo asked in a tender voice.
“It feels strange. I’m going to be living here from now on. As your wife.”
“….”
At the word “wife,” I found myself momentarily speechless.
Each time Evelyn affirmed our relationship, my heart swelled with overwhelming emotion.
Noticing my reaction, she smiled and took my hand.
As we stepped into the manor, Robert greeted us as though he had been waiting.
“Master, and Miss Evelyn!”
“Robert, I hope you’ve been well?”
We had last seen each other only days ago.
Yet having returned after settling everything, it felt as though far more time had passed.
“Yes, sir. You must have endured much hardship.”
I gave a brief nod in response to his warm welcome.
Then, standing in the Main Hall, I lifted my gaze.
Above the railing at the center of the staircase leading to the second floor hung a portrait of my family.
Their unchanging faces across the years were a cherished memory I had never been able to release.
Yet now, my heart no longer ached.
I spoke in a low, measured tone.
“I should commission a skilled painter.”
“Is something the matter, sir?”
Robert inquired about my intent, then followed my violet gaze.
“Surely you don’t mean…!”
“A portrait of the new Duke and Duchess will hang there now.”
I stated it plainly.
In that moment, Robert’s eyes widened visibly. Soon, tears began to glisten in them.
“…I see.”
The Previous Duke and Duchess would forever remain in both my heart and Robert’s.
I could never forget the parents who first taught me what love meant.
Yet I moved forward alone, continually glancing back. Unable to escape the past, I walked through a barren desert.
Evelyn brought gentle rain to that desolate place. She planted a blue lake, verdant forests, and fragrant flowers.
There came a time when I told her this.

‘You are my world and my everything.’

Every word was absolute truth. I would live for her, breathe for her.
In every moment to come, Evelyn would be by my side. My life would never be barren again.
A serene smile graced Theo’s lips. Evelyn gazed at him in quiet stillness.

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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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