That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 130

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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 130

The Hart Baron Estate bustled with activity from dawn.
Serena, the lady of the household, moved briskly through the Manor with flushed cheeks, her excitement palpable.
“What’s missing? The house looks so dull!”
Harry, observing her frantic preparations, wore an expression of discontent.
“Our home has always been perfect. Because you’re here. So there’s no need to go to such lengths for a guest.”
“This isn’t just any guest!”
Serena spoke with firm conviction.
“Evelyn is bringing the man she’s going to marry! At least spread out the tablecloth properly.”
“Hmph….”
Harry grumbled, but ultimately yielded to his wife’s wishes.
Ever since receiving that letter from the Capital, his heart had been unsettled.
After sending his beloved daughter to the Capital, he had lived in constant worry and longing.
But now… marriage?
Our small, precious Evelyn is getting married?
He wanted to share in his wife’s bittersweet emotions, but Serena was too caught up in the excitement of welcoming her future son-in-law.
As Harry watched her give her all until the very end, he felt the weight of his sorrow.
“Mother, Father! I’m home.”
A beloved voice rang out from the entrance of the Manor.
Serena couldn’t contain herself and rushed toward the door.
“Dear, let’s go together…!”
Harry followed with a tender expression.
At the doorway stood the daughter they had missed so dearly.
And beside her stood a tall man who gleamed with radiant brilliance.
Serena fell silent for several seconds, her gaze fixed on Theo.
Harry too stared in surprise, then found himself thinking.
That brilliance was merely sunlight, nothing more.
And at the same moment, a sense of crisis swept through him.
Even at middle age, he had never been outshone in beauty within this Estate. But today, a formidable rival had appeared.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Theo Ashford.”
Theo bowed respectfully, and only then did Serena snap back to attention.
“Welcome. You must be exhausted from your long journey. Please, rest comfortably.”
She greeted her daughter and future son-in-law with a radiant smile.
And then she thought to herself.
‘She’s definitely my daughter….’
She had clearly been swept away by the man’s beauty, just as I had been.
But what if he’s all flash and no substance?
I needed to examine him carefully, just to be safe.
Serena, who was guiding us to the dining room, tilted her head in confusion.
“But… did you say Ashford? I feel like I’ve heard that name before.”
Evelyn laughed awkwardly and explained.
“He’s Duke Ashford. I didn’t mention it beforehand because I was worried it might surprise you.”
“A, a Duke…?”
“….”
In that moment, the air fell silent.

* * *

Fortunately, the meal began smoothly.
It was thanks to Theo’s request to be treated comfortably.
His gentle demeanor melted away Serena’s anxiety.
Throughout the meal, Theo guided the conversation with grace. His smooth manner of speaking warmed the atmosphere.
Serena gradually relaxed, and Harry also made an effort to appear composed.
The Empire’s guardian, Duke Ashford, visiting this rural Estate… it still didn’t feel real.
“Your Manor is quite beautiful.”
Theo smiled softly.
“It must be thanks to the mistress of the house caring for it so meticulously.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Serena’s face brightened.
“The meal is also excellent. May I have a bit more?”
“Of course!”
At his continued praise, Serena was delighted.
Evelyn was somewhat surprised. Theo usually showed no interest in meals, and this was the first time she’d seen him ask for seconds.
Harry pretended to focus on eating while observing the two across from him.
Theo was naturally attending to Evelyn’s meal. He appeared skilled, as if he’d done it many times before.
‘Hmph!’
Though reassured, a sense of displeasure remained. It was the sudden sorrow of losing my daughter.
Theo understood what Harry was feeling. He was naturally skilled at reading others’ emotions, and his counterpart was far too clumsy at hiding them.
Despite his endless vigilance, laughter bubbled up. The face before him was so strikingly similar to Evelyn’s—the same pink hair, blue eyes, and gentle expression.
Then Harry deliberately spoke in a dignified voice. Yet an unmistakable tremor lay beneath it.
“After marriage, Evelyn will live as the Duchess, correct?”
He recalled precious memories with his daughter. Evelyn’s eyes would light up whenever she studied ancient languages.
To bring joy to his daughter, Harry had made efforts to obtain ancient language materials even in this remote rural Estate.
“Ancient language research is Evelyn’s entire world.”
Harry’s gaze met Theo’s.
“I hope this child will continue to do the things she loves.”
“Of course. I support Evelyn’s dreams.”
Theo answered without the slightest hesitation. Harry’s eyes softened slightly.
But soon he spoke again.
“The truth is, I worry whether our daughter can bear the burden of being a Duchess.”
Serena’s face grew troubled at his words.
Both of them desired only Evelyn’s happiness. They were deeply concerned that such a lofty position might burden their daughter.
Then Theo set down his utensils.
He looked directly at the Hart couple.
“As long as I am with her, Evelyn need not bear anything alone.”
His voice was firm and unwavering.
“I understand what you both are thinking. You worry about the life that awaits Evelyn ahead.”
His gaze turned briefly toward Evelyn before returning to them.
“Many hours will pass in the years to come. In the seasons we experience together, there will be both joy and hardship.”
….
“We may breathe the sweet fragrance of blossoms and admire the refreshing waves, yet winter always arrives. We may face the bitter desolation of bare branches.”
His violet eyes did not waver in the slightest.
“Through all those seasons and moments, I will always be by Evelyn’s side. I will bear every burden.”
Theo’s words carried unadorned sincerity.
His genuine voice overflowed with affection for Evelyn.
It was then that Serena and Harry exchanged glances and smiled.
“Theo is a good man.”
Evelyn spoke.
“With this person by my side… I think I will be happy.”
Her confident voice touched the hearts of both parents.
Harry could not speak for a moment. Something felt strange.
His daughter, who had always seemed to be a child, had suddenly grown so much.
Harry nodded gently.
“Be happy, my daughter.”
Then he gazed steadily at Theo.
Theo met his eyes and smiled.
Evelyn slowly looked at the people beside her.
Mother, Father… and Theo as well.
They were her beloved family.
In the warm atmosphere, Theo spoke once more, asking them to treat him comfortably.
“Well, perhaps we could…”
Serena was about to accept her son-in-law’s suggestion.
“Lord Hart Baron!”
A voice called out from outside.
“Were we expecting anyone today?”
The moment the Baron and Baroness exchanged puzzled glances, Theo rose from his seat.
“It seems they’ve arrived.”
The Hart Baron Estate staff followed the Duke in bewilderment.
Moments later—
“Wh-what on earth is this…!”
“Darling…?”
Astonished voices tumbled forth.
An endless cascade of gifts flooded into the manor.
Fine garments nestled in crimson velvet boxes, rare delicacies, glittering jewels…
Treasures beyond imagination poured forth.
Only Theo spoke with perfect composure.
“A modest token of my regard. I do hope it pleases you.”
Modest…?
Serena’s eyes widened in shock. Harry stood frozen in place.
“The remainder of the gifts will arrive tomorrow.”
This wasn’t even the end…?
The Baron and Baroness were left speechless.
It seemed the son-in-law’s request to be treated casually would have to wait quite some time.
Evelyn exhaled softly.
His gifts, beginning with a handkerchief, remained staggeringly extravagant.

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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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