That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. 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 16

Even after delivering the handkerchief, Theo didn’t leave the research institute.

He was sitting on a nearby garden bench, looking down at the blue flowers.

Even if just for a moment, he wanted to stay close to Evelyn.

The research institution supported by the Royal Court was large and magnificent.

With a huge garden at the center, buildings surrounded it.

Among them, the eastern building was the History Research Institute, and on its first floor was the small ‘Ancient Language Interpretation Department’.

Even if it wasn’t popular, wasn’t this too modest?

This was Theo’s first impression upon seeing Evelyn’s workplace.

If she wanted, he could provide her with a better environment.

Should he bring it up once? After thinking about it, he soon shook his head.

It might seem like he was dismissing her work.

Anyway, keeping Evelyn in his sight was an overwhelmingly happy thing.

Her surprised face remained like an afterimage, floating around in his mind.

He had to force his reluctant feet to move.

Theo never regretted bringing out the Ducal House’s weapon for this moment.

The hat he wore was a magical tool that could change his appearance for three hours.

This treasure of House Ashford was a weapon used to confuse enemies during important battles.

Since it could only be used once a year, the heads of the family didn’t easily bring it out.

If the previous dukes knew he used it just to briefly see the face of a woman he liked, they would clutch their necks.

However, Theo was more resolute than when going to war.

What could Evelyn be thinking?

If she really only wanted his body…

‘Maybe approaching her more primitively would be faster.’

It was when he was seriously considering other methods.

“I don’t know, why do you keep asking that.”

Evelyn’s voice could be heard from far away.

Was it an auditory hallucination? Because he missed her too much, he was hearing things…

Even knowing it was nonsense, he turned his head.

Evelyn?

It really was Evelyn.

As if warm sunlight was pouring only on her, she was shining brightly even from a distance.

“How do you feel? I don’t know who sent it, but anyway, that man likes you!”

Following that, a cheerful man’s voice poured out.

Unlike Evelyn, his tone was extremely light.

It seemed to be lunch time, as the two were holding a sandwich and looking around for a place to sit.

And they settled not far from Theo.

Their conversation could be heard behind him. Theo pulled his hat down deep.

“Paul, mind your own love life. Stop with the love letters too.”

“I’m just curious. Flowers followed by a handkerchief! That man is seriously interested in you!”

“I don’t think so…?”

Evelyn sighed. At her negative reaction, Theo’s heart sank with a thud.

Paul asked carefully.

“Why? Is the man not your type?”

“No, rather he’s too much my type, that’s the problem.”

He’s incredibly handsome.

At Evelyn’s words, Theo’s eyes lit up.

Her every word lifted and dropped his mood.

Come to think of it, Evelyn had said while drunk.

‘His Grace is incredibly handsome.’

‘He’s my type. Physically.’

I should definitely push forward physically.

It was when Theo was reaffirming his resolve.

“Then what’s the problem?”

At Paul’s words, Evelyn made a hmm sound.

“There are quite a few obstacles. I’m not confident enough to overcome them all.”

“Confidence?”

“Is his confession sincere? Even if it is sincere, how long will those feelings last? Things like that.”

“You’re a coward, aren’t you?”

“Maybe so.”

Evelyn nodded, not knowing what effect she had on the man sitting nearby.

Theo slowly rose from his seat.

He quietly concealed his presence and left the garden. He was using stealth techniques from the battlefield for this.

However, he couldn’t hide the smile that kept escaping.

Evelyn’s feelings toward him were close to favorable. All that was lacking was confidence that he wouldn’t change his mind.

‘I need to give her trust. Along with my body.’

He reached that conclusion and left for the Duke’s mansion.

But because of his overly quick steps, he missed the rest of the story.

Evelyn’s honest feelings were just beginning.

In the space Theo had left, she covered her face with both hands.

“Even if it’s sincere, it’s useless. I have no intention of getting involved with him.”

“Why? Because you’re a coward?”

“Let’s call it being a thorough realist.”

“Right, coward.”

“…”

Would you easily accept Duke Ashford if you were me? Someone of such high status that it’s overwhelming just to look up to?

Just imagining it made her future seem chaotic. The pouring gazes would pierce her entire body like arrows.

The peaceful lunch time ended like that. Without knowing what ripples this day would bring.

* * *

Duke Ashford showed even more aggressive momentum.

One day, sweet desserts were delivered.

Not just for Evelyn, but plenty for all the researchers at the Ancient Language Interpretation Department.

Everyone tasted the sweet fruit tarts and expressed their gratitude to Evelyn.

She explained that it had nothing to do with her, but everyone just smiled gently.

[After work, wait at the main gate.]

Looking at the letter delivered only to her, Evelyn made up her mind.

She would meet him directly and make the Duke give up.

After that, she deliberately waited until everyone had left work.

Taking advantage of the quiet moment, as Evelyn was heading to the main gate, someone rushed at her.

“Evelyn, I rewrote my love letter, please take a look!”

It was Paul. She pushed her colleague away, saying she was busy, but he was oblivious.

“Are you meeting the man who gave you gifts by any chance? Let me see his face too!”

“No, let’s go through the back gate!”

At this rate, rumors would spread throughout the entire research institute.

In the end, Evelyn couldn’t meet the Duke because of Paul.

A few days later, Theo sent another message to Evelyn.

The content said he would wait at the research institute main gate.

However, even before quitting time, the researchers were buzzing.

“Did you see? Duke Ashford is standing there without moving!”

“Why?”

“Is that what’s important? We need to escape through the back gate!”

“Still, I’m curious. Who did he come to meet?”

The researchers were curious about the Duke’s purpose for visiting.

For Evelyn, this was an extremely burdensome situation.

I should move once everyone disappears…

This time I absolutely must settle things!

Just then, Catherine, seeing her serious expression, spoke to her.

“Shall we leave work together today? Through the back gate.”

“Huh? I’m fine though…”

“No, seniors are there to be used at times like this.”

With a tone as if she would protect her from a wild beast, Evelyn was dragged away helplessly.

After that, Catherine continued to leave work together with Evelyn.

Along with the inexplicable words, ‘Just trust me!’

The important thing was that she kept standing Theo up.

Evelyn wanted to cry.

It was no different from ignoring Duke Ashford.

‘How dare someone like me…!’

What should I do now…

Should I ask the person who brings gifts to deliver a letter? Writing content that rejects his confession?

Evelyn thought of the green-haired man.

Duke Ashford’s continuous gifts were always delivered by him.

Evelyn shook her head, recalling his displeased eyes.

‘He looks so prickly that he doesn’t seem trustworthy.’

Somehow it seemed like he would secretly check the letter’s contents.

It would also be proper manners to speak directly herself.

Evelyn wrote a suitable meeting place on blank paper.

She planned to have only this letter delivered to the man who brought gifts.

However, the green-haired man didn’t come even after the morning passed.

“He’s not coming today? I guess he’s gotten tired of you now!”

Paul shouted loudly without reading the room and received Catherine’s glare.

Evelyn also felt puzzled.

Did something happen?

‘No, maybe Paul is right and the Duke has given up.’

Things seemed to be resolving more easily than expected.

Evelyn quietly put the letter into her drawer.

She tried to focus on her assigned work, but one corner of her heart felt complicated.

What thoughts did the Duke have while waiting for her?

What kind of promise had she made to the Duke?

Her thoughts continued endlessly.

It was the fifteenth day since she had kissed Theo.

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