That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 19

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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 19

The place Theo and she arrived at was Bellarsi.

It was a first-class restaurant where reservations were difficult to get even if you contacted them six months in advance.

‘I heard Bellarsi’s food is that delicious?’

‘Well, what can we do? One meal there costs our entire monthly salary.’

Through the researchers’ conversations, Evelyn also knew of this place’s existence.

Did the Duke make a reservation long ago too?

She was thinking such innocent thoughts as they entered.

“Oh, it’s closed today though?”

Evelyn said, looking at the sign placed at the building entrance.

“Right, that’s perfect.”

Theo led her with incomprehensible words.

What’s perfect about it? The door is locked!

Just then, a man in a suit came running hurriedly from inside the restaurant building.

When he opened the massive double doors, a well-maintained garden was revealed.

It was impressive enough to rival the Imperial Palace.

“Duke Ashford, you’ve arrived! You’re earlier than expected!”

He greeted them both and showed Evelyn a gentle smile.

“Nice to meet you for the first time. I’m the hostess of this establishment.”

“Hello.”

Then he didn’t ask anything else. He was simply devoted to guiding them.

Bellarsi, consisting of three floors total, was an ivory-colored building that showed both grandeur and warmth.

Even to Evelyn, who didn’t know much about architecture, it had a refined appearance.

Unlike the rumors of daily crowds, the interior was very quiet.

“Is there a particular seat you’d prefer?”

“We’ll dine upstairs. Prepare the menu as you see fit.”

Theo continued to watch Evelyn carefully. When they reached their seats, he didn’t forget to pull out her chair.

The Duke, who attended to her instead of the hostess, looked quite satisfied.

In this incomprehensible situation, Evelyn asked.

“There aren’t any customers at all?”

“It’s closed.”

“That’s what I mean. How did we come on a day off?”

Was this possible if you paid a lot of money?

That couldn’t be right. From what she heard, even high-ranking nobles had to wait according to the same procedures.

Ah. Theo answered nonchalantly.

“This place is my property.”

“What?”

Once again, the emotional distance between her and the Duke widened.

When Evelyn fell silent, Theo tilted his head sideways.

“The food is quite good. You’ll like it.”

“No, that’s not what I’m worried about… never mind.”

“What’s the problem? Since it’s closed, we’re not canceling other people’s reservations, and I’ve arranged to pay the staff working today three times their usual wages.”

“Three times?”

Oh my, I should have worked here… no, that’s not the point!

Evelyn shook her head.

“I have something important to tell you today.”

“Say anything.”

Huff- Evelyn exhaled deeply as if she had made up her mind.

I can do this! I need to say it clearly!

She repeated the lines she had practiced countless times in the carriage.

‘I have no intention of meeting with you, Duke. Please don’t come looking for me anymore.’

It was just two sentences. She just needed to say them clearly.

Surely he wouldn’t get angry, would he?

This was separate from making him wait.

From the Duke’s perspective, his long patience had resulted in rejection.

There was no way he’d be in a good mood. Moreover, the story about him jumping into flames to catch a monster kept coming to mind.

It was Catherine’s fault for scaring her at the end.

Thinking that his warm smile could change at any moment, her whole body stiffened.

“I am…!”

Finally, Evelyn opened her mouth.

However, she had to stop speaking because of someone.

“Excuse me.”

The hostess she saw earlier came pulling a trolley.

“I’ve brought all the food at once. So you can focus on your conversation.”

As he said, various dishes were placed on the table.

Evelyn unconsciously swallowed her saliva. The hostess explained the menu.

“For the appetizer, we have a salad with tangy dressing, and…”

His refined tone felt painfully slow.

After work, during dinner time, she felt even hungrier.

Come to think of it, she had skipped lunch while worrying about the Duke.

‘I’m weak to two things.’

Men’s good looks and delicious meals.

It was a moment when she realized something about herself once again.

“For the main course, we have butter-grilled trout and beef steak…”

“That’s enough explanation.”

Theo stopped his words.

Because Evelyn’s gaze toward the table was so pitiful.

When the hostess withdrew, Theo tried to serve her some salad.

“Do we really have to eat in order…”

Evelyn muttered quietly.

He suppressed his laughter and cut the steak for her.

After eating the food, Evelyn covered her cheek with one hand.

The tender texture and the flavor spreading throughout her mouth were exquisite.

‘It’s not the best restaurant for nothing!’

Each bite was amazing.

She began eating frantically.

Theo continued to attend to her so Evelyn could eat comfortably.

He didn’t forget to fill her glass with fragrant wine either.

‘I should discuss important matters after the meal.’

The Duke might get indigestion.

Having made up an excuse for herself, Evelyn focused on the other dishes.

Everything she tasted was heavenly.

Could she have such delicious meals every day if she was with the Duke?

‘That would be quite a shame to give up.’

Every time she enjoyed the food, she had to recall the earlier situation.

The situation where the entire research lab was thrown into chaos just from the Duke’s brief visit.

By the way, how am I going to handle things when I go there tomorrow?

‘Sigh, let’s just eat.’

This was high-class cuisine she would never taste again. Evelyn decided to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As her stomach gradually filled, other things began to catch her attention.

For instance, Theo, who was constantly taking care of her.

She had been too busy eating to pay attention to him.

Feeling sorry, Evelyn spoke with a guilty heart.

“Please eat as well, Duke.”

“Are you thinking of me?”

He seemed delighted even by the glutton’s small gesture of kindness.

Having regained her senses, she was gradually looking for a moment to refuse.

Theo didn’t eat unless Evelyn urged him to.

He seemed to enjoy taking care of the woman before him more.

Eventually, Evelyn was the first to put down her utensils.

“Um, Duke… I think I should tell you something now.”

“I won’t listen.”

“Pardon?”

But earlier you told me to say anything!

Theo spoke with a smile playing on his lips.

“Call me by my name. Then I’ll listen to everything.”

“That joke… really…”

This was the most unfunny joke she’d ever heard. It was a prank so chilling it made her spine tingle.

“It’s not a joke.”

Theo continued.

“It seems like you’ve solved your homework, so shouldn’t you be able to call me by my name now?”

“How did you know that?”

“Just a feeling.”

He had the skills to be a fortune teller.

“Even so… how could we possibly…”

“It’s fine, because it’s us.”

This is driving me crazy! Evelyn felt like crying.

“Duke, I would like you to listen to what I’m about to say.”

“…”

He gave no response.

“Duke? Are you listening?”

“…”

No matter how many times she called, Theo remained silent.

It seemed he intended to keep his mouth shut until he heard the title he wanted.

This is maddening.

Feeling like this would never end, Evelyn finally managed to speak.

“Th… Theo-nim.”

“More familiarly.”

“Theo… would you please listen to what I have to say?”

“Of course, who’s asking after all.”

The Duke answered with frustrating ease.

His violet eyes sparkled. He seemed to be enjoying Evelyn’s discomfort.

“So, Theo…”

This is painful. To call his name so affectionately while about to hurt him.

Evelyn first offered her thanks.

“Thanks to you, I was able to have a delicious meal. Thank you. Today’s steak was delicious, and the mushrooms on top…”

“Say that kind of thing to the Chef.”

What a long preamble.

Theo cut off her words with an exasperated expression.

He too was beginning to guess.

That attitude of speaking in circles with such a troubled face…

‘Is this a rejection?’

Why? Because I still haven’t given her enough confidence?

Actually, he’d had a feeling since she started avoiding him for several days.

He just wanted to ignore it.

Besides, hadn’t he already overheard Evelyn’s conversation with her colleague?

Whatever answer came from those small lips, his affection would remain unchanged.

“Go ahead and tell me. Your main point.”

Theo smiled so brilliantly it was dazzling.

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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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