That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 24

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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 24

“What do you mean by that?”

Even at Evelyn’s question, Theo only smiled silently.

She should have realized it then. No, she should have noticed when he gifted her a hundred handkerchiefs.

That his thoughts always exceeded expectations.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

When they reached the main gate of the Imperial Palace, Evelyn offered her farewell.

It was time for each of them to return to their respective positions.

Was it because of the sunlight? Theo’s face looked particularly bright.

“Pack lightly. We’ll provide whatever you need at the Duke’s mansion.”

There wasn’t much to pack anyway. Since she had her researcher uniform, there was no need to prepare dresses.

The Duke continued speaking.

“I should mention some precautions in advance.”

“Precautions? Are there things I need to be careful about at the mansion?”

Evelyn asked, trying to listen carefully.

“What are you talking about? There’s nothing you need to worry about. You can wander anywhere and touch anything.”

“Then what do you mean by precautions…”

“I’m asking about things concerning you. Like your furniture preferences, or what food you’d like.”

Why is he being so considerate? Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

“The House of Ashford has always done its best to welcome guests.”

Theo neatly cut off her doubts.

Evelyn’s face reddened with embarrassment.

“You don’t need to go that far. I’ll be leaving soon anyway.”

“Right, I’ll ask slowly.”

He cast a violet gaze her way.

“We have plenty of time.”

It seemed to deny her words about leaving soon.

At Theo’s words about seeing her tomorrow, Evelyn politely bowed and turned away.

He had to suppress the regret that welled up inside him.

He couldn’t even dare to offer to escort her home. He was afraid she might distance herself further.

He watched Evelyn’s retreating figure for a long time.

* * *

Evelyn returned to the research lab and headed to her seat listlessly.

In the end, she would be commuting to the Ashford ducal house starting tomorrow morning.

Just thinking about packing after work already made her tired.

There were many strange things about Julia’s stone. If she had to pick two major points—

‘How can it contain both holy power and magic power? And does it make sense for a holy relic to be found on Monster Mountain?’

Strictly speaking, weren’t the two opposing concepts?

She couldn’t understand it at all. The fact that Evelyn wasn’t particularly interested in doctrine played a part too.

Sitting in her chair, Evelyn habitually pulled out ancient language materials.

As she was still a newcomer, she was only given light tasks.

Mainly double-checking ancient language interpretations done by her seniors.

‘I won’t be able to do this work for a while.’

Since it wasn’t particularly important work, she felt no regret about the tasks.

What saddened her were the vast materials inside the research lab.

As the Imperial Research Institute, most of the Empire’s ancient language records would be here.

Whenever she had time, she would search through bookshelves and read language texts, gradually building her knowledge…

As much as she loved ancient languages, her disappointment was great too.

Then, a light voice came from beside her.

“Evelyn, then who was sending all those gifts?”

“Is that what you’re curious about in this situation?”

Despite meeting the Emperor and Duke because of the holy relic, Paul seemed more curious about her love life.

Evelyn brushed it off vaguely.

“That person and I… we sorted things out. You know what I mean?”

It wasn’t a lie. She just omitted who it was.

Paul looked at her with pity.

“Ah… cheer up, Evelyn.”

Why does he think I got dumped!

She was momentarily irritated but didn’t bother asking.

He was the type who would ask, ‘Then you dumped him? What happened?’

Paul, who had been comforting her, sneakily pulled something out of his drawer.

“I have a favor to ask…”

Evelyn frowned when she saw the paper in his hand.

“Just confess with words instead.”

“She likes letters, you know? She writes every day.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“From a fellow librarian. I treated her to an expensive lunch!”

“Wouldn’t it be more efficient to use that dedication to approach your crush directly?”

At those words, Paul showed a gloomy expression.

Regardless, Evelyn was firm.

“Anyway, my head is incredibly complicated right now, okay? I don’t have time to look at your letter.”

“I’m not asking you to look at it right now, but when you have time…!”

It was Catherine who cut off Paul’s desperation.

“Evelyn, could you come here for a moment?”

Evelyn immediately stood up and left Paul behind.

Left behind, Paul glanced around and then fixed his gaze on the bag hanging beside her desk.

“She’ll look at it after work at least.”

He quickly stuffed his love letter in carelessly.

A small piece of paper was inserted into Evelyn’s notebook. At a glance, it looked no different from the many memo papers already inside.

Unaware of anything, she headed toward Catherine.

The senior researcher’s seat was separated from the other researchers.

She was given a spacious area to use alone.

Evelyn crossed the center and arrived at Catherine’s desk.

“I’ve been briefed on the situation. You’re commuting to the Duke’s mansion starting tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s what happened.”

“Alright, I’ll explain to the researchers myself. Don’t worry about here and go with peace of mind. Be careful and…”

“…”

“I don’t mean anything by it! Take care of yourself, watch your health!”

It seems like you mean a lot by it though…

What she should be careful of was obvious.

Evelyn put on a social smile and returned to her seat.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the Ashford Duke’s mansion, sharp sword sounds echoed.

A sword training session was in full swing at the training ground in the rear garden.

Among them, Vanessa’s skills were by far the best.

Her precise and swift movements, along with her ability to freely manipulate mana, were all top-class.

That’s why she held the position of vice-captain of the Ashford Knight Order.

“Hahaha! You fools! You idiots!”

Today as well, Vanessa mercilessly belittled the knights who lost to her.

This was the reason why she couldn’t become captain despite having overwhelming talent.

“Instead of spending time knitting, why don’t you train more?”

“Knitting is mental cultivation!”

She provoked Victor, who was her sparring partner.

Simple-minded Victor easily got excited just as Vanessa calculated.

Taking advantage of the gap while he wildly swung his sword, Vanessa attacked his legs.

Thud-!

His large frame lost balance and fell over.

The moment her opponent collapsed, Vanessa burst into loud laughter.

It was always a thrilling moment to witness.

“Sir Vanessa.”

Just then, a sharp voice called out to her.

“Oh my, what brings Aide Julian to look for me?”

She approached Julian as if finding it amusing.

He tried hard to forget the scene he had just witnessed.

To a knight, the sword should be a sacred existence. Something that shouldn’t be wielded carelessly.

But to Vanessa, all training seemed like child’s play.

The sight of her subduing sparring partners and bursting into loud laughter.

She was always a woman who rubbed him the wrong way.

With a furrowed brow, he continued speaking.

“His Grace is looking for you.”

He’s calling for her personally?

It must definitely be related to Evelyn.

It had been quiet lately so she didn’t know, but it seems something is progressing.

“Should I go to the office?”

Vanessa handed her sword to a nearby knight.

Then she hummed a tune as she entered the mansion.

What could he be calling her for?

From observing him keenly, she could tell one thing for certain.

Despite her cute and gentle appearance, Evelyn wasn’t someone who would easily give in.

Moreover, this was the first time the Duke had directly shown emotions toward another person.

Their relationship was truly…

‘So interesting!’

Finally reaching the office, Vanessa composed her expression.

She was incredibly excited to see what kind of advice he would seek from her today.

Theo cast his usual indifferent gaze at Vanessa as she approached his desk.

However, the words that came from his mouth were unexpected.

“Pack your things at the lodging. You’ll be moving into the Duke’s Mansion starting tomorrow.”

“…You want me to live in this mansion?”

Vanessa doubted her own ears.

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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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