That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 29

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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 29

 

After that, they each focused on their own time.

 

Evelyn was completely absorbed in content dealing with the history of ancient languages, and Theo also reviewed documents that had been reported to him.

 

For a while, the two didn’t even exchange small talk.

 

Only small sounds of turning pages or the scratching of fountain pens continued.

 

That didn’t mean, however, that Theo had withdrawn his interest from Evelyn.

 

A cool breeze blew in with the spring sunlight from the arched large window.

 

Evelyn’s bangs naturally fell down.

 

She frowned and roughly pushed her hair behind her ear.

 

Her hair, which had been pinned up high, was slightly disheveled unlike in the morning.

 

When the wind blew again, the hair tucked behind her ear tickled Evelyn once more.

 

Theo had to restrain the impulse that unconsciously arose.

 

He wanted to gently brush back her soft pink hair with his hand, caress both her cheeks, and make her look at him.

 

Before he knew it, he was completely absorbed in admiring Evelyn.

 

It was a more beautiful scenery and color than any masterpiece he had ever seen.

 

Her face, which seemed calm at first glance, changed in various ways.

 

She would sparkle her eyes while reading intently, then quietly furrow her brow when there was a passage she couldn’t understand.

 

Perhaps having a personality that digs to the end once curious, she would also transcribe it several times with her fountain pen.

 

Then when the problem was solved, she would open her mouth slightly and let out joy.

 

Of course, she didn’t make loud sounds, but the happiness and excited breathing that flowed from Evelyn revealed her mood without filter.

 

Suddenly, he felt this time was incredibly precious.

 

Because he could discover new aspects of Evelyn that he didn’t know.

 

Theo felt complex emotions.

 

Her passionate dedication to learning seemed amazing. So much so that he wanted to obtain all books related to ancient languages for her if he could.

 

Along with loveliness, he wanted to take even a grain of her attention.

 

To be jealous of paper – it was truly a childish thing to do.

 

Then, Evelyn raised her head to adjust her posture.

 

She felt something that had been staring directly at her.

 

‘What? I think our eyes just met.’

 

It was a fleeting moment, but she definitely felt it.

 

But he was concentrating on his documents. As if he had been doing so from the beginning.

 

Strange. Did I see wrong?

 

Evelyn tilted her head.

 

When her blue eyes held doubt, a languid voice was heard.

 

“It’s troublesome if you stare like that.”

 

Theo chuckled while examining his report.

 

“It makes it hard to concentrate.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“My cheek is ticklish. Because of someone.”

 

Evelyn was flustered by his tone that blamed her.

 

“No, it wasn’t me…!”

 

She wanted to argue ‘Theo was looking!’, but she wasn’t certain.

 

Then Theo sighed.

 

“I understand. You said you liked my face.”

 

“Why are you suddenly bringing up that story?”

 

He said in a generous voice.

 

“Admire to your heart’s content. I don’t mind.”

 

“Really?”

 

Evelyn, who had been delighted without realizing it, cleared her throat.

 

“Ahem, I don’t need to.”

 

Then she suddenly realized.

 

‘What, I ended up looking like I was caught stealing glances at his face?’

 

Moreover, she had shown an excited reaction without hesitation to the Duke’s proposal.

 

Somehow it seems like I’m only losing face since coming here…

 

A knock was heard for the embarrassed Evelyn.

 

What came in with Theo’s permission was Robert, the head butler she had seen earlier.

 

“I’ve prepared refreshments.”

 

He set down sweet cookies and cake with a kind smile.

 

Then he poured warm tea with elegant movements.

 

‘This is a dream workplace?’

 

Not only studying ancient languages to her heart’s content, but delicious meals and snacks are provided too!

 

Robert looked pleased seeing her flushed expression.

 

Usually his master doesn’t enjoy refreshments.

 

But during breakfast, he discovered that the guest’s dessert had been completely emptied.

 

The perceptive butler waited for the right moment and brought her a sweet menu.

 

Even though it was an unordered task, his master showed a pleased attitude.

 

“Then I’ll be going. Please let me know if you need anything.”

 

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

 

Robert politely responded to Evelyn’s greeting and left the library.

 

The Robert that Theo knew was a loyal butler and at the same time, someone who read atmospheres well.

 

Even without making personal remarks, he had instantly read his feelings about Evelyn.

 

“How is it?”

 

He asked Evelyn who was munching on cookies.

 

“It’s delicious. Did the Chef make this too?”

 

She praised the cook, saying their skills were amazing.

 

“I was asking about the Duke’s mansion’s hospitality.”

 

“I’m grateful for the consideration. Including everyone here and even Theo.”

 

Theo firmly suppressed the words that rose to his throat.

 

That if she stayed with him, he would let her enjoy everything she wanted.

 

But there was a wall in Evelyn’s words.

 

She said she was grateful for the consideration, but didn’t reveal her own feelings.

 

She showed the same favorable feelings to everyone, including Theo.

 

Theo had to reflect on Evelyn’s words once again.

 

For a long time, slowly, deeply.

 

No matter how long it took, he hoped to fully permeate into her.

 

* * *

 

The atmosphere of the Duke’s mansion was calm and leisurely.

 

Everyone skillfully did their work, and it was because of the family head’s disposition of not strictly controlling his subordinates.

 

“Do you spend every day like this?”

 

Evelyn asked Theo while finishing dinner.

 

The daily life of the continent’s greatest magic swordsman was surprisingly monotonous.

 

“Only today. Since a special guest came.”

 

“I see, I was worried you might feel frustrated.”

 

“Come to think of it, I am a bit frustrated.”

 

Theo’s lips curved in an arc.

 

“Shall we take a walk together? In the garden.”

 

“Me too?”

 

“You’ve been sitting all day. It’s for your health.”

 

In truth, Evelyn also wanted to stretch her stiff body.

 

Following Theo out of the manor, a garden shrouded in darkness spread before them.

 

Though she had found it beautiful during the day, the night scenery also had its own charm.

 

The mystical colors of the magic lamps blended with starlight, softly illuminating the path.

 

Sweet floral scents mixed with the night air, creating a refreshing fragrance.

 

She felt her heart grow peaceful as she slowly savored the scenery.

 

Eventually, they reached the fountain in the center of the garden.

 

She hadn’t looked closely earlier, but a tall statue stood in the center of the fountain.

 

It depicted a woman in sacred robes.

 

‘Is it the goddess Julia?’

 

Though there was lighting, it was hard to see clearly due to the dark sky.

 

A quiet voice reached Evelyn as she gazed at it.

 

“Couples who visit the Duke’s mansion make wishes here.”

 

“Wishes?”

 

Theo looked up at the statue.

 

“It’s Bellona, the goddess of love and jealousy.”

 

“Ah, I think I’ve heard of her.”

 

“Statues of Julia are everywhere. But there’s only one statue of Bellona in the capital, here at House of Ashford.”

 

His explanation continued.

 

“The goddess Bellona was said to be born from the waters. So the way of making wishes is also unique.”

 

“How so?”

 

As Theo cast his gaze toward the water’s surface, Evelyn looked at the same spot.

 

Clusters of stars sparkled brilliantly on the gently rippling water.

 

So vividly, as if they could be caught by reaching out.

 

“Lovers hold hands, and like this…”

 

Theo rolled up his sleeve and dipped his hand into the water.

 

“They pray to be together forever.”

 

“A prayer shared with water.”

 

Soon he withdrew his wet hand.

 

With a handkerchief from his pocket, he slowly dried each long finger one by one.

 

“The streams of water flowing between fingers represent adversity.”

 

“…”

 

“It means never letting go of each other despite any hardship.”

 

The violet eyes looking at Evelyn darkened deeply.

 

Their gazes intertwined intensely.

 

Why had the ducal family placed the goddess Bellona here?

 

Why was Theo looking at her like that?

 

It was Evelyn who turned her head away first.

 

Theo calmly took his place beside her.

 

“Shall we go now? The night air is cold.”

 

All the way back to the manor, neither of them spoke.

 

In the quiet air, only small footsteps could be heard.

 

Finally, when they reached Evelyn’s room—

 

“Evelyn.”

 

Sudden warmth enveloped her.

 

He had taken Evelyn’s hand.

 

As she turned around, she felt the hard wall against her back.

 

Trapped between Theo and the wall, Evelyn was startled.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

Due to the dark corridor and dim lighting, their expressions weren’t clearly visible.

 

All she could feel was warm breath and the body heat touching each other.

 

Then, a low voice was heard.

 

“Sleep well.”

 

It was also a voice that seemed to be holding something back.

 

With those words, Theo turned away.

 

Evelyn checked the sacred object in her hand.

 

He had simply been trying to give her the pendant…

 

She clenched and unclenched her fingers.

 

Somehow, everywhere he had touched felt like it was burning up.

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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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