That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 36

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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 36

 

The embarrassment from before had transformed into something sharp.

 

“You should have said so earlier!”

 

For the first time, Evelyn shot him a glare.

 

Not knowing that Theo was delighted by this new side she was showing him, she continued to huff and puff before washing her face with dry hands.

 

Then she plopped down heavily into her seat.

 

“Sorry, are you angry?”

 

Theo was still perched casually on Evelyn’s desk.

 

His relaxed posture was particularly irritating today.

 

“It’s fine, I was the one who showed it.”

 

She had been the one to excitedly pull out her notebook and drop the letter.

 

“Even so, I could have told you a little sooner…”

 

Remembering how she had been running around made her feel embarrassed.

 

Noticing her embarrassment, Theo covered his mouth again.

 

He didn’t bother to mention how utterly adorable her honest reaction had been.

 

“The letter… a colleague from the Research Institute gave it to me.”

 

“…To you?”

 

He had thought it was just a prank between friends, but had it actually been a confession directed at Evelyn?

 

Theo’s gaze darkened deeply.

 

How dare someone approach Evelyn…

 

Uncharacteristically for his usually calm demeanor, flames ignited in his chest. He wanted to storm into the Research Institute right now and drag that bastard out.

 

Evelyn’s next words extinguished Theo’s flames.

 

“He said he likes someone and asked me to look over the contents for him.”

 

“…Is that so?”

 

The fiercely burning eyes instantly softened.

 

Of course, Evelyn hadn’t seen that murderous intent.

 

Theo composed his expression and went to sit in his own seat.

 

It seemed better to distance himself so she wouldn’t notice.

 

“So, what was it you wanted to show me?”

 

“Oh, it’s the records written in this notebook…”

 

Evelyn showed him the ancient language translations that had been her original purpose.

 

Theo nodded at her explanation.

 

“This will definitely help with interpreting the prophecy of the sacred relic. Even when it first appeared, it was a difficult-speaking fellow.”

 

“Watch your language!”

 

Once again, Evelyn looked around nervously. While she wasn’t particularly devout either, she couldn’t bring herself to make such irreverent remarks as Theo did.

 

“So that’s why you’ve been reading the oracle records lately? If you want, I can ask the Temple to get you more materials.”

 

“Really?”

 

It was another moment when she truly felt the power of his family.

 

“Then I’ll read through all the ancient books here first, and if that’s not enough, I’ll ask for your help.”

 

“Do as you wish.”

 

At Theo’s permission, Evelyn nodded brightly.

 

“…”

 

Her clear smile gripped his heart.

 

It was an utterly lovely smile, like flowers in full bloom.

 

“Good, now I need to get back to studying.”

 

With words that were more like an announcement, Evelyn focused on the ancient book again.

 

Ha.

 

He let out a hollow laugh as if dumbfounded.

 

To shake up his mind like that and then slip away so easily.

 

“…Do you like letters too?”

 

At the sudden question, Evelyn blinked.

 

“Hmm, I don’t write them often, but I think I like them. Both sending and receiving them.”

 

“I’ll remember that.”

 

“Remember what…”

 

Like Evelyn, he made his announcement and then focused on his documents.

 

She made an incredulous expression before picking up her fountain pen again.

 

Not knowing she had been given the same treatment.

 

While organizing the contents of the ancient book, Evelyn suddenly became curious.

 

But how does he know my handwriting?

 

Theo had definitely said he remembered her handwriting.

 

‘Smart people really are different.’

 

The brief question passed without much thought.

 

She had no idea at all.

 

That Theo kept everything about her deeply stored away.

 

The same was true for her appearance in the library.

 

Her blue eyes shining with interest, the exclamations she made whenever she realized something, even the neat handwriting that flowed from her fingertips.

 

Anything related to her, no matter how trivial, was clearly etched in his heart.

 

* * *

 

Peaceful time flowed after that.

 

As always, Evelyn was focused on the ancient books, and Theo on his duties as Duke.

 

Only the sound of turning pages and the scratching of fountain pens echoed inside.

 

What broke the silence was the sound of calm knocking.

 

‘Who could it be?’

 

Evelyn turned her head toward the door. There were only two people who would visit the library.

 

Robert or Julian.

 

Evelyn hoped it would be Robert bringing sweet refreshments.

 

“Come in.”

 

With Theo’s permission, dark green hair appeared through the crack in the door.

 

Tch.

 

Just as Evelyn was making a disappointed expression, she ended up making eye contact with Julian.

 

She quickly greeted him with a social smile.

 

“It’s been a while, Sir Julian.”

 

“But we saw each other yesterday.”

 

I think I just saw a face full of complaints… Julian tilted his head before approaching Theo.

 

“Donovan has arrived. He says the relics were restored earlier than expected.”

 

“He came all the way to the Capital himself?”

 

Theo looked uncharacteristically surprised.

 

“Yes, he said it was proper for the person in charge to show you directly…”

 

“Still as rigid as ever.”

 

“I’ve guided him to the reception room for now.”

 

For the aide to personally guide someone, they must be no ordinary person.

 

Moreover, Theo immediately rose from his seat to greet the guest.

 

‘He said relics?’

 

At the heavy word, Evelyn hurriedly fixed her gaze on her book.

 

She shouldn’t carelessly learn about family affairs.

 

She thought she should quietly focus on her research until Theo returned.

 

“Go ahead.”

 

Until Theo called out to her.

 

“…You want me to come too?”

 

He shrugged as if it were obvious.

 

Then he picked up the pendant.

 

“Don’t forget. Our mission.”

 

Was this why he wanted her to come along?

 

Despite his indifferent attitude, he was quite diligent about carrying out the imperial command.

 

‘Is it really okay for me to go…?’

 

She worried as she followed Theo and Julian out. If necessary, she’d have to cover her ears.

 

Julian showed no particular reaction to Evelyn accompanying them. He seemed to follow his superior quite well, surprisingly.

 

When they reached the reception room on the first floor, Robert, who was standing in front of the door, briefly explained the situation.

 

“I’ve served warm tea for now. I offered a meal, but he declined.”

 

“Consistent as always.”

 

Hearing Theo’s response, Robert smiled and opened the door.

 

The reception room for welcoming guests had a warm and gentle atmosphere.

 

Long sofas were arranged symmetrically around the fireplace at the far end, with an oval table placed in the center.

 

“It’s been a long time, Your Grace.”

 

An elderly man rose from his seat and bowed to Theo. His worn clothing and rough manner of speech revealed he was a commoner.

 

His wrinkled face and bent back suggested the years he had lived through. But his eyes alone were straight and clear.

 

“Yes, Donovan. You came without notice.”

 

Theo seemed quite pleased as he responded.

 

“I apologize. But today, I absolutely… wanted to deliver this to Your Grace.”

 

At those words, Robert sniffled as if moved.

 

“Please examine it yourself, the previous Duke’s magic sword.”

 

Donovan pointed to the ebony box placed on the table.

 

‘So this was the relic…?’

 

Evelyn’s sense of burden only grew heavier.

 

Then, Donovan introduced himself to her.

 

“I’m Donovan, technical director of House Ashford. I didn’t realize you were here with His Grace. Please forgive my rudeness.”

 

“Oh, not at all! I’m Evelyn. I’m staying… at the Duke’s mansion for a while.”

 

It was an ambiguous explanation by anyone’s standards, but he didn’t find it strange.

 

“Everyone sit.”

 

Following Theo’s command, everyone in the reception room took their seats. Robert tried to withdraw, but Theo stopped him.

 

“You’ve missed it, haven’t you? Take a close look.”

 

At those words, Robert took out a handkerchief and dabbed at his eyes.

 

When Theo opened the box, a longsword embedded with magic stones was revealed.

 

The cross-shaped hilt gleamed with golden light. A large, teardrop-shaped red magic stone was embedded in the center, and House Ashford’s crest was engraved from the hilt to the middle of the scabbard.

 

“…”

 

Theo gazed silently at the magic sword. His expression was completely unreadable.

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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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