That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 37
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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 37
Honk!
Robert was crying and blowing his nose. His sobbing voice could be heard.
“What magnificent restoration! It brings back memories of the late Duke…!”
Even Julian, who was usually stingy with emotional expressions, was genuinely amazed.
“Donovan, I knew you were skilled, but…”
Theo slowly ran his finger along the sword. His eyes held many thoughts.
“Donovan.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I can see it everywhere. Your loyalty and sense of duty.”
At those words, Donovan’s eyes trembled finely with emotion. Theo’s father, the late Duke, had met a tragic end. When he passed away, Donovan had lost his will to live.
What kept him going was Theo, the next head of the family.
The young Duke had remained composed even in his grief. He couldn’t dare despair.
“Since it’s a precious sword, keep it well. So that Donovan’s efforts won’t be in vain.”
Theo commanded Robert.
Donovan expressed his gratitude at his words that acknowledged his efforts to the very end.
“But what’s this?”
Just then, Theo picked up a piece of cloth attached to the sword’s hilt.
“It’s a protective charm given by a close friend of the late Duke.”
It was about the size of two fingers. Golden thread formed letters on the soft leather.
“Ancient script.”
At Theo’s words, Evelyn’s eyes lit up.
Usually, ancient script was only found on old relics.
A relatively recently made charm with ancient script carved on it…
It was enough to arouse her curiosity.
Theo untied the charm and put it in his breast pocket.
“I’ll take this.”
“May I personally manage the magic sword?”
Before moving the sword, Robert asked for permission. Theo immediately granted his request.
The butler thanked him for the permission and carefully picked up the magic sword.
“Have lunch with me before you leave.”
The Duke invited Donovan to lunch, but he was firm.
“Please preserve my loyalty.”
Unable to argue with his refusal to dine at the same table as his master, Theo had no choice but to let him go.
Even Robert, who valued rules and principles, was eager to take care of Donovan, but he politely refused to the end.
* * *
In the end, lunch was shared only by Theo and Evelyn, as usual.
“Theo, may I ask what day today is?”
Evelyn asked cautiously.
According to Donovan’s words, there seemed to be a reason why the keepsake had to be delivered today specifically.
Theo answered leisurely while cutting Evelyn’s steak.
“It’s the late Duke’s death anniversary.”
“Ah…”
“It happened when I was very young.”
Why are you saying such things while cutting meat!
Though she was the one who asked. Theo had simply answered.
‘Is he okay…?’
Evelyn quietly observed him. Subtly, so it wouldn’t be noticed…
“You don’t need to do that.”
It was Theo who stopped her. A gentle smile spread across his face.
“I mean you don’t need to feel heavy-hearted. I’m fine.”
Being perceptive, he had noticed Evelyn’s gaze.
“I’m sorry for making you worry.”
Evelyn laughed awkwardly and began eating.
Theo smiled softly at her slower movements than usual.
“Still, thank you for worrying about me.”
“…”
Was he really okay?
Unlike the tearful Robert, Theo was calm.
Had he ever shown his grief? No, he might not have even had time for that.
Suddenly, she remembered the family photo in the center of the railing.
And Theo’s innocent, bright face without a speck of dust on it.
“You know, Theo.”
She parted her lips slightly.
She didn’t know if it would be comforting, but she could at least listen to his sadness… Just as she was about to say that.
‘No, who am I to do that?’
She wasn’t in a position to do such a thing. Besides, it hadn’t been long since she had rejected his feelings.
After doing that, asking him to confide in her would be ridiculous.
Theo calmly waited for Evelyn’s next words.
His violet gaze never left her, as if reading her wavering thoughts.
‘Anyway, this mouth of mine is the problem!’
Evelyn, who had been racking her brain, laughed awkwardly.
They say when in trouble, cover it with laughter. In the end, she blurted out anything.
“The charm! I want to see the charm written in ancient script!”
“Now?”
“Yes, I’ve been dying to see it since earlier!”
In an instant, she had become a woman who couldn’t read the mood and was crazy about ancient script.
Theo chuckled and handed her the black charm.
“Wow, how exciting…”
Evelyn had to force up the corners of her mouth that wouldn’t rise.
Anyway, since she had said it, she had to at least pretend to examine the charm.
‘I was actually curious too.’
It wasn’t simply because it was ancient script that she felt interested. Knights of the Empire often hung handkerchiefs or charms on their swords.
They were mainly exchanged between close relationships like family, lovers, or friends, meaning they thought deeply of each other.
What would a protective phrase written in ancient script say?
Most of her research had been limited to ruins, so she had rarely seen recently carved ancient script.
Evelyn examined the letters on the leather. It was small but intricate embroidery.
“Tell me too.”
At Theo’s words, she nodded. She focused intently and then slowly recited the translated content.
“When red fruit bears, you shall finally walk eternity.”
“What does it mean?”
If I knew that, I’d be the head of the Research Institute.
However, Evelyn didn’t want to disappoint him, so she told him everything she knew.
“First, fruit means fruition or achievement.”
“Really?”
“It seems like red fruit gives strength for something eternal.”
Then she tilted her head in puzzlement.
“But why red, specifically?”
Theo answered casually.
“Probably because of the magic stone embedded in the sword.”
Come to think of it, there was indeed a red magic stone embedded in the center of the demon sword’s hilt.
Evelyn continued speaking as she pondered further.
“Simply put, it would mean to wield the demon sword for the Empire’s eternity, but…”
Hmm.
She didn’t like uncertain predictions. Especially when it came to ancient languages.
“This needs more investigation.”
“Why is that?”
Theo also thought Evelyn’s interpretation was correct. That’s why he asked with curiosity.
“You must have been very close with the previous Duke, right? Close enough for him to give you an amulet.”
“Yes, there was someone special.”
He recalled someone from the past. His father’s irreplaceable friend and brother.
The feelings toward the previous Duke had naturally extended to Theo.
‘I will always pray for your well-being. Please stay healthy, my child.’
When his friend passed away, he left the secular world and entered the Temple.
As Theo briefly recalled him, a clear voice reached his ears.
“If it were me, I wouldn’t have said such words to someone precious.”
Theo nodded as if asking her to elaborate.
“It’s not enough to wish for my friend’s happiness, but to tell them to achieve great deeds for the Empire…”
“It would sound like sacrifice.”
“Exactly, so my interpretation must be wrong.”
Then Evelyn added with a follow-up comment.
“When I figure out the exact meaning, I might even cry. From being moved by your friendship.”
Theo laughed out loud at her exaggerated joke.
He could feel that Evelyn was trying harder than usual. To look after his feelings.
That alone made his entire body feel like it was melting sweetly. Like being deeply immersed in honey-sweetened milk.
She looked at Theo and smiled back at him.
Her gently curved lips looked comfortable. As did her warm violet eyes.
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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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