That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 38
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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 38
The next day, butler Robert carefully maintained the magic sword in the display room.
The display rooms found in every high noble’s manor were mainly spaces for exhibiting jewels and artworks.
The current Duke neither brought precious items from the estate nor collected anything in the capital.
Because of this, the display room became a space solely dedicated to housing the previous Duke’s magic sword.
Robert smiled contentedly as he polished the sword with the cloth Donovan had left behind.
‘How pleased he would be to meet the current master.’
The current master remained unshaken even by the sudden tragedy that struck.
Even now, he was elevating the reputation of House Ashford.
After carefully examining the sword for any missed spots, he placed it on soft velvet.
Finally, Robert closed the lid of the ebony box and tilted his head.
“Come to think of it, that charm…”
He remembered the black leather that had been attached to the handle.
“Lord Lionel brought it himself.”
Lionel was an old friend of the previous Duke.
The second son of Count Orban’s family, he devoted himself to the temple to honor his friend until the very end.
The previous Duke, like the current head of the family, didn’t like cumbersome things.
‘A charm? Do you believe in such things?’
‘Still, please do it for me. For my sake! This will surely protect you!’
Despite repeated refusals, Lionel came for several days to recommend the charm.
He was not one to forcibly impose his opinions on others.
Knowing this, Robert also found his unusually excessive behavior strange.
The previous Duke eventually accepted his friend’s earnest wish.
True to its name as a protective charm, he never suffered even the slightest wound and always achieved victory.
But even the charm couldn’t prevent the wounds he inflicted upon himself.
It was a shocking end that went beyond tragic.
‘Master, why did you make such a terrible choice…’
Robert recalled that day with a troubled expression.
The sharp sword tip of the previous Duke, whom everyone had looked up to, turned toward his own heart in the final moment.
It was his own choice.
* * *
The next morning, Evelyn had to eat alone.
Julian had come early with an urgent report, and he and Theo had started a meeting in the office.
As Evelyn was having tea after her meal, Robert asked about her schedule.
“The report seems to be taking longer than expected. Would you like to go to the library?”
“No, could I perhaps visit the Ashford Knight Order?”
She was thinking of greeting the knights she had gotten along with during the last business trip.
“Of course, they’ll be at the training ground for morning practice.”
“Training? I feel like I’d be a distraction if I went…”
“They’re quite scattered anyway, so it’s fine. They’re always the same whether it’s training time or break time, hehe.”
It was unclear whether that was an insult or a compliment.
Only after hearing several times that it was really okay did Evelyn start walking.
“We converted the courtyard into a training ground. Please follow me.”
Robert guided her with a kind smile. Then he suddenly cleared his throat.
“Ahem, if you have any questions about the Ashford Knight Order… please ask me anything.”
Robert’s face looked quite proud as he said this.
It was an atmosphere where she’d have to force herself to come up with questions even if she had none.
Evelyn rolled her eyes around and then praised the knight order.
“I heard it’s where the continent’s greatest mage knights gather.”
“That’s right!”
She was startled by his suddenly loud voice. Robert twitched his lips and stroked his mustache.
“Only those born with talent can contain aura condensed with magic power in their swords. Among them, only those with the greatest skills can join the Ashford Knight Order!”
“Yes…”
“The mage knights who are recognized for their skills after several tests want to join House Ashford rather than the Royal Court. Do you know why?”
“Why would that be… haha.”
“It’s because of our master!”
Was he talking about Theo?
When Evelyn showed interest, the butler inwardly cheered. He had to let her know what a wonderful man his master was.
“House Ashford has carried on the blood of outstanding mage knights from long ago. The current head of the family is by far the best among them!”
Evelyn’s eyes widened.
She already knew that Theo was the continent’s greatest mage knight. But to think he received the respect of all existing mage knights and had skills that surpassed his ancestors…
Robert continued.
“Because of this, House Ashford’s military force boasts the highest level. They’re also called the guardians of the Empire.”
If the cautious butler was using the word ‘highest,’ it must be a verified fact.
‘That means they’re similar to or superior to the Royal Knights…’
And among them, Theo was said to have exceptional skills.
She remembered hearing that what moved him was not imperial commands but interest. He was someone even the Emperor couldn’t easily approach.
So Theo was… a person from another world not only in status but also in ability.
If she were to live with him, she would receive attention not just from the Empire but from the entire continent.
Evelyn mentally put ten more steps of distance between herself and him.
“He really is an amazing person.”
Hearing her dry voice, Robert stopped his explanation.
Was this not right?
He was skilled at reading the atmosphere. While maintaining a kind expression, he quickly observed Evelyn.
‘She certainly showed interest in our master’s story. But it didn’t connect to affection.’
It seemed he had failed to capture Evelyn’s interest through ability.
Robert quickly racked his brain, thinking he needed to deploy a different strategy. Right now, he needed to change the subject.
When he opened the back door of the manor, a wide field greeted them both. Smelling the fresh scent of grass, the butler guided the way.
“This is the courtyard. If we walk a little further, you’ll see the training ground converted from the courtyard.”
“It’s really spacious.”
She unconsciously opened her mouth. It hadn’t been long since she was surprised by the garden’s scale, but the courtyard boasted an even larger space.
After walking for a while following Robert, the sound of swords being swung could be heard.
What kind of training would the continent’s greatest mage knights do?
Her heart pounded. During the business trip, she had been too busy to properly watch their swordsmanship.
In the center of the training ground was a long platform. Two knights were sparring on it, while the rest surrounded them, watching.
“It’s almost over now.”
Evelyn looked puzzled at Robert’s words.
“How do you know that? It could be the first match.”
“The final match is always between Sir Vanessa and Sir Victor. And…”
Before he could finish speaking, loud laughter spread from afar.
“Wahaha!”
It was Vanessa’s laughter from the platform.
“Wahahaha! Your movements are as dull as your head!”
Provoked by her taunt, Victor charged with his whole body.
Despite the considerable difference in build, Evelyn had been worried about her. But with a thud, Victor tumbled backward.
The butler continued.
“Lady Vanessa always wins.”
“Vanessa is impressive.”
“Yes, she always claims victory. By any means necessary…”
Robert’s eyes seemed empty as he said this.
At the same time, Victor’s indignant cry could be heard from the platform.
“This is sword practice! Who trips someone to knock them down?”
“You leave openings in your lower body when you get excited, don’t you?”
Once again, Vanessa burst into loud laughter. Her face showed not a trace of remorse.
She beat Victor, who still hadn’t gotten up, with her scabbard. With a thoroughly delighted expression.
“Anyone else want to try, you idiots!”
Ah, so this is how it is.
Evelyn ended up with the same expression as Robert.
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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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