That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 39

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

That’s not what kissing means!

 

Episode 39

 

The butler explained with a forced smile.

 

“She has a personality that doesn’t distinguish between water and fire even in real combat. That’s why she serves as the vice-captain of the Ashford Knight Order.”

 

“Vice-captain? Her skills must be remarkable.”

 

No, more than that, can someone with that kind of personality actually be a vice-captain?

 

Just then, someone jumped onto the platform and stopped Vanessa.

 

“Can’t you stop? How long has it been since the sparring ended!”

 

The man with dark brown hair barely managed to calm Vanessa down and caught his breath. Then he ended up making eye contact with Evelyn.

 

Robert gave him a meaningful look. The man immediately understood the butler’s signal.

 

Could this be the person Vanessa mentioned recently? The one who captured our lord’s heart…!

 

He hurriedly came down from the platform. The man quickly approached Evelyn, placed his hand on his chest, and bowed politely.

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Whittaker, captain of the Ashford Knight Order.”

 

“Hello, I’m Evelyn. I’m staying at the Duke’s mansion temporarily for work as a royal researcher.”

 

Evelyn also introduced herself. Unlike the previous mage knights, Whittaker was someone with a calm and honest face.

 

“Our lord appointed the only person who could control Vanessa as captain.”

 

“I see.”

 

Even without explanation, she seemed to understand the criteria for selecting those two.

 

“Oh my, Lady Evelyn!”

 

Just then, Vanessa’s cheerful voice was heard.

 

She always had a kind and bright smile, but today her expression somehow looked different.

 

“Good morning, Vanessa. I came to greet the knights I met during the business trip.”

 

“I see, the idiots except for Victor and me have to do the rest of their training.”

 

Vanessa called out the names of several knights in a loud voice, adding the words “You idiots!”

 

The knights who came running remembered Evelyn and exchanged brief greetings.

 

Due to Vanessa’s repeated words, Evelyn almost ended up calling them “Sir Idiots.”

 

“Now go.”

 

“Yes, Vice-captain.”

 

The knights rushed off again at Vanessa’s command and resumed their training.

 

She smiled brightly and guided Evelyn to a wooden table near the training ground.

 

It was a rest area where knights could briefly chat or quench their thirst. Right next to it, light snacks and cold tea were prepared.

 

“Our lord prepares this every time. There are many guys who whine when they’re hungry.”

 

Following Vanessa, Whittaker continued the explanation.

 

“If you look next to it, there are also wet handkerchiefs. For wiping hands.”

 

Theo was a more delicate man than expected. Not only was he skilled, but he seemed to take good care of his subordinates.

 

The table had four chairs. After Vanessa seated Robert and Evelyn, she also sat down next to Evelyn.

 

Victor suddenly clapped his hands.

 

“Please wait a moment! I have something to give you!”

 

His face looked serious as he spoke to Evelyn. Then he started running off somewhere.

 

‘What? Just looking at his expression, it seems like he’s going to bring an axe or something.’

 

Seeing the flustered Evelyn, Vanessa snorted.

 

“Don’t get your hopes up, it’s useless anyway.”

 

Then she tapped Whittaker’s arm.

 

“What are you doing not sitting? If you’re going to stand, at least bring some tea.”

 

“I’ll do that.”

 

He had planned to give the remaining seat to Victor. But due to the sudden situation, the last seat ended up belonging to Whittaker.

 

“I’ll help.”

 

Evelyn tried to follow Whittaker, but Vanessa held her back. She also blocked Robert’s movement.

 

When Whittaker brought the displayed snacks and tea, Evelyn expressed her gratitude.

 

“Thank you, I’ll enjoy it.”

 

“Thank you for what.”

 

Strangely, it was Vanessa who answered.

 

“How was the date last time… I mean, the dress?”

 

She asked with a giggle. She planned to confirm Evelyn’s feelings for the Duke by watching her expression as she answered.

 

Would she be embarrassed? Or maybe smile softly…

 

However, Evelyn’s answer was unexpected.

 

“It was enjoyable, especially the cake you recommended was really delicious!”

 

“Ca, cake?”

 

“Yes, it was so sweet that I finished four pieces!”

 

“I see, wasn’t there anything else?”

 

“I wore the dress and ate cake…”

 

Then the memory of the music box came back to life. The warm breath that touched her nape too.

 

It was the moment when Evelyn’s cheeks turned bright red.

 

It was when Vanessa’s eyes lit up, not missing even the small change.

 

“Lady Evelyn, I brought you a gift!”

 

A thick voice ruined the conversation. Victor, who had come running, was excitedly waving something around.

 

‘That clueless fool…!’

 

Vanessa glared at the cheerful Victor.

 

Robert seemed equally disappointed, as his mustache was drooping.

 

Evelyn’s attention instantly shifted to Victor.

 

“Oh my, is it a rabbit doll?”

 

It was too small compared to his palm. Evelyn smiled brightly at the cute white rabbit.

 

Victor excitedly explained the knitting process step by step.

 

“Yes, it’s a doll I made over several days. This plump texture is…”

 

Since it was a gift made with care, Evelyn enthusiastically responded.

 

“Your skills are amazing! It’s really cute!”

 

“Right? Isn’t it?”

 

At this rate, they would stay up all night talking about rabbits. It was Vanessa who changed the topic.

 

“Lady Evelyn, please come visit anytime you’re bored!”

 

“How could I interfere with the knights’ training…”

 

“It doesn’t matter, look, they’re training right now.”

 

When she turned around, the knights were playing tag while activating their aura. Evelyn nodded at the chaotic scene.

 

Only Whittaker knew shame.

 

Then, a languid voice captivated them.

 

“So you were here.”

 

The firm yet resonant voice had the power to focus everyone’s attention.

 

The people including the knight order bowed at their lord’s appearance. Theo naturally accepted the gazes focused on him as if accustomed to it.

 

“Time has already come to this, I should be going now.”

 

“Wow, it’s already training time!”

 

Robert and the three knights naturally withdrew from their seats.

 

It was Evelyn who was flustered when the surroundings suddenly became empty. Didn’t they say only a few would do the remaining training?

 

Theo sat next to her as if nothing had happened.

 

At his gentle gaze, Evelyn unconsciously spoke to him.

 

“I heard you were busy.”

 

“It was resolved well.”

 

“Was it a serious matter?”

 

“It seems the trade ship manager was playing tricks.”

 

The saying that it was vulgar for nobles to be greedy for money was now outdated. These days, everyone without exception was jumping into the trade business.

 

The wealth accumulated by House Ashford in this way was beyond imagination.

 

Evelyn tilted her head. She couldn’t gauge how serious the ‘mischief’ he was referring to was.

 

“What happened to that person?”

 

“….”

 

Instead of answering, Theo smiled silently. It was somehow a chilling smile.

 

‘I feel like I shouldn’t ask any more about this.’

 

Evelyn quickly changed the subject.

 

“Did Theo also come here to train?”

 

Well.

 

Theo’s eyes curved gently.

 

“Because you’re here.”

 

At those words, Evelyn’s eyelashes trembled finely. She stood up from her seat and looked into the distance.

 

“Could you show me around the training ground?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Theo smiled and approached her side. The two walked around the training ground together.

 

“There’s also a small lake in the courtyard. I recommend seeing it at night.”

 

“Why?”

 

“The night sky reflected on the water surface is quite nice.”

 

It would be good for an evening stroll, wouldn’t it?

 

Theo made the suggestion lightly while receiving the holy relic back from Evelyn. Since it was daytime now, it was his turn to carry it.

 

“It won’t be stuffy.”

 

He shook the pendant. Saying it was all for the sake of the holy relic.

 

The vast training ground was filled with training equipment, centered around a platform for sparring.

 

Along with the scent of grass, the sound of clashing swords echoed, and the straw dummies were thoroughly worn out.

 

Even the knights who seemed to only fool around were seriously engaged in swordsmanship.

 

While conversing with Evelyn, Theo occasionally corrected the knights’ postures.

 

With his advice, his subordinates’ movements were improving significantly.

 

Seeing wooden swords and real swords displayed side by side, Evelyn asked.

 

“I don’t see any magic swords?”

 

The swords used by Mage Knights were characterized by having a magic stone embedded in the center of the hilt. This was to maximize the power of their aura.

 

Theo answered her affectionately.

 

“We don’t often use magic swords on sparring days. Since we don’t know how the magic power might react.”

 

So the knights she saw earlier had brought magic swords purely for playing tag…?

 

At that moment, Vanessa stealthily approached. While hiding a somewhat sinister expression.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————