That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 42

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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 42

 

There was no miracle.

 

The remaining three chances didn’t even reach the target, and Victor stood next to the target again with relief.

 

Perhaps her skills had improved in the meantime, as the last dagger flew far. Toward Victor’s head.

 

He quickly dodged and clutched his chest as he sat down. Soon he left, saying tearfully that he needed to go have lunch.

 

Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to ask why he was eating lunch twice.

 

His overeating was her fault, after all.

 

“My lord and Lady Evelyn will be given a penalty!”

 

Vanessa clapped her hands with a smile. She seemed quite pleased with Evelyn’s defeat.

 

A knight order penalty…?

 

Harsh training came to Evelyn’s mind. Running with logs on their shoulders, or polishing each sword one by one…

 

Watching her expression change moment by moment, Theo smiled secretly.

 

Her downturned lips looked so adorable.

 

Vanessa continued speaking.

 

“The reason for you two’s defeat seems to be a lack of teamwork. Right, Whittaker?”

 

“Huh? Oh, exactly!”

 

He nodded quickly. At the same time, he caught onto Vanessa’s intention.

 

“But anyone can see it’s because of my lack of skill?”

 

Evelyn spoke with confusion, but Theo stopped her.

 

“That’s right. In my obsession with winning, I failed to understand Evelyn’s feelings.”

 

She became even more bewildered by the Duke’s self-reproach. She looked around, but everyone was nodding at his words.

 

‘Am I the strange one?’

 

Vanessa told them about the penalty they would share together, as if feeling sorry for them.

 

“It’s a tradition of the Ashford Knight Order – we put two knights whose hearts don’t align on the same boat.”

 

It was a rule created by the pacifist Whittaker.

 

When fights broke out, the two parties had to ride a small boat on the lake in the garden. The excuse was to make them realize they were on the same side by rowing together…

 

But the real purpose was for all the knights to sit around the lake and giggle while mocking the two. In short, it was public humiliation.

 

Moreover, they wouldn’t fight physically on the water, so it was a very convenient method for the captain.

 

“Ah, now that the game is over, we should take a rest.”

 

Vanessa winked at Whittaker.

 

“We’ll be going in, my lord. And Lady Evelyn.”

 

He bowed politely and headed to the indoor training hall with Vanessa. They had to demonstrate the upcoming tactical training.

 

“You must carry out the penalty! We’re sooo busy, so we’ll be going!”

 

Vanessa’s excited voice echoed.

 

As she turned around, she grinned wickedly again.

 

‘The two of them on a boat ride… How romantic it will be!’

 

No matter how she thought about it, she was definitely a genius.

 

* * *

 

Once Vanessa and Whittaker disappeared, the wide clearing became quiet as before.

 

“We ended up going earlier than expected.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

The night stroll Theo had mentioned was changed to daytime.

 

Although no one was watching, Evelyn seemed intent on carrying out the penalty. She had an honest personality without any cunning.

 

“Where is the lake?”

 

Instead of answering, Theo extended one arm.

 

“It’ll be uncomfortable to walk. Except for the training ground, it’s not well-maintained.”

 

At his consideration, Evelyn linked arms with him.

 

As Theo said, the closer they got to the lake, the more natural scenery was revealed. It was a different scene from the carefully crafted beauty of the garden.

 

A gentle breeze blew. As she breathed in, the refreshing scent of grass filled her swelling chest.

 

Throughout the blue meadow, Deia flowers bloomed abundantly. The harmony of white petals and pink centers was incredibly beautiful.

 

“Do you like Deia flowers?”

 

At Theo’s question, she smiled.

 

“I’m happy to see them. I saw many in Adrianne Territory too.”

 

They were common flowers that could be seen anywhere in the Empire. This meant they grew well without wilting in any environment.

 

“They resemble you.”

 

“You say everything pink resembles me.”

 

That’s not it. Theo smiled instead of answering.

 

Though he had known her for only a short time, he had an inexplicable faith.

 

She seemed like someone who would guard the place she chose unchangingly through all seasons. Warmly and lovingly.

 

As they conversed like this, they soon reached the lake.

 

The lakeside was also full of Deia flowers. Petals carried by the wind gently floated on the water’s surface.

 

The small boat positioned on one side was appropriately sized for a boat ride.

 

Theo stepped boldly onto the stern of the boat. Then he reached out his hand toward Evelyn.

 

“Be careful.”

 

As she grasped his hand and stepped forward, the boat swayed with the waves. It was harder than expected, so she had to rely closely on Theo without realizing it.

 

Even though she must have put considerable force into her grip, he remained calmly steady.

 

At that moment, Evelyn’s body was gently pulled. Theo had drawn her toward him.

 

Losing her balance from the sudden movement, she squeezed her eyes shut. However, contrary to her expectations, her feet didn’t get wet.

 

As she slowly opened her eyes, a low chuckle settled from above her head.

 

“Were you startled?”

 

Theo was supporting Evelyn’s arm and waist. Like when starting a dance.

 

At the close distance, Evelyn blinked. She couldn’t carelessly move away from him.

 

On the swaying small boat, Theo balanced himself with remarkable ease.

 

He took out a handkerchief from his chest, spread it on the opposite side. Then he seated the still-tense Evelyn.

 

Perhaps because it was an inescapable place, this small space somehow felt like a place meant only for the two of them.

 

“Shall we depart? To receive our punishment.”

 

At his words, Evelyn suddenly came to her senses.

 

As Theo said, this was a penalty. There was no need to be conscious of him for no reason.

 

After confirming Evelyn was comfortable, he took a seat opposite her.

 

The fixed rope was untied, and the boat departed. Theo rowed and steered the direction.

 

The water’s surface, bathed in gentle sunlight, sparkled golden. The lapping sound of water rang in their ears.

 

In the middle of the peaceful scenery was Theo. Watching his gentle smile, Evelyn said,

 

“You look happy.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Do you like boat rides?”

 

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.

 

Evelyn was fully reflected in his violet eyes that rippled like the lake.

 

She was lovely enough to be etched in his mind.

 

Soon after, a low bass voice resonated.

 

“I like it.”

 

“…”

 

Evelyn moved her lips slightly, then turned her gaze elsewhere.

 

She asserted her enjoyment to Theo in an unnecessarily bright voice.

 

“I’m enjoying it too! This is my first time on a boat ride!”

 

As she clapped her hands and showed exaggerated joy, Theo’s eyes widened.

 

“Your first time?”

 

“Yes, that’s why I’m so excited!”

 

It wasn’t a lie. At first, she had been scared of the rippling waves, but as time passed, it was becoming more and more fun.

 

When her eyes sparkled with genuine feeling, Theo also looked satisfied.

 

“This speed should be appropriate for a beginner.”

 

“Can we go even faster?”

 

She casually threw out the question without much thought.

 

Evelyn was overlooking something.

 

That his satisfied expression was dangerous.

 

Theo’s enthusiasm, which had been disappointed by not being able to buy her plenty of cake last time, surged up again.

 

“Shall we increase the speed?”

 

He began rowing with strong force.

 

As the speed increased, interest spread across Evelyn’s face.

 

He propelled the boat with steady strength without showing any signs of fatigue.

 

“Wow, Theo, you’re amazing! It seems more fun when we move fast!”

 

Theo immediately responded to Evelyn’s praise.

 

Her delighted face became his driving force.

 

He wanted to make her even more happy.

 

Excessive enthusiasm combined with even greater stamina began to increase their speed.

 

“Uh oh…?”

 

As mentioned earlier, this was Evelyn’s first time boating.

 

Panicked by the increasing speed, she gripped the side tightly.

 

“Th-Theo!”

 

At Evelyn’s exclamation, he rowed extremely fast with a pleased expression.

 

Due to the fierce sound of water, Evelyn’s voice could no longer be heard.

 

She had her mouth open in a round shape. She still seemed to be admiring it.

 

After circling the lake several times, she covered her mouth with her hand.

 

Just as Theo’s eyes curved long, thinking how happy she must be.

 

Evelyn threw herself into Theo’s arms.

 

“…”

 

His body stiffened at the sudden embrace.

 

Following Theo, the boat also stopped moving. Gentle waves like at the beginning could be felt again.

 

He didn’t even have time to think about why Evelyn was acting this way.

 

Her scent and the warmth of contact made him dizzy.

 

“Evelyn, why so suddenly…”

 

At that moment, a strong force touched the back of his neck.

 

Grab!

 

A delicate hand was clutching Theo’s collar.

 

“I said stop…”

 

The woman in his arms slowly raised her head.

 

“I said I was getting motion sick… Why don’t you listen to people…”

 

The face he met was pale and sickly. Her skin was pallid without a trace of color.

 

“Urgh…!”

 

Evelyn covered her mouth again and hung her head low.

 

Theo blinked several times.

 

His frozen thought process finally began to work again.

 

Her mouth that had been round was making ‘urgh!’ sounds from motion sickness, and covering her mouth was to hold back nausea.

 

“…I’m sorry.”

 

Theo sincerely apologized.

 

It seemed like he only made mistakes in front of Evelyn.

 

Was romance this difficult?

 

Since everything was new to him, he couldn’t know.

 

He slowly rubbed Evelyn’s back.

 

He had to keep repeating his apologies until her stomach settled.

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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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