That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 43
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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 43
Even after the boat ride ended, Evelyn’s stomach remained unsettled for quite some time.
Because of this, she had to receive Theo’s support during the journey back to the manor.
Her pale complexion was only then able to return to normal.
As they entered the manor, Robert approached his master carrying a silver tray as if he had been waiting.
It was the kind used when someone important sent correspondence.
“The Grand Cleric has sent a letter. For both of you.”
At those words, Evelyn swallowed dryly. She realized once again that this was an important enough mission for the Grand Cleric to contact them directly.
Theo asked him.
“When did it arrive?”
“Not long ago. Shall I place it on the office desk?”
The Duke had a habit of checking important documents or letters in his office.
“No, I’ll take it myself.”
After Theo picked up the envelope from the tray, he called to Evelyn.
“It would be best if we read it together.”
Theo guided Evelyn to his office.
It was her first time entering his workspace. Unlike the splendid Duke’s mansion, this place fully reflected Theo’s personality.
Nothing stood out, with uniformly colored furniture arranged in angular positions, consisting only of absolutely necessary items.
It was very much like Theo, who pursued efficiency and neatness.
Evelyn took a seat on one of the sofas surrounding the long table. Theo brought a paper knife from his desk and sat across from her.
Despite his indifferent gaze, his hands handling the letter were neat. His movements were always upright and dignified.
Paper filled with dense handwriting was revealed. The first page seemed to be greetings, as he quickly turned past it.
He flipped through a total of four pages of the letter in an instant. His reading speed was quite fast.
“As expected.”
It was indeed about the sacred relic.
“You’ve already read it all? The content seemed quite lengthy.”
“If you exclude greetings, prayers, and blessings, there’s not much left.”
At words that could be considered irreverent, Evelyn unconsciously looked around.
Contrary to her worry, the interior of the office was very quiet.
“What did it say?”
“Half of it is bragging about how thoroughly he investigated even during the pilgrimage, and the rest is about Julia’s stone…”
Theo summarized what he considered useful content.
“Several more prophecies will come without warning from now on. You know this, right?”
“Of course, that’s why I’m here.”
“The moment the final prophecy is uttered, the pendant’s bond will be released. Everything will happen within a year.”
The Grand Cleric had informed them of what Evelyn was most curious about.
How long she would have to stay with House Ashford.
‘A year…’
It was far too long compared to her little over a month of experience in ancient language research.
‘But is it fortunate that a deadline has been set?’
Since she had to follow the imperial command anyway, she decided to think positively.
But she couldn’t understand why her eyes kept getting moist.
“Theo, I’m asking this just in case…”
He nodded as if telling her to speak.
“What happens if the final prophecy comes out but I can’t interpret it?”
Translating ancient language literally was easy. But gods were beings who liked to complicate their words.
Would she be able to properly interpret it according to the situation, environment, and the sacred relic’s intention?
A shadow fell across Evelyn’s face. Theo spoke in a light tone, asking what she was worried about.
“All we have to do is stay stuck next to that stone. Others will take care of the rest.”
“Right?”
Seeing her brightened eyes, Theo smiled brilliantly.
“Unless the world ends before then.”
The corners of her mouth drooped. Watching her expression change moment by moment, he suppressed his laughter.
“Why do you say such scary things… You could just say the continent’s future is at stake…”
“Isn’t that the same thing? It said it hints at a great crisis.”
That’s right, that’s why even the Emperor stepped forward directly.
‘Wait, if things go wrong, won’t I be executed first?’
Unlike Duke Ashford, who was the Empire’s protector, she was just an insignificant researcher.
Would the Emperor really let her go peacefully…?
As a dark future naturally came to mind, Evelyn couldn’t just sit still either.
She stood up from her seat and spoke with determined eyes.
“This won’t do.”
“What won’t?”
“I need to do something. At this rate, I’ll die before returning to work.”
Her motivation to learn more deeply about the sacred relic blazed up. Of course, it was created by survival instinct.
“Wait, you’re forgetting something important.”
Theo stopped her urgent steps. When Evelyn turned around, she saw him with his hand placed over his heart.
“It would be troublesome if you left us behind.”
With a thoroughly sulky tone as if feeling hurt, Theo showed her the pendant.
He too rose from the sofa and approached Evelyn.
Looking down at her with a slight smile, he gently tapped the tip of her nose with his finger as if treating a child.
“Don’t forget, we must always be together.”
No matter what happens.
* * *
The next day, Vanessa again tried to entice Theo to play games together, but Evelyn firmly shook her head.
She didn’t want to repeat the humiliation from the dagger competition.
And when she told the story about the boat ride, Vanessa’s face turned pale.
Did she get motion sick just from hearing about it? Evelyn was puzzled.
Vanessa was greatly disappointed and muttered incomprehensible words.
“To think my lord was so oblivious…”
“Pardon?”
“Everyone becomes a fool when they fall in love…”
She didn’t know what it meant, but Vanessa seemed somehow dejected.
Then, Robert approached Evelyn.
“You should go to the reception room. A guest has come to see you.”
“To see me?”
There’s no one who would come…
Evelyn tilted her head and opened the reception room door. At the same time, her eyes widened.
“Wh-what is all this…”
Greatly surprised, Evelyn barely managed to speak.
“What do you mean? These are the dresses you ordered last time.”
Designer Charlotte commanded her assistants with an excited face.
“Arrange the light colors first. Display the shoes over there.”
Evelyn blinked blankly.
It was strange. She was certain she had only ordered one dress that day…
“What is this…!”
Evelyn kept asking what on earth was going on.
Charlotte hummed cheerfully as she kindly answered.
This is a decoration made to resemble Deia flowers, and that one is…
‘That’s not what I’m asking about!’
She couldn’t understand why countless dresses had come before her.
“Oh my, where are you going?”
“Just a moment, there’s someone I need to meet right away…”
Even leaving the reception room was difficult.
Dresses displayed on hangers filled every corner, and she had to practically sweep with her arms to make a path just to get through. She looked like a mole.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw Robert.
“Where is Theo right now?”
She urgently searched for the mastermind behind this.
“The master is receiving a report from Lord Julian. He said he wouldn’t disturb you so that Lady Evelyn could fully appreciate the dresses…”
He emphasized the Duke’s thoughtfulness, saying what a considerate person he was.
“Is he very busy? I have something I absolutely must protest about right now…!”
“Pardon?”
Robert’s eyes widened. Something was clearly not to her liking.
“First, those dresses… no, everything in the reception room needs to be returned!”
Hmm.
He calmly stroked his mustache.
“What is it that you don’t like? I’ll speak to the designer.”
“It’s not the items’ fault, it’s just too excessive. Even if it’s hospitality for a guest, I wish you’d consider my position too.”
She could no longer endure the Duke’s Mansion’s overwhelming hospitality.
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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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