That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 45

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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 45

 

A firm voice continued.

 

“I know well about the hospitality that’s been passed down through generations of ancestors. But still, it feels burdensome to me.”

 

“….”

 

“Perhaps it’s because we grew up in different environments. This isn’t about disrespecting customs at all. I just hope you could consider my position, even just a little.”

 

Theo listened seriously to her perspective.

 

He wanted to give Evelyn all the precious things in the world.

 

But his one-sided feelings made her uncomfortable.

 

He acknowledged his mistake.

 

“I understand what you mean.”

 

Then he let out a sigh.

 

“I was arrogant. It was my oversight not considering your position.”

 

“Thank you for understanding.”

 

Evelyn accepted his apology.

 

She thought Theo’s pride might be hurt. After all, his goodwill had been met with rejection.

 

However, he readily asked Evelyn for forgiveness.

 

He seemed playful in everything yet was a mature person. Such aspects stirred strange emotions in her.

 

Having opened her heart, Evelyn now had to think about something else.

 

‘How should I repay him?’

 

Following Robert’s advice, she wanted to give Theo a gift.

 

First, she thought of items commonly used by noble men.

 

‘A pocket watch?’

 

It seemed like a very good gift. Moreover, it was practical.

 

Just then, Theo pulled out a pocket watch from his chest.

 

“Julian should be coming soon.”

 

“….”

 

Was a watch always such a brilliant object?

 

Even at a glance, it was full of gold and diamonds. It seemed like no matter what she gifted, it couldn’t surpass that.

 

‘Then a fountain pen?’

 

As soon as she thought of it, she heard a scratching sound.

 

The black fountain pen handle Theo was holding was gleaming with gold.

 

Seeing the imperial crest engraved on it, it seemed the Emperor had bestowed it only to a select few nobles.

 

He casually scribbled with the fountain pen, then carelessly set it down anywhere.

 

Really, everything surrounding Theo was of the highest quality.

 

But she couldn’t openly ask what he needed. Hadn’t she just firmly rejected his goodwill moments ago?

 

It wasn’t the right atmosphere to talk about repayment.

 

What Evelyn thought of while pondering was Vanessa.

 

She often became Evelyn’s conversation partner as per Theo’s orders, and each time she informed her about the latest trends.

 

‘Wouldn’t Vanessa know about appropriate gifts too?’

 

Moreover, having stayed by the Duke’s side for a long time, she might have figured out his preferences.

 

Having reached a conclusion, Evelyn called out to Theo.

 

“I’m planning to go out today.”

 

“When shall we go?”

 

He seemed to naturally intend to accompany her.

 

“No, I’m thinking of going alone with Vanessa.”

 

Surely the sacred object wouldn’t make a prophecy in such a short time.

 

Theo smiled brightly. It was excessively beautiful, but somehow an unsettling smile.

 

“You can’t leave alone.”

 

He pointed to the sacred object on Evelyn’s desk.

 

“Our little stone will cry sadly looking for you. It’ll resent daddy.”

 

Nonsensical words came from Theo’s mouth.

 

Evelyn, who had been staring blankly with her mouth open, finally shouted.

 

“Daddy, what do you mean…!”

 

The pendant was somehow in his palm. Stroking the sacred object with his other hand, Theo explained.

 

“We’re protecting our little stone as guardians, aren’t we?”

 

“But the purpose is prophecy, isn’t it?”

 

Evelyn’s words didn’t seem to reach him.

 

“I’ve decided to think of this little stone as my child now. I’ll become its closest guardian.”

 

“How did you come to think that way…”

 

She wanted to ask if he had gone crazy.

 

“Doesn’t it seem just like a newborn, sleeping all day? Besides, what good is it if it talks? It can’t do anything without us.”

 

“….”

 

“We’ll be temporary parents for a while.”

 

She thought it was strange when he started treating Julia’s stone like a person, but she didn’t know he had completed the adoption process alone.

 

The sacred object’s prophecy had instantly become babbling.

 

“W-wait a minute! Parents? Then am I included too?”

 

“Isn’t that obvious?”

 

He pointed at Evelyn with his finger.

 

“You are the mother.”

 

The finger changed direction and pointed at Theo himself.

 

“I am the father.”

 

Is he really crazy? She was so dumbfounded that words wouldn’t come out properly.

 

“Why am I the mother? I’ve never given birth to a child!”

 

“Then should I do it? You can be the father.”

 

“That’s not what I mean!”

 

The hand still caressing the pendant remained gentle. At this rate, he might even sing a lullaby.

 

“Play house by yourself, Theo.”

 

“Yes, I’ll do my best as a parent.”

 

Theo handed her the sacred object with a satisfied expression.

 

She had instantly been bound as family with the two of them. She quietly stared at the pendant, but there was no way maternal love would arise.

 

‘Right, they say sometimes there are people who don’t respond to common sense.’

 

Giving up on understanding, she looked at Theo.

 

His build was fine, but… it was truly regrettable.

 

As if nothing had happened, he returned to his usual leisurely expression.

 

“Anyway, solo outings are not allowed. Neither for you, nor for me.”

 

Theo gently persuaded her.

 

“Within the manor might be one thing, but external schedules must be done together.”

 

“But there are circumstances…”

 

“Evelyn, this isn’t just a simple imperial command.”

 

His tone became firm.

 

At the same time, Evelyn realized she had been complacent.

 

Being distracted by various incidents, she had forgotten the original purpose.

 

Julia’s stone, on which the Empire’s future depended, had imprinted on her. She should rightfully bear the responsibility that came with it.

 

Having organized her thoughts, she nodded.

 

It was embarrassing, but she had to acknowledge her mistake.

 

“I thought too lightly about the sacred object. The reason I’m staying at the Duke’s mansion in the first place is because of the prophecy…”

 

As a sign of reflection, she said listlessly that she would take charge of the sacred object for the day.

 

“You don’t need to be that depressed about it.”

 

Theo smiled softly as if it was fine.

 

He hadn’t wanted to see Evelyn looking dejected. The weighty mission that had come like an accident bound her and made her feel burdened.

 

In a way, wasn’t she in an unfair position?

 

Theo lightened the mood with a casual tone.

 

“So, when are we going out?”

 

* * *

 

In the end, Evelyn headed to the Town Square alone with Theo.

 

At first, she had asked Vanessa to accompany them. She had been about to follow along happily, but changed her mind just before the outing.

 

‘You’re going with your lord?’

 

‘Yes, the three of us are going out…’

 

‘Oh no! Something very urgent came up, so I don’t think I can go with you.’

 

‘Suddenly?’

 

‘Yes, so you two should go and have a cozy time together! Oh, and…’

 

Vanessa handed Evelyn a piece of paper.

 

Along with a whisper that it was a gift that would suit Duke Ashford perfectly.

 

She conveniently left out the part about it being the latest trend among ‘lovers’ these days.

 

In any case, Evelyn headed to the destination Vanessa had recommended.

 

There were several large jewelry stores in the Capital.

 

Most had a stuffy and heavy atmosphere, places mainly frequented by dignified nobles.

 

But Vanessa had guided Evelyn to be able to give a sophisticated gift without overextending herself.

 

The ‘Artis’ Jewelry Store in the Town Square was such a place.

 

It was popular among young people because it wrapped reasonably priced gems in trendy designs.

 

Theo got out of the carriage and escorted Evelyn.

 

“What business do we have at a jewelry store?”

 

“I want to give someone a gift…”

 

Since we’ve come this far, should I just tell him? That it’s a gift for Theo.

 

‘Right, since we’re already here, it would be better to let him choose himself.’

 

Just as Evelyn was about to speak up.

 

The jewelry store door opened and an employee came out to guide them.

 

“Welcome.”

 

It was a bright and cheerful smile. She looked back and forth between the two and guessed their relationship.

 

“Please take your time looking around, we have many items for lovers.”

 

The one who was flustered was Evelyn.

 

“We’re not that kind of relationship! I’m looking for a specific item…”

 

She pulled out a memo from her bag. It was Theo’s gift that Vanessa had recommended.

 

At the same time, the pendant that had been stored with it suddenly popped out.

 

Just before the holy relic fell, Theo swiftly caught it.

 

“Be careful, a mother shouldn’t do that.”

 

“Ah, you’re not lovers but a married couple!”

 

The employee winked knowingly.

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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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