That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 47

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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 47

 

As they left the shop, the sunset was already painting the sky in gentle hues.

 

Joyful laughter could be heard from beyond the buildings. It was coming from the center of the town square.

 

When Evelyn naturally looked in that direction, Theo suggested a walk.

 

Leaving the shopping district behind, a wide square came into view. At its center, a large fountain spread a refreshing scent of water.

 

Children giggled as they ran around, and street musicians’ performances echoed cheerfully through the air.

 

Young people casually drinking at outdoor tables, and an elderly couple sitting quietly on a bench reading—

 

Everyone was freely enjoying what they wanted without any set framework.

 

Above them all, the reddish sunset warmly illuminated everyone.

 

Evelyn smiled at the pleasant scene.

 

“It’s refreshing.”

 

She said to Theo.

 

“Ever since I came to the capital, I went straight to work at the research institute, and after that it was always one tense moment after another.”

 

“Was it?”

 

“That’s probably why the capital always felt so bleak to me. But this place is different, isn’t it?”

 

Evelyn’s eyes overflowed with vitality.

 

Watching her sparkling eyes, Theo led her toward the center.

 

“Shall we look around slowly?”

 

The place he brought her to was the fountain right in front of them.

 

Evelyn looked at the stone statue positioned in the center of the fountain. It was shaped like cherubs playing trumpets circling around the goddess Julia.

 

Theo spread out his handkerchief and laid it on the edge of the fountain. He naturally seated Evelyn on top of it.

 

“Thank you.”

 

He also took a seat beside Evelyn, who was wearing a smile.

 

It was exactly the spot Theo had intended, where the entire square could be seen at a glance.

 

She took in the free-spirited liveliness, while he took in Evelyn…

 

Each filled their eyes with the scenery they desired.

 

Behind them, the refreshing sound of water rang pleasantly.

 

Evelyn, who had been playfully kicking her feet, turned her head at the gaze she felt from beside her.

 

His violet eyes met the sunset, creating a mysterious light.

 

“…”

 

Evelyn always thought so.

 

Theo’s eyes had a strangely captivating power that drew people in.

 

As Evelyn gazed at him as if entranced, a languid voice reached her ears.

 

“Evelyn.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“Thank you for the gift.”

 

Theo took out a small box from his chest. His touch was precious, as if handling a treasured jewel.

 

There were many things he wanted to tell Evelyn.

 

But he had to hold back with a simple word of thanks.

 

Both his overflowing affection and his plea for her to stay with him.

 

But couldn’t he be greedy about just this one thing?

 

Theo opened the box and handed it to her.

 

“I’d like you to put them on for me.”

 

Behind his relaxed smile was hidden an uncontrollable trembling.

 

“The cufflinks?”

 

“Yes.”

 

He extended his wrist.

 

Evelyn looked quietly for a moment, then nodded.

 

It wasn’t a difficult task. She had often done this for her father too.

 

But why…

 

‘Why am I so nervous?’

 

She unconsciously swallowed dryly.

 

Every time she fiddled with his sleeve, their skin brushed against each other.

 

Her fingertips naturally tapped against his wrist.

 

The body heat where they touched was hot. So much so that she couldn’t tell if it was Theo’s warmth or her own.

 

She didn’t know how she moved her hands. At some point, she could no longer hear the children’s laughter or feel the bouncing water droplets.

 

Finally, she inserted the cufflink into the hole and secured it firmly.

 

“…It’s done.”

 

“Is it?”

 

Theo examined his sleeve this way and that with a satisfied expression.

 

In the meantime, Evelyn took a breath. She had been so nervous she couldn’t even breathe.

 

Then she came to one conclusion.

 

‘Being close to Theo is harmful.’

 

His looks were bad for her heart.

 

She asked with a nonchalant expression.

 

“Do you like it?”

 

Theo’s lips curved into a ridge. It was a smile that resembled the golden sunset.

 

“I like it. Both the color and the meaning.”

 

* * *

 

Evelyn had become quite accustomed to life at the Duke’s mansion.

 

Evelyn and Theo weren’t always together.

 

This was because she could move around freely within the manor.

 

Having grown close to the people of House Ashford, Evelyn would chat with Robert and watch the knights’ training.

 

Most of this was at Vanessa’s invitation.

 

When Theo received Julian’s morning reports, Vanessa would keep Evelyn company.

 

Then she would take her to the training ground, show off her swordsmanship through training, and tease the knights who were just standing around.

 

The biggest victim was Victor. Because he was easily provoked.

 

In any case, the training ground was the most lively and entertaining place in this manor.

 

The knights also welcomed Evelyn. Though they sometimes cast curious glances, she was used to it by now.

 

Though they were playful and spontaneous knights, their skills were tremendous.

 

She couldn’t take her eyes off the brilliant auras and swordsmanship happening here and there.

 

Today as well, Vanessa had brought Evelyn to the training ground.

 

So as not to interfere with training, they sipped tea in a rest area set far apart.

 

The row of tables were all places where knights chatted or ate snacks. Evelyn was sitting at the first table among them.

 

Vanessa coolly pointed out each of her subordinates’ shortcomings one by one, then ordered them to do appropriate training.

 

‘When I see her like this, she seems like a different person…’

 

Evelyn was quietly admiring when Vanessa, having finished her duties as vice-captain, approached her.

 

Then, as if making casual conversation, she casually threw out a question.

 

“Did you choose my lord’s gift well yesterday?”

 

“Of course, thanks to you, Vanessa.”

 

At those words, Vanessa clapped her hands, saying she did well.

 

“If it’s thanks to me… did you give him that? The cufflinks!”

 

“Yes, that’s right. The design was unique and sophisticated…”

 

While answering, Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

 

“Vanessa, did you know by any chance? That it’s a gift between lovers.”

 

“Yes, why?”

 

Vanessa shrugged as if asking what the problem was.

 

“The price was reasonable, and just as you said, Lady Evelyn, it’s unique and sophisticated. Does my lord perhaps not like it?”

 

Her voice was uncharacteristically worried.

 

“Oh my, a gift should please the person receiving it! Because of my poor taste, my lord will be disappointed and sad…”

 

“It’s not like that…”

 

“I’m sorry, Lady Evelyn. It’s all because of me…!”

 

“Vanessa, don’t force yourself to cry.”

 

At those words, Vanessa clicked her tongue with a “Tch.”

 

It seemed her acting no longer worked on Evelyn.

 

“I was just curious if Vanessa knew the meaning of cufflinks.”

 

“Is that important?”

 

“Of course it’s important! Thanks to that, the atmosphere became awkward, so please tell me in advance from now on.”

 

At her firm tone, Vanessa nodded her head.

 

“Alright… I won’t do that again.”

 

Still, thinking about how happy her lord would be made her excited.

 

She had to hold back her urge to whistle.

 

Just then, Whittaker approached them. A book was tucked under his left arm.

 

“Lady Evelyn, excuse me, but may I ask you for a favor?”

 

“Of course.”

 

At her answer, Whittaker politely expressed his gratitude.

 

Soon an old book was placed on the table. Evelyn was surprised when she examined it.

 

“It’s an ancient language text?”

 

“Yes, that’s right. I managed to obtain an ancient tactical manual with difficulty, but I’m having trouble interpreting it.”

 

Whittaker knew ancient language?

 

When Evelyn looked at him in great surprise, Vanessa waved her hand.

 

“Whittaker often obtains materials that could help the knights and shares them with everyone. The person who gets them for him also interprets the ancient language, but since they haven’t studied it professionally…”

 

“Ah, I understand what you mean.”

 

The person who sold the book must have found the content difficult to interpret. That’s why he asked Evelyn, a royal court researcher, for help.

 

“I’m not sure if I’ll be of help though.”

 

“Just taking a look would be fine.”

 

When Whittaker turned the pages, traces of age could be seen everywhere. It seemed like faded papers had been bound together to barely form a book.

 

“This part is what I don’t understand.”

 

On the page he opened, crude drawings were carved alongside ancient text.

 

Several soldiers were holding shields, and rays of light starting from the center of the shields were directed toward a mountain peak.

 

Evelyn began to be drawn in, as if enchanted by the strange aura the drawing gave off.

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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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