That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 51
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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 51
The sacred object that had been moving like clock hands just moments before soon stopped its movement.
The ancient text before her eyes also began to gradually fade. Evelyn quickly transcribed the sentence she had interpreted.
A moment later, the white light disappeared without a trace. The pendant on the desk was the same.
As if nothing had happened, it sat quietly in its place.
“It really comes without any warning…”
It was such a sudden prophecy.
The imperial command that she must always stay close to Theo became clearly real to her.
The goddess’s visit came like an accident and disappeared in an instant. There was no telling when or where it might come again.
Evelyn slumped down into her chair. She seemed to have been tense without realizing it.
“Are you okay?”
Theo quickly approached and stroked her back.
Her body began to relax softly under his gentle touch.
“Thank you, Theo.”
Even after she said she was fine, he checked on Evelyn several times.
She deliberately put on a bright expression to reassure Theo.
“At least this prophecy is easy to understand.”
“She realized it herself. That beating around the bush is just a waste of time.”
The ‘she’ he was referring to was the goddess Yulia.
At his irreverent words, Evelyn cried out “Please!”
“Doesn’t it mean something that could bring down the Empire is approaching?”
“Right, His Majesty the Emperor would throw a fit if he knew. He might even block the gates.”
First the goddess Yulia, and now even the Emperor… his words knew no bounds.
“The ones who faced the light would be us. She’s giving a warning to you and me.”
What could be a crisis capable of changing the future?
Why had such a weighty mission come to me?
The added sense of responsibility gradually weighed her down.
Seeing her hardened expression, Theo smiled.
“Don’t be afraid.”
“…”
“Whether it’s darkness or fog, we just need to clear it away, don’t we?”
“Easy for you to say.”
Anyone listening would think he was talking about curtains.
Evelyn grumbled in disbelief. His eyes curved into long crescents.
“Do you know what you should never do on a dark battlefield?”
“What?”
“Never let go of your comrade’s hand.”
Theo spoke in a gentle tone but with determination.
“So you just need to quietly hold my hand.”
“…”
“Without being afraid of anything.”
Listening to his calm tone, her fearful emotions disappeared. It felt like everything would be okay as long as she was with Theo.
“We should head to the Imperial Palace soon.”
At his words, Evelyn nodded.
They had to visit the Imperial Palace after a long time. To report the second prophecy.
* * *
“Where’s Evelyn?”
At Theo’s question, Robert answered respectfully.
“Not yet, sir. The carriage is standing by.”
Evelyn and Theo began preparing to head straight to the Imperial Palace.
Having left the library and changed into his uniform, he had come down to the first floor first.
“Robert.”
“Yes, master.”
Theo’s face was quite serious. He was surely about to give some important order.
Robert focused all his attention on him.
“Get me some romance novels.”
“Yes, I understand… Pardon?”
At the unexpected content, his eyes widened. However, he soon cleared his throat.
Questioning the master’s words was not proper behavior for a butler.
“Evelyn likes romance novels, it seems.”
“Oh, I see.”
So it wasn’t for the Duke, but for the future Duchess to read.
“As varied as possible, if you can.”
“Understood. I’ll get them right away.”
Clever Robert immediately grasped Theo’s intention.
Among the various books, there would surely be content she particularly liked.
Theo was trying to understand Evelyn’s preferences.
‘What an excellent master indeed!’
Robert quickly disappeared. His determination to please the Duke was burning bright.
As soon as he left, Evelyn came down the stairs.
She was wearing her researcher uniform after a long time.
“It feels strange to wear this again.”
Perhaps because she had gotten used to the dresses Theo bought her, the uniform felt awkward.
“Actually, I was torn. I haven’t been to the research lab in so long, I wondered if this outfit was appropriate.”
There was another reason Evelyn was late. She had been torn between a dress and the uniform.
Theo nodded, saying she had thought well.
“It’s an official occasion. It’s a perfect outfit.”
He probably would have showered her with praise even if she had worn a dress.
Reassured by his words, Evelyn smiled comfortably.
“Shall we depart then?”
“Yes, sounds good.”
Soon, the manor’s doors opened.
A carriage bearing the Ashford family crest was waiting for them.
Their journey to the Imperial Palace after a long time had begun.
* * *
Like all high-ranking nobles, the Duke’s Mansion was also located close to the Imperial Palace.
When they reached the Imperial Palace in a short time, knights who recognized the Ashford crest greeted them.
From the garden onward, they had to walk without the carriage.
Theo, who got out first, extended his hand, and Evelyn gently took it.
In case she might be uncomfortable, Theo kept his eyes on Evelyn until the end.
In official settings, it was proper etiquette for a man to escort a woman.
The two naturally linked arms and strolled toward the Imperial Palace.
A servant who recognized the Duke from afar hurried inside as if looking for someone.
Following that, the Chamberlain came out with an urgent expression to greet the Duke and Evelyn.
“How have you been? But why didn’t you contact us…?”
Though it was a sudden visit, he seemed excessively surprised.
Theo, reading the suspicious atmosphere, spoke curtly.
“I have very urgent business.”
“I see. I’ll guide you to the reception room first. His Majesty has given orders not to let anyone in right now…”
Hmm.
Theo’s smooth voice continued.
“Will you take responsibility if His Majesty scolds me?”
The chamberlain blinked at the childlike question. His expression showed he didn’t understand.
“Pardon? What do you mean…?”
“His Majesty ordered me to report without delay. If I don’t follow that command, I’ll be severely punished.”
Just thinking about it is frightening.
His voice was calm, contrary to the content.
But it was enough to pressure the chamberlain.
“I’ll go inform him first. That Duke Ashford has come with very urgent business.”
When Theo nodded, he disappeared with quick steps.
A nearby servant guided Evelyn and Theo to the reception room.
Walking down the corridor, Evelyn whispered to him.
“His Majesty seems to be doing something important. Wouldn’t it be better to wait a little?”
Evelyn being so careful to converse quietly, worried someone might overhear, was incredibly adorable, making him chuckle.
He was pleased that she came close enough to stand on her tiptoes.
He deliberately bent his upper body exaggeratedly to match her height.
“Is there anything more important than this? The future of the Empire is at stake.”
“Is that so?”
“If he remains idle after hearing this, we should question whether he’s suitable for that position.”
Evelyn quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
This was the Imperial Palace. Insults toward the Emperor would never be forgiven.
When Theo chuckled softly, small vibrations transmitted through her hand.
Looking at her wide eyes, he apologized.
“Sorry for startling you.”
“Don’t ever say such things again!”
The servant walking ahead turned around.
When their eyes met, Evelyn walked naturally, pretending nothing happened.
Fortunately, the servant seemed not to have heard anything.
Soon they arrived at the reception room, and the two waited for the Emperor’s summons in plush chairs.
Servants who brought warm tea waited nearby with well-trained movements.
Unaccustomed to such treatment, Evelyn found the Imperial Palace extremely uncomfortable.
The interior of the reception room was, at first glance, splendid and magnificent like any palace.
However, religious symbols were placed throughout.
Not only were there Julia statues, but passages from scriptures were written on the walls.
‘At this rate, he’ll carve temple emblems on the castle gates too.’
Evelyn swallowed what she wanted to say.
Now that medicine and magical engineering had developed, religion didn’t wield much power on the continent.
Even though everyone was losing their faith, the Emperor’s belief was remarkable.
As if reading her thoughts, Theo spoke.
“His Majesty serves Goddess Julia deeply. Very admirable.”
The latter part seemed forcibly added due to Evelyn’s request.
She nodded, firmly swallowing the words ‘Yes, though it seems a bit excessive.’
“Do you know something?”
Theo posed a question.
“His Majesty wasn’t deeply religious from the beginning.”
“Really?”
Evelyn was greatly surprised by this new information.
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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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