That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 52
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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 52
The Emperor probably didn’t even cry when he was born, but started praying instead.
“Then when did it start…?”
“Should I tell you now?”
Theo glanced toward the servants. It was asking if it was okay to speak in front of them.
Evelyn shook her head, feeling like something big was about to happen.
Just then, someone knocked on the reception room door.
“His Imperial Majesty is looking for you both.”
It was the Chamberlain’s voice.
The two stood up and followed the servant out.
The Chamberlain walking ahead gradually slowed his steps.
Then he carefully looked back at Evelyn and Theo.
“He is currently with an honored guest.”
“Who is it?”
The experienced servant swallowed nervously, unusually tense.
“…It’s the Grand Cleric.”
“Are they waiting together?”
“Yes. The Grand Cleric also wishes to meet you both.”
It was an unexpected encounter.
To think they would meet the Grand Cleric, whom even the Emperor rarely sees…
A displeased voice reached the nervous Evelyn.
“That’s troublesome.”
Theo seemed unhappy about something.
He looked at Evelyn intently while wearing a crooked smile.
“You definitely said you like handsome men.”
“Wh-when did I say that!”
His words were enough to fluster Evelyn.
Why is he suddenly asking about that…!
Theo’s expression, which she thought was playful, was quite serious.
It was as if he was deeply wary of someone.
“You said before that you at least liked my face.”
“The only face I liked was Theo’s!”
Just as she was explaining that she doesn’t like all handsome men, Theo muttered with a thoroughly satisfied expression.
“Is that true?”
“…”
Evelyn’s face heated up as she belatedly realized what she had said.
I’m crazy! Even if I lost my mind, not to this extent!
“Then it doesn’t matter.”
Theo led Evelyn along in a good mood.
Soon they arrived at the tea room of the Imperial Palace.
Unlike the reception room used for official purposes, this was a space for personal socializing.
Because of this, only people selected by the Emperor could enter.
When the Chamberlain announced their arrival in front of the tea room, the Emperor gave his permission.
When the door opened, the space revealed wasn’t much different from the reception room. On one wall, tea sets imported from foreign countries were displayed.
What was unusual was that there wasn’t a single servant who should always be present beside the Emperor.
Whatever conversation they were having, it was definitely a private space.
‘It feels strangely closed off.’
Evelyn thought the atmosphere here seemed to push her away.
“It’s been a while, Duke Ashford.”
The Emperor greeted Theo. Soon after, he also asked about Evelyn’s well-being.
However, the Emperor’s complexion, seen after a long time, didn’t look good.
‘Is he sick somewhere?’
Wondering, Evelyn noticed his fingertips were trembling. His gestures looked restless, as if being chased by someone.
Whether unaware of his trembling hands, the Emperor greeted them both with a relaxed expression.
Evelyn answered formally while glancing elsewhere.
All her attention was focused on the man sitting beside the Emperor.
From the moment she entered this place, she felt an indescribable aura. It was an intense pressure that seemed to weigh down her entire body.
The owner of the heavy atmosphere looked at Evelyn carefully. At first glance it seemed like a gentle gaze, but it was piercingly sharp.
His brilliantly shining silver hair and golden eyes indicated he was the Grand Cleric. These were characteristics of those with divine power.
His coloring was brighter and more vivid than any of the clerics she had seen so far.
“Have you been well, Theo?”
Finally, he took his eyes off Evelyn and greeted Theo.
The Grand Cleric, who called his name familiarly, let out a small exclamation.
“Seeing you like this, you really resemble the Previous Duke. You’ve grown up splendidly.”
“Yes, did your pilgrimage go well?”
“Of course, thanks to it I gained many insights. I’ll tell you about them sometime, Theo.”
“I understand.”
Despite the gentle tone, Theo seemed unimpressed. Even with his indifferent attitude, the Grand Cleric didn’t lose his smile.
Soon the Grand Cleric spoke to Evelyn.
“You’ve taken on an important mission. May I call you by your name?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Good, Evelyn. Goddess Julia has connected us.”
He treated her with the same polite manner as the Duke. It was an unexpected sight.
But what was most surprising was…
‘The Grand Cleric is such a young man?’
It was his appearance that surprised Evelyn.
The Grand Cleric, who appeared to be Theo’s age, was a handsome man with refined features.
‘Divine power really is amazing.’
Evelyn was greatly impressed inwardly. The Grand Cleric had been maintaining his current position for nearly a hundred years.
Yet he looked much younger than the Emperor standing beside him.
She knew that the stronger one’s divine power, the more youth is maintained, but…
The being before her eyes was so fascinating that Evelyn couldn’t look away.
“Evelyn, come sit down.”
It was Theo who brought her back to attention.
Come to think of it, she had been standing the whole time, admiring the Grand Cleric.
The Emperor spoke jokingly to the Grand Cleric beside him. Somehow he seemed to be gauging his mood.
“Miss Evelyn seems quite surprised to see you.”
“Is that so?”
Evelyn, coming to her senses, hurriedly apologized for her rudeness.
“I’m sorry. Since you’re not someone I can easily meet…”
“It’s fine. I’m just the same as anyone else, so there’s nothing to be so curious about.”
But you’re incredibly fascinating…
Only then did Theo and she sit at the table. Tea had already been prepared.
In the awkward atmosphere, Evelyn glanced at Theo sitting beside her.
He was the most comfortable presence among them.
Theo met her eyes and smiled at her. But somehow it was a different smile than usual.
As if he was forcing himself to smile…
As if forcing a smile…
‘It must be my imagination.’
Hadn’t he been in a good mood just moments ago?
The Grand Cleric’s clear voice echoed through the interior.
“I’ve been eager to meet you both. Since you are the ones directly chosen by Goddess Julia.”
Embarrassed by the grandiose statement, Evelyn smiled at him.
At the same time, Theo’s jaw tightened.
“I’ve always had private audiences with the Grand Cleric… This is the first time with others present.”
It seemed the Emperor always dismissed everyone else to have intimate conversations alone with the Grand Cleric.
‘Is their relationship closer than I thought?’
It appeared to be a friendship that went beyond religious faith.
As Evelyn pondered deeply, she felt an intense gaze upon her. It was the Grand Cleric.
“I can sense divine power from Evelyn.”
“From me?”
“To be precise, it would be the aura of the sacred relic you’ve been carrying. You must have possessed it for quite some time.”
It made sense since she had been carrying the sacred relic every night.
“Now it’s in Theo’s possession.”
The Grand Cleric extended his hand toward Theo.
“May I take a look? At Julia’s Stone.”
A strange gleam flickered in his eyes before disappearing. Theo didn’t miss that brief moment.
Theo handed over the sacred relic he had been carrying. Taking it, the Grand Cleric slowly turned the pendant, examining it thoroughly.
“I heard about when it was first discovered. They said a white light stretched out vividly.”
He caressed Julia’s Stone with delicate fingers.
“I would like to see it too. The goddess’s light.”
His wistful face turned toward Evelyn.
“Why won’t it show itself to me?”
It wasn’t a question seeking an answer. It was a mysterious gaze, as if trying to dig into something.
What was he trying to read from her? The persistent stare from earlier had been quite uncomfortable.
Evelyn swallowed dryly. Perhaps he didn’t like the one chosen by the sacred relic.
‘What if he doesn’t approve? It’s not like I wanted to be burdened with this either!’
So without thinking, she blurted out:
“Well, only the goddess would know the answer.”
She meant that no one but Yulia could guess her intentions.
Theo chuckled at her unexpected response. His relaxed eyes were filled with affection.
Evelyn usually seemed composed, but occasionally she would be spirited like this.
Whether the Emperor was flustered or not, Theo simply enjoyed this moment.
After a few seconds of silence, another sound of laughter flowed out.
Hahaha!
The Grand Cleric was laughing loudly. As if he had heard an amusing joke.
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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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