That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 53
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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 53
“You’re absolutely right. How dare I presume to guess the goddess’s will… I was being reckless.”
He laughed heartily for quite a while, finding something greatly amusing.
“Thanks to Evelyn, I’ve gained enlightenment. I’m grateful.”
He returned the sacred relic with an eye smile. It was a warm smile like sunlight.
Unlike before, his voice was filled with goodwill as it directed toward Evelyn.
Just as Evelyn was about to look at him out of courtesy, Theo spoke up.
“Now let’s return to the main topic. Starting with the second prophecy.”
The subject naturally changed, and the Emperor and Grand Cleric focused on him.
Theo explained what had just happened and recited the second prophecy.
“Dark crimson darkness will slowly roll in like fog to devour everyone, so guard against it endlessly.”
“…”
“…”
Deep shadows fell across both their faces. Darkness approaching… it was surely an ominous sign.
“Darkness, devouring everyone… does this mean danger will befall the Empire?”
The one trembling most with anxiety was the Emperor. He gazed endlessly at the Grand Cleric while barely maintaining his dignity.
His firm trust in him was evident.
Was it just her imagination that he seemed more fragile than when they first met?
Evelyn observed the Emperor with puzzlement.
The Grand Cleric’s voice remained calm and clear as always.
“We cannot know exactly what darkness the goddess spoke of. It could be people, or perhaps something without form.”
His words continued.
“In divine oracles, ‘fog’ means ‘quiet multitudes.’ It suggests countless somethings are approaching.”
Evelyn, who had been listening quietly, posed a question.
“But why dark crimson darkness?”
“What do you mean by that?”
The benevolent Grand Cleric’s expression remained unchanged.
“If it simply meant to speak of darkness, there would be no need to specifically mention the color red. Doesn’t it mean the quiet multitudes are bringing something red?”
“…”
He looked at Evelyn with interest. Then he asked casually.
“I’d like to hear Evelyn’s thoughts.”
Suddenly, a scene flashed through her mind.
It was an altar for Calimedes, the god of death. Where red sacrifices ran rampant…
But she couldn’t tell him directly. What she had read was a forbidden book.
The Grand Cleric continued to wait for her answer. He stared directly at her as if wanting to read her thoughts.
Evelyn barely managed to lift the corners of her mouth.
“I’m not sure either. That’s why I asked you, Grand Cleric.”
“I see. It was a sharp question. In oracles, the color red signifies intense energy or fresh blood.”
His explanation continued.
“Dark crimson darkness probably refers to some force. An intense aura of evil.”
“Couldn’t it be the second meaning?”
When Evelyn brought up fresh blood, the Grand Cleric smiled.
“You mean they’re coming while spilling their own blood?”
“It could be other people’s blood.”
Unable to directly mention ‘sacrifice,’ she had to speak indirectly.
So as not to evoke thoughts of the god of death.
“…”
As if contemplating something, he tapped his fingers on his knee.
A strange tension arose with the silence.
The longer the silence lasted, the harder Evelyn’s heart pounded.
Had her words been too reckless?
A cold sweat trickled down her spine.
Then a small clinking sound came from the seat beside her.
Theo had touched his teacup.
Having deliberately caught Evelyn’s attention, he met her eyes and nodded slightly.
‘It’s okay.’
His long eyes curved into crescents. Soon he slowly closed and opened them.
Strangely, his eye gesture began to put her mind at ease.
“Evelyn.”
Then, a cheerful voice called her.
When she looked up, the Grand Cleric was wearing a bright smile as before.
“What an unexpectedly interesting opinion. But that possibility exists too.”
“…Thank you for accepting it.”
“We don’t know the identity of the ‘darkness.’ We can’t rule out the possibility of them attacking others.”
Evelyn was about to ask about the possibility of sacrificial offerings but closed her mouth.
If she talked more, she might be caught having read the forbidden book. She absolutely couldn’t mention having glimpsed the taboo.
The Grand Cleric clapped his hands and continued his admiration.
“The more I think about it, the more excellent your interpretation is. New opinions are always welcome. The more we have, the more thoroughly we can prepare.”
Then he gave a gentle eye smile.
“Are you usually interested in theology?”
Why is he suddenly asking that?
She blinked. Though she had fallen asleep while reading theology books, she had never been directly interested.
Unable to say so outright, she mumbled vaguely.
“Is there anyone on the continent who doesn’t worship Goddess Julia… haha…”
Though it was clearly an evasive answer, the Grand Cleric’s eyes sparkled even more.
“Evelyn, I see now that you’re quite devout! Moreover, your ability to analyze prophecies is better than most clerics!”
“Huh? Thank you for the complim…”
“Then how about coming with me to the Holy Kingdom?
Gasp!
Startled, Evelyn drew in a sharp breath.
“Your joke goes too far.”
It was Theo who stopped the Grand Cleric. He smiled broadly while offering tea to Evelyn.
However, the Grand Cleric didn’t wait for her to calm down.
“I’m serious. The clerics of the Holy Kingdom struggle most with interpreting divine oracles. Evelyn’s ancient language abilities and sharp analytical skills would be of great help to everyone!”
His behavior, as if he would drag Evelyn away immediately, evoked a sense of déjà vu.
‘Where have I seen this before…’
There had been someone who praised their opponent with such a smiling face while determined to make them their slave.
At that moment, Evelyn identified the source of her unease.
It was the Academy professors who coaxed students into becoming their assistants.
The senior who fell for a professor’s coaxing grew darker in complexion day by day.
She couldn’t forget that complexion that had sunk as dark as pitch black.
“As you know, Grand Cleric… I intend to focus on the goddess’s prophecies for the time being.”
After that, she planned to dedicate herself to the Imperial Research Institute.
However, the Grand Cleric was even more pleased with her answer.
“There’s no better place than the Holy Kingdom for interpreting divine oracles. You’d stay with me just until Yulia’s Stone delivers the final prophecy.”
I like that idea even less…!
Since the report was finished, she wanted to escape this place immediately.
“That sounds good. With the Grand Cleric’s help, we’d get more accurate interpretations.”
Even the Emperor was siding with him.
The two discussed Evelyn’s fate in a harmonious manner.
Once again, that damned oath came to mind.
Researchers affiliated with the Royal Court must obey imperial commands without delay when it comes to matters related to national interest….
It was Theo’s voice that cut through the peaceful atmosphere.
“That would be problematic.”
He too wore the same gentle smile as the Grand Cleric.
“Please consider my duties as Duke as well.”
“Oh my, Theo seems quite busy.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean we can be separated.”
Theo emphasized once more.
“So please let Miss Evelyn go. Even for the sake of the prophecy.”
Watching their conversation, Evelyn felt a deep sense of fatigue.
Could it be that power and smiles are proportional?
The three people who never lost their smiles until the end were now becoming frightening.
The Grand Cleric looked at Evelyn with apparent regret.
“It can’t be helped. I’ll have to summon her later.”
The promise for a future meeting was even more terrifying.
Just as the Grand Cleric was about to speak again, Theo smoothly interrupted.
“We’ve interfered with both of your time. Since we’ve delivered the prophecy, we’ll take our leave now.”
The greeting disguised as consideration was dry.
Just before rising from their seats, the Grand Cleric called out to the two.
“Yulia’s Stone is a sacred relic, after all. All sacred relics contain divine power.”
“….”
“This means it contains not only prophecy, but also purification and healing functions. They’re proportional to the divine power.”
His explanation continued.
“If you attempt healing, you’ll receive the target’s pain directly, so please be careful.”
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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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