That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 54
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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 54
Evelyn wore a puzzled expression. After all, only clerics with divine power could use sacred relics.
The Envoy’s lips curved into a long smile.
“What’s more powerful than divine power is the caster’s sincerity. Not negative emotions like malice, but a pure heart that seeks to save others.”
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”
He really tells me everything.
Evelyn also rose from her seat following Theo. As the two bowed politely in greeting, the Envoy said,
“Next time, I’ll teach you something even more interesting.”
She wished he would keep such fun to himself.
After leaving the Tea Room, they walked down the corridor to return to the manor.
Evelyn felt completely drained.
The meeting with the Envoy had been that brief yet intense.
What was still fascinating was his appearance, which showed no traces of time at all.
‘So he’s looked the same for a hundred years? Or does he age slowly?’
She was lost in trivial curiosity when—
“What are you thinking about?”
A low voice settled down from above her head.
“About the Envoy.”
“….”
Theo, who she thought would smoothly continue the conversation, fell silent.
When she looked up, his violet eyes were still fixed on Evelyn.
Unable to bear his piercing gaze, she asked,
“Is there something you want to say…”
“Is he your type?”
“Pardon?”
For a few seconds, she couldn’t understand his question. At her look seeking explanation, Theo sighed.
As if hesitating about something, he bit his lips tightly, then asked again as if he couldn’t help it.
“The Envoy, is he your type?”
“What?”
Are you crazy?
She shouted loudly and stopped walking.
Theo’s face remained serious.
“Oh!”
At Evelyn’s outcry, all the servants in the corridor turned their attention here.
Making such noise inside the Imperial Palace—embarrassed by her improper behavior, she quickly shut her mouth.
But the shame immediately spread across her face. Afraid her blush would be noticed, she began walking quickly ahead.
Theo’s eyes narrowed as he spotted the faint blush.
“Why are your cheeks red? Don’t tell me it’s because of the Envoy…”
“Please stop! I said no…”
Once again, a voice tinged with panic almost burst out.
Why is he acting like this!
She couldn’t tell if this was a new prank or if he was serious.
When Evelyn glared at him, Theo averted his gaze.
The two continued walking silently down the corridor until they reached the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Flowers that bloomed year-round showed off their respective colors. Taking a deep breath, the pleasant fragrance permeated her lungs.
As Evelyn admired the beautiful scenery, Theo suggested they rest here for a while.
There were benches throughout the garden where one could rest. He spread his handkerchief on a nearby one, making a seat for Evelyn.
After sitting down, she crossed her arms and glared at Theo.
“Why are you acting like this?”
“….”
“Don’t tell me you’re worried I might be enchanted by the Envoy, like you said earlier?”
Hit right on target, Theo looked into the distance.
His lips moved as if to make an excuse, then he sighed deeply.
“…How ugly.”
“What did you say?”
“Very ugly.”
Blinded by jealousy, he had shown Evelyn his worst side.
Theo deeply regretted his earlier behavior.
This was his first time experiencing such raw emotion. Had he ever been this anxious because of someone?
This uneasiness stemmed from words Evelyn had spoken in the past.
‘Can I be honest?’
‘Duke, you’re incredibly handsome.’
He had thought it was rather fortunate. At least his appearance pleased her.
Currently, it was his only weapon for approaching Evelyn.
But when he heard about meeting the Envoy, another possibility arose.
What if the Envoy was also Evelyn’s type?
In a situation where he hadn’t yet won her choice, Theo faced a crisis.
He recalled long ago when the Envoy had come to the Duke’s Mansion to give blessings.
It was also the day he witnessed the first mistake of the head maid, who had been more experienced than anyone.
When she prepared refreshments, the Envoy thanked her.
At his bright smile, the head maid exclaimed “Oh my!” and spilled the teacup.
He had heard that the gardener also fell from a tree the moment he encountered the Envoy.
Finishing his recollection, Theo spoke with difficulty.
“I’ve seen people become entranced and lose their wits after falling for him.”
“….”
“So I was afraid, I suppose. That you might be swayed.”
Yes, this was clearly jealousy.
Theo acknowledged his own emotions and apologized to Evelyn.
“Even if you were swayed, it would be your choice, not something I should interfere with.”
Sadly, they had no relationship at all. He had even said he would give up on Evelyn.
“So… you were trying to keep the Envoy in check?”
Evelyn burst into laughter as if finding it absurd.
“What would you accomplish by competing with looks? Are you two going to enter the Empire’s most handsome man contest?”
She seemed to have misunderstood something.
What Theo was conscious of wasn’t the Envoy’s beauty, but only Evelyn’s heart.
“Well, to be honest, you’re both handsome. But it’s a matter of preference.”
God-sculpted features applied to both of them.
If the Envoy had a soft and radiant appearance… Theo was unique.
A languid aura was layered over his ascetic face. That harmony even felt decadent.
“As I said before, I think Theo’s face is… more handsome.”
In the end, she was made to say these words again.
‘This is all Theo’s fault!’
Because he looked strangely dejected, she had to discuss her preferences once more.
Embarrassed, Evelyn turned her head to the other side.
“If you’re asking about my type… I’m closer to Theo than the Envoy… so don’t be too discouraged.”
She didn’t know why he was discouraged, but she felt she should somehow comfort him.
‘Does the Grand Cleric know that he unknowingly lost in a beauty contest against Theo?’
It would be absurd if he found out.
Though she had turned away, Evelyn’s reddened ears were completely captured in Theo’s eyes.
“…Really?”
“Ah, how many times must I say it! I told you before…!”
Evelyn, who had turned back toward Theo, stopped speaking.
A bright face she had never seen before was greeting her.
“Are you that happy about it…?”
“Yes, very much so.”
She hadn’t known he had such competitive feelings in this area.
‘Was Theo always this kind of person?’
It was a side completely unlike the him she had known until now.
Then, Theo called to her in a low voice.
“How ridiculous. That my jealousy would fade away with just one word from you.”
“Jealousy…?”
Before she could understand the situation, Theo rose from his seat.
“Let’s return to the manor now.”
A dazed Evelyn followed after him.
And finally, the mystery that had puzzled her all this time was solved.
All of Theo’s strange behavior until now had been because of jealousy.
Jealousy stems from the desire to be loved.
And the person Theo wanted so desperately was….
‘Theo likes me….’
His heart was still directed toward her.
Theo, who had been walking ahead, turned back to look at Evelyn and smiled.
He showed an affectionate smile as if there was nothing left to hold back. With all his heart.
He slowly came back and took Evelyn’s hand. At the warmth that was naturally offered, Evelyn had to clasp his hand as if enchanted.
It was a touch like a confession.
* * *
After the two had left, the Emperor and Grand Cleric remained in the Tea Room.
The dignity surrounding the Emperor disappeared in an instant. Having removed his mask, he looked at the Grand Cleric with utterly desperate eyes.
He seemed to be endlessly craving something.
The Grand Cleric pretended not to see the face clinging to him and leisurely took a sip of tea.
In the end, it was the Emperor who carefully spoke first.
“Grand Cleric, is Goddess Julia’s blessing still pending?”
His voice trembled faintly.
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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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