That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 63

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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 63

Evelyn gulped down water frantically.

It was the only way to soothe her burning heart.

“Ugh…”

A headache seemed to be coming on already. What was she supposed to do all the way in the Holy Kingdom?

And if she had to stay by the Envoy’s side… she’d have to wear priest robes and pray the entire time.

‘How boring already.’

How was she going to endure that time? Would there be time to study ancient languages?

Evelyn pressed her temples firmly and asked Theo.

“What does His Majesty say?”

“He’s recommending the trip to the Holy Kingdom. It seems he wants to negotiate beforehand.”

How enviable. Was this what power meant?

Unlike herself who had to leave immediately with just a few lines in a letter, Theo received a ‘recommendation’ along with an offer to negotiate for what he wanted.

‘Unfair, so unfair.’

Either way, she had to leave for the Holy Kingdom within a week.

“So, are you going too, Theo?”

“Isn’t that obvious? I can’t let you go alone.”

“…But you said you were busy.”

“I chose efficiency.”

“Efficiency?”

“There’s no way I could work properly without you there.”

He said leisurely that it would be better to take his work with him to the Holy Kingdom.

Evelyn’s cheeks flushed slightly.

‘How can he say such things so casually…’

He truly was a fascinating person.

Theo poured water into her empty glass and said.

“I’ll need to take care of urgent matters before going to the Holy Kingdom.”

“You’ll be very busy then.”

“Yes, tempting you will be difficult for a while.”

Evelyn no longer had the strength to spit out the water she was drinking.

* * *

The next day, the air in Theo’s office was cold from morning.

It was because of the bad news Julian had brought.

“…There was a fire in Harriden Estate?”

“Yes. A fire that started at an orphanage spread greatly to other places.”

“An orphanage, were many children hurt?”

“Yes, some bodies may never be found.”

Following the southern Rosea Estate, now the western Harriden Estate… fires were beginning to occur in famous trading areas.

Moreover, the casualties were greater than before. It was truly a tragic situation.

“Is the cause unknown again this time?”

“Yes. It’s unclear whether there’s even an arsonist.”

Harriden Estate was the Empire’s representative port city, and one had to pass through there to head east.

Because of this, it seemed a great obstacle had befallen the traders.

Julian glanced at Theo and carefully opened his mouth.

“And… His Majesty says he won’t open the port for the time being because of this incident.”

“Is it to comfort the Empire’s citizens who suffered damage?”

“The reason given is that the shipping routes are inconvenient. It seems to have been planned even before the fire occurred.”

“…”

I could guess why Julian was bringing up this story to me.

Recently, the nobles had been prospering day by day through trade business.

They had accumulated wealth enough to threaten imperial authority.

Though the royal court also benefited by imposing corresponding taxes, the Emperor knew.

That taxes were not proof of obedience.

In fact, the nobles who had accumulated wealth began to maintain private armies. They even created news organizations to shape public opinion.

They were beginning to escape the Emperor’s control.

The Emperor had been indirectly expressing his discomfort because of this.

“Julian.”

“Yes, Duke.”

“Even so, he’s supposed to be the father of the Empire’s citizens.”

“…”

I couldn’t believe the Emperor would sacrifice the Empire’s citizens to protect his own power.

I knew it was an absurd thought, but…

The head of House Ashford was in a position responsible for many people. I had to prepare for every possibility.

“This needs to be investigated personally.”

Today happened to be the day I was invited to lunch at the Imperial Palace.

A gleam appeared in Theo’s eyes as he decided what to obtain.

* * *

The Imperial Palace servants moved busily from early morning.

It was because of the lunch scheduled for noon.

The Emperor hadn’t had personal meetings with anyone except the Envoy for a long time, and even those were just tea times.

Moreover, his guest was Duke Ashford, who had enjoyed only the finest things.

Everyone did their best to avoid showing even the slightest flaw.

The Chamberlain was both pleased and fearful of the Emperor’s decision.

It was fortunate that he was meeting anyone privately, but it darkened his mood that even this was related to the Envoy.

Though he couldn’t know for certain, he could vaguely guess.

That the Envoy was trying to pressure and manipulate the Emperor.

However, whenever he tried to offer advice as a subordinate, he had to face the Emperor’s murderous gaze.

He desperately hoped someone would enlighten the Emperor.

As he was making final inspections of the dining room, another servant approached him.

“Duke Ashford will arrive soon. The person who came with him has been guided to the reception room.”

“I see. Attend to both of them with utmost care while I escort His Majesty.”

The Chamberlain hurried toward the Emperor’s bedroom.

Though he was dressed by the servants, his unfocused gaze was the same as last night.

According to those guarding the bedchamber, the Emperor had suddenly woken at dawn and burst into sobs.

‘This has been happening more frequently lately…’

The Chamberlain approached the Emperor with an unperturbed expression and informed him that the Duke had arrived.

Only then did the Emperor turn his head and barely raise his body that had been sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Ah, the Duke has come. Then I must hurry…”

Fortunately, he still showed an authoritative appearance in front of others.

As the Chamberlain escorted the Emperor, he took one last look around the bedroom.

An empty teacup on the nightstand caught his eye.

It was tea the Envoy had gifted, telling him to drink it daily. Something to calm the mind and body.

He didn’t know why that tea bothered him so much today.

As they left the bedroom, the Emperor asked the Chamberlain positioned on his right.

“You’ve prepared the luncheon perfectly, haven’t you?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon after reaching the dining room, the Emperor straightened his back.

His posture was supremely confident, as if his gloomy mood had never existed.

The servant guarding the door spoke in a monotone voice.

“His Imperial Majesty enters.”

As the door opened, Theo, who had been sitting at the long table, rose from his seat.

When he offered a greeting perfect enough to be found in royal etiquette books, the Emperor smiled with satisfaction.

“Have you been well, Duke Ashford?”

The menu spread out for the two men was extremely lavish and varied.

Theo, looking over the food, casually brought up a topic.

“The guest in the reception room was given the same meal, I presume?”

Evelyn, who had come with him, was waiting elsewhere.

Though she had come along because of the holy relic, it was because the Emperor wanted to spend time alone with Theo.

“Yes, we’ve provided her with plenty, so please don’t worry.”

At the servant’s words, Theo finally looked relieved.

“Please, sit down. I’m in a good mood thinking about having a conversation with the Duke after so long.”

The Emperor addressed Theo with a friendly tone.

Their conversation flowed without obstruction.

Wearing masks armed with smiles, they exchanged light pleasantries and dined naturally.

Around the time dessert was served, the Emperor feigned leisure as he brought up the main topic.

“You must have been flustered by the sudden trip to the Holy Kingdom. But you know as well, Duke. All of this is for the Empire’s peace.”

“…”

Theo remained silent for a moment.

Though he wore a subtle smile, he didn’t give a definitive answer in return.

He planned to make his opponent anxious, then use that desperation to gain the upper hand when they became eager.

As he continued to stall, it was ultimately the Emperor who brought up negotiations first.

“I have no intention of sending the Duke away empty-handed either. If there’s something you want, tell me.”

Only then did Theo speak, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“I too am deeply concerned about the Empire’s future. So I would like Your Majesty to make an effort in several matters.”

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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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