That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 64
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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 64
The Emperor unconsciously tightened his grip on the fork.
“…What do you mean?”
“Lady Evelyn and I are prepared to do whatever it takes to uncover the prophecy of the sacred relic. So please convey this to the Grand Cleric as well.”
At the mention of the Grand Cleric, the Emperor swallowed dryly.
Theo continued calmly.
“What I desire consists of three things. First, I would like permission to travel anywhere within the Holy Kingdom. To be able to examine any records whatsoever.”
“…”
“Since this is for interpreting the prophecy, I trust you will understand.”
“…Yes, I’ll convey the message to the Grand Cleric. What are the other requests?”
“Second, please grant me ‘Imperial Transit Authority.'”
“Imperial Transit Authority?”
At those words, the Emperor’s expression hardened.
Imperial Transit Authority was a magical artifact granted only to those entrusted with the most serious missions.
No matter which region one traveled to or which Gate one used, no records would remain.
Moreover, train conductors, Gate administrators, and anyone who touched the transit pass would fall under temporary magic.
They would become unable to recognize the pass holder’s face. Not only would their initial appearance evaporate from memory, but no matter how hard they concentrated, they would only see a blurred image.
For this reason, it was only permitted to those approved by the Emperor.
Seeing the Emperor’s hesitation, Theo explained in a gentle voice.
“When urgent matters arise, I must travel between the Holy Kingdom and the Capital. If records remain, those who see them will become suspicious about my reasons for moving.”
The matter of the sacred relic was still secret. They couldn’t officially announce such an enormous story about the continent’s future being at stake.
The Emperor put down his fork with a resolute expression and shook his head.
“I’ll speak to the Holy Kingdom about that. So put aside any thoughts of Imperial Transit Authority.”
“Do you trust the Holy Kingdom, Your Majesty?”
“What…?”
At Theo’s provocation, the Emperor’s eyes grew sharp. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled softly once again.
“Of course, the Holy Kingdom and the Empire maintain friendly relations. However, both the Grand Cleric and Your Majesty would prioritize your respective national interests.”
“…”
“There’s no law saying the Holy Kingdom won’t use the sacred relic. They desire to absorb anything related to the goddess more than anyone else.”
As Theo said, the Holy Kingdom showed an almost obsessive fixation on everything connected to Goddess Julia.
Recently, that possessiveness had grown even more severe.
“I will move solely for the Empire’s sake. Just as Your Majesty’s heart does.”
Theo’s demand was that if the Emperor truly loved the Empire, he should grant the transit authority to keep the Holy Kingdom in check.
“I know this decision must be very difficult for you. Since you’re so particularly close with the Grand Cleric.”
“…!”
Why is he suddenly emphasizing my friendship with the Grand Cleric?
The Emperor’s eyes shook violently.
He was someone with tremendous pride, and he didn’t want to be caught appearing manipulated by the Grand Cleric.
For that reason, even in his mentally exhausted state, he tried to appear more dignified.
‘If I don’t grant the transit authority… he might suspect my relationship with the Grand Cleric.’
Finally, he opened his mouth.
“…I will grant the Imperial Transit Authority.”
As if he had expected this, Theo’s lips curved upward.
“I will do my utmost for the Empire’s future.”
The transit authority the Emperor granted would be useful for many things.
As he said, it would be used for traveling to and from the Holy Kingdom, but…
‘I should start by investigating those fires of unknown origin.’
Plans for maximizing the use of the magical artifact unfolded in his mind.
The Emperor asked in a solemn voice.
“So, what is your final proposal?”
If he demanded something even greater than Imperial Transit Authority, it would be very troublesome indeed.
He was already beginning to worry about how difficult Duke Ashford’s request might be.
“…”
The Emperor hid his trembling hands within his sleeves and waited for his words.
Finally, Theo’s mouth opened slowly.
“I would like you to prepare sweet desserts during my stay in the Holy Kingdom.”
“…What?”
The Emperor doubted his own ears.
Did the word “desserts” really just come from the Duke’s mouth?
He felt completely deflated.
Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Theo kindly reminded him of his words.
“Please prepare desserts after every breakfast. It would be even better if they include fruit.”
“…”
“I’ll speak separately to the Grand Cleric about when and how I’ll eat them.”
“Ah, understood.”
In this incomprehensible situation, the Emperor barely managed to nod.
Having achieved satisfactory negotiation results, Theo finally finished his meal.
Once the Emperor’s permission was granted, he paid his respects and left the luncheon.
Looking at the empty seat, the Emperor blinked blankly, then called for his Chamberlain.
“Did Duke Ashford… always like sweet things?”
“Pardon…? That’s not the case…”
A Chamberlain should properly understand the dietary preferences of high-ranking nobles.
As far as he knew, the Duke’s tastes were quite plain.
“Tastes can change.”
“Is that so? How unusual.”
The Emperor chuckled softly at Theo’s childlike behavior.
The Chamberlain who noticed this brightened. It was the Emperor’s human side that he hadn’t seen in a long time.
* * *
After finishing lunch, Theo immediately headed to the reception room to find Evelyn.
He could have summoned her through a servant, but he was cautious in case she hadn’t finished her meal yet.
Walking down the long corridor, Theo recalled memories from the past.
At the previous Duke’s funeral, young Theo couldn’t show his grief.
He was surrounded by those who were constantly eyeing the ducal position.
To them, to the family’s followers, Theo must never show weakness.
The child wrapped himself in hard thorns and acted with dignity.
Many people pretended to worry while carelessly gossiping about the Ashford family’s tragedy.
They offered condolences to the next family head while testing his reactions.
It was when the funeral was nearing its end. A great commotion could be heard.
The crowd that had been gathered together began to part to both sides.
‘Theo, are you alright?’
A gentle voice came through the quiet gap.
It was the Grand Cleric who had rushed all the way from the Holy Kingdom to honor the previous Duke.
Everyone marveled at the family’s tremendous influence.
The Grand Cleric consoled Theo extensively with a sympathetic expression.
‘It’s a situation too difficult for a child to handle. Unless someone helps him…’
At the same time, a large hand began to descend over his head.
A heavy shadow blocked Theo’s vision along with the light.
Theo had possessed beast-like instincts since birth.
He could instinctively discern danger and make quick judgments. The same applied when dealing with people.
As the Envoy’s hand approached, faced with the first instinctive revulsion he had ever felt, he finally…
With that, Theo’s recollection came to an end.
He could see Evelyn walking toward him from the far end.
“Did you eat well?”
“Yes, but you’re late.”
“What is?”
“I was planning to come to where you were first.”
At those words, Theo stopped walking.
When Evelyn looked up at him with a puzzled expression, her moist eyes met his.
“Coming out to meet me…”
As if moved, he placed his hand over his left chest.
It was Evelyn who became bewildered.
“It’s just because that way is a shortcut…”
Initially, she had entered the palace formally through the garden, but there was no need to be so ceremonious when leaving.
That was the only reason she had chosen the direction where Theo was.
A servant had told Evelyn, who was alone in the reception room, about the quicker route.
Evelyn asked with a displeased expression.
“You’re keeping the sacred relic safe, right?”
“Now you’re even worrying about the child…”
“I guess nothing happened.”
She couldn’t feed a lunatic.
Evelyn ignored him lightly and walked ahead.
Of course, he caught up quickly.
“How was lunch?”
“It was wonderful. Though it was regrettable. When I go to the Holy Kingdom, I’ll have to say goodbye to things like this.”
Temple priests had to be wary of the stimulation that the secular world provided, and strongly flavored foods were no exception.
“Everything else is fine, but having to give up desserts is sad.”
Watching the dejected Evelyn, Theo smiled mysteriously.
“Don’t worry, you won’t have anything to be sad about.”
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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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Fjiehd™
Aww how thoughtful of him, securing desserts for Evelyn while in holy kingdom 😊😘