That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 70
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
That’s not what kissing means!
Episode 70
Robert unconsciously covered his mouth with both hands.
His survival instincts had kicked in.
For some reason, it seemed like he shouldn’t show his tongue to her.
Evelyn still hadn’t noticed him.
She was so absorbed in her studies that she hadn’t sensed his presence.
As Evelyn repeatedly memorized what Vanessa had taught her, she gradually gained confidence.
If she defended herself with all her might using the counterattack techniques as Vanessa had shown her, she felt she could protect herself sufficiently in any situation.
Evelyn smiled, feeling proud of herself.
“….”
When a crazed smile appeared in her blue eyes, Robert’s eyes widened in shock.
Evelyn gripped her fountain pen like a weapon and muttered again.
“The moment the eyes widen, with the tip of the pen….”
Once again, cruel words flowed from her mouth.
He squeezed his eyes shut and accidentally knocked against his teacup.
When the sound of clinking tableware reached her ears, Evelyn finally noticed Robert standing far away.
“Oh? Lord Robert, when did you arrive?”
Somehow he didn’t look well.
Seeing his pale face, Evelyn rose from her seat.
“Is something wrong?”
The sight of her slowly walking over while holding a fountain pen was truly terrifying.
“Wh-what you just said…!”
“Just now? Did you hear that?”
Evelyn smiled brightly, about to exclaim ‘Now I’ve become strong like Vanessa too!’
Robert’s shoulders trembled finely at the sight of her.
“I-I brought refreshments! Pl-please… they look delicious!”
“What are you talking about?”
With those words, Robert hurriedly fled the reception room.
He knew Evelyn wasn’t that type of person, but somehow her smile had been eerie.
‘That expression reminds me of Sir Vanessa…!’
They’ve been hanging out together all the time, and finally…!
Robert clutched his chest and staggered away.
* * *
Finally, the day to depart for the Holy Kingdom dawned.
There weren’t many clothes to pack.
She had been asked to live no differently from a priest while staying at the temple.
Since she didn’t want to stand out among them, Evelyn thought this was rather fortunate.
Thanks to this, she would have to wear priest robes for a while.
Large bags would be loaded onto the luggage carriage, while important items would be carried on her person.
Evelyn finally breathed on the notebook Theo had given her as a gift.
When the magic stone embedded in the cover glowed, the lock mechanism was released.
Opening the notebook, the contents of forbidden books she had written were neatly organized inside.
The journey to the Holy Kingdom carrying forbidden information wasn’t entirely comfortable.
Perhaps that’s why anxiety settled deep in her heart.
She let out a deep breath at the creeping worries.
Where did this anxiety stem from?
Was it really because of the forbidden knowledge, or was something else waiting for her….
She couldn’t easily tell.
After packing several important items, Evelyn picked up her bag.
Now it was time to bid farewell to the Duke’s Mansion for a while.
‘I’ll miss it so much….’
She would surely miss the people of the manor who were always with her.
Then she was surprised by her own thoughts.
She had been thinking of this place as if it were her own home.
‘No, it’s just because they’ve been so good to me…!’
Despite her quick rationalization, something felt strange in a corner of her heart. She shook her head vigorously to drive away the stray thoughts.
When she opened the door, Theo was standing there as if he had been waiting.
“Theo? What brings you here?”
He smiled and took the bag from Evelyn’s hand.
“I came to escort you.”
“I can go out by myself.”
“I know, but my heart is impatient.”
What does he mean?
She looked up at Theo with a puzzled expression.
“I haven’t been able to seduce you all this time. I was so scared you might forget me.”
It was another pointless remark.
Evelyn, who didn’t respond at all, went down the stairs.
When the manor door opened, her eyes widened greatly.
Everyone was lined up in the middle of the sprawling garden, waiting for Evelyn.
“We came to see you off!”
Vanessa showed a refreshing smile.
Victor and Whittaker, Robert and Julian too….
Everyone looked at Evelyn with warm smiles.
“Always stay healthy, we’ll be waiting!”
“Lady Evelyn, you mustn’t forget this adorable Victor!”
Robert held out a glass bottle to her.
“This is flower tea I dried myself. Please drink it whenever you think of us.”
He had remembered that she liked his tea and prepared it.
Evelyn’s nose turned red.
Before her eyes could become moist, she smiled brightly.
“Thank you all! I’ll have a safe trip!”
Then she made eye contact with each one and exchanged greetings.
Every word and gesture overflowed with affection.
Theo’s lips curved loosely.
“This is the first time for such a send-off.”
They had never done this for any guest.
Not even when he went on distant business trips as the head of the house, or when inspecting the estate.
That’s how much the people of House Ashford liked Evelyn.
At Theo’s words, Julian, who had been standing blankly, stepped forward.
Seeing his superior looking wistful, he felt he should step up.
“Your Grace, safely….”
However, before he could even open his mouth, Theo grabbed Evelyn’s hand and whooshed right past him.
Left behind, Julian blinked awkwardly and returned to his place.
When they reached the carriage, Evelyn waved at the people once more.
Theo carefully escorted her and helped her into the carriage.
As the door closed, everyone watched the departing carriage with deeply regretful faces.
* * *
Her heart felt strange.
She hadn’t known the affection they shared ran so deep.
“Anyone watching would think we’re parting forever.”
“….”
Evelyn couldn’t say anything.
Once the Sacred Artifacts matter was settled, she would have to say goodbye to them too.
Before she could become even sadder, Evelyn changed the subject.
“By the way, Theo.”
“What is it?”
“This carriage is definitely a four-seater.”
“So?”
“Why are we sitting side by side?”
Lost in emotion, she hadn’t noticed her surroundings.
Theo had casually placed a small bag on the front seat and taken the spot next to Evelyn.
He spoke in a nonchalant voice.
“The front is full.”
“You know that’s ridiculous, right?”
The small bag sitting alone on the long bench looked terribly lonely.
“Don’t tell me last time when we sat together too….”
When Evelyn looked at him with suspicious eyes, he shrugged.
“Oh, really.”
She quickly moved to the front seat.
No longer feeling her warmth beside him, Theo felt utterly empty as he looked across at her.
“Now we can talk while looking at each other’s faces.”
“Is that… all you have in your head?”
“Seduction?”
At his blunt words, Evelyn’s face turned red.
Why is the embarrassment always my burden!
“Yes, seduction!”
“Then hurry up and come back over.”
How can he be so shameless?
Evelyn’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
Then Theo shook his head with a serious expression.
“No, even if you come over, I can’t be at ease.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because I have to work hard so you don’t get tired of me.”
Finally, he murmured with a determined expression.
“I’ll have to try hard. If I want to be loved for a lifetime.”
“….”
At those words, Evelyn’s ears turned bright red.
The flutter spreading through her chest felt unfamiliar.
Not knowing what to do with this emotion she was experiencing for the first time, she could only keep blinking.
“Th-Theo! I was nervous yesterday and couldn’t sleep properly. Let me just rest my eyes for a moment…!”
Let me calm down first…!
She needed to soothe her wildly beating heart.
“That’s a shame.”
“Even if you’re bored, please bear with it. I’m terribly tired.”
At her words, Theo chuckled softly.
There was no way he’d be bored.
Just being with Evelyn made his head feel light and his chest tickle.
Evelyn deliberately turned her head toward the window, avoiding Theo.
Looking at his face in this situation would be harmful to her heart.
Her claim of being tired wasn’t a lie. She hadn’t slept well due to worry.
With her eyes closed, Evelyn soon drifted into a light sleep.
Theo closed the window to block out the light.
He hoped she could have a sweet rest, even if just for a brief moment.
Soon they would reach the Imperial Palace.
The Gate leading to the Holy Kingdom would be waiting for them.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————