That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 86

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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 86

The confessional was filled with a sinister atmosphere.

The Senior Priests were looking at the Grand Cleric with eyes that seemed thoroughly entranced.

The Grand Cleric smiled benevolently at them with satisfaction.

Those who consume the flower tamed with blood become blindly devoted to him.

He had been feeding them small amounts for a long time so the Senior Priests wouldn’t suspect. When he had tamed them to some degree, some even showed greed when told they would be granted eternal life.

Occasionally, the tea didn’t work on those with strong mental fortitude.

These were cases where they had blind faith in Goddess Yulia or possessed upright values that helped them overcome the brainwashing.

In such cases, he had to invest much longer periods, but for the great cause, any more time would be a luxury.

Such people were sent on pilgrimages and then cleanly disposed of. Disguised as accidental incidents.

“As I mentioned before, we plan to practice the sacred ritual on the Day of Blessing. We’ll cover any potential noise with the commotion.”

The Day of Blessing was an event held twice a year. It was a special day when outsiders entered the temple to hear the Grand Cleric’s sermon and receive blessings.

Nobles from various countries visited the temple to build connections. They also made enormous donations while flaunting their family names.

“There isn’t much time left. Is the altar well prepared?”

Lionel quietly nodded his head.

The Senior Priests shared opinions and reviewed the plan. Despite their dignified manner of speaking, their eyes gleamed with excitement.

The time in the confessional was brief.

This was because they ended their meetings at appropriate times to avoid arousing suspicion from others.

It was when the Grand Cleric was about to arrange their next meeting.

Knock knock.

When the knocking sound was heard, the clerics inside reacted sensitively.

“What is it?”

At the Grand Cleric’s question, the Sacred Knight guarding the door answered with a troubled voice.

“They say they want to make confession right now… I told them it wasn’t possible, but they showed me the certificate you gave them…”

Theo and Evelyn appeared from behind him.

When the Senior Priests frowned at their sudden appearance, Theo spoke apologetically.

“Oh my, it seems I’ve intruded where I shouldn’t have.”

“Not at all. I was the one who told you to come to the confessional anytime.”

The Grand Cleric smiled gently.

“But right now I have a meeting with the Senior Priests first.”

At that moment, Lionel stood up from his seat.

As if to handle the situation, he addressed everyone.

“I had planned to dine out with Theo today. Would you permit me to take my leave?”

The Grand Cleric burst into laughter and said to Lionel.

“Please go ahead. It would be nice to share memories together after so long.”

He gave Lionel a meaningful look. As if conveying something.

Meanwhile, Evelyn was looking around the interior from beside the Sacred Knight.

In the process, she discovered the red tea placed on the table.

‘That’s what Daisy Priest used to give me…’

The sweet fragrance reaching her nose was unmistakable. Everyone was drinking the same tea.

Except for one person.

‘Why is only the Grand Cleric drinking something different?’

In front of him was placed an ordinary water cup.

“Then I’ll be going first.”

Lionel stood up from his seat and looked at Theo affectionately.

The Grand Cleric asked Evelyn, who was staring intently at something.

“Is Evelyn going along too?”

At the sudden question, Evelyn hastily turned her gaze. Then she answered carelessly, trying to hide her confusion.

“What? Yes! I heard there’s a place with delicious desserts…!”

At those words, the Grand Cleric glanced at the plate at the end of Evelyn’s gaze and made an expression that said ‘you’re quite something too.’

It disappeared quickly, but sadly Evelyn saw it clearly.

* * *

The restaurant Lionel guided them to was a place converted from a modest house.

Through the large windows, colorful flowers could be seen in abundance.

“Doesn’t it resemble your mother’s reception room?”

At Lionel’s words, Theo nodded. Starting with the story of the reception room, he continuously listed memories with Theo.

A gentle smile bloomed on Theo’s face as he reminisced about the past.

Evelyn could now understand Theo’s inner thoughts just by looking at his face. He always wore a much more comfortable expression when dealing with those close to him.

Just like now.

Perhaps Lionel Priest could comfort Theo?

Evelyn thought. At the same time, she also wondered whether he might be involved in the Grand Cleric’s evil deeds.

‘Does Theo have the same thoughts as me?’

Suspecting someone you depend on was a sad thing.

Lionel suddenly made an expression as if he had realized something.

“Come to think of it, I’ve been speaking too casually. You’re now a proper Duke Ashford.”

“Not at all. Please continue to treat me comfortably as you do now.”

At Theo’s words, Lionel’s face became even softer. Then when his eyes met Evelyn’s, he made an embarrassed expression.

“I’m sorry. We talked too much just between ourselves.”

“Not at all. It was nice to see.”

When the food came out, as always, Theo attended to Evelyn’s meal.

Watching him cut meat for her and refill her glass whenever it was empty, Lionel was amazed.

“I understand why Theo wanted to introduce Miss Evelyn. You two are quite close!”

“Unfortunately, it’s only my feelings.”

At Theo’s words, Lionel continued regretfully.

“I know Theo well. This is the first time I’ve seen such affection-filled eyes.”

At the direct expression, Evelyn blushed.

“Please take good care of Theo. The more you watch him, the more you’ll realize what a good child he is.”

Sincere earnestness could be felt in Lionel’s words. Enough to shake the suspicions toward him.

“Please stop putting pressure on her.”

Theo spoke to Lionel while being considerate of Evelyn. Then he took something out from his chest.

It was the protective amulet Lionel had given to the previous Duke.

“I have something I want to ask. I interpreted the inscription on the amulet, but it’s difficult to understand what it means.”

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen this. …It was about how when red fruit bears, one finally walks eternity.”

Lionel touched the amulet with a bitter expression. He seemed to be thinking of a friend he could no longer meet.

“I was always proud of your father. I hoped people would remember his victories forever. That’s why I compared the red magic stone embedded in the magic sword to fruit. So he would achieve great victory and enjoy infinite glory.”

“The red fruit means victory?”

“Yes, we were facing a difficult monster subjugation at the time. I gave him the protective amulet hoping he wouldn’t get hurt.”

Lionel continued.

“Of course, as a friend I wanted to dissuade him from participating… but he was too excellent a Sword Mage for that.”

His face fell as if he missed his dear friend.

Evelyn recalled the contents of the forbidden book again.

Surely those who worship Calimedes said this.

[The red light is the key to eternity.]

Was Lionel’s story really the truth?

Could it have no connection to the god of death at all?

Seeing Evelyn’s serious expression, Lionel misunderstood and tried to lighten the mood.

“You’ve become gloomy because of me. There will be a Day of Blessing coming up soon. It’s an event the Holy Kingdom hasn’t held in quite some time, so I hope you’ll enjoy it. You too, Miss Evelyn.”

“I heard from Priest Sophia. She said there will be many enjoyable things besides just the worship service.”

Sophia chatted with every person she encountered daily, and Evelyn was among them. Thanks to this, she could learn all sorts of news.

“Already, people everywhere are making a fuss about sending gifts to brighten the event.”

Lionel laughed, saying that soon the temple would be filled with wreaths.

* * *

The next day, after finishing breakfast and entering her room, Evelyn was given sweet desserts as usual.

Looking at Daisy, who had her hair braided in cute twin braids again today, Evelyn said,

“Daisy Priest, the tea is really delicious. Is it possible to purchase it separately?”

“No, only those chosen by the Envoy can drink it.”

Daisy made a dreamy expression, saying it was something extremely precious. She too seemed to be included among the chosen ones.

‘Why wouldn’t the Envoy drink such amazing tea by himself alone?’

Evelyn clasped her hands together, pretending to be impressed.

“I should be grateful to the Envoy! May I brew the tea myself today?”

At her words that she wanted to do it with her own hands because it was so precious, Daisy readily agreed.

Soon, Evelyn asked Daisy affectionately,

“Your ribbon has changed? It suits you well.”

The yellow ribbon that always held her hair had changed to green.

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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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