That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 88
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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 88
Lionel seemed close to the Envoy, and Theo had suspected he was involved in his misdeeds to some extent.
But seeing it confirmed firsthand brought a shock greater than expected.
To think he was directly involved in harming people…
Suddenly, his father’s last words came to mind.
His words to never trust anyone until they showed their true heart… perhaps they stemmed from Lionel?
Why did Lionel do such things, and when did he start?
A sense of emptiness and disappointment washed over him. Theo smiled self-deprecatingly.
It was directed at himself for reminiscing about childhood while looking at him, even briefly.
Theo slowly drew in a breath.
The air that filled his lungs carried away his dark shadows as it left.
During this time, Theo’s mind gradually cleared.
Before long, his eyes held a bitter coldness.
Theo rose from his seat and left his room without hesitation.
His expression as he walked down the corridor seemed excessively indifferent.
His steps led him to Lionel’s office.
Unlike other priests, the Senior Priest had an office in addition to his living quarters.
The office was also located in the dormitory building, and Lionel had already told Theo its location, saying he could visit anytime.
When he knocked, gentle permission was granted. At the same time, a mask-like smile covered Theo’s face.
“Theo, did you come to see me?”
“Yes.”
Lionel welcomed him warmly, rising from his desk to sit on the sofa.
Theo also sat facing him with the table between them.
After light conversation, Theo brought up the main topic.
“I need time alone with Evelyn.”
At those words, Lionel laughed aloud.
“Quite proactive. So you want to go out again?”
“Yes, I came to get a recommendation for a good place.”
Lionel recommended a restaurant, saying it was perfect for couples.
“Thank you. Since the Day of Blessing is coming soon, I’ll send a wreath.”
“That’s fine, we already have more than enough wreaths.”
At those words, Theo’s lips curved into an arc.
“Then how about a potted plant? One that can be transplanted to the garden.”
“That would be better.”
“You must be very busy on the Day of Blessing. As Senior Priest, you have to show your face everywhere.”
“Yes, there’s so much to do. I’m already tired just thinking about it.”
As they conversed, dinner time approached.
When Theo rose from his seat, Lionel said affectionately,
“I do hope things work out well with Miss Evelyn.”
Instead of answering, Theo smiled briefly.
Leaving the office, he headed toward Evelyn’s lodging.
He missed her terribly. He felt that seeing Evelyn’s bright smile would make everything okay.
Before long, Evelyn emerged from her lodging.
“What a shame. I was planning to wait first today.”
She said with a bright smile.
Theo was always out early, waiting for Evelyn.
Even when she prepared earlier with him in mind, it was the same.
Evelyn recalled their conversation from a few days ago.
When she asked if waiting alone wasn’t boring, Theo said even that was enjoyable.
He said imagining the moment Evelyn would appear made him smile.
He wanted to spend as much time as possible with Evelyn.
She too had grown accustomed to life with Theo. Even walking alone felt awkward now.
Without realizing it, she had been drawn to Theo, and while comforting him, she had come to understand her own heart.
Now it was her turn to approach Theo first.
But as the distance between them narrowed, she could see the shadows in his eyes.
Evelyn could now guess his mood by observing the subtle changes in his lips or gaze.
It was probably something related to Lionel.
She didn’t ask rashly.
Theo, pretending nothing was wrong, suggested to Evelyn,
“Shall we leave this place together?”
“…”
“I mean going out for a while. Let’s have an enjoyable meal.”
At those words, Evelyn nodded.
“Good. I’m already looking forward to it.”
She returned an equally bright smile.
But Theo noticed the worry hidden behind it.
‘I’ve been found out.’
Evelyn had noticed his mood.
The two were now naturally reading each other.
* * *
“It’s okay, so tell me.”
While dining at the restaurant, Evelyn spoke up.
“You’re waiting because you’re worried I won’t be able to eat comfortably. I’m fine, so tell me right now.”
Seeing her pierce through his thoughts, Theo laughed aloud.
Only Evelyn could instantly change his mood like this.
“You’ll be very surprised.”
“I don’t get surprised easily.”
“The arsonist in the west is Lionel.”
“Oh my…!”
Greatly shocked, Evelyn couldn’t say anything.
“Breathe.”
“…Haa.”
Theo handed her a water glass, telling her to calm down.
“Another enemy has appeared. We’ll have that much more trouble.”
Only then could Evelyn understand. What had darkened Theo was a sense of loss.
Theo had lost another person. Moreover, he had to categorize him as an enemy.
Evelyn said nothing for a while. She couldn’t even offer clumsy comfort.
‘But why does my heart ache like this.’
Thinking of Theo who must be hurt made her chest sting. She felt as if she could feel his emotions directly.
She knew Theo was strong. Far from breaking down, he was someone who would coldly plan for the future.
Once again without taking care of himself.
“How infuriating!”
Evelyn deliberately huffed in an exaggerated manner. At her appearance, Theo burst into laughter.
“Right?”
“I don’t even want to see his face, so shall we go back late?”
Then she called for a restaurant employee.
“Is there a good place where anger can subside?”
“Pardon? Ah, there’s a lake nearby. If you take a walk, it will calm your mind.”
After receiving the location recommendation, Evelyn piled food onto Theo’s plate.
“Eat a lot. Eating delicious food makes you feel good, right?”
“Does it?”
Theo answered with a puzzled look, then soon looked at Evelyn and nodded.
As if thinking, ‘You would feel that way.’
After finishing even the dessert completely, Evelyn led Theo outside.
He smiled watching her excessively energetic stride. He had noticed her intention to look after his mood.
The lake wasn’t far from the restaurant. Theo spread his handkerchief on the grass, preparing a seat for Evelyn.
Golden sunset settled over the water’s surface. The dazzling evening light illuminated them both brilliantly.
The beautiful and tranquil scenery captivated Evelyn’s heart.
‘But why does this feel so familiar?’
As she sat with Theo, enchanted by the scene before her eyes, she gasped.
The day she had kissed him came to mind.
‘Back then too, we had various conversations by the lake, and I was the one who approached first…’
As the forgotten moment surfaced, Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut.
After the sweet kiss, Theo’s confession had followed.
However, drunk Evelyn couldn’t remember his words.
“I’m sorry.”
She suddenly offered an apology. But Theo wasn’t flustered and guessed Evelyn’s thoughts.
“What are you talking about? Kissing me? Or are you talking about running away, or perhaps…”
“Aah, stop it!”
He too had been looking at the lake and remembering that day.
“Actually… I can’t remember any of Theo’s confession. But I still couldn’t speak honestly.”
Evelyn had wanted to distance herself from the Duke at that time. Because of that, she had avoided that day when they kissed.
“I know. You didn’t want to bear the burden.”
“That’s right. But now my thoughts have changed.”
Her clear voice reached Theo.
“Can you tell me again? What you said back then.”
“…Do you know what that means?”
Theo looked into her unwavering blue eyes. His mind became hazy as if he were dreaming.
Evelyn was saying it. That she would now move toward Theo.
That she wouldn’t avoid anything and would face his emotions completely.
Theo’s heart beat violently. As his feelings for Evelyn had deepened, it was hard to control his blooming affection.
His slightly trembling voice recited that confession again.
“There were words that bound me for a long time. When someone’s sincerity reaches your heart completely, don’t miss that moment.”
He spoke of his father’s last words.
“I thought it didn’t apply to me. I was always in the same place, spending the same daily life, accustomed to a dry existence.”
“…”
“Then you came down like a sudden shower. You appeared suddenly and soaked me, shaking me.”
The endlessly spread dry desert was instantly soaked through. It created puddles here and there, forming a new appearance.
“I’ll never forget the moment you came running to save me. Those eyes that looked only at me.”
Listening to Theo’s confession, Evelyn began to vaguely remember.
His eyes curved gently.
“Will you be with me? I too, to you…”
“Will show only my sincerity…”
Evelyn blankly recited what Theo would say next.
“You remembered?”
He smiled brightly.
What should I do…
Seeing his smile so radiant it made her heart ache, Evelyn realized for certain.
‘I like Theo.’
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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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