That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 91

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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 91

On the table was a tea set that had been prepared in advance.

“Let’s have some tea.”

When Lionel lifted the teapot to pour tea, red tea water filled the teacup along with a sweet fragrance.

‘This must be what Evelyn mentioned.’

Theo’s cold face was reflected on the surface of the tea.

Then, a gentle voice was heard.

“Theo, do you remember? You, your father, and I used to enjoy card games together.”

At his words, Theo instantly composed his expression.

“Both of you taught me many things.”

“You looked truly happy back then. Incomparably more than now.”

A warm conversation steeped in memories ensued.

Lionel continued to talk about Theo’s childhood. Those times filled with happiness and family love.

Along with his gentle responses, Theo’s eyes shone sharply.

He delved into every expression and tone of Lionel’s voice, not wanting to miss even the smallest detail.

In the midst of this, one question arose.

Why did Lionel keep bringing up stories about his parents?

Why did he emphasize that the past was happier than the present?

‘It’s as if he wants me to long for the time when I was with my family…’

At that moment, Lionel pointed to the tea with a benevolent smile.

“Oh my, we’ve been talking so much that you haven’t taken a single sip. Please, drink up.”

“Yes, thank you.”

A red flower of a variety that didn’t exist in the Empire… The fact that Julian hadn’t been able to identify it meant it had been thoroughly hidden. Because of this, his suspicion about the tea only grew stronger.

What exactly was this flower used for? Why was he being made to drink it, following Evelyn?

Theo deliberately brushed against the teacup. The teacup rolled over and red tea began to spill onto the table.

“Oh dear, I’ve been rude.”

When Theo made an embarrassed expression, Lionel replied that it was fine.

“Wait just a moment.”

Lionel turned around and headed to his desk. While he was looking for something to wipe with, Theo took out the voice recorder he had hidden in his sleeve.

When he pressed the button on the side, the transparent liquid inside the magical device turned green.

The recording function had begun to operate.

Theo quickly attached the recorder to a corner under the table.

Everything was accomplished in the short time it took Lionel to bring a cloth to wipe with.

“I’ll wipe it.”

“No, leave it be.”

It was when Lionel was about to refill Theo’s teacup with tea.

Urgent knocking sounds were heard, along with a young priest’s voice.

“The Senior Priests will be coming soon.”

“Has it already become this time?”

At Lionel’s words, Theo rose from his seat.

“How regrettable. The more we talk, the more I miss the times I spent with my family.”

At those words, a strange light flickered in Lionel’s eyes before disappearing.

“Come visit anytime. You’re always welcome.”

“Then would it be alright if I came again at night?”

“Of course.”

He greatly welcomed Theo’s suggestion.

* * *

Under the pitch-black sky, Theo walked through the dormitory corridor.

When night came, he went to find Lionel as if he had been waiting, and sure enough, Lionel tried hard to make Theo nostalgic for memories.

That appearance was even desperate.

But he had Evelyn. It hadn’t been long since they had confirmed each other’s feelings, so there was no reason to long for the past.

Evelyn was the hope and future that would make him strong.

Theo, who had arrived at his room, sat at the table and took out the voice recorder.

The Senior Priests had deliberately come to find Lionel’s office during the day.

It meant there were important items in the office, or that Lionel was at the center of some affair.

When Theo pressed the recorder’s button with his fingertip and sent magical power, the green liquid contained inside rippled.

After a moment, the Senior Priests’ conversation began to flow out.

‘Is the Duke Ashford matter going well?’

‘Yes. As the Envoy commanded, I continue to tell him stories about the previous Duke Ashford couple.’

As expected, he had deliberately brought up family stories.

Theo hardened his gaze and concentrated on the voices.

‘That’s what we’ll need to do. To easily show the miracle.’

‘Didn’t the Emperor of the Solaris Empire move easily? The Marquis of the Kingdom of Genok too.’

‘Because they all experienced the miracle.’

Following the Emperor, high-ranking figures from across the continent flowed from their lips.

‘Isn’t it ridiculous that even those vaunted power holders have things they can’t do?’

‘What’s more ridiculous is how they fall for illusions.’

At those words, everyone burst into laughter.

And Theo was able to hear what this ‘miracle’ was.

Showing illusions of the dead and bursting open the longing buried deep in their hearts.

It was using the pain of separation to make them thoroughly submissive.

The conversation continued.

‘We need more hallucinogenic herbs to create miracles. Lionel Priest, is it still far off?’

‘It’s difficult to obtain materials right now. It seems more time will be needed.’

Both starting fires and obtaining materials for hallucinogenic herbs were Lionel’s responsibility.

Secret activities outside the temple seemed to be mainly his duty.

Lionel spoke again.

‘There’s nothing immediately urgent. I’ve written down in the ledger all the times when miracles will be performed for dignitaries from each country. I’ve also calculated the hallucinogenic herbs needed accordingly. The Envoy was also relieved after seeing it.’

‘I see. There’s a reason the Envoy firmly trusts Lionel Priest.’

‘I’m just happy to be of use.’

Theo silently listened to their voices until the end. It was a series of increasingly unpleasant conversations.

His twisted lips contained a chill cold enough to freeze.

With their promise of a next meeting, nothing more could be heard from the recorder.

After a while, Theo came out of the lodging.

After briefly hiding himself in the garden and confirming that no one was in the lodging across the way, he crossed the flower garden.

His unhesitating steps were headed toward Evelyn’s room.

When he knocked on the door, she came out with Vanessa.

Evelyn, startled by the sudden visit, soon noticed the seriousness from Theo’s expression.

“Come into the room first.”

She brought Theo inside, avoiding people’s gazes.

As soon as he entered, Vanessa, who had been sprawled on the bed, shot up.

Theo opened his mouth toward the two.

“I just heard the contents of the recording orb.”

When he played the Senior Priests’ conversation, Evelyn’s expression turned to shock.

“Then His Majesty the Emperor was also… affected by the hallucinogenic herb?”

“Yes, and there’s a related ledger. It contains lists of those affected by hallucinations and purchases of hallucinogenic herb materials.”

Evelyn’s eyes hardened with determination.

“We need to find that.”

“Yes, right now.”

She nodded at Theo’s words.

He briefly explained his plan and asked.

“Can you do it?”

“We have to. Without fail.”

Evelyn nodded resolutely.

“Don’t separate from Vanessa. Always think of yourself first.”

Theo showed genuine concern.

After watching Evelyn smile reassuringly for a moment, he turned and left the room.

As soon as Theo left, Evelyn and Vanessa immediately made eye contact and wore determined expressions.

“While Lady Evelyn searches for the ledger, I’ll keep watch and prepare for any possible attacks. Let’s move quickly then.”

Vanessa spoke in a reliable tone.

At times like this, it really hit home that she was the vice-captain of the Ashford Knight Order.

“It’s important not to have our identities discovered…”

Vanessa, who had been muttering, smiled brightly.

“Perfect timing. Now it’ll be useful!”

When she opened her bag and took something out, Evelyn’s face turned pale.

* * *

Theo was walking past the lodging toward a certain place.

Around him, cheerful laughter filled the air.

Clerics and outsiders were enjoying festivals here and there in celebration of the Day of Blessing.

Light games and lanterns with written wishes heightened the atmosphere, and songs praising the goddess rang out.

Everyone had excited faces, thoroughly elated. The peaceful moment seemed like it would last forever.

However, shortly after…

The peace was shattered in an instant.

BOOM-!!

A massive explosion loud enough to shake the earth spread out.

Everyone screamed at the unexpected accident. Those terrified became entangled with each other as they evacuated.

“It’s a bomb!”

At someone’s shout, people became even more steeped in terror. Their vision also became blurred.

Gray smoke had swept over the temple.

And at the source of the explosion…

“Quite noisy.”

Theo stood there with a devilish smile that didn’t suit the temple.

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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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