That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 94

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. 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 94

The Envoy suspected Theo and Evelyn first.
Their purpose from the beginning was to interpret the Goddess Yulia’s prophecy. For them, religious devotion was merely a means to solve the case.
He would have suspected everything, no matter how trivial.
“More clever than I expected.”
The Envoy recalled Evelyn.
He had indeed underestimated her. He thought he could brainwash her easily, so he had a junior Priest give her flower tea.
Could Evelyn have been wary of the tea and dug into the ledgers?
If not that, she might have caught on to the immortality ritual.
What purpose could she possibly have had for breaking into the Office?
‘Right now, purpose hardly matters….’
What was certain was that she had found the ledgers and the texts containing the immortality ritual. Troublesome as it was.
The reason for summoning them both to the Holy Kingdom was clear.
To show Theo Ashford a miracle and absorb House Ashford’s military power, and meanwhile brainwash Evelyn to easily obtain Yulia’s Stone.
For that reason, he had a junior Priest monitor Evelyn. He had ordered Lionel to provoke Theo’s emotions.
Unexpectedly, Duke Ashford and the Researcher had continued their temple life quietly.
But it was all an illusion.
The power of the smoke grenades was tremendous. What was more impressive was that their concealment was so superior that even capable Priests could not find a trace.
I recalled something the Emperor once said.
That House Ashford’s magical and military power exceeded imagination. Perhaps even surpassing the Royal Court.
“What am I to do about this….”
It was the Day of Blessing, when all eyes were focused.
He could not escalate the matter to search for the intruder in the Office.
Besides, there was no evidence whatsoever.
If they knew the contents of the immortality ritual….
“They would have also identified the location of the Altar.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Theo, who had absorbed the power of the Sacred Artifact and arrived at his Lodging, rummaged through the mailbox.
And seeing the magical tool envelope in his hand, he felt reassured. Evelyn had completed her task safely.
Entering the room, he sat at the Table and pulled out the letter to read it.

[I’ve recorded all the ledgers on video. And I found a book called the Immortality Ritual—it seems to be connected to the underground beneath the Bell Tower.]

The hurried handwriting couldn’t contain much more.
It was obvious that the Holy Knights would be searching for the culprit by now.
There was no need to meet Evelyn and raise suspicion.
Theo sealed the letter back inside the envelope with magic.
Then, as if nothing had happened, I finished bathing leisurely in the bathroom.
It was as I stepped out, shaking the water from my wet hair.
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking called to me.
“Theo, the Envoy is looking for you.”
I moved slowly and opened the door with composure.
“What is the matter?”
Standing before the door was the High Priest who always accompanied the Envoy.
“They say that whoever rings the bell on the Day of Blessing receives good fortune for that year. The Envoy has granted this opportunity to the two of you.”
“To myself and Evelyn?”
“Yes. You are to pray in the Bell Tower from now until dawn breaks, and then ring the bell.”
“That is truly a great honor.”
I observed the High Priest quietly. His gaze was sharp and scrutinizing.
As we stepped outside, Evelyn was also waiting with a female Cleric.
“We shall guide you to the Bell Tower.”
The two led Evelyn and me down a darkened path.
Until we reached the Bell Tower, the four of us spoke not a word.
The magical lanterns illuminating the Forest cast only a faint glow. It was a light so dim that even clandestine deeds could pass unnoticed.
At the entrance to the Confessional on the First Floor of the Bell Tower, the High Priest spoke.
“If you climb these stairs, you will see a great bell. Simply pull the rope at the appointed time of dawn.”
“Understood.”
“And the door to the Bell Chamber does not move. It has been so heavy that it hasn’t been used in nearly ten years. It remains always open, so leave it as it is.”
The two Clerics departed from the Bell Tower with serene smiles.
“We shall take our leave now. May the blessing of Goddess Yulia be with you.”
After a moment, I, reading the flow of air, spoke.
“No one’s here. At least not nearby.”
Evelyn spoke with a clear voice.
“We could investigate the Confessional now.”
“Do you wish to enter?”
At my question, she shook her head.
“It’s a trap. You know that too.”
“We should behave ourselves today. Just as the Envoy wishes.”
Beyond the door, the Confessional felt devoid of presence. They had likely hidden someone in a secret space.
Behind the wall where magic could be felt.
I had no intention of immediately satisfying the Envoy’s expectations. Capturing his misdeeds required the perfect moment.
Theo and Evelyn climbed the spiral stone staircase.
Upon reaching the Bell Chamber, a massive bell greeted them both.
Moonlight poured through the bronze, accompanied by a constellation of stars embroidering the sky abundantly.
“Wow….”
Evelyn gasped at the vivid brilliance. Having spent a hectic day in constant turmoil, she hadn’t even had the leisure to gaze at the heavens.
“The night scenery viewed from the tower is quite beautiful.”
“Indeed.”
As Theo answered, his gaze remained fixed solely on Evelyn.
The delicate starlight seemed to exist for her alone.
Theo, standing at the Bell Chamber entrance, tapped something gently.
“Just to be safe, it would be better to close the door.”
“It’s so heavy that it hasn’t moved in nearly a decade.”
Beyond its weight, it must have solidified over the long years.
“Someone could eavesdrop.”
“That’s not really the issue….”
That was when it happened.
Crrrunch—
With a harsh grinding sound, the enormous stone door began to move.
“….”
Theo pushed the door aside effortlessly.
Soon after, the entrance was sealed shut.
So thoroughly that no conversation could escape.
“It seems it’s been neglected for quite some time. It doesn’t close very well.”
What are you talking about—you just closed it with ease….
I couldn’t even fathom the extent of Theo’s strength.
Evelyn decided to gracefully change the subject.
“It’s warmer than I expected.”
Evelyn sat on a long bench beside the bell.
Though connected to the outside, a magical temperature control device was operating.
Theo sat beside Evelyn and draped a blanket over her.
“You have much to discuss?”
Evelyn nodded at his question.
“According to the ledger, not only the Emperor of the Solaris Empire but also high-ranking figures across the continent were involved. They created candles and perfumes from hallucinogenic flowers to show them illusions.”
Evelyn handed him a recording crystal and laughed.
“I recorded everything!”
“….”
Theo, whom I expected to celebrate with me, fell silent.
His brow furrowed as he asked in a chilling voice.
“What is this?”
The unusual chill made me catch my breath.
“What… what is this?”
Theo’s hand moved toward my neck. He gently traced the tender skin and spoke.
“Bruises.”
He stared at the distinct fingerprints marking my throat, his fury evident.
I recalled Theo’s constant reminders to always check myself first.
How he’d spotted this in the darkness of the Bell Chamber remained a mystery.
Flustered, I spoke as casually as I could manage.
“Ah, I was ambushed in the Office. I didn’t realize there was someone inside.”
“What about Vanessa?”
His shadowed question made me rush to Vanessa’s defense.
“Vanessa was keeping watch outside! She was too busy fighting off the Holy Knights! But because she came early, I wasn’t seriously hurt.”
“You were hurt though?”
Theo’s voice dropped even lower. I worried Vanessa would be punished.
“Who was it? Did you see his face?”
“Yes, I saw him clearly.”
“Good. Who was it?”
Theo’s stern expression softened. He was both reassuring me and waiting for my answer.
He smiled and asked again.
“Go ahead, tell me, Evelyn.”
Something told me this revelation would cause trouble…
I opened my mouth carefully.
“I’ll tell you who he is, but please don’t punish Vanessa.”
“…”
“Vanessa gave me a mask, so my identity wasn’t exposed, and she protected me when things got dangerous…”
Theo let out a long sigh.
“Fine. I won’t hold Vanessa responsible.”
“It was the High Priest who sat across from me in the Dining Hall. The one who attacked me.”
I’d never intended to hide the man’s identity anyway. I cared nothing for some wretch committing atrocities at the Envoy’s side.
“Ah, that one.”
Theo’s eyes narrowed with a predatory gleam. Killing intent flickered above his soft lips.
“And I stabbed his shoulder with the fountain pen you gave me. I trampled his hand too.”
“Good. Next time, go for his eyes.”
“…Did you have a successful trip to the Sacred Relic Storage?”
I quickly changed the subject.
“Of course. We even got something for our little one.”
Theo answered with a satisfied expression. It seemed everything had gone smoothly.
I also explained what I’d discovered.
“I have much to tell you about the immortality ritual.”
My eyes burned with determination.
“As expected, it was connected to Calimedes. The Envoy’s ultimate goal was immortality.”
“Isn’t it said that following the God of Death grants an undying body?”
“That’s not it.”
Evelyn continued.
“It’s not about receiving life—it’s about stealing it.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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