That’s Not What Kissing Means! - Chapter 97

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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 97

As Colin prepared to step outside with the other Clerics, an eerie chill ran down his spine.
It felt as though an arrow had struck the back of his head, the sensation sharp and stinging.
The moment he turned and met those violet eyes, Colin found himself completely paralyzed.
A killing intent so cold it raised every hair on his skin washed over him.
“W-why…”
As Colin stammered, the other Clerics turned to look at him.
“Is something the matter, Colin?”
“N-no…!”
He belatedly pointed elsewhere, but Theo was already smiling softly as if nothing had happened.
He approached slowly and addressed Colin and the other Clerics.
“I’ve been learning so much since arriving here. I find myself in constant admiration of you all.”
“You mean us?”
The question came with evident pleasure.
“Isn’t the Temple of the Holy Kingdom maintained through the collective efforts of you Clerics? Each of you is precious personnel serving the Goddess.”
“We’re honored that you recognize our efforts.”
While the atmosphere grew warm, Colin alone remained frozen.
He couldn’t have misread that killing intent.
What was he scheming?
Theo continued his conversation, asking the Clerics questions.
Mostly about what work they performed.
His gaze turned toward Colin as well.
“…Why are you asking that?”
The other Clerics were taken aback by his hostile tone.
One of the nearby Clerics answered on his behalf.
“Colin handles the accounting related to the Temple’s operations.”
“Is that so?”
A flicker of interest crossed Theo’s eyes before vanishing.
Once the conversation ended, everyone left while savoring his praise.
“Everyone, come along. The service will begin shortly!”
Colin was about to follow them out when it happened.
“Ugh!”
Someone struck the back of Colin’s knee.
His legs buckled naturally, and he nearly toppled forward.
“Oh my, do be careful.”
A firm hand steadied Colin’s shoulder.
‘You’re the one who kicked me!’
The moment Colin tried to protest, searing pain flashed white across his vision.
That hand on his shoulder was not there to support him.
An immense, crushing force pressed down upon the wound pierced by the blade.
Theo seized a napkin from the table and shoved it into Colin’s mouth.
Though tears streamed down his face in agony, Colin could not even scream.
Each time the deep wound was pressed, he tried to wrench himself free, but….
“Stay still.”
The grip tightening around the back of his neck left him paralyzed.
His consciousness threatened to slip away. Just when he thought he could endure no more, Theo released him.
Colin collapsed to the floor, tears and saliva streaming down his face.
Why on earth would he do this to me….
His eyes, brimming with grievance, turned toward Theo.
But Theo offered no explanation.
He merely gazed at the handprints left on Colin’s neck for a moment before departing the Dining Hall.

* * *

“Did you enjoy your meal?”
A warm greeting reached Evelyn as she entered the room.
It was Vanessa, seated at the table and munching on a cookie.
Goodness knew how much food she had purchased—every time Evelyn saw her, Vanessa was chewing on something.
Then Vanessa’s eyes widened.
“Evelyn, are you unwell? Surely that wretched Cleric from yesterday…!”
Vanessa sprang up and examined her face closely.
A bewildered Evelyn shook her head.
“I’m not hurt at all! The soreness in my throat has nearly vanished.”
“Then why is your face so flushed? And you seem to have a fever….”
“That, that is…!”
As the memory of that kiss with Theo surfaced once more, Evelyn’s embarrassment became evident.
Seeing her bashful demeanor, Vanessa smiled knowingly.
‘It seems something happened between her and the Lord.’
Still, it appeared the Lord’s romantic endeavors were progressing smoothly.
“Now that I look closer, you seem perfectly healthy. I must have been mistaken.”
Vanessa took Evelyn’s hand and seated her at the table.
“Let’s have some cookies together.”
Her mouth had felt parched anyway.
Evelyn sat beside her and popped a cookie into her mouth. It felt as though the green broth was being washed away.
Just then, Daisy Priest arrived without fail.
Vanessa hid herself behind the door, while Evelyn greeted Daisy with a smile.
“Thank you as always, Daisy Priest.”
“Of course. I’ll brew the tea for you.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Evelyn accepted the tray from Daisy’s hands.
“I’d like to brew it myself. It’s my way of showing respect to the Grand Cleric.”
“Then I’ll watch over it for you!”
Daisy didn’t back down easily—as if she needed to confirm that Evelyn actually drank the tea.
Clearly, she’d been ordered by the Grand Cleric.
Evelyn added another thought.
“This tea truly calms my mind and spirit. Somehow my faith deepens as well. Could you increase the amount of petals?”
“Of course!”
Daisy’s eyes lit up at the unexpected request.
“I’d like to keep the petals here and drink it morning and evening. For that, it would be more convenient if I brewed it myself.”
“Then in the evening, I could also——”
“No, I couldn’t possibly trouble you, Daisy Priest. Rather, I think it’s best if I drink it only in the morning.”
“….”
Watching Daisy deliberate, Evelyn felt certain of her suspicion.
To achieve the Grand Cleric’s purpose, the amount of flower tea would definitely need to increase.
After a moment, Daisy reached her decision and replied.
“Then I’ll bring more petals starting tomorrow.”
“I appreciate it.”
Daisy bowed and left the room.
Her departing figure seemed noticeably brighter.
After closing the door and setting the tray on the table, Vanessa approached.
“So this is that flower tea.”
“Yes, it has quite a strong fragrance, doesn’t it?”
“Julian would take considerable time identifying the flower—he’s such a perfectionist.”
“He sounds quite thorough.”
“Yes, a tedious man.”
Vanessa made a bored expression before asking Evelyn a question.
“You handed the video recording device to the Lord yesterday, right? When’s the next task?”
Vanessa swung her arms restlessly, saying she was getting antsy from sitting still.
“Today.”
Vanessa showed interest at those words. Evelyn continued her explanation.
“There’s a Confessional on the First Floor of the Bell Tower. It seems they’re planning to practice an immortality ritual in the underground chamber beneath it.”
“Wow, I never would have imagined it. Grown adults doing something like that.”
Vanessa scoffed, saying she’d seen it all.
“I plan to capture the ritual on the video recording device.”
“Then I should clear away the obstacles to help you, Evelyn.”
I wondered if the Ashford Knight Order trained all their members to speak identically to Theo, given how their words mirrored his so perfectly.
“After recording the ceremony, what will you do? Return to the Empire and report to His Majesty the Emperor?”
“….”
Evelyn couldn’t answer readily.
The Emperor had experienced a miracle. He trusted the Envoy completely.
Would he easily believe their words?
Wouldn’t more decisive evidence be necessary?
No, perhaps no evidence would matter regardless.
Then….
First, I needed to drive a wedge between the Emperor and the Envoy.

* * *

The Holy Kingdom, where divinity reigned supreme. At its heart lay the Temple Chapel, brimming with reverence.
Beneath the soaring ceiling, arched stained-glass windows lined the expanse, their radiant light streaming through with crystalline clarity to bless the faithful below.
A long crimson carpet stretched down the center, flanked on both sides by pews filled with worshippers.
Today was an extraordinarily special occasion.
The Envoy’s blessing ceremony—the most important among all blessing days—was taking place.
Nobles from nations across the continent had come to forge connections and demonstrate the stability of their positions.
Following this, countless donations and crucial conversations would surely transpire.
The Envoy, standing upon the dais, spoke in a gentle voice.
“So many have graced us with their presence. May the blessings of Goddess Julia accompany you all.”
He then began his sermon, reciting from the scriptures.
His clear voice and radiant smile captivated everyone present.
Everyone except one.
‘The immortality ceremony rehearsal will begin soon.’
I observed the Envoy quietly.
After dinner concluded, a magical fireworks display was scheduled to commence.
When everyone’s attention was consumed by the dazzling spectacle, the ceremony rehearsal would begin.
At that moment, the Envoy’s gaze fixed upon me.
I didn’t avert my eyes—I met his stare directly.
Those infinitely benevolent golden eyes, brimming with amusement, turned back toward the scriptures.
‘Many have experienced the Envoy’s miracles. There must be a decisive event that shatters their faith.’
He must have prepared the immortality ceremony meticulously over a long time.
My mind grew tangled with thoughts of the Envoy.
As I stared at him intently for a prolonged moment, a soft, low whisper reached my ear.
“What are you thinking so hard about?”
The quiet murmur reached only me.
“Are you thinking the same thing I am?”
“….”
Evelyn looked up at Theo.
Her violet eyes burned with the same intensity as when their lips had met.
“I’m still stuck there.”
Regret tinged Theo’s voice.
I’d ruined everything. The Envoy had consumed my thoughts so completely that I’d forgotten all about what had happened between Theo and me.

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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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