I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 178

"You're not upset, are you?"

"Why would I be upset? I’m not upset!"

Ahwin’s voice rose defensively, betraying his nerves.

Penelope narrowed her eyes at him, a sly smile spreading across her face.

Thud.

Ahwin felt his heart drop to his stomach. He barely managed to compose his expression, almost undone by that single smile.

Penelope leaned in closer, her voice taking on a teasing lilt.

"You're upset, aren't you? You're sulking because I haven’t been paying enough attention to you."

"‘Sulking’? I’ve never heard such a ridiculous thing in my life," Ahwin snapped, vehemently denying it. But the flush creeping up his neck betrayed him, and the subtle scent of Penelope, so close now, was scrambling his thoughts.

And then, like a sudden ambush, Penelope moved closer.

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"...!"

Ahwin’s eyes widened as Penelope’s lips brushed against his, a soft smack sounding in the quiet room.

He stood frozen, his brain refusing to process what had just happened.

“W-What was that just now?”

“...A kiss?” Penelope replied innocently, tilting her head. Technically, it was more of a peck, but the effect was undeniable.

Ahwin was utterly at a loss for words. His mind went blank, unable to form a coherent thought.

‘This isn’t even the first time... so why am I this flustered?’

Penelope, noticing his confusion, offered a sheepish explanation.

“Well, you weren’t making a move, so ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) I thought I’d take the initiative.”

“That’s something you’re supposed to do on a date.”

“Oh...”

How old-fashioned.

‘He really thinks kisses only happen on dates?’

The thought made Penelope internally gasp. For someone so revolutionary in magic, Ahwin’s views on romance seemed a century old.

‘So all those times he insisted on dates... was it because of this?’

Penelope had never given their dates much thought. She was content with the time they spent together in her office—working, drinking tea, or chatting intermittently. To her, it felt no different from a date.

But for Ahwin, it was different.

‘Come to think of it, I should’ve realized earlier—like when he asked for permission to kiss me.’

To him, dating started with formally asking and receiving consent. Sitting alone in the office together wasn’t a date—it was just work.

Penelope grinned mischievously, leaning in again.

"From now on, let’s count this as a date, too. I guarantee it’s more thrilling."

Smack.

Ahwin’s eyes widened again as Penelope kissed him for the second time. Her soft lips brushed his before retreating, leaving his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Thump, thump, thump.

His heart raced wildly, his body frozen as he stared at her.

The noontime sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow over them. Penelope’s eyes sparkled like gemstones, catching the light and dazzling him.

She was breathtaking.

‘Why is she so beautiful?’

At first, he had thought she was merely pleasant-looking.

...No, if he were honest, he had always found her beautiful. But never to the point where he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Now, Ahwin felt like he couldn’t trust his own vision. Penelope seemed like the most perfect being created by the gods, flawless in every way.

No wonder he found excuses to lounge on the office sofa, stealing glances at her as she worked. He could look at her endlessly and still want more.

Breaking his reverie, Penelope, her face flushed, finally spoke.

"This is embarrassing—say something!"

"...You’re really beautiful," Ahwin murmured absentmindedly.

Penelope’s face turned bright red at his sudden, sincere words.

‘This infuriating man... only speaks from the heart at times like this.’

Glaring playfully, she opened her arms and wrapped them around him, pressing herself into his broad chest.

Ahwin instinctively placed his hands on her waist, his head spinning as their bodies pressed together.

This time, even lying to himself about bears wouldn’t help.

‘How can she be so bold?’

Ahwin thought as he held her tightly, his resolve utterly undone.

Ahwin couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Penelope was sometimes so bold and assertive it left him speechless.

Her actions were incomprehensible by his standards.

Did he dislike it? Absolutely not—he’d shake his head instantly if anyone asked.

Ahwin gently ran his hand over her waist and asked cautiously, “Can I kiss you?”

“You don’t have to ask permission every time,” Penelope replied, pouting.

Ahwin didn’t quite understand her standards, but he leaned down and kissed her. Penelope stiffened momentarily before relaxing, wrapping her arms tightly around his back. Ahwin closed his eyes as well, overwhelmed by how sweet the kiss was.

Time seemed to blur.

When the kiss finally ended, Ahwin, his face flushed, looked at Penelope and asked, “What were you thinking about so deeply?”

“...I feel like your kissing skills have improved,” Penelope replied nonchalantly.

Ahwin’s expression turned flat. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Were you critiquing me during the kiss?”

“I think I’d know for sure if we tried again.”

“You fox,” Ahwin grumbled, his voice tinged with frustration. It was becoming clear that Penelope was a master at love. She knew exactly how to keep him wrapped around her finger.

‘I’m definitely going to be dragged along like this forever,’ he thought.

Not that he minded.

In fact, he liked it.

Just as he was about to lower his lips to hers again—

Knock, knock.

Penelope shoved him with both hands, sending him flying onto the sofa.

“Er-hem, w-what is it?” she called out, her voice pitched high.

“I’ve brought tea and snacks,” Giselle announced from behind the door.

Hurriedly smoothing her hair and fixing her expression, Penelope responded, “Come in.”

At her permission, Giselle opened the door and stepped inside.

“...”

“...”

Giselle instinctively cleared her throat. The atmosphere in the office was... different.

The air between Penelope and Ahwin felt unusually charged. Despite one of them being on the sofa and the other standing, the room seemed heated.

Giselle mustered her courage to speak.

“I thought you might have finished the tea by now, but... it’s still untouched.”

“Oh, I wasn’t that thirsty yet,” Penelope replied awkwardly.

“Then... should I take it back?”

“You can leave it. I might want more later.”

“R-Right...”

What is this conversation? Giselle thought, cringing at the awkwardness. She glanced at Penelope, who seemed equally flustered.

Before the tension overwhelmed her, Giselle decided to retreat.

“Then I’ll just leave this here.”

As she placed the tray on the table, Giselle froze. Ahwin was slouched awkwardly on the sofa, looking like he had been thrown there.

She tried not to imagine why.

“I’ll take my leave now!” Giselle blurted, bolting from the room and slamming the door behind her with a loud bang.

Penelope coughed into her hand, pressing her heated cheeks with her palms.

‘She definitely figured it out, didn’t she?’

Her maids were strangely perceptive.

Determined to ensure they wouldn’t catch her again, Penelope made a mental note to be more discreet in the future. She turned toward the sofa, where Ahwin still hadn’t moved.

“You’re still lying there? I didn’t push you that hard.”

“What are you talking about? It’s a good thing I landed on the sofa. If it were anyone else, they’d have flown out the window,” he replied, dead serious.

It didn’t sound like he was joking.

Suppressing a laugh, Penelope cleared her throat. “Want to go see Professor Orlan?”

“...Let’s go,” Ahwin answered, though he still looked thoroughly exhausted.