Chapter 15.3

The table of contents caused Kevin's liver to ache. The content of the two parts alone was over one hundred pages, and he could easily reproduce it fifty times from this year to the next. Kevin rested his chin on one hand, lazily flipped through a few pages, and closed the book with a snap.

Whoever engages in copying is foolish.

He picked up the book and exited the study, making his way down the corridor.

The door to the first room on the left was open, and Oswald's low voice mixed with the warm, yellow light spilled out from within, "...God raised the golden longbow and struck the rebels with sharp arrows forged from light. The blood poured from the divine pillar, where the undead rebels were pinned—Fassbender? What brings you here?"

Kevin withdrew his hand that was about to knock on the door and replied, "I have come to discuss something with Your Majesty."

Oswald responded, "Come in."

Kevin stepped into the room and saw Oswald sitting by the bed, holding a book that was almost as thick as the Codex. The pretty little girl lay on the bed, her black eyes wide open, curiously staring at Kevin.

"This is—" Kevin raised an eyebrow.

The little girl swiftly replied, "Uncle O is reading me a bedtime story."

Due to difficulties with pronouncing Oswald's name, she shortened it to one word.

"Uncle?" Kevin was taken aback.

"Hmm." For some reason, Oswald seemed reluctant to mention it, so he curtly replied and brought the topic back. He probably felt that "reading a story" was a bit embarrassing, so he turned his head and scolded the little girl, "You're awake again, aren't you? Will you ever fall asleep?"

The little girl immediately yawned and obediently said, "I'm sleepy now."

Oswald: "..."

Kevin took a few steps closer and glanced at the cover of Oswald's book, "The Divine History? Which passage are you reading?"

Oswald casually replied, "The part where the God of Light, Phae, vanquishes the rebel army."

Kevin was momentarily taken aback, then looked at him with a mixed expression.

"What?" Oswald raised an eyebrow.

Kevin glanced sympathetically at the little girl and said, "If I recall correctly, the second half of this episode is bloody and gruesome. There are dead bodies everywhere, and blood flows like rivers. Are you trying to lull her to sleep or intentionally scare her?"

Oswald scoffed and replied, "Among the old gods, only he is reliable. If not him, then who should we read about? Moreover, this battle was fought swiftly and decisively, saving countless lives. The child should listen to more heroic stories so she won't be afraid."

The little girl snuggled in her blanket, seemed proud and genuine as she added, "Ao likes the God of Light Phae the most. He has been reading this story to me for a year, and I can recite it by heart, so I'm not scared."

Oswald: "..."

Kevin: "..."

The young and handsome Emperor finally couldn't contain his frustration. Observing Kevin's eyes filled with mockery, he angrily tossed the book aside and stormed towards the door with a dark expression, saying, "What is it? If you continue to look at me like that, I'll order the guards to hang you from the city tower overnight."

"Oh, I was just going to say that copying the Codex requires pen and paper, and it's not worth it. Let's make a compromise, shall we? How about I read it to you?" Kevin suggested, tapping the cover of the Codex with his knuckles and offering a graceful smile. "Just like a bedtime story."

Oswald stared at him blankly for a moment, then raised his finger, pointing towards the door, and uttered two simple words, "Dream on. Leave."

Kevin snorted, "I suddenly miss you from ten years ago."

Oswald: "What?"

Kevin: "Back then, you could defeat me with just a wave of your hand."

Oswald: "..."

His Excellency Kevin Fassbender's punishment of fifty times copying was increased to one hundred times.

And the young Emperor His Majesty almost suffered from insomnia.

The events of the past few days had been thrilling and overwhelming, with Kevin, who had been "dead for many years", making a sudden reappearance, and the same old bastard who used to torment him returning. Oswald couldn't decide which of the three was more exciting. In any case, he stared at the curtains above the bed for a long time without feeling the slightest drowsiness, and only fell into a light sleep in the early morning hours.

For a fleeting moment, he dreamt of Kevin.