Chapter 38.4

After he finished speaking, he smiled slyly as if remembering something, raised his hand, and scratched Oswald's chin with the tip of the phalanx of his index finger. "Or are you afraid of this kind of thing? Your Majesty, the handsome and mighty Emperor, have you ever been scared by a ghost story as a child?" The sensation of bone scraping against the skin was oddly unnerving.

Oswald raised his hand, intending to slap the man's claws away, but stopped short as he drew near, fearing that he might harm the ghost's decaying appendages. "Speak clearly and without nonsense. I have not shed a tear for as long as I can remember. Withdraw your baseless rumors."

Kevin finished his petty insinuation, raised his eyebrows, closed his hands, and continued pointing out the window. "What was that you just said? I forget when you interrupted me. Ah, yes, weather and seasons. Spring and autumn facilitate faster healing, and one can observe faster growth in trees and fruits. Winter is too cold, and blood clots easily, which can damage wounds. When damaged, the limb must be manually removed, which is troublesome. As for summer, like now, high temperature and humidity can cause the meat to rot easily, and it may attract insects."

Though Kevin had started off speaking factually, his use of metaphor became increasingly outrageous. Despite Oswald's furrowed brow, he found himself listening to Kevin intently, periodically recovering by questioning him. "Very well. I understand. But if you continue speaking in that manner, I will put a stop to it. External factors impacting the healing process, is that true?"

Kevin became serious, shaking his finger as he responded. "I am being serious."

"Although you have finally seen fit to release me from the handcuffs, I believe it would be prudent for me to remain indoors for the next two days," Kevin said. "If I were to go out for a walk, I am afraid I might frighten the entire populace."

Oswald, who had no desire to see Kevin go out for a walk, naturally had no objection.

After concluding their conversation, Kevin gestured for Oswald to leave. "Why are you here? Be on your way."

Oswald had never before witnessed someone with such severe injuries move their skeletal structure so fluidly. For a moment, he didn't know how to react and hesitated, unsure why he felt uncomfortable about leaving Kevin alone. "Are you certain that you don't require anything else?"

"Probably not. Oh, wait—" The old man grimaced you his raggedy blood-soaked clothes, raised his chin, and requested, "Fetch me a bucket of water. I need to bathe."

Oswald was incredulous. Had he ever seen someone stand before him, both arms rotted to the bone, and request a bath? It was typical for someone in such a state to have fainted or died.

"Are you out of your mind? Do you plan to bathe in this state? A mere swipe of your paws will shred your flesh and lead to your death within a day."

Kevin looked at him as though seeing a ghost. "Aren't you the clean freak? Young Master Oswald, I mean."

"I have cast off that title today! Even if you were bleeding profusely, I would still bear witness. It's only a momentary affair to change your clothes. Lie here and I'll have someone bring water for you." Oswald struggled to assert himself.

Kevin gripped the hem of his clothes, trembling, and suggested, "It must be uncomfortable for you to stand around. How about we trade places? You can lie in my place and experience a night among bloody linens."

Though he wore only a slim-fitting shirt, it was soaked in blood and stuck to his body, emphasizing his strong waist and thin, muscular lines. Under other circumstances, it might have been appealing.

Oswald acquiesced. "The arm cannot get wet. How about we have someone prepare the water and then you can wipe yourself down with a towel, change your clothes, and get through the night first?"

"Alright." Kevin agreed.

Oswald instructed Kevin to remain in the room while he summoned swift servants to replace the blood-stained bedding and supplies. The hotter temperature had been adjusted by the servants for Kevin's use. Oswald took the towel and shooed everyone from the room before shutting the door.

The internal servants all adhered to the rules. They did not look at what they should not see, and they did not say what they should not say. Therefore, Kevin's presence in the room went unnoticed for several days.

When Kevin heard a knock at the door, he emerged from the inner room and said, "Place the towels here and you may begin your work."

Oswald ignored Kevin's words. He simply soaked a towel in hot water at the correct temperature and, without looking up, instructed Kevin, "Remove that rag."

Kevin was speechless.

Kevin laughed dryly. "Wiping your body is one thing, but you cannot imprison the emperor." He raised his hand and waved it, attempting to shoo Oswald away like a chicken.

Oswald did not retreat, however; he advanced instead. He was now standing in front of Kevin, holding a steaming towel in one hand and sneering. "Do you realize that I am the emperor again at this point?" he asked.

"I am not accustomed to it—" Kevin was unable to finish his dry statement before Oswald interrupted him once more.

During the several days that you were comatose, you did not express any objection to not bathing. This suggests that you are accustomed to being directed by me, the Emperor.