Chapter 40.2

Startled by his proximity, Oswald's gaze first landed on his dark pupils before swiftly averting his eyes. He turned his attention towards the distance, wearing an expressionless sneer. "Oh, then I'll eliminate you...never mind."

Kevin sneered back, releasing Oswald and straightening up.

Leaning lazily against the iron railing, he gazed at the layers of roofs of varying heights in the imperial city, his pitch-black eyes seemingly obscured by layers of glass, until his vision met the distant sky, so far away it seemed untouchable.

The half-hidden joke on his face revealed itself as he vaguely remarked, "Having someone who can give you courage is a good thing. The more, the better."

This seemingly endless sentence left Oswald mildly perplexed. He glanced at Kevin, intending to inquire further, when he felt a hard slap on his shoulder. "Enjoying the scenery in the face of major matters, let's go. Return and discuss with your ministers and commanders!"

Kevin's hands appeared slender and pale, signifying refinement, yet possessed an astonishing strength. His slap could almost knock the life out of a person.

Even though Oswald didn't spit out the metaphorical dragon and phoenix bile, he felt his internal organs reverberate. He glared fiercely at the rascal and retorted, "Who told you I was merely enjoying the scenery?!"

While Kevin wasn't paying attention, Oswald swiftly raised his hand and hoisted him up, hurling him onto the back of a generous vulture. The typically arrogant and ignorant Kevin Fassbender hung on Oswald's front like a sack, nearly knocking the wind out of him due to the vulture's speed.

That night, Oswald summoned the important ministers and commanders of the legion's base camps, convening a round table meeting of twelve individuals.

He relayed the priest's interpretation. When they heard that traces of Phae were discovered at Old Rose Castle, almost everyone at the round table, except for the emperor and Kevin who were already aware, seemed as though they were about to faint.

Upon hearing that the appearance of the God of Light was linked to the survival of the country, most individuals could no longer remain seated.

Throughout the night, they discussed the grand map of the mainland. The flags representing the troop distribution hardly remained stationary for long, constantly shifting and changing positions.

Ministers and legion commanders held differing opinions, unable to unify the conservative and radical factions. Those with unwavering faith in God and those who considered God a mere figure of history also emphasized different aspects.

In the twelve-person meeting, nearly ten individuals passionately debated, their voices growing hoarse and spittle flying.

Among the few remaining quiet ones were the emperor, who would ultimately make the decision, and Kevin.

Breaking from his habit of ceaseless chatter, Kevin loosely clasped his hands and rested them on the table, silently absorbing the varying viewpoints. He scarcely spoke from beginning to end, as this matter was far too subjective for discussion.

Finally, at dawn the following day, the flag on the map was decided by Oswald, bringing the matter to a resolution—

The Wujin Iron Cavalry and the Imperial City Patrolling Army were jointly responsible for guarding the base camp. The Red Iron Army originally stationed in the Kela River area remained there, monitoring the border between the Golden Lion Kingdom and Northern Emerald. The twelve bronze armies stationed in the west also maintained their positions, guarding the border with the Sand Ghost Desert.

All remaining troops were reorganized, and two teams were created to disguise themselves as caravans and travel from Mirage to Old Rose Castle. The other troops were stationed in Dada City, where there were direct routes to the imperial city, the Kela River, and the western desert.

However, the leader of the "caravan" destined for Old Rose Castle had yet to be determined. Although the route was commonly used by caravans, it was still dangerous due to the presence of mirages. Nevertheless, this path was far from the ghost town and the Sand Ghost Desert, making it relatively safe and suitable for camouflage.

Because the discussion went on until morning, Oswald had breakfast prepared and delivered to the meeting room to allow those who had been up all night to relax their brains and throats.

As Oswald took a sip of mint tea, Kevin tapped his shoulder and beckoned him over.

"What is it?" Oswald asked as they walked. "Is there something you do not wish to eat for breakfast?"

Kevin replied with displeasure, "I truly do not wish to eat that starfish, but what does that have to do with me calling you out?"

"Who knows? Perhaps you believe it is embarrassing for a Bronze Commander-in-Chief to be picky in front of others. Perhaps you wish to beg me in private to help you fork and eat that thing?" Oswald said nonchalantly. He then pressed his point, saying, "That thing is good for people like you who lose blood all day long. You must eat it, whether you like it or not."

"No," Kevin said, halting in the corridor. He first emphatically declined Oswald's request, and then made his own request with assurance. "I wish to go to Old Rose Castle."

"Do not indulge in fantasies," Oswald said. "I still recall the deathly pallor you were shrouded in when you were injured previously. How long has it been? Do you intend to travel to a place like Mirage? There is no entrance!"

Kevin did not even bother to discuss the truth, and yet he could not refuse. "I must go," he said.

"Why?" Oswald asked, unable to understand.

Oswald was skeptical, recalling Kevin's previous injury and disapproval of the idea.

However, without explanation, Kevin remained resolute in his desire to go.

"You merely believe that I am attracted to Phaer as well," Kevin uttered a reason casually.

Oswald was silent.

For a moment, the emperor experienced an unignorable feeling of discontentment.