Chapter 41.1

"What is the purpose of your actions?" Oswald demanded, his previously upset expression replaced with a formal tone.

Expressing his love repeatedly felt embarrassing, so Kevin didn't elaborate on the reason. Instead, he simply responded, "I am going to the Old Rose Castle. If you don't approve of it because you dislike the God of Light, I can understand."

Oswald countered, "I do not understand nor approve of this decision. You have never mentioned Phae before, so why do you suddenly have an interest in him? Are you being dishonest?"

Although the Emperor believed that Kevin wouldn't put himself in danger over Phae, he couldn't fathom why Kevin was willing to go to the ruins of the Old Rose Castle. There was only sand and ruins that awaited them, aside from Phae, what could Kevin hope to accomplish?

As he rationalized his thoughts, Oswald's anxiety heightened and his expression became more sour.

Kevin continued to speak, ignoring Oswald's emotions, "I do not believe that one must display affection to feel it. As for what I am holding, it is of no consequence."

Suddenly, Kevin stopped, turned to the corridor, and saw a figure emerging. The timid individual spoke softly, addressing both Kevin and Oswald.

"Your Majesty, Your Excellency... Good morning."

"Morning." Kevin nodded at her.

The little girl, Sinia, who had been frightened by Kevin earlier, was no longer banned from leaving her room.

The only so-called foot ban prohibited Sinia from entering Kevin's room without permission. Sinia had a great fondness for Kevin, and she had cried for several days after the loss of the storyteller general. After that, she resumed her friendship with the talkative teenager Angel.

She enjoyed spending time with Angel, who had remembered to pick her some flowers.

"What are you holding in your hand?" Oswald felt inexplicably embarrassed by the childish quarrel between the emperor and the commander. He caught a faint scent of flowers and took the opportunity to change the subject.

Oswald, sensing that he was being too harsh, decided to change the topic of discussion.

However, with his disheveled appearance, his voice sounded more accusatory than intended, making Angel freeze.

Angel held the flower branch tightly, and explained, "Sinia asked me what the Dorothy Sacred flower looked like yesterday. I searched for it and picked it up for her to see. It grows on the cliff behind the barracks."

"It's very rare to see Dorothy flowers here," Kevin said.

Angel emitted an exclamation of surprise and subsequently nodded in agreement before expressing, "I initially intended to create a pictorial drawing for her. However, my attention was immediately drawn to the sight of a branch originating from the edge of the ridge situated near the barracks. Thus, I opted to use the branch through precise folding, diverting from the initial artistic pursuit."

Oswald observed the scarred abrasion on Angel's arm, which he had sustained while retrieving the flower branch. "I am glad that you took Sinia's words to heart," he said. "However, there is no need to be so serious about such matters in the future. No one will be able to catch you if you fall off a cliff."

Angel remained silent.

As Oswald asked more questions, he finally dismissed Angel and instructed him to go with Sinia.

Once alone, Oswald confronted Kevin and conveyed his strong disapproval of Kevin's proposed trip. He emphasized that there was no way Kevin would be allowed to go to Old Rose Castle.

Sensing that the emperor was losing his temper, Kevin raised his eyebrows.

"I have been relatively reserved lately..." The Emperor muttered, trying to remind himself that in the past, he would have spoken more directly with Kevin. The Emperor felt there was no need to be polite to Kevin.

After the conversation, Kevin and Oswald returned to the conference hall, where their efficiency significantly increased.

The decision was quickly made to send Wood, the deputy commander of the Red Iron Army, to Rose Old Castle. Nick, the vice-captain of the elite squad who had previously been to the Tomb of Phae, would be Wood's deputy.

All legions would have three days to prepare, and they would set out at night three days hence, once the plan had been approved.

Kevin did not say anything for the time being, but he resolved to return and give Oswald a thrashing, even though he was the emperor.

However, this plan could not be immediately realized, as Oswald had an incident when the meeting was adjourned.

The tall and imposing emperor faltered slightly, propping himself up on the corner of the table with one hand, frowning and shaking his head as he looked unwell.

Although Oswald had not been on the throne for very long, after the incident of returning the holy water, most of the ministers and legion commanders had already sided with him in their hearts. The emperor was very popular, even though he was often sullen and not very gentle.