Chapter 44.2

"In a way, I have," Kevin replied nonchalantly. "I have vivid memories of all those lifetimes except for the time I was deceased."

"So," Oswald hesitated but continued anyways, "what happened to your previous families and friends? You must have had different ones during different lifetimes. Have you met them again?"

Kevin was taken aback by the question. After a moment of thought, he sneered and retorted, "Do you think someone like me, who is naturally born, would have parents?"

Oswald interjected in a serious tone, "Family is not only about parents. It can also include spouses, children, and so on."

Kevin looked at him strangely before asking, "Where are my wives and children?"

Oswald remained silent while Kevin thought back to his past as a god. As a god, he never had a spouse or children, and as a human, he was accustomed to being alone. He didn't like deep relationships and was too lazy to bother with physical appearances.

Moreover, whenever someone tried to initiate a deeper relationship with him, he would purposely change the topic and talk about something irrelevant until they eventually gave up. Despite this, he continued to bet on his own life and do as he pleased.

In essence, this kind of reckless and irresponsible behavior is tantamount to gambling with one's life.

To his wife and children, this must feel like a cruel and heartless joke.

His Majesty the Emperor was greatly perplexed by the response. On the one hand, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief upon hearing that the individual was a bachelor for ten thousand years and even felt somewhat fortunate. On the other hand, was there not something amiss about being a bachelor for such an extended period?

"Is there an ailment of the heart or body afflicting you?" Oswald could no longer contain his amusement and began to chuckle.

Kevin: "..."

Without hesitation, he slapped Oswald's leg, causing a distinct and loud snapping sound indicative of a burning sensation.

Oswald: "...are you rebelling?"

Kevin sneered: "Although I am inclined to rebel, slapping you may cause your vision to dim again, Your Majesty."

Although Oswald had been struck, he remained in good spirits and maintained an expressionless demeanor, casually remarking: "Is it, not an ailment to have lived so long without a family?"

"I think your affliction is your tendency to seek out quarrels, Your Majesty." Kevin angrily retorted.

The two patients stared at each other with inimitable expressions of disdain.

Kevin stood up, straightened his attire, and condescendingly lowered his gaze. "Is your vision functional? When you have finished, stand up and depart. Do not sit idly."

Oswald gazed at him momentarily before extending his hand.

"How amusing. You accused me of being ill, yet now you seek my assistance," Kevin cunningly remarked. "Why do I find myself drawn to you?"

After kicking Oswald's foot, he snapped, "Get up."

Without even sparing a glance at the emperor, it was clear that Kevin was bereft of regard.

A moment later, His Excellency Kevin Fassbender returned to the same spot. He crossed his arms and stared at Oswald, whose hand remained outstretched, for a moment before finally rolling his eyes.

As he grasped Oswald's broad palm, he pulled up the simple-minded man who acted as though he were an emperor.

Kevin stormed off, leaving an angry and cutting remark in his wake. "Do you have any idea how heavy you are? Have some self-awareness! How old are you, anyway?"

Oswald beamed at him for a moment before quickly furrowing his brow and pressing his temple, shaking his head as they walked. If Kevin had been observant, he would have seen that Oswald's stride had become irregular and sloppy, diverging significantly from its customary pattern.

"How far do we have to travel to catch up with them?" Kevin queried without looking back.

"Uniting? Are you referring to the army from the adjacent castle?" Oswald's reply was somewhat delayed, and he paused before saying, "Do not bother. I cannot appoint a joining."

Kevin halted in shock and asked, "What do you mean? You cannot pass into?"

"These two secret passages differ significantly. The neighboring secret passage extends in all directions, containing innumerable branches akin to a labyrinth, along with numerous hiding spots." Oswald replied. "It may be connected to the underground areas of all the Golden Lion cities and towns, making it an excellent place to conceal oneself."

Tapping the ground with his foot, he continued, "Contrarily, the path we are taking conceals the adjacent passage and provides the ability to march concurrently. It contains relatively fewer divergences and leads to mirages and ice fields."

"So rather than connecting to the adjacent passage, we are pursuing the team from Rose Old Castle?"

"Hmm..." Oswald's response trailed off wearily, and the rhythm of his stride became erratic and fluctuated between light and heavy.

"What is wrong with you?" Kevin finally became aware of Oswald's malady and returned to his side. "Is your vision failing again?"

Oswald shook his head and replied, "I am just a bit...dizzy."

Touching Oswald's forehead with the back of his hand, Kevin queried in amazement, "Why is your fever so high?"