Chapter 45.1

In reality, when he held Oswald's hand just now, he noticed that his palm was slightly hotter than normal, but he did not give it much thought. After all, many young people have high body temperatures, resembling a walking stove all day long, and it is common for their palms to be warm.

In the army, especially, such individuals are abundant and Kevin has grown accustomed to it.

However, the fact that Oswald's forehead was also hot indicated a problem with his body, rather than just high body temperature.

"You have a fever!" Kevin concluded after leaning on the back of his hand for a moment.

"How is that possible?" Oswald retorted without hesitation, "I haven't caught a cold or contracted any infections. What fever could I have?"

"Excessive fatigue may lead to these symptoms too. Don't dismiss it too quickly," Kevin responded. "Aren't you the one who blacked out today? Don't forget what the medical officer said."

Oswald replied bluntly, "That's rubbish! I stayed up all night as well, and yet those insignificant people are fine. How could I react so strongly and have a fever…?" He scoffed, "I have rarely been ill since childhood; I'm not so hypocritical."

Kevin frowned as he listened to the young emperor's stubborn remarks. It was the first time for the once mighty God to experience such a thing as "conscience."

When he looked at the emperor's expression, he felt like giving him a good kick. However, as an elder, he thought that it was his duty to show some tolerance and understanding to the younger generations. Let them be tough if they talk big, for it won't be Kevin who faints at the end.

"Alright alright, you aren't sick; you're just burning up, okay?" Kevin withdrew his hand while expressing frustration. "Take a few steps and see if you can walk straight. If you can, then we'll continue journeying. Rest up here for a while."

Oswald protested, "You can't discern between dizziness and drunkenness!"

As he spoke, the emperor walked away with a cold face, his chin held high as if he was proud. However, just a few steps later, Kevin caught his wrist and remarked, "No, let's rest here for a while. If you take a further step, you may collapse."

"No!" Oswald rejected the suggestion.

Kevin shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "Who was it that said they were in no rush? You can't even rest now. Your rebellious streak is still there after all these years, right? Do you want me to care for you again?"

Oswald snorted.

"Fine, my legs are tired to the point of exhaustion. Your Majesty, the handsome emperor, can you please rest here with me for a while?" Kevin folded his arms and gazed at Oswald, his words dripping with sarcasm. He thought to himself, 'This is for your benefit, kid.'

Oswald knew that this jerk did not give in easily, and he might have to quarrel with him later on. Thus, he gave a deep "hmm" and then said, "That's alright."

Kevin is left dumbfounded. He felt he had kicked the hornet's nest, saying that Oswald is fatigued and breathless.

Subsequently, the two sat down against the wall and did not speak. However, Oswald felt his symptoms worsening once he relaxed. The dizziness, headache, and throbbing pulse were all too much. He felt like his heart and the blood vessels linked to it all over the body had been pumped up and could rupture at any moment.

Although Kevin had been running his mouth, he was still concerned about Oswald's well-being. It was ironic how his worries were related to the same reason for Oswald's rude remarks - staying up all night. With someone as resilient as Oswald, how could he react this way? This is not just fatigue or a simple fever.

The secret passage was not too narrow for ease of movement. A vulture with half-spread wings could pass through easily. Kevin sat across from Oswald, his elbows resting on his bent knees as he stroked the grooves on the handle of his dagger, staring at Oswald.

He noticed how the emperor closed his eyes, hung his head, and furrowed his eyebrows, with his thumb pressing onto his temples. Kevin no longer had the energy to speak.

What will be the impact...

Kevin's mind raced as he recalled the people and events of the day and night. His illness did not seem to have been building up over time, so it must have been caused by something sudden. What could it be?

Was it the secret hidden in the water platform of the priest's courtyard? Or had one of the ministers or conductors at the meeting of twelve secretly moved against him? Or was it... Angel?

The thought of Angel sent a chill down Kevin's spine. He had always known that Angel was dangerous, but he had never imagined that he would be capable of harming. But if not Angel, then who?

Kevin racked his brain, but he could not come up with any other answer. He was alone in this, and he knew that he had to find the answer before it was too late.

Kevin could not help but recall the young man he had met on the corridor of the Hanging Palace earlier that morning. The young man had been holding a bouquet of Dorothy Sacred flowers, which he had said were for Sinia. What was wrong with those flowers?

On further reflection, Kevin realized that the first time he had felt lightheaded was after that encounter. Could the flowers have been poisoned?