Chapter 48.3

"You stabbed yourself just now..." Oswald stated casually, ignoring the gravity of the situation.

When he mentioned Kevin's previous actions, his tone took on an odd twist, even sounding slightly dangerous. It was evident that he cared deeply about it.

Given how heavily Kevin was breathing, his neck and ears were slightly flushed, wearing a thin layer of red. "That was just a reflex. I thought it was you and I instinctively moved my hand, but you had already pinned me down. Do you know how much you weigh? If you were any weaker, I would've been crushed to death by now!"

Oswald could see his own reflection in Kevin's eyes. Having noticed the bulging veins on Kevin's neck, which acted like a mirror, he finally felt a twinge of conscience and shifted his massive body to the side.

However, one front paw still pressed lightly against Kevin's neck, though with less force.

"Huh—" Kevin finally regained his senses and took several heaving breaths. Slowly recovering from the suffocating weight that had pressed down on him moments ago, he weakly raised his hand to push Oswald's paw aside.

Oswald continued to stare at him without averting his gaze, observing the fading redness on Kevin's cheeks, ears, and neck. His breathing steadied, but his hands still couldn't move... Suddenly, a strong urge to do something sprouted in Oswald's mind.

Kevin flicked Oswald's paw a couple times with his own, urging, "Enough already."

He didn't hit him too hard this time, but it only intensified the urge in Oswald's mind. The young and impulsive emperor internally sighed, acknowledging that the unpredictability of the giant beast race's animalistic tendencies was indeed challenging to control.

Of course, Kevin had no idea what was going through Oswald's mind. All he saw was Oswald narrowing his eyes, moving his paw slightly, and then extending his tongue to lick the spot where Kevin's chin and neck met.

Kevin: "..."

Although Sirius' tongue lacked the barbs of a tiger or lion, it was far from smooth. As the rough texture grazed across his neck, a shiver ran down Kevin's spine.

This kind of behavior was typical of predatory beasts before they sank their teeth into their prey's neck. It was a warning, a signal of imminent danger and impending death. Anyone caught in such a provocation would undoubtedly be scared witless.

However, the circumstances were different now. After all, it was impossible for the fierce creature in front of him to sink its teeth into his throat.

On one hand, Kevin couldn't help but feel that Oswald was exhibiting some beast-like behavior, and on the other hand, the image of the emperor's usual demeanor involuntarily crossed his mind.

With such an association, this action suddenly took on a highly ambiguous undertone...

Oswald timed his move perfectly. Just as Kevin was about to speak, he strategically lifted his paw and withdrew it.

"..." Kevin regarded him with a mix of complexity and uncertainty, unable to clearly express his thoughts. Finally, he stood up without uttering a word.

"What kind of creature is this? I've never seen anything like it," Oswald smoothly changed the topic. Of course, it could very well be that his beastly visage prevented him from altering his expression. The disadvantage of naturally lacking speech and hearing.

"Sirius," Kevin responded, straightening his clothes. "I believe it can only be found in the illustrated almanac, and there are very few known specimens.

"Many assumed it had gone extinct long ago, but it seems that a handful managed to survive." He paused, eyes casting downwards. "The merging of various animal attributes, the beast's body, the wings... it's truly remarkable."

Turning away with a blank face, Kevin contemplated cursing at the emperor as a means to restore some composure. Yet, when he caught sight of Oswald's current appearance, his anger was extinguished, making it impossible to be too harsh or serious with his scolding.

It highlighted the significance of striking the right affectionate chord.

"..." Kevin sighed, rolling his eyes. The thought of enduring this day was almost unbearable - having to restrain himself when dealing with others.

After a moment of silence, he sidelong glanced at Oswald and stated, "Since we both seem to have embraced our beastly sides, don't expect to return to a semblance of humanity before Betan Day ends. Accept your fate as a mount."

Oswald: "..."

Apart from Oswald, no one else could experience the oddity of a regal emperor becoming a mount. If someone else had said such a thing, Oswald could have struck them then and there. But because it was Kevin who made the statement, he had no choice but to listen.

It was worth mentioning that the speed of a four-legged creature was vastly different from that of two-legged beings, and there was an even greater divergence between those with wings and those without.

With Oswald as his steed, Kevin could travel hundreds of miles a day, even managing to catch up with the advancing army as if by magic. In less than a day, they stumbled upon traces left behind by the forward troops.

Yet, the sight that greeted them was anything but pleasant...

Scattered throughout the secret passage were the lifeless bodies of soldiers.