Shaw restrained himself from expressing disapproval, as he found Kevin's words to be reasonable. Ben's physique was too thin, especially in comparison to other same-aged giant orcs, and Shaw wasn't sure if it was due to malnutrition or other reasons.
Ben gazed at Kevin for a moment before nodding his head. In his seven or eight-year-old life, he had only experienced two people who evoked a mountain-like feeling within him, his father Mai and Kevin.
However, the latter was vastly different from the former, and Ben naturally held admiration and love for his father. As for Kevin, Ben felt frustrated with being inferior to him after displaying intellectual and physical prowess. Despite this, Ben was determined to learn from Kevin and emulate his powerful presence.
The trivial matters were swiftly resolved, and the Wujin cavalry was prepped to leave. The giant orcs and Eldar were set to travel in a separate direction from the Golden Lion Kingdom, so they parted ways.
The Eldar inhabited the southernmost island, which required a lengthy and distant voyage. As they were typically reclusive, they all donned their hooded shrouds and wordlessly nodded farewell to Oswald's party before dissolving into the shadows of the trees.
In contrast, the group of formidable men from the Giant Beast Clan rapidly transformed into their animal forms and slyly disappeared. Only Kevin, the young lion, and a shrouded Eldar boy remained amongst the cavalry and the riverbank.
Kevin gestured towards the black forest and inquired of the Eldar boy, "Why didn't you depart with them?"
The boy remained entranced by the presence, but upon being queried by Kevin, raised his head in a dazed and vacant manner. After hesitating for a moment, he responded by saying, "I am not part of the Spirit Race."
Kevin's lips twitched, and he jestingly retorted, "So why are you dressed like one? Is it fashionable?"
The juvenile murmured, "I just...wanted to fit in."
Kevin prodded, "Where did you want to fit in?"
"At the royal palace in Feiling City," replied the boy.
Kevin grimaced, "Oh, so you ended up in the dungeon instead. It's not bad, at least it's not too far off."
The boy lowered his head, and in a mild and meek tone, muttered, "To kill Mankao."
Kevin was left speechless, taken aback by the boy's lofty ambitions. However, upon recalling the circumstances regarding Mankao, he understood how the boy felt.
Kevin hesitated before saying cautiously, "Well, your ambition may become a reality as Mankao is now dead."
The juvenile scrutinized Kevin, seemingly skeptical about who he was and surprised that he spoke with a more humane tone. Turning towards the Eldar boy, he asked incredulously, "Why?"
The boy lowered his gaze and stared listlessly at the soil beneath his feet. After a few moments, he spoke softly, "Mankao captured my mother and killed my father and grandmother."
Kevin found himself relating to the boy's tragic background and probed further, "Are you from the Northern Emerald Country? What town?"
The young man replied, "Farland Town."
Realization dawned on Kevin, realizing that the Eldar boy's tragic backstory was potentially tied to the animal-related events occurring in Farland Town. One of the victims, an elderly woman, was captured with a three or four-year-old child. If that child was still alive, they would currently be fifteen or sixteen years of age.
Mankao had sent people to burn down the young man's house. Although the young man had not died, he was rescued by a beggar and wandered around with him. The beggar had died the previous winter, and the young man had reverted to his human form. He had thought that, since he would not live long anyway, he might as well try to get revenge.
Kevin let out a "huh" and nodded. "Now that the revenge is over, why don't you go back?" he asked.
"I can't go back," the young man replied. "Mankao has already found out that the people involved are not dead, and he has been looking for me for more than half a year. If I go back, I will still have to hide."
"So what do you plan to do?" Ben asked.
The young man stood blankly for a moment, then looked up at Kevin. "Can I follow you to the Golden Lion Country?" he asked. "I will just follow you, and I will leave as soon as I enter the city. I do not know the way."
Kevin was silent for a moment. Then, Oswald frowned and said, "Your Excellency Fassbinder, do you have any special hobbies? After a while, you have picked up two little ghosts and brought them back. Have the adults of the two races turned against you?"
Kevin laughed dryly and patted Ben on the shoulder. "I will take this kid for two years," he said. "He looks like our country's mascot."
He then patted the white rabbit boy in the shroud. "For the sake of him not knowing the way like me, take him into a city."
Oswald glanced back and forth at the two underage brats. "I have not seen you for many years," he said coldly to Kevin. "Have you developed a little conscience?"
Kevin clicked his tongue. "Can you still talk?" he asked.
A few minutes later, the Wujin iron cavalry set off in a mighty manner. Oswald led the way, followed by Mi Ao and the two deputy commanders. Ben and the white rabbit boy brought up the rear.
At the end of the queue were the battle flags that symbolized the Wujin Iron Cavalry and the Golden Lion Kingdom. The battle flags were erected on a black-gold square seat with a wheel under the seat, which was pulled steadily by two vultures.
His Excellency Kevin Fassbender had paid the price for his mouth and hands. His hands and feet were tied to two side-by-side battle flag poles.