After a moment of silence, Rimuru spoke slowly. The easy teasing had faded from his voice, replaced by a deeper, more serious gravity.
"Steve, let me ask you something."
His gaze steady, he looked straight at Captain America and slowly posed his question, every word clear.
"If-and I mean if-one day Peggy Carter reached the end of her life and left this world forever, would you be willing to keep her by your side forever in a completely different way?"
The words fell lightly, yet they were like a heavy stone dropped into still water, instantly shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
Steve gave a slight start, his upright figure abruptly freezing. Every trace of his gentle smile vanished, and his face was filled with bewilderment and confusion.
He had never considered the question.
After seventy years of regret, he had finally reunited with Peggy. All he wished for was a peaceful life together for whatever years remained to them, cherishing the bond they shared. He had never dared hope to defy heaven and change fate, to hold on to eternity. Life and death were matters of fate, and time was fickle. These were truths he had long since understood in his hundred years of life.
"Another way?" Steve frowned slightly, his confusion plain in his voice. "What way?"
Seeing his bewilderment, Rimuru slowly gathered his words and explained the abilities, which went far beyond the understanding of the current era and could overturn the rules of life and death.
"You don't have to think it's impossible. These aren't empty claims, much less a fairy tale."
"I have two ways to let her remain in this world forever, whole and complete. The first is an advanced virtual replication technology. I can read all of Peggy's memories, personality, thought patterns, and habits of