Triss smiled faintly and offered Kiera an apology.
Under Kiera's disgruntled gaze, she gracefully walked over.
Wherever she went, the noblewomen subconsciously made way for her.
Their eyes became complex, a mixture of jealousy, envy, and a touch of self-consciousness.
Triss naturally linked her arm with Sir Karl's, as if it were her exclusive territory—which, in fact, it was.
She scanned the ladies around her, her smile bright yet carrying an undeniable declaration.
"Ladies, may I borrow my escort for a moment? His Majesty the King seems to have summoned him."
This excuse was unassailable, and the noblewomen reluctantly dispersed.
Of course, as they left, they didn't forget to cast several resentful glances at Sir Karl.
Sir Karl shrugged, relieved, expressing his helplessness.
He whispered to Triss, "Triss, this is more exhausting than dealing with a troop of White Rose Knights."
Triss chuckled, lightly pinching his arm, "Mm-hmm, that's the price of fame, my Mr. Karl."
"Now, fulfill your promise and take me dancing."
Sir Karl gently took Triss's hand and led her onto the dance floor.
The two twirled on the dance floor, Sir Karl's movements surprisingly elegant, guiding Triss.
They moved with perfect synchronicity, their figures intertwined, attracting countless gazes.
Sir Karl leaned down and whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing her earlobe, causing her to shiver slightly and a blush to rise on her face.
They conversed intimately, sometimes laughing softly, as if the entire bustling ballroom held only the two of them.
All of this was observed by Foltest, Kiera, and Fikat from the high platform.
"It seems our valiant champion has long since been captivated by our beautiful Ms. Merigold," Foltest said meaningfully, sipping his wine.
Kiera merely snorted, "They're quite a match, a freak of unknown origin and a…"
Then, under Foltest's inexplicable gaze, she swallowed the rest of what she wanted to say.
Foltest's eyes held a hint of warning: "Ms. Metz, I need to remind you slightly."
"Sir Karl was personally knighted by Baron Raymond; he is not a commoner, nor is he a half-blood freak…"
Seeing Kiera put in her place, Fikat chuckled inwardly, then turned to Foltest with a smile, "Ms. Triss has discerning taste; she recognized Sir Karl's extraordinary nature long ago."
…"Pardon the interruption, Sir Karl, His Majesty the King has summoned you."
When the dance ended, an attendant indeed came, stating that the King had summoned him.
Sir Karl and Triss exchanged glances, a flicker of understanding passing between their eyes.
Then, he straightened his attire and calmly walked towards Foltest's seat.
Foltest's demeanor was amiable; he offered him wine and once again praised his bravery from the afternoon.
Then, the conversation, like a smooth stream, inadvertently veered into deeper territory.
"Such astonishing strength and skill are certainly not achieved overnight, Mr. El," Foltest asked casually, his fingers caressing his wine glass.
"Your swordsmanship, horsemanship, and especially that extraordinary strength, carry a sense of… ancient and solid heritage."
"I am very curious as to which esteemed individual cultivated such an outstanding young man as yourself?"
"The surname Earl does not seem prominent among the nobility of Temeria, yet your bearing is certainly not something an ordinary family could cultivate."
Foltest's gaze seemed casual, yet it held a piercing sharpness that saw through everything.
"Indeed, Mr. El is like a meticulously cut gem that has not yet been displayed; possessing such excellent martial arts and demeanor, yet with little renown."
"It truly makes one… curious, from which fiefdom do you truly hail?"
Kiera interjected at the opportune moment, her tone carrying her unique sharpness, veiled beneath sweetness.
Seeing this, Fikat chimed in to smooth things over: "Many old families of the North are discreet and value tradition, Ms. Kiera; not all virtues need to be flaunted in the sun."
Sir Karl understood; this was the expected probing.
He subtly glanced at Kiera, knowing she was deliberately guiding the conversation towards his background.
Alright, he didn't have time to argue with Kiera now; he'd deal with her properly later.
Sir Karl bowed slightly, his posture humble, yet his back was straight, showing an attitude of neither servility nor arrogance.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty, and thank you for your concern, Ms. Kiera."
He first addressed Foltest, then turned to Kiera, his tone calm.
"You are right, my… mentor, he is a person who values ancient traditions and responsibility far more than empty fame."
"He governs a land that is not the most fertile, but one that has been passed down through generations."
"He considers the refinement of martial arts, responsibility to the land, and loyalty to the kingdom as the most important family heritage."
At this point, Sir Karl nodded slightly in Foltest's direction.
"As for the surname Earl… Your Majesty, please forgive my impropriety, but it relates to some old family matters and private regrets."
Sir Karl paused, his eyes revealing a perfectly measured expression, a mix of respect and a hint of complexity.
"I can only say that my bloodline connects to a land loyal to the Temerian monarchy and its ancient vows."
"However, just as trees in the sun also have shadows."
"Not all bloodline connections can be… fully recognized according to common sense or the letter of the law."
He raised his head, meeting Foltest's gaze, his tone sincere: "Everything I can demonstrate today stems from the strict teachings and expectations of that elder."
"It stems from my inner desire not to betray that heritage, whatever form it takes as a driving force within me."
"I know that I cannot choose my birth, but I can choose how to use the strength and teachings I have inherited to serve you with loyalty and valor."
"To earn my place through action, and not merely rely on a potentially incomplete claim of bloodline."
Upon hearing this, Foltest's gaze grew even more profound.
He hadn't expected that the other party was the illegitimate son of a baron with a fiefdom?
This status was far more important and complex than that of an ordinary knight's illegitimate son.
Because it involved more practical issues such as inheritance rights and territorial ownership.
Foltest immediately realized that Sir Karl's value might far exceed that of a brave warrior.
Behind him, there might be a piece of land and its potential support.
"Ah, ancient blood and strict teachings always foster extraordinary character and strength."
"The Kingdom remembers all loyal families and their contributions, regardless of their circumstances."
"What is important is a heart devoted to the Kingdom, for only then will one ultimately receive their deserved reward."
Foltest slowly nodded, his tone now carrying a genuine sense of importance.
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