Karl El did not continue speaking, only shaking his head, a hint of regret on his face for the brave warriors who had sacrificed their lives in vain.
Karl El's words shifted the conversation from the grand border conflict to a more specific and thorny issue.
It was a problem intimately related to Foltest's personal pain—the curse on Princess Adda.
Sure enough, Foltest's expression instantly darkened, his eyes revealing an unconcealable pain and weariness.
He was silent for a moment, then walked to the fireplace, gazing at the flickering flames.
"A curse..." he repeated the word in a low, hoarse voice.
"Yes, some threats... are indeed extraordinary." He took a large gulp of wine, as if trying to ward off some chill.
"You've heard about Adda?" Foltest's gaze sharply swept over Karl El.
Karl El knew he couldn't appear too informed, lest he arouse suspicion.
So, he lowered his gaze, his tone carrying appropriate respect and a hint of sympathy.
"Only some vague rumors, Your Majesty."
"About the misfortune suffered by a noble lady, and... a brave squad of knights who tried to rescue her but..." He paused again at the right moment.
"Annihilated." Foltest finished the sentence for Karl El, his voice as heavy as lead.
"Twelve of my finest knights, wearing the best armor, with fearless courage..."
"They entered that cursed palace and never came out again; not even their bodies could be recovered." Foltest's fist clenched slightly.
"And I offered a reward of one thousand five hundred oren, hoping those professional... Witchers, but no one has responded to this day."
A brief silence fell in the room, broken only by the crackling of burning wood.
Karl El waited patiently, not rushing to speak; he knew the moment had arrived, but Foltest needed to say it himself.
Foltest took a deep breath, his gaze falling on Karl El again, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Admiration, hesitation, struggle, and a glimmer of hope born from despair, a hope he dared not easily grasp.
"Karl El, your performance... your composure in the face of chaotic battle today."
"That inhuman strength and reaction... even surpassed what I've heard in those Witcher legends."
Foltest's voice was very low, as if afraid of being overheard.
He paused, then continued with difficulty: "I know this request might be excessive, even... insane."
"You have a great future, your... value is far beyond this. But..."
Foltest paused for a long time, seemingly weighing the kingdom's interests, a father's personal feelings, and the safety of a potential savior.
"If... I mean if someone, a truly powerful and trustworthy person, could resolve Adda's... predicament."
Foltest finally looked up, his eyes becoming incredibly serious and formal.
"I, Foltest, swear by the name of the King of Temeria and as a father, I will grant him a reward far exceeding oren."
"He will receive the highest honors of the kingdom, he will become a friend of Temeria's warriors. And..." Foltest's gaze locked onto Karl El.
"Any... legal or worldly obstacles that hinder him from gaining his rightful status and recognition, I will personally clear for him."
"A comprehensive royal pardon and recognition will be part of his deserved reward."
Foltest's words were almost explicit.
He did not directly command but offered a hypothetical, yet extremely generous, proposal.
His mention of legal obstacles, pardon, and recognition undoubtedly referred to Karl El's previous desire for a pardon for his illegitimate status.
Of course, he was also carefully protecting Karl El's value; he did not want to directly order him to his death.
Instead, he seemingly gave the choice to Karl El, but in reality, he used an irresistible promise as bait.
Karl El's expression shifted; the moment he had been waiting for had arrived.
However, he couldn't immediately agree to Foltest; that would make him appear too eager or have ulterior motives.
Karl El adjusted his mindset, putting on a solemn face, and remained silent for a moment.
He seemed to be carefully weighing every word in Foltest's speech.
Then, he looked up, meeting Foltest's gaze, which was filled with anticipation and anxiety.
"Your Majesty, the predicament you speak of... I have heard a little about it, and its danger far exceeds an ordinary battlefield; it cannot be solved by brute force alone."
Karl El's voice was steady and firm; he first acknowledged the difficulty of the matter, which made his words more credible.
"But..." Then, he changed the subject.
"Your recognition of my abilities, and your promise just now... are of great significance."
"A father's desire to save his daughter, a king's responsibility to protect his people, are all worth risking for any true warrior."
He took a small step forward, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a very solemn knight's bow.
"If I, Karl El, with my strength and some..."
"Understanding of unconventional threats, can share your worries and contribute to alleviating this pain for the kingdom, I am willing to try."
Karl El did not make a grand promise, only saying 'try,' but his attitude appeared incredibly resolute.
Immediately, a huge light of hope burst forth in Foltest's eyes.
He suddenly grabbed Karl El's shoulder, his strength astonishing.
"You... you're serious? Do you understand what that means?"
"I understand the danger, Your Majesty. But I also understand the glory and... responsibility that follows." Karl El replied calmly.
"I ask for nothing else, only that if I can return successfully, Your Majesty will remember the promise made here today."
After so many years of waiting, despair had given birth to hope. For Foltest, he was now grasping at a lifeline.
"By the white lily of Temeria, by the life of my daughter Adda, I swear!" Foltest roared excitedly.
"As long as you succeed, Karl El, you will become a hero of Temeria!"
"Everything in your past will no longer matter; you will gain all legitimate honors, status... and even more! I will never treat you unfairly!"
"That is enough, Your Majesty. Please give me some time to prepare."
"I need to understand all known information about that palace and its resident." Karl El straightened up and said softly.
"Of course, all the documents, the few words the knights sent back before their sacrifice, including the court mage's records, everything will be given to you!"
Foltest immediately agreed, as if afraid Karl El would change his mind.
After a few more brief instructions, Karl El took his leave of Foltest.
As he walked out of the side hall and re-entered the clamor of the banquet hall.
He could still feel Foltest's burning gaze behind him, filled with hope and worry.
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