He deliberately used this new title, his voice still low, but his tone was a bit more relaxed than usual.
"Congratulations, you finally got what you wanted."
Karl heard the rare hint of teasing in Geralt's words and couldn't help but laugh, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He looked at Geralt and said sincerely, "Thank you, Lambert! Without your help, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
He was referring to the battle with the Vampire Bird, and Geralt's crucial calmness and professionalism in the crisis.
At this moment, a barely perceptible flicker of embarrassment crossed Geralt's eyes, and he said softly, "Actually... my real name is Geralt."
Hearing this, Karl showed a timely hint of surprise, as if he had truly learned his name for the first time.
Karl looked at the sky and suggested with a smile, "After being busy for so long, we finally have a result."
"How about we find a place to relax and have a drink? Just to celebrate."
Geralt nodded almost immediately; he seemed to have been waiting for Karl's words.
He raised his hand and pointed in the direction of Vizima's Trade District, a subtle glint flashing in his cat-like eyes: "When I passed through the Trade District earlier, I saw a tavern called the House of Night, and I heard it has a good reputation among the wealthy and influential."
He paused, his tone carrying a hint of unspoken understanding between men.
"It's said that the waitresses inside... are very beautiful, perhaps it's worth experiencing."
"House of Night?" Karl's heart tightened abruptly; although he maintained a calm expression, an alarm instantly blared in his mind.
He was not ignorant of that name; that place was not some ordinary pleasure den, but one of the most dangerous establishments in the shadows of Vizima.
Some of the waitresses inside were female Vampires, and their strength was probably not much weaker than Princess Adda before her curse was lifted.
And the owner behind the House of Night was the legendary Queen of the Night, a true High Vampire.
But he was only slightly wary; the Queen of the Night was not powerful among High Vampires, because even Geralt could kill her.
His understanding of High Vampires came from games and scattered speculations in his previous life.
Apparently, every High Vampire was unique, with bizarre and unpredictable abilities.
But their commonalities were extremely high physical prowess, long lifespans, supernatural powers or magic?
As well as abnormal self-healing abilities, and even resurrection after death.
He remembered that many years later in Toussaint, there was a High Vampire named Dettlaff, who could instantly kill Geralt even when he was under the effects of alchemical potions.
If not for another powerful Vampire, Regis, blocking him at the time, Geralt would have already had his heart and lungs ripped out.
Perhaps their performance in the game was just the tip of the iceberg, and High Vampires in reality might be even more terrifying.
"Geralt… he's really brave enough to want to experience a place like that…" Karl secretly clicked his tongue, while thinking rapidly.
But he quickly calmed down; the House of Night had existed in Vizima for a long time.
Yet, there were few rumors of residents mysteriously disappearing or being drained of blood in the city, which indicated that the Queen of the Night did indeed restrain her subordinates.
The female Vampires likely obtained blood by charming guests into "voluntarily" contributing a small amount of fresh blood, rather than through savage hunting.
This relatively civilized coexistence model might be why they could establish themselves in this human city.
More importantly, he thought of the teacher he had just acknowledged, Hen, whose psychic abilities were extremely powerful.
Being able to detect his and Triss's conversation from the outskirts of the city, there was no way he wouldn't know the true nature of the House of Night.
However, Hen had not warned him or taken action.
This could only mean that, in Hen's view, the House of Night currently posed no threat, and their good behavior had earned tacit approval.
Thinking this, Karl felt a little relieved; the risk was low and controllable.
This was also an opportunity to observe Vampire species and understand another side of the city.
He looked at Geralt and noticed that although he suggested going there, his eyes remained calm and vigilant, clearly not entirely unprepared.
"Alright, it sounds like an interesting place; let's go check it out." Karl nodded, showing an interested smile… The two agreed to meet up later, first returning to their respective lodgings to secure their rewards.
After all, Geralt's eight hundred oren was no small sum, let alone his four thousand oren; carrying it to a tavern would obviously be unwise.
Geralt returned to his temporary, humble inn, while Karl went back to Triss's residence in the Trade District.
Triss was tidying up her alchemy table and smiled curiously when she saw Karl return, especially with a heavy-looking box tucked under his arm.
She asked, "It seems our hero has returned laden with spoils?"
Karl placed the box on the table, and as he opened the lid, a golden glow immediately spilled out.
He first handed the precious pardon to Triss, then pointed to the gold coins: "Foltest's fulfilled promise, my status, and these."
Triss carefully read the document, genuine joy and pride sparkling in her emerald eyes.
She stepped forward and embraced Karl: "That's wonderful, Karl, I'm truly happy for you!"
When she learned that the specific reward amounted to four thousand oren, she couldn't help but gasp slightly and teased, "My goodness, Karl, your little treasury is richer than mine now."
"Just think, when you first came to Vizima, you had to stay in a small inn…"
Karl smiled and pushed the box towards her: "These, and the document, I'll entrust to you for safekeeping for now; I'll take them later."
"Don't worry. What are your plans next?" Triss readily agreed, then asked with concern.
"Geralt and I agreed to go for a drink to celebrate; I might not be back too early."
"Uh… Lambert is Geralt; to be precise, his real name is Geralt."
Hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in Triss's eyes; she nodded empathetically.
But then, she leaned closer to Karl, her red lips breathing softly into his ear, and whispered with an intimate tone, "Celebrating is fine… but don't play too late."
"Don't forget, between us… we still have a private celebration that hasn't started yet."
Her fingertips lightly traced Karl's chest, her meaning unspoken.
Karl's heart warmed, and he squeezed her hand: "I remember, I definitely won't forget."
...After a short rest, Karl and Geralt met at the entrance of the Trade District.
It was still afternoon, not the busiest time for taverns.
Following the directions they had inquired about, they quickly found the tavern named the House of Night.
From the outside, it wasn't ostentatious; its dark wooden door and a sign depicting a moon and a stemmed glass exuded a mysterious and elegant aura.
Pushing the door open, a scent mixing expensive perfume, fine wine, and a faint, indescribable sweet, fishy smell smell wafted towards them.
Their entrance immediately drew all eyes in the room.
For more chapters
patreon.com/Robertt45