Karl didn't continue, just shook his head, a flicker of regret crossing his face for those warriors who had sacrificed their lives in vain.
And Karl's words shifted the topic from the grand border conflict to something more specific and complex.
Concerning Foltest's personal pain, that is, the curse of Princess Adda.
Indeed, Foltest's expression immediately darkened, and an unquenchable pain and weariness appeared in his eyes.
He was silent for a moment, walked to the fireplace, and stared at the leaping flames.
"A curse..." he repeated in a low voice, his tone a bit hoarse.
"Yes, there are some threats... that are indeed extraordinary." He took a large gulp of wine, as if trying to dispel some chill.
"Have you heard about Adda?" Foltest's gaze sharply swept over Karl.
Karl knew he couldn't act too knowledgeable, 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 that befell a noble lady, and... a brave contingent of knights who tried to rescue..." He paused again at the right moment.
"The entire army was annihilated." Foltest finished the sentence for Karl, his voice heavy as lead.
"Twelve of my best knights, clad in the finest armor and with fearless courage..."
"After they entered that cursed palace, they never came out, and couldn't even retrieve their bodies." Foltest's fist clenched slightly.
"And I offered a reward of a thousand Orens, hoping for a professional... a Witcher, but no one has responded so far."
A brief silence fell in the room, only the crackling of the burning wood audible.
Karl waited patiently, not rushing to speak; he knew the opportunity had come, but Foltest had to say it himself.
Foltest took a deep breath, his gaze falling on Karl again, his eyes full of mixed feelings:
hope born from appreciation, hesitation, struggle, and a hint of despair difficult to fathom.
"Karl, your performance... the calmness you showed today in the face of chaos."
"That inhuman strength and reaction... even greater than what I've heard in Witcher legends."
Foltest's voice was very low, as if afraid the outside world might hear.
He paused and continued with difficulty: "I know this request may be excessive, even... insane."
"You have a great future, your... value is far more than this. But..."
Foltest fell silent, as if weighing the interests of the kingdom, the selfishness of a father, and the safety of a potential savior.
"If... I mean, if someone truly strong and reliable could solve Adda's... dilemma."
Foltest finally raised his head, his eyes becoming extremely serious and formal.
"I, Foltest, swear in the name of the King of Temeria and as a father, that I will reward him far beyond Orens."
"He will receive the highest honor of the kingdom and become a sworn friend of Temeria's warriors." Foltest's gaze was fixed firmly on Karl.
"Any... any legal or worldly obstacles preventing him from obtaining legitimate status and recognition, I will personally remove."
"A full royal pardon and recognition will be part of the deserved reward."
Foltest's words were almost blunt.
He didn't give a direct order but made a hypothetical yet extremely favorable offer.
The legal obstacles, pardon, and recognition he mentioned were undoubtedly related to Karl's previous desire to be legitimized.
Of course, he also carefully protected Karl's value and didn't want to directly order him to his death.
Instead, he seemed to give Karl a choice, but in reality, he used irresistible promises as bait.
Karl's expression shifted; the time he had been waiting for had come.
However, he couldn't immediately agree to Foltest, as it would make him look too eager or have ulterior motives.
Karl changed his thinking, pretended to be serious, and was silent for a moment.
He seemed to carefully weigh every word in Foltest's statement.
Then he raised his head and met Foltest's gaze, his eyes full of anticipation and concern.
"Your Majesty, the dilemma you speak of... I've heard the danger goes far beyond ordinary battlefields and cannot be solved by strength alone."
Karl's voice was calm and steady; he first acknowledged the complexity of the situation, making his words more credible.
Immediately, he changed his train of thought.
"Your recognition of my abilities and your commitment to your talents... it means a great deal."
"A father's desire to save his daughter, a king's duty to protect his people, is worth the risk of any true warrior."
He took a slight step forward, placed his right hand over his chest, and performed an extremely solemn knight's salute.
"If I, Karl El, with my strength and a little..."
"understanding of unconventional threats, can share your worries and help alleviate the kingdom's pain, I am willing to try."
Karl didn't make an absolute promise; he just said he would try, but his attitude was extremely resolute.
Suddenly, a tremendous light of hope flashed in Foltest's eyes.
He abruptly grabbed Karl by the shoulder, the force astonishing.
"You... you mean it? Do you understand what this means?"
"I understand the danger, Your Majesty. But I also understand the glory and... the responsibility." Karl replied calmly.
"I ask for nothing more, only hope that if I can return successfully, Your Majesty will remember the promise made here today."
After so many years of waiting, despair and hope were born, and for Foltest, he was now grasping at a straw.
"I swear by the White Lily of Temeria and the life of my daughter, Adda!" Foltest roared with joy.
"If you succeed, Karl, you will become a hero of Temeria!"
"Everything you did before will no longer matter; you will receive all the honors, legitimate status... and even more! I will never treat you poorly!"
"Enough, Your Majesty. Please allow me time to prepare."
"I need to know everything known about the palace and its inhabitant." Karl straightened up and said quietly.
"Of course, all the information, the words the knights conveyed before they perished, including the records of the court mages, will be given to you!"
Foltest immediately agreed, as if afraid Karl might change his mind.
Then, after a few more brief explanations, Karl and Foltest parted ways.
As he exited the side hall and returned to the bustling banquet hall,
he could still feel Foltest's burning, hopeful, and worried gaze behind him.