It would be completely illogical if Geralt also possessed Ciri's terrifying learning speed.
"That's alright. This method emphasizes persistence and self-understanding."
"If you have any questions during this time, feel free to ask me," Karl said with a smile, trying to reassure him.
Geralt nodded: "I will."
Nearby, Eist and Mousesack watched the mysterious exchange between Karl and the other two.
Listening to them discuss terms like "visualization," "plan," and "introduction,"
Eist's lips twitched, full of questions, but he didn't know where to start, so for now he could only remain silent.
He cleared his throat slightly, bringing everyone back to reality: "Now that... the matter is resolved, the banquet should begin. Everyone must be starting to lose patience."
...…
As night fell over Terra, the manor remained brightly lit, illuminated by countless torches, bonfires, and magical spheres.
The grand banquet had begun, and the spacious open area of the manor was almost entirely filled with long wooden tables.
The residents of Terra, as well as the newly settled dwarves and elves, gathered together, enjoying the fine wines and delicacies usually inaccessible to them.
The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat, the sweet note of mead, and the joyful laughter of people.
They talked and laughed loudly, their words full of praise and gratitude to Lord Karl, praising his favor, his power, and the prosperity and peace he had brought to the land.
Among them were many of Karl's knights and young men in training.
They came from ordinary families, and at this moment, they sat together with their relatives and friends without any barriers, sharing food and discussing their experiences.
They had drifted from their former social circles not simply because they had gained their lord's favor.
In the more refined banquet hall inside the building, an even more lively atmosphere prevailed.
After a simple shower, Ciri and Karl changed into clean, tastefully chosen but modest everyday clothes, rather than donning elaborate and glamorous evening wear.
This was exactly as Karl had advised Raymond.
Eist was very pleased with this more informal, content-focused format rather than formality.
At that moment, Triss, Iris, Keira, and Hen were present.
Mousesack's gaze swept across the banquet hall, and seeing the familiar figure of Hen, he was again surprised.
He certainly knew of the existence of this elder founder of the Brotherhood; the creation of the Novigrad Alliance owed much to his support and mediation.
Mousesack carefully leaned his staff against the wall beside him, but ensured it was within easy reach.
He sat down next to Geralt, intending to communicate directly and discreetly via telepathy to learn more about Karl.
However, when he tried to contact Geralt telepathically, it was like throwing a stone into the sea – it created no ripple and could not transmit any information.
Mousesack paused for a moment, then realized that this might be some unknown protective measure Karl had placed on Geralt.
He reluctantly gave up telepathy and instead reached into his belt pouch, pulling out a small handful of stones engraved with runes.
With a light movement of his fingers, magical light flashed, and the stones shifted and arranged themselves on the wooden tabletop, forming lines of clear Common Tongue script.
Geralt put down his wine glass, his cat-like eyes scanning the writing on the table, discovering that Mousesack was inquiring about Karl.
Geralt's eyes flickered, and after a moment's thought, he realized that many of Karl's secrets were not to be casually disclosed.
Therefore, he highlighted some unimportant or semi-public information and began a casual, low-voiced conversation with Mousesack.
A much noisier atmosphere prevailed around them: the Skellige warriors occupied over a dozen long tables.
They casually placed their weapons on the tables or hung them on their belts, heartily eating charred beast meat and washing it down with the burning, fiery spirit brewed by the dwarves.
Many were already slightly tipsy and had begun shouting, arm-wrestling, and loudly telling fishy, crude-humored jokes.
Some even took off their shirts, baring their muscular bodies, and started wrestling right on the spot, drawing cheers and applause.
In contrast, Karl's side was much quieter: Triss gently held Ciri's small hand.
A tender smile played on her face, and she spoke to her in a soft voice, asking about her impressions of the journey or telling her about the sights and sounds of Terra.
Keira moved a little closer, her gaze occasionally resting on Ciri, scrutinizing her intently and questioningly.
As a sorceress, she vaguely sensed that the young Princess of Cintra seemed to be surrounded by extremely subtle magical fluctuations, which surprised her.
Iris felt uncomfortable in such a noisy environment, so she chose a relatively quiet corner.
In her hand, she held a brush and a clean sketchbook, occasionally looking up to observe the people and lively scenes at the banquet.
Then, with light strokes, she quickly sketched them on paper, capturing the jubilation in her drawings.
Hen stood next to Karl, elegantly sipping a glass of rich wine, his eyes slightly narrowed as he glanced at Ciri talking to Triss.
After a short pause, a look of understanding appeared on Hen's face, followed by a hint of surprise.
He turned to Karl in a quiet but unwavering voice: "Elder Blood?"
Karl was not surprised. In the following years on Xenith, even Tissaia realized Ciri was special, so there was no reason for Hen not to notice.
He nodded slightly, silently agreeing with Hen's observation.
Hen's brows furrowed slightly, his tone becoming a bit serious, and he continued quietly: "Karl, what do you think? The appearance of the Elder Blood will have a significant impact."
"Enough to change the existing situation, and it will inevitably attract the greedy eyes of countless people with ulterior motives."
"If this news leaks, I'm afraid... almost the entire magical world will be shaken by it."
Hearing this, Karl finished the remaining Dwarven spirit in his glass and casually tossed the empty glass backward.
The wine glass traced an arc, flew several meters, and landed perfectly on a tray held by a passing maid.
His expression remained calm, but suddenly a chilling coldness flashed in his blue eyes.
Karl chuckled lightly and turned to look at Hen.
"Greed? Ciri is my fiancée. Who would dare to have any improper thoughts…"
He paused slightly, his icy tone seemingly lowering the temperature of the surrounding air: "...Then let them try and see how many lives they have, and whether they are enough for me to kill."