Triss smiled slightly and excused herself from Keira.
Under Keira's indignant gaze, she gracefully approached.
Wherever she went, the ladies instinctively stepped aside.
Their eyes became complex, mixed with jealousy, envy, and a hint of shame.
Triss naturally took Karl's hand, as if it were her exclusive territory—and indeed it was.
She looked around at the surrounding ladies, smiling brightly, but with an undeniable claim.
"Ladies, could you temporarily return my male companion to me? It seems His Majesty has something to summon him for."
This excuse was irresistible, and the ladies were forced to disperse in frustration.
Of course, they didn't forget before leaving, casting Karl a few resentful glances.
Karl shrugged and breathed a sigh of relief, expressing his helplessness.
He whispered to Triss: "Triss, this is more tiring than dealing with the White Rose knights."
Triss chuckled and lightly pinched the crook of his arm with her fingers: "Hmph, this is the price of fame, my dear Sir Karl."
"And now, fulfill your promise and dance with me."
Karl gently took Triss's palm and led her to the dance floor.
They twirled across the floor; Karl's movements were unexpectedly graceful as he guided Triss.
They were full of silent understanding, their figures intertwined, attracting countless gazes.
Karl lowered his head and whispered in her ear; his warm breath touched her earlobe, making her tremble slightly and her face blush.
They talked intimately, sometimes laughing, as if they were alone in the noisy banquet hall.
All of this was observed by Foltest, Keira, and Fercart on the high platform.
"It seems our valiant champion has long been captured by our beautiful Lady Merigold." Foltest took a sip of wine and said meaningfully.
Keira snorted softly: "A fine match, an unknown bastard and..."
Instantly, under Foltest's inexplicable gaze, she swallowed the second half of what she was about to say.
A flicker of warning appeared in Foltest's eyes: "Miss Metz, I need to remind you of something."
"Karl was personally knighted by Baron Raymond; he is not a commoner, let alone a bastard..."
Seeing Keira silenced, Fercart smiled secretly, turned to Foltest, and smiled: "Miss Triss has a unique eye, and she already saw Sir Karl's extraordinariness."
......
"Forgive the intrusion, Sir Karl. His Majesty requests your presence."
After the dance, a servant came and said the king had summoned him.
Karl and Triss exchanged a glance, a mutual understanding flickering in their eyes.
Then he straightened his clothes and calmly walked to Foltest's position.
Foltest was gracious, offered him wine, and again praised his valor from the day.
Then, like a gentle stream, the conversation inevitably drifted deeper.
"Such astonishing strength and skill cannot be achieved in a single day, Mr. El." Foltest asked casually, tracing his finger around the rim of his wine glass.
"Your marksmanship, your horsemanship, and especially your extraordinary strength—this is... a sense of ancient, profound heritage."
"I am curious, which esteemed lord cultivated such an outstanding young man like you?"
"The surname El doesn't seem prominent among the nobility of Temeria, yet your demeanor is not something an ordinary person could develop."
Foltest's gaze seemed relaxed, but it held a sharpness that saw through everything.
"Indeed, Mr. El is like a well-cut but inconspicuous gem, with such excellent martial skills and bearing, yet not famous."
"This is truly surprising... I wonder from which fief you hail?"
Keira interjected at the right moment, her tone carrying her unique, syrupy sweetness.
Seeing this, Fercart opened his mouth: "Many ancient families in the North have humble and valuable traditions, Miss Keira; not all virtues need to be displayed in the sunlight."
Karl knew in his heart that this was the expected inquisition.
He calmly glanced at Keira, understanding that she was deliberately steering everyone towards his past.
Fine, he didn't have time to deal with Keira now; he would settle with her in the future.
Karl bowed slightly, his posture humble but his back straight, expressing neither humility nor arrogance.
"Thank you for your praise and Miss Keira's concern, Your Majesty."
He first addressed Foltest, then turned to Keira and spoke calmly.
"You are right, my... teacher is a man who values ancient traditions and duties far more than false glory."
"He governs a domain that is not the richest, but one that has been passed down through generations."
"He considers mastering martial arts, responsibility to the territory, and loyalty to the kingdom as the most important legacies of the family."
Saying this, Karl nodded slightly towards Foltest.
"As for the surname El... Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but it involves family matters and personal regrets."
Karl paused, his gaze just right, a mixture of respect and slight complexity.
"All I can say is that my blood binds me to the land, loyal to the crown of Temeria and its ancient oaths."
"However, like a tree in the sun can have its shadow,"
"not all blood ties can be established according to the common sense of the world or the provisions of law... successfully proven."
He raised his head and met Foltest's gaze, his voice sincere: "Everything I can show today comes from the strict teachings and expectations of that elder."
"It is related to my inner desire to live up to that heritage, regardless of its form, and the driving force that manifests within me."
"I know my origin is not my choice, but I can choose how to use the inherited strength and teachings to serve you with loyalty and bravery."
"To win my own position through actions, rather than relying solely on it, perhaps it is not an incomplete blood status."
Hearing this, Foltest's gaze grew deeper and deeper.
He hadn't expected the other party to be a bastard son of a feudal baron?
This identity was far more important and complex than the bastard son of an ordinary knight.
Because it involved more practical issues such as inheritance and territorial ownership.
Foltest immediately understood that Karl might be worth much more than a brave warrior.
Behind him could be a piece of land and its potential support.
"Ah, ancient blood and strict teachings can always produce extraordinary character and strength."
"The kingdom remembers all loyal families and their contributions, regardless of the circumstances."
"What matters is having a heart for the kingdom, so that in the end, you will receive the reward you deserve."
Foltest nodded slowly, with a more genuine emphasis in his voice.