But in the end, Karl El chose to remain silent and did not correct Dalton. His quiet composure made Dalton secretly exhale in relief.
Karl El's gaze drifted toward the bustling street outside the window, his expression layered with thought. His decision not to return to Bardu with them wasn't due to a lack of ties to the land or its people. On the contrary, it was precisely because he did not know how to confront them that he chose temporary evasion. How could he reconcile with a father who had been largely absent throughout his upbringing?
The hardships of his childhood—the nights spent listening to his mother's tears, the weight of Jack's deep-seated taboos—had filled him with resentment toward the man named Raymond El. He had long believed that Raymond had abandoned both his mother and him.
It wasn't until Raymond sought him out recently that Karl El began to uncover the truth from his mother Elisa's tombstone and from Jack. He learned that it was Elisa, unwilling to disrupt Raymond's happiness, who had deliberately concealed his existence and fabricated a lie about finding a new love. This had caused years of misunderstanding and separation.
With the truth revealed, his resentment began to dissipate. However, more than a decade of estrangement and unfamiliarity could not be erased overnight. Raymond El had spared no effort in making amends, and Karl El recognized the clumsy yet sincere paternal love in his father's actions. Still, the weighty title of "father" felt like an invisible barrier, making it hard to address him naturally.
"Perhaps it just needs more time," Karl El thought. Perhaps, when enough moments and shared experiences accumulated, the bond of blood would naturally overcome the distance and awkwardness. Then, he could finally call the man who had given him so much by the long-delayed title of "father."
For now, he needed space to manage some unfinished matters in Vizima, including formally beginning his magical studies at Ban Ard Academy. Sending Dalton and Philip back first with honor and wealth would act as a buffer. The existence of the pardon document would reassure Raymond, allowing him to declare Karl El's identity to everyone and vindicate Elisa.
"I still have matters to attend to in Vizima, and besides… I've become an apprentice to a senior professor and will begin my studies." Karl El's tone returned to its usual composure as he spoke to Dalton.
"You two go back first and tell… tell Raymond El that I am well and will return once my studies are complete."
He deliberately avoided mentioning the professor or the academy, fearing that learning of his enrollment at Ban Ard Academy might worsen Raymond El's anger.
Dalton bowed respectfully. "Yes, Lord El. We will deliver the items and message safely, rest assured." He understood that some knots needed to be untied slowly by those directly involved; no one else could force resolution.
After Geralt accepted the Night Queen's commission, his efficiency was astonishing. By the next morning, he had located the target, Patri, at the White Rose Knight's garrison. Patri was a high-ranking officer with deep nasolabial folds and arrogant eyes—and also Natasha's younger brother.
Geralt approached directly and stated his purpose: he wanted Patri to stop harassing Natasha and the House of Night. Patri's initial response was hostile; he scrutinized Geralt from head to toe, his eyes full of disdain for non-human races.
"A mutant?" Patri scoffed. "Hmph! The matter between my sister and me is our private family business; it's none of your concern, freak! Leave now, or don't blame me for being impolite." He rested his hand on his sword hilt, a palpable threat.
Just as the tension escalated, several knights wearing the White Rose emblem passed by. One of them examined Geralt closely and whispered to Patri, "Captain Patri… isn't this the Witcher personally rewarded by His Majesty yesterday? He and Lord Karl El lifted Princess Adda's curse together."
The words struck Patri like thunder. The arrogance and anger on his face froze, melting away into surprise and apprehension. He re-examined Geralt, considering: This half-breed… actually fought alongside Karl El? Could their relationship be… very close?
The memory of his humiliation during the Martial Arts Tournament—being swatted aside like a fly—came rushing back. Patri's attitude changed instantly. He cleared his throat, forcing a stiff but polite smile.
"Uh… you are Master Lambert. My apologies for speaking disrespectfully. Regarding my sister, perhaps… perhaps we can discuss it." He released his hand from his sword hilt. "I can speak with the Night Queen directly, on one condition—I must see my sister Sakena present."
Geralt observed Patri's sudden shift in demeanor with silent astonishment. He had anticipated resistance, possibly conflict, but had not expected such a dramatic transformation at the mention of Karl El. The Witcher once again felt the weight of Karl El's formidable reputation in Vizima—a reputation far more influential than any Witcher medallion or silver sword.
Soon after, the four-party meeting commenced in the candle-lit living room of the House of Night's second floor. The Night Queen sat languidly in the main seat, while Geralt stood beside her, calm and composed. Natasha was brought forward, and upon seeing Patri, her beautiful face immediately hardened. Her eyes, sharp as knives, revealed no warmth of sibling reunion.
"What are you doing here? Still trying to drag me back and marry me off to that old man with one foot in the grave?" Sakena's voice was icy, mocking Patri mercilessly.
Patri's suppressed anger flared at her icy tone, but he restrained himself, recalling Geralt's presence and the recent words about Karl El.
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