Although, deep within those complex eyes, glimpses of violence and bloodthirst still occasionally appeared.
But compared to the initial pure and chaotic destructive desires, his gaze had now become much "clearer."
He raised his hand and gently patted the incredibly hard, cold, and rough carapace on the Spitfire Demon's forehead, producing a dull thud.
He grinned and teased: "Tch, to be honest... I still prefer your former rebellious image, when you bit everyone."
The next moment, through the contract link, a wave of emotion, expressed in a clearly fawning and cautious tone, was transmitted into Karl's consciousness.
"Master... before... before, I slept for a long time, and my sleep was poor. When I woke up, I was a bit groggy."
"I was a little... emotional, and I had no intention of insulting your dignity, my lord."
The spiritual information transmitted smoothly. This Spitfire Demon was not devoid of intelligence; it just couldn't be subdued before.
Karl raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, and he continued: "Oh? Poor sleep and irritability? That's not a very good habit."
"Then from now on... you'd better take care of your 'rest'."
"I don't want you to do anything irrational again because you haven't fully woken up."
The mental link immediately transmitted a respectful reply: "Yes, Master! I will be careful! I will make sure I get enough sleep."
Just as Karl and the Spitfire Demon were exchanging barbs, the air around them distorted.
With a characteristic rumble, an orange swirling portal suddenly opened, and Triss emerged from it.
As soon as she appeared, her gaze was immediately drawn to the shocking sight unfolding before her.
This Spitfire Demon, which had instilled fear and helplessness in her and Keira, and made Hen's expression serious,
at this moment, it was like the most obedient pet dog, its head lowered, lying submissively before Karl.
She covered her slightly parted red lips with her hand, her eyes wide with disbelief, staring at the huge, slobbering demon.
She quickly approached Karl, warily eyeing the Spitfire Demon standing so close.
Then she patted Karl on the shoulder, her voice filled with amazement: "Oh my god, Karl! You... you actually did it? You really... tamed it?!"
Karl nodded slightly: "Of course, as you can see, Triss is now more... attentive to the quality of her sleep."
"Did you teleport back here specifically to find this place just because you were interested in it? Is there something important?"
After Karl reminded her, Triss finally snapped out of her shock and remembered the purpose of her hasty return.
She looked at Karl irritably, crossing her arms, which made her fiery red hair even more dazzling.
Her tone was reproachful and accusatory: "Well, for you, it's 'good'!"
"King Eist of Cintra and your... previously unseen fiancée have arrived!"
"They've already set up camp in the manor with a grand retinue!"
She stepped closer, looked at Karl, and a flicker of scrutiny appeared in her eyes: "You've hidden so much from me, Karl."
"First it was about gods, and now there's a fiancée..."
"Have you thought about how Iris will feel if she finds out?"
Ciri is here? Karl was first startled, but then quickly calculated the time.
Starting from Raymond's correspondence with Cintra to the question of whether the other party was truly determined to arrange this marriage,
then the team organized a long-distance journey to Terra, which was indeed nearby these past few days.
But he immediately realized that the more important part of Triss's words concerned Iris.
He tried to explain: "Triss, about Iris, actually nothing has happened between us..."
Before he could finish speaking, Triss suddenly extended her index finger and gently pressed it to his lips, stopping him.
Triss looked at Karl, sighed softly, and shook her head.
Her expression became complex, mixing deep sympathy with a hint of helplessness.
"Karl, I've talked privately with Iris many times lately." Her voice softened, but remained very serious.
"I've managed to learn some information about her past, and I know she was deeply hurt in her family."
"Unlike her cautiousness or silence when discussing other topics, whenever she talks about you, she laughs wholeheartedly."
"Her eyes sparkled, as if she had an endless number of things to say and share with boundless joy; such an expression... couldn't be faked."
Triss's tone gradually became serious: "She was able to leave everything behind and come to Terra alone, almost without hesitation."
"Behind this determination lies her immense courage, as well as... all the consequences she has carefully considered and is willing to bear."
"She looks fragile on the outside, but inside she is gentle and strong."
"Karl, don't let her down."
Hearing Triss's sincere advice, Karl was silent for a moment.
Finally, he slowly nodded, his eyes serious and grave: "I understand, Triss."
...…
Returning to the manor, Karl clearly felt the unusual atmosphere, somewhat tense and bustling.
As soon as he entered the study, Raymond, who had been waiting for him for a long time, immediately came out to greet him.
At this moment, Raymond's face clearly showed anxiety. He grabbed Karl's arm and said hastily: "Son! I'm so glad to see you!"
"Quick! Go take a bath, change clothes, and put on the finest dress I've prepared for you!"
"King Eist has come personally to arrange the official betrothal between the princess and you! We cannot be negligent."
His father pulled Karl forward a few steps, but he immediately stopped and stood firmly in place.
Raymond tried to lift his son but found he couldn't move him. He turned his head in confusion and asked: "Karl? What's wrong?..."
Seeing his father's anxious expression, Karl calmly asked: "Father, has Queen Calanthe of Cintra come personally?"
Raymond shook his head: "No. It's said that the 'Lioness' Calanthe is busy with family affairs and simply couldn't find the time to come personally."
"But her husband, Eist, has come, which also symbolizes Cintra's sincerity and importance."
Hearing that Calanthe had not come, Karl breathed a slight sigh of relief, then immediately waved his hand and lowered his voice to speak to Raymond.
"Father, please don't worry. Eist is from Skellige, and the warriors of those islands value bravery, generosity, and sincerity."