Witcher: Master Kiliman’s Grand Ambitions-Chapter 53: The King's Demand

Vizima's royal palace was exceptionally luxurious, serving as Foltest's most important residence.
As a king who had ruled this nation for over thirty years, Foltest lacked neither wealth nor willingness to spend extravagantly on the palace where he and his daughter resided. Consequently, the entire palace complex was constructed with extraordinary magnificence, modeled after ancient elven architectural styles.
Elegant and captivating marble statues, spacious and noble stone halls, brilliantly colored stained glass windows, and vaulted ceilings.
The overall appearance was both exquisite and grandly imposing, carrying the distinguished bearing worthy of royalty.
Under Captain Vincent's guidance, Kiriman passed through multiple layers of guarded checkpoints, finally entering the resplendent audience hall where he encountered the man seated upon the throne.
Foltest's face appeared somewhat gaunt, his stature not particularly tall. Years of war against the Nilfgaard Empire had left him looking somewhat weary.
However, compared to those nobles who indulged in wine and women, living decadent and dissipated lives, this king appeared quite capable—his eyes alert and gaze sharp, giving more the impression of a general or elite warrior than a monarch.
When he noticed Vincent and Kiriman entering, his attention immediately focused on the witcher's tall, powerful physique.
Even throughout the entire Northern Kingdoms, few possessed such impressive muscular build, making him quite striking to behold.
For this battle-honoring king who enjoyed leading soldiers on the front lines, he naturally felt considerable goodwill toward warriors like Kiriman.
Within the audience hall, besides King Foltest and some servants, court officials, and guards, there was also a short, stout middle-aged man who appeared rather slick, his eyes carrying a shrewd intelligence.
He stood respectfully below the king, holding a scroll of parchment and apparently ing something.
Judging by his attire and appearance, this was likely the current mayor of Vizima City—the seasoned minister assisting Foltest in governing this city, Lord Velerad.
edly, over a decade ago when New Vizima City hadn't yet been established and citizens still lived in Old Vizima, this portly official had already served as mayor here.
He was also the one who initially recruited the White Wolf Geralt to handle the striga curse commission.
What surprised Kiriman even more was that the red-haired sorceress Triss was also present in the audience hall, wearing an elegant, dignified gown as she stood at the king's right hand, apparently assisting with governmental affairs.
When she noticed the witcher entering the audience hall, her beautiful face also showed surprise.
Captain Vincent paid no mind to these reactions. He strode directly before the king, knelt on one knee, and announced loudly:
"Your esteemed Majesty."
"This gentleman is the witcher master I recommended, Mr. Kiriman Germann."
"His capabilities far exceed ordinary men's."
"In just two days, he eliminated two hundred and fifty drowners from the waterways, along with numerous other monsters, and brought back their trophies as proof."
"This represents a remarkable feat."
"Currently, his commission payment remains unsettled and requires Lord Velerad's attention."
"However, Master Kiriman expressed interest in attempting to find a method to remove the residual curse affecting Her Highness the Princess."
"I specifically came to seek Your Majesty's opinion on this matter."
Though Captain Vincent's appearance was ordinary, his to the king in the great hall was delivered with clear articulation and concise efficiency.
Hearing this , Foltest's expression showed clear emotion.
Unlike those nobles who had never seen battle—those worthless gluttons—he understood perfectly what it meant to eliminate over two hundred monsters in just two days.
This surpassed ordinary human capabilities, making him recall that witcher who died in the Liivia massacre—the witcher he greatly admired, the White Wolf Geralt.
He looked at the calmly composed Kiriman, then at Triss and Velerad who were equally astonished by this news. After pondering for several seconds, he spoke in a somewhat low voice with clean efficiency:
"Velerad."
"Settle payment with this witcher promptly."
"Additionally, allocate one hundred Orens from my treasury as reward for his contributions to Vizima."
Having said this,
without waiting for the portly mayor's response, the gaunt-faced king turned to Kiriman and asked with a tone carrying both anticipation and doubt:
"Witcher, answer me."
"Are you confident you can remove the residual curse affecting my daughter?"
"I've consulted many world-renowned masters, none of whom found a solution."
"Can you succeed?"
Hearing this father's query filled with both hope and skepticism, Kiriman met Foltest's gaze fearlessly. After considering for two seconds, he responded:
"I've studied Her Highness's condition, Your Majesty."
"The striga curse is rooted in the soul—it has grown alongside Her Highness for over a decade, already merging completely with her soul."
"Soul-related issues are particularly tricky;
the slightest misstep could harm the patient."
"But the striga curse must be completely eradicated to prevent recurrence, otherwise it remains like a seed easily exploited by those with ill intentions."
"I have approximately fifty percent confidence in removing this curse."
He wasn't lying—he had studied knowledge of the striga curse through both Berengar's teachings and Kogrim's memories, understanding its severity.
Originally, he had no solution either.
However, after acquiring the [Soul Projection] skill, he genuinely had some confidence, hence his statement.
"Fifty percent confidence?"
Hearing Kiriman speak so knowledgeably and professionally, Foltest lowered his eyelids, half-closing his eyes as he considered the credibility of these words.
After several seconds, he turned to seek Triss's opinion.
Upon learning that the sorceress would soon investigate the plague incident alongside the witcher, and receiving her recommendation to attempt the treatment,
Foltest fixed his sharp gaze on Kiriman's eyes. After maintaining eye contact for over ten seconds, he finally stated:
"I will permit you to attempt removing my daughter's curse, witcher, but you must guarantee Princess Adda's safety."
"She is my only legitimate heir, the Princess of Temeria—you should understand the significance of this."
"If you can completely cure the princess, you will receive substantial rewards."
"Wealth, fame, and status—whatever you desire, I can provide it."
"But if the princess comes to harm, as her father, I will have your head severed without mercy."
Temeria was a powerful northern kingdom, making the king's threat carry considerable weight.
Yet Kiriman showed no change in expression upon hearing this. Appearing quite confident, he nodded calmly and said:
He looked at the calmly composed Kiriman, then at Triss and Velerad who were equally astonished by this news. After pondering for several seconds, he spoke in a somewhat low voice with clean efficiency:
"My treatment method is extremely safe—even if it doesn't remove the curse, it won't cause harm to the princess."
"This much, I can guarantee with certainty."
His [Soul Projection] skill remained at too low a level—even attempting to harm someone would prove difficult.
Foltest gave a noncommittal nod, then turned to Triss and declared:
"So it's decided."
"Triss Merigold, you must accompany the entire treatment process to ensure the princess's safety."
"If this witcher attempts any improper actions, I authorize you to eliminate him."