CHAPTER 75: WE HAVE A GUEST

The moment Rowan spelled out the Third Eye Sect’s name, Logan’s expression shifted. Just for a moment, a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes. It was brief, but unmistakable.

And it didn’t go unnoticed by Rowan.

He narrowed his eyes. "What happened? Do you... know something about this sect?"

Logan didn’t answer right away. He leaned back slightly. His eyes narrowed a bit without him even knowing. Then with a calm but sharp voice he replied, "Something? Prince, if the Third Eye Sect was present in the tournament, then I doubt they were there for you. Most likely... they came for me."

Rowan blinked in surprise. "You?"

"Yes." Logan replied.

A few days ago, after Logan saved his mother Alice, he later on discovered the ones responsible for the kidnapping were from the Third Eye Sect. It’s the same group Zereth belonged to. He tried to pry on Logan regarding the technique he was performing. And he was ashtonished by it. As a result he tried to steal the technique forcefully from Logan three years back. But he failed miserably. It was not so hard to connect the dots that why they suddenly kidnapped Alice.

Logan’s statement totally shocked Rowan.

"But why? What happened between you and the Third Eye Sect?"

Logan’s voice dropped lower. "Something did happen. But I can’t disclose all the details yet. Maybe after I read the records... once I can fully trust you, I will tell you everything. For now, you can rest easy though. You only need to worry about the foreigners."

His tone was polite but decisive. He still needed to be fully convinced.

"...Alright. If you say so."

After that, silence returned to the carriage. No more words were exchanged.

But Rowan sank into deep thoughts. Why would a veil sect like this go after Logan. And the question had only one answer. What he had been guessing all along till now was true. But he kept his thoughts to himself for the moment.

Time ticked by—first seconds, then minutes, and then hours. Before long, both boys had drifted off to sleep, worn out by earlier fights and the long journey .

Eventually, after nearly seven hours, the carriage came to a screeching halt.

Rowan stirred awake from the sudden stop. Logan followed a moment later, rubbing his eyes and straightening his posture.

"Looks like we’re finally here," Rowan muttered, stretching his arms. "Let’s go."

"After you." Logan responded politely as he stepped down behind Rowan.

They were already inside the outer gate of the whole property. In front of them stood a massive structure that towered over the surroundings—the Royal Palace of the Hale Dynasty. A white-marble path led up to grand steps from the main outer gage. It was lit with floating lanterns that hovered mid-air like fireflies. The palace gleamed under the moonlight, its tall, spiraling towers crowned with golden domes and blue banners fluttering with the kingdom’s crest.

Though Logan had lived in a royal mansion and walked through many other grand mansions in his past life, even he had to admit—the view here was something else.

Still, he didn’t let it show. Only a slight pause in his step betrayed the brief awe he felt.

Both boys strode toward the main entrance, the sound of their boots echoing softly on the marble floor.

They were almost in front of the main entrance to the palace and Rowan was about to reach the door with his hands to push it open. But before he could even touch the door, it suddenly clicked open.

Click.

And out of nowhere, a girl around the same height as Logan leapt forward and threw herself at Rowan.

"Brother, you’re so late! Did you win?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet like a spring breeze.

Logan blinked, caught off guard.

The girl looked like a smaller version of Rowan—golden blonde hair tied into two playful twin tails, big round blue eyes full of mischief, and dimples that appeared when she smiled. She was wearing a frilly midnight-blue dress and matching shoes that tapped excitedly against the palace floor.

’Cute’ was an understatement.

Logan stood frozen for a moment, not because of romantic attraction, but because of how overwhelmingly innocent and cute the whole scene was.

Meanwhile, Rowan laughed lightly, a warm, brotherly smile spreading across his face.

"Well, who else do you think could win when your brother was there?" His usual calm, princely demeanor faded away, replaced by the genuine joy of an older sibling reuniting with his sister.

The girl giggled, completely lighting up.

"And where’s my gift?" she asked with a playful pout.

"Oh—uh..." Rowan scratched the back of his head, suddenly remembering. "I... may have forgotten that part."

The little girl was Rowan’s sister. And she did ask Rowan to bring a gift for her when he returns. But today Rowan was exceptionally excited to bring Logan along and know more about him that he forgot about the gift.

Her eyes widened, and she puffed her cheeks dramatically. "You didn’t?!"

"Wait wait! Give me one more chance! I promise I’ll bring you something huge tomorrow," Rowan said quickly, even tugging at his own ears in mock punishment.

"Promise?" Her expression lit up instantly, excitement replacing the pout.

"Promise."

Rowan then remembered to introduce their guest. "But Daliah, we have someone with us today. A guest. Why don’t you welcome him first?"

Only then did the girl finally turn her head.

Her eyes locked onto Logan’s.

And she froze.

A pink hue instantly spread across her cheeks, and she squeaked out a tiny, "Oh!" before darting behind Rowan like a startled kitten, hiding her face behind his back.

She had just thrown herself around and acted all childish... in front of a stranger. A boy who seemed to be about her age. The embarrassment hit her hard.

Rowan chuckled. "Come on, Daliah, don’t be shy now."

Still hidden, she mumbled, "Why didn’t you tell me someone was here?"

Logan, meanwhile, cleared his throat and forced his expression neutral again. "Nice to meet you... Princess Daliah," he said calmly, giving a slight bow.

From behind Rowan’s back, a muffled reply came. "H-hello..."