Seeing both Rudeous and Alice still frozen in place, unsure of how to react, Rowan quickly stepped forward with a friendly and convincing composure. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Logan," he said warmly, motioning toward the grand doors ahead, "let's head inside. Father and Mother have been waiting to meet you properly."

His calm tone broke the tension. Rudeous and Alice exchanged a quick glance, nodded faintly, and followed after him. Daliah, always the cheerful one, smiled and stepped beside Alice to ease her nerves. "Don't worry, Mrs. Smith," she whispered playfully. "They don't bite."

That earned a small, nervous laugh from Alice, just enough to steady her heart before entering the royal palace.

The moment they crossed the threshold, they saw servants lined on both sides of the hall, bowing deeply as the group passed.

"Please, this way," Rowan gestured again, taking the lead.

After a few turns through the hall, they reached a guest room. The double doors opened to reveal the space so grand that even high-ranking nobles would have been speechless.

It was decorated with carved wooden furniture, flowing curtains of silver-white silk, and a panoramic view of the royal garden. The scent of blooming flowers drifted in through the half-open windows.

"This room is prepared so that after the long journey, you can relax a bit first," Rowan said, turning toward them. "Please, take a moment to freshen up. The lunch will be served shortly."

Logan gave a slight nod. "Thank you."

As the servants quietly entered with towels, clothes, and fresh water, Rudeous and Alice finally allowed themselves to breathe again. Everything around them screamed wealth and refinement, far beyond anything they had ever imagined.

For a moment, Rudeous stood near the window, staring at the garden below, the fountains, the white statues, the birds fluttering across the lake.

Alice approached and gently placed her hand on his arm. "Can you believe this?" she whispered.

Rudeous smiled faintly. "Our son… really brought us here.

It took them nearly half an hour to freshen up. The attendants were polite and efficient, making sure every small detail was taken care of. Logan changed into a clean set of dark-blue formal robes provided by the palace.

When they were ready, Rowan reappeared at the door. "Logan, lunch is ready. Let's go, shall we?"

Logan nodded. They stepped out together once more and started walking through another corridor toward the dining. It took them a few minutes to reach.

When the massive doors opened, a wave of warmth and aroma welcomed them. The dining hall stretched long and elegant, its ceiling painted with celestial constellations in golden ink. A table of pure oak ran through the center, already laid with countless dishes.

The scent of roasted meat, spiced rice, honey-glazed fruits, and freshly baked bread lingered in the air. Servants moved like shadows, refilling goblets and adjusting cutlery.

Rudeous stopped at the threshold, completely awestruck. Alice's lips parted slightly in disbelief. Though they were nobles, the sparkle of royalty was something else entirely.

At the far end of the table sat the King and Queen, both standing as they entered.

"Welcome," the King said, his deep, steady voice resonating through the hall. "Please, take your seats."

Rowan and Daliah sat to the King's right, while Logan, Rudeous, and Alice were guided to the left. Elias and Ramos were also there.

Logan took his seat after his parents.

"Welcome back, Logan," Elias said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's been a long time since we last met."

Ramos let out a low hum. "We didn't have the opportunity to meet earlier. But watching your performance today, I really wish we had met before. I can't wait for a sparring session with you."

They said one after another. Logan replied politely. "Yes, Prince Elias. It's been a long time, and I am honored to be in your presence again." He then looked toward Ramos. "I also wish that we had the chance to meet already.

I look forward to the sparring match, Prince Ramos."

As soon as everyone was seated, servants began pouring crystal-clear juice into their goblets and setting the final trays of food. The King raised his hand slightly and said. "Everyone, please start."

With that, everyone stirred, starting to enjoy the meal.

For Rudeous and Alice, it was overwhelming at first. But once the first bite crossed their lips, hesitation melted away.

After a few minutes had passed, the King set down his goblet and spoke, his tone filled with sincere warmth.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith," he began, "you must be very proud of your son."

Both of them straightened instantly, unsure how to respond. Alice quickly started to bow, but the Queen gestured for her not to.

"Please," she said gently, "no need for formality. You've raised someone remarkable. Not only did he prove himself in the tournament, but he also carries himself with wisdom far beyond his years. Arcadia owes him more than words can express."

Rudeous's throat tightened. He tried to speak, but his voice failed him for a moment. Finally, he managed to say, "Your Majesty… we're just grateful that Logan had the chance to prove himself. Everything else… is his doing."

The King's smile deepened. "Humility suits you, Mr. Smith. And it seems your son inherited that as well."

But soon, the conversation shifted slightly.

The King leaned slightly forward, his tone turning thoughtful. "Logan, if I may ask… what are your plans from here on out?"

The room quieted slightly. Even the clinking of utensils faded.

Logan dabbed his lips with a napkin before answering. "There are several important things I need to take care of and share, Your Majesty. All of these will be discussed tomorrow during the meeting. It'll be easier for everyone to hear it at once."

"I see," the King replied, nodding slowly. "So we will know tomorrow then."

"Yes," Logan confirmed. "Everything will be clearer then."

The King regarded him for a moment longer, his eyes unreadable, then smiled faintly. "Very well."

Elias glanced between them, curiosity gleaming in his gaze. Ramos, however, merely returned to his meal, as though he'd expected that answer.

But the King wasn't finished.

"Logan," he said again, "I heard you intend to share your cultivation technique with other kingdoms as well. Is that true?"

A faint silence spread once more. Even Rowan's hand froze mid-air, and Daliah's eyes flickered toward Logan with anticipation of what he would say.

Logan nodded calmly. "Yes. That's the plan."

The King's brows drew together ever so slightly. "Are you certain that's wise? You're well aware that not all kingdoms maintain peaceful relations. Sharing something so valuable could weaken our advantage. It might even bring unnecessary danger."

Logan's voice remained steady. "I understand the concern, Your Majesty. And yes, it may seem like a loss at first glance. But in the long run, it's necessary."

"How so?" Elias asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone.

Logan looked around the table, his gaze passing over each of them before he spoke again.

"Though for clearing dungeons, our territory may increase, we don't know, actually, who we are killing. Are they really just monsters? Or something else is going on."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"My words may sound foolish. But if we really want to clear away all the dungeons, then we need each other's cooperation if not help. And it will all be cleared during tomorrow's meeting why."

For a few seconds, no one spoke.

Then the King leaned back slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. The faint frown eased from his brow. "Perhaps… you're right."

He didn't argue further.

As the conversation eased, the mood in the hall gradually softened again. Daliah returned to chatting with Alice, enthusiastically describing the royal gardens and offering to show her around later.

Everyone else also chatted normally until the meal was finished.

The King stood first. "It was a pleasant meal. I hope you all found the food to your liking."

"It was wonderful, Your Majesty," Alice said earnestly.

"Then rest well," he said kindly. "Tomorrow will be an important day."

Soon after, servants guided everyone back to their respective rooms. Rudeous and Alice were escorted to the guest room once again. Exhaustion finally began to show in their faces, the tension of meeting the royal family, the grandeur, the emotion, it was all catching up to them.

As the door closed behind them, Rudeous exhaled deeply. "I think… I need a long nap."

Alice smiled softly. "For once, I agree."

They lay down side by side, still in disbelief at how far things had come.

Meanwhile, in another wing of the palace, Logan, Rowan, and Daliah entered a spacious chamber bathed in soft golden light. It was quiet, serene, filled with the faint hum of spiritual energy.

Rowan locked the door behind them. "So," he said, his eyes glinting with curiosity, "shall we?"

Logan smiled faintly and raised his hand. Soon the orb popped out from his storage ring.

The moment it appeared, the entire room seemed to breathe.

"Let's see how it feels when you try cultivating with it," he said.

Both Rowan and Daliah exchanged an eager glance before closing their eyes and sitting cross-legged on the floor.

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