Chapter 241: TENSION IN THE AIR

Everyone was gathered in a large room.

Logan sat between Alice and Rudeous on one of the sofas, while the others were scattered across various chairs and couches.

The Smith family was overjoyed to have both Alice and Logan back. Yet, alongside that joy, countless questions weighed heavily in the air. Ali and his team, in particular, were restless. Yes, they were relieved, but they still needed to know what had happened and how it had occurred. After all, even Ali himself wasn’t confident that he could have defeated the man who stood behind the Third Eye Sect on his own.

“When I first saw him during the tournament, I felt he was different. He was holding back a lot. But to think his strength has already reached the level of an S-class hunter…” Emily thought.

Logan’s gaze swept across the room, meeting every pair of eyes. He knew he owed them an explanation. He drew a long breath. “Ever…”

But just as he was about to begin, Alice spoke up. “It’s already very late tonight. I know everyone has many questions, but wouldn’t it be better to discuss all this tomorrow morning?”

What she said was true. It was late at night, almost midnight.

Tough he said nothing, Rudeous quietly agreed in his heart. His eyes drifted to the guests. This wasn’t only about the Smith family. The guests were also waiting for answers. Especially Ali Arkman and Noah, their positions made the situation different. Both were men regarded as pillars of the kingdom. Their opinions carried weight far beyond this household.

Meanwhile when Alice spoke, Ali and the others realized they had lost track of time in all the tension. Her words made them feel a bit embarrassed for pressing so hard.

Ali stood up, lowering his head slightly. His voice was calm, tinged with apology.

“Please forgive our rudeness. We were too tense and didn’t notice how late it had become. I am more than happy that you are back safely, Miss Smith. And Logan…” His eyes turned to Logan, and his expression softened. “We will talk tomorrow. Enjoy the night with your family. After all, you came back after three long years.”

With those words, he gave a small gesture to his hunters, signaling that it was time to leave.

But before he could take a step, Alice and Rudeous both rose at once. “No, no, Mr. Arkman,” Alice said quickly, her hands raised slightly as if to stop him. “We only suggested the morning for the discussion. But we could never allow you to leave at this hour. Please be our guests. We have many large rooms, already arranged.”

“Yes,” Rudeous added firmly. “Mr. Arkman, Mr. Starwind and everyone, please stay the night. And before that, let us at least share dinner together.”

Ali hesitated for a moment, glancing at Noah, who simply gave a small nod. Finally, Ali let out a quiet sigh and accepted. “If that’s your wish, then we will stay.”

The tension faded, and everyone headed to the dining hall together.

The long table was already set. Silver platters and covered dishes lined its surface, filled with food that had been prepared hours ago. Servants moved quickly to add fresh touches, ensuring that everything remained warm and inviting.

Everyone found a seat. The conversation stayed light and polite. After such a chaotic day, sharing a meal felt unexpectedly comforting.

After the meal, Rudeous’s younger brother Rion oversaw guest arrangements. He instructed servants to prepare the rooms and guided guests with care.

Ali Arkman was given one chamber in the east wing. Noah Starwind and Emily shared another in the north wing. The two hunters from the foreign kingdoms were led to a room adjacent to theirs. The two court mages had a chamber on the upper floor, closer to the library. Each guest was provided with comfort, privacy, and respect.

When everything was settled, Logan stood and bowed his head lightly toward the others. “Good night.”

He exchanged a long look with Alice, then turned to leave for his own room.

Alice didn’t want him to leave. She watched him go, wishing she could talk with him until morning. Three years were gone, and tonight she hoped to get some of that time back.

But she restrained herself. She knew Logan must be exhausted.

Rudeous noticed her hesitation and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Come. Let him rest,” he said softly. With quiet strength, he guided her toward their chambers.

Tonight, Rudeous went with Alice.

With two wives, his nights were often split between Mirena and Alice. Tonight, after all that had happened, he chose to stay with Alice to comfort her.

Mirena, however, was far from content.

She sat alone in her room, feeling uneasy. Logan was back, alive and stronger than before. The defeat of the Third Eye Sect only made her more anxious.

’What if he reveals the truth?’ she thought bitterly.

Years ago, she was the one who brought Zereth into their lives. All this trouble started with her. Her connection to the sect was a shadow she couldn’t escape, and now that Logan was back, she feared it would return.

On the one hand, there was already concern that, due to Logan, her son, Darius, might not inherit the patriarch’s position. And now, this on top of it.

Her fists clenched as she lay down, staring at the ceiling in silence.

The rest of the household and all the guests, however, finally knew peace.

After a long day of tension, fighting, and surprises, everyone finally rested. There were still questions, but they decided to wait.

The heavy mood faded, replaced by quiet breathing and peaceful sleep.

The night passed slowly.

And then….

The first sunlight slipped through the curtains. Darkness faded into gold. Birds called out, their songs echoing in the courtyard. One by one, everyone woke up.

Soon, everyone was refreshed and dressed. Step by step, they made their way toward the breakfast hall.

The smell of warm bread, roasted meat, and fresh herbs filled the air before they even walked in. The table was set again, this time brighter and more lively. Bowls of fruit and hot tea added color and warmth.

Slowly, everyone gathered around the table. Ali and Noah arrived first, speaking quietly as they walked. The court mages followed, whispering to each other with curious glances toward Logan. The two foreign hunters took their seats after them. Emily smiled faintly while taking her seat beside Noah.

Finally, Logan and Alice entered together, with Rudeous beside them. Their presence brought an instant hush over the table.

Once everyone sat down, breakfast started. Plates filled and cups poured, but the room felt heavy again. No one wanted to speak first.

Everyone had questions… burning questions. But they didn’t know if it was proper to ask now, here, in the warmth of the morning meal.

Logan could feel it. Their eyes, their hesitation, their restraint. “They can barely hold themselves. I think it’s normal, though.” He thought.

Finally, he set his cup down and looked at everyone once again. “You can start asking questions.” He said calmly.

The moment he said that, Rion was the first to speak. “Logan, we all thought you died three years ago. Why didn’t you come back all this time?”

Everyone in the Smith family, except for a few, carried the same burning question in their hearts.

Logan drew in a slow breath before answering. “The truth is… there was a particular reason the Third Eye Sect was after me. You all might remember, just a little before the Arcadia Tournament, Mother was already kidnapped once. That group, it was them, the Third Eye Sect. When they failed to get what they wanted from her, they turned their sights on me. During one of their attempts, an accident happened, and they assumed I was dead. I let them keep thinking that.”

His voice was calm, but firm. “As long as I wasn’t sure I could protect my family from them, I thought it would be safer if they never learned I was still alive. That’s why I didn’t return.”

Logan explained everything in detail…. everything except about what the sect was truly after.

After hearing Logan’s explanation, many in the room were moved. Even at such a young age, he carried himself with a maturity and composure that few could match.

And then, Ali’s voice cut through the silence.

“Logan, what about the one behind the Third Eye Sect? And where did you meet Raphael? Why was he with you when you returned?”

By the time Logan and Alice had reached home yesterday, Raphael had already reverted from his beast form back into his human appearance.

Logan’s eyes shifted toward Ali. He hesitated, his thoughts weighing heavy. How was he supposed to say it? How could he break this to them?

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“Raphael… he was the one behind the Third Eye Sect. The one who had already reached the level of an S-class hunter hundred years ago. It was him.”

The moment those words left his mouth, the hunters who had accompanied Logan froze in shock. Their eyes widened, disbelief etched across their faces.

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