Chapter 66: STAGE OF THE STARS

“It’s nothing much. Prince Rowan invited me to the royal palace after the finals.”

The table went silent.

Everyone was stunned. Prince Rowan wasn’t just a noble—he was royalty. At the peak of the food chain. So Logan’s casual statement landed like a thunderclap.

Even Noah, who was usually the most carefree person in the room, froze in place. But then he reconsidered. Given Logan’s talent and the brilliant future ahead of him, it actually made sense for someone like the prince to take an interest.

Rudeous and Alice exchanged glances. Shock was written across their faces, but it was soon followed by pride. Still, a flicker of unease crept into their hearts. One wrong move from Logan… and the Smith family could lose not just the fame they had earned through this tournament, but everything.

Even their noble status could be stripped away.

That’s how serious those few words were.

But among both families, two people were more concerned than anyone else—Mirena and Darius.

Logan had already overshadowed Darius. If he ever declared interest in becoming the next patriarch, the elders of House Smith would rally behind him without hesitation.

Yet Mirena still clung to hope.

Her father was Duke Arthur Stevens of Aerundal—an influential noble with power that could still sway internal decisions. With her family’s backing, she believed she could protect Darius’s claim to leadership. She had influence, resources, and strategy.

But the royal family… that was on another level.

If Logan formed a close relationship with Prince Rowan, her influence would mean nothing. She couldn’t manipulate or outmaneuver royalty. She couldn’t stop what would come.

Logan had already told her directly once that he didn’t want the patriarch’s seat. But Mirena knew better than to take comfort in promises—especially when made from a position of weakness. Promises only held value when both sides were equally powerful.

If Logan truly gained the favor of the third prince, that balance would shatter. And deep down, Mirena knew it.

She was genuinely afraid.

Darius, sitting beside her, understood exactly what his mother was thinking. But there was nothing he could do.

“Damn it,” he cursed internally. “Why did my opponent have to be Zephyr?”

If only he had made it to the semifinals, maybe he could’ve earned the prince’s recognition too. That’s what Darius told himself. That’s what he needed to believe.

“Huh! Prince called you to the palace?” Lilith suddenly blurted out. Her voice carried a mix of surprise and playful disbelief. “Your struggle must have really impressed the prince.”

Noah sighed, already sensing trouble. “Lilith, darling, why don’t we just enjoy our food?” He gave her a pointed look, trying to defuse things before they escalated.

“What, Dad? I’m just curious, that’s all,” Lilith replied with a shrug. “It’s not every day you see someone being invited to the royal palace. And by the third prince, no less. Don’t you know what the rumors say?”

She leaned in slightly, her tone dropping.

“After his mother died, the prince completely changed. Closed himself off from the world. Barely even talks to the king anymore. He only opens up to his younger sister. And yet today, he acted so… familiar with Logan. Did you hear the way he said Logan’s name? That wasn’t how strangers speak.”

Her words hung in the air like a dagger’s edge.

Even Noah was caught off guard. Now that he thought about it… she was right. Everyone knew Prince Rowan—calm, collected, powerful. But also distant. His demeanor changed after his mother’s death. Whether he became an introvert or simply colder, no one could say. But he had never shown open warmth like he had today.

The silence returned—uneasy and heavy.

Logan finally spoke.

“To be honest, what you said is true. He was impressed because I tried hard. But inviting me to the palace… it’s not that big of a deal. He just wants to treat me to a meal, that’s all.”

He gave a slight shrug.

“So no—it’s not like what you’re all imagining—that he wants to become friends or something.”

His words were only partially true.

Rowan had invited him for information exchange. Nothing more. There was no promise of friendship or alliance.

At least, that’s what Logan believed.

He didn’t yet realize that his footsteps had already veered off the simple path. That things would no longer be straightforward from here on.

Mirena exhaled quietly. Logan’s explanation brought her some comfort. It didn’t erase her fear, but she clung to what little hope it gave. She had no other choice.

The tension at the table also slowly eased.

Conversations resumed, and the atmosphere lightened. Laughter and clinking cutlery filled the air as the group returned to their meal.

Time passed, and soon the midday break was nearing its end. After finishing lunch, everyone began heading toward the tournament arena once more.

Even though both Logan and Darius were now out of the tournament, no one wanted to miss the final match. Especially Logan.

Every match was an eye-opener for him. A chance to learn. A chance to grow.

The crowds began pouring in again through the massive gates of the arena. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Like something electric was crackling through the atmosphere.

The final match was about to begin.

Lilith Starwind against the third Prince.

One, a Tier 3 prodigy before the age of twenty.

The other, a gifted genius who awakened early, possessed four elemental affinities, and had already reached Tier 2.

They weren’t just elites.

They were the kinds of individuals who only appear once in a millennium.

And now, those two were about to clash.

No words could describe the pounding of hearts… the cold rush racing through every spine.

Everyone took their seats. Whispers filled the air.

But suddenly every sound of movement faded as the voice of the announcer rang through the arena.

“Welcome back, everyone! The moment has finally arrived!”

“The final match of the Arcadia Young Elite Tournament—”

“Rowan Hale versus Lilith Starwind!”

“Contestants, please head to the stage!”

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

The clash of fate-forged stars.

Here it comes.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep