"Ash, what's wrong? Why are you troubled?"

Justin approached Asher once he was alone. "Did you encounter any trouble during your visit to the palace? Right now, everyone is busy with Bella's situation. The pressure and pain you're enduring are no less than ours-perhaps even greater."

Asher lifted his gaze to meet Justin's eyes, feeling a pang of gratitude. "At a time like this, I'm grateful that you still notice my emotions, Justin. I truly appreciate it."

"Ash, don't say that. We are family. To me, you are as important as Bella."

During the days that Bella had been missing, Justin had been unable to sleep and found it hard to eat. His nerves were constantly on edge. Any slight change in those around him magnified his stress, making him even more anxious. "What exactly happened?"

"Actually, it's nothing much," Asher said, his lips tightening into a thin line. "When I went to the palace, I finally met the King whom they all hold in high regard. He was very kind and hospitable, personally guiding me through the palace. He dined with me and showed concern for my health, even inquiring about my work and life over the years. He seemed like a warm and approachable elder, without the airs of a sovereign. Even though I'm not from Sentania, I was somewhat overwhelmed."

understood Asher's feelings. He would also be nervous in a similar situation. "Isn't

time today, and we have no personal connection. With his status, why would he

gave me this." Asher pulled out an ancient marble ornament from his chest pocket. It was

is an artifact from the Sentania royal family,"

exposed to antiques and artifacts since childhood under the tutelage of his father

personal item of the previous Sentania kings, passed down through generations. It's likely three to four hundred years old. If I remember correctly, this ornament

Asher's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the ornament. "Why would he give such a valuable heirloom to me?! Such an important item should be given to his only son." Justin pressed his lips together, deep in thought. He took a moment

he connected the dots to what Bella had mentioned to him previously and the royal secrets he had heard

looked at Asher with a piercing intensity. His heart raced as he traced the

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