Arthur looked at Ashley with a soft, indulgent gaze. The flower in Ashley’s hands was a vivid crimson, and standing amidst the blossoms with it cupped in her palms, she looked for a fleeting moment like a flower spirit who had accidentally wandered into the mortal world. Arthur couldn’t help but say sincerely, “The flower’s beautiful, but you’re even more beautiful.” His tone left no room for doubt. Ashley blushed slightly. “You and your sweet talk,” she chided playfully. Arthur always had a way of making her cheeks flush, and though she rolled her eyes at him, her heart felt as sweet as if she’d drunk honey. Who doesn’t like hearing sweet words—especially from someone they love? Just as the two of them were enjoying this tender moment, an ill-timed voice rang out from beyond the courtyard. “Arthur! You’ve got some nerve sneaking into this place!” Arthur and Ashley turned toward the sound. At some point, several people had gathered outside the picket gate. Arthur immediately recognized them—they were some of the new arrivals who had landed on Heaven Island with him. They were dressed casually, apparently on their way to enjoy some leisure time. Arthur stared at them, confused by their outburst. He had no idea what they were talking about. Ashley looked just as puzzled. Seeing the couple stay silent, the group outside grew even more irate. “Don’t play dumb! Do you really think you have the right to be here? Get out, now!” Arthur frowned. “I live here. Why wouldn’t I be allowed in?” The mixture of anger and smug glee on the strangers’ faces made no sense to him. Weren’t they all getting along just fine at the banquet a few days ago? Back then, they’d been indifferent, maybe even condescending—but not openly hostile like this.Since Arthur and Ashley had returned to this little courtyard from the banquet, they hadn’t set foot outside. There was no way they could have offended anyone. The group outside suddenly burst into laughter. One of them pointed mockingly at Arthur and jeered, “Did you hear what he just said? He thinks he lives here!” “In your dreams! A newbie like you, just barely landed, and you think you’d be put up in this courtyard?” “We were wondering why we hadn’t seen him for days. Thought maybe he was secretly pulling some strings. Turns out he’s just been hiding in here sniffing flowers!” “Typical young guy—spending all his time swooning over his fiancée. No sense of responsibility at all.” “No kidding! The assessment’s in a couple of days and he hasn’t even explored the island. How’s he gonna pass anything?” “Those two? We don’t need to worry about them. They’re no competition.” “Exactly. Compared to us, what do they have? Wealth? Influence? Connections? Experience? They’ve got nothing!” “I say, forget the trial. Let them enjoy their little vacation and send them home. That alone will be the highlight of their lives!” “Heaven Island isn’t just for anyone. Getting to visit is probably the biggest accomplishment of their sad little lives.” “Couldn’t agree more!” Arthur and Ashley stared, dumbfounded, at the people beyond the gate. They genuinely didn’t understand what these people were talking about. They looked around at the courtyard. It wasn’t even that big. For people of their stature, elites from across the world, this place couldn’t exactly be called luxurious. There were some flowers and plants, sure—but nothing particularly special. Why were those people acting like Arthur had broken into some kind of sacred temple? Could it be… they weren’t all staying in places like this?Now that everyone could move freely, their accommodations surely couldn’t still be the prison-like cells from when they first arrived—tiny rooms with guards at the doors. Arthur hesitated. “What are you even talking about? I really do live here. Today’s the first time I’ve stepped outside.” He and Ashley were still completely baffled. How could such a small thing trigger this kind of mocking from such powerful people? But hearing Arthur repeat himself only made the group outside laugh harder. “Did you hear that? The kid’s still stuck in his fantasy!” “Does he really think acting dumb will fool us?” “Children. Always thinking everyone’s as naïve as they are.” “No—it’s not that. He just doesn’t respect us!” At that, the group fell silent. Then their gazes turned to Arthur and Ashley—eyes now filled with anger.