Ashley quietly decided—if Nina ever needed help, she’d be the first to step in. Nina nodded obediently. “Okay.” The three of them followed the path she pointed out. Nina’s mood shifted as quickly as it had come, like a typical child. Along the way, she happily introduced her home. She told them how big and beautiful it was, how her room was just as spacious and cozy. Her grandfather doted on her endlessly. And this time, when he returned, he was definitely bringing her a gift. In fact, she said, he might be back as early as today. Every time she mentioned her grandfather, Nina’s face lit up with joy and excitement. It was clear—she adored him. Arthur and Ashley couldn’t help but grow curious. Who exactly was her grandfather? Owning a large house on Heaven Island was no small feat. It was likely he wasn’t an ordinary person. As they walked, their surprise only grew. Eventually, Nina pointed ahead. “There! That’s my house!” Arthur and Ashley followed her gaze—and stopped dead in their tracks. What lay before them wasn’t just a home. It was an estate. No, a palace. They stared at the grandeur before them in complete shock. “This is your house?” they asked in unison. Nina, not noticing their astonishment, nodded cheerfully. “Yep!” Then she added, a little shy, “It’s kinda big, but don’t worry—we can take a sightseeing cart.” A sightseeing cart. To get around her house. Arthur and Ashley suddenly felt like they’d accidentally befriended royalty.Neither of them had any idea such a place even existed on Heaven Island. This island was cut off from the outside world. Heavy machinery couldn’t be brought in. Construction materials were hard to transport. And yet, here stood a magnificent palace. The cost—both human and material—must have been staggering. It would take nearly a month just to reach this island from the mainland, and that was before factoring in the perilous sea journey and dense outer mist. How unfathomably wealthy would someone need to be to build something like this in such a remote, isolated place? Even from a distance, they could see the guards stationed outside. When they spotted Nina, several immediately approached. “Ms. Nina, welcome back. Are these your guests?” Their eyes flicked to Arthur and Ashley, full of caution. Nina immediately frowned. “Why are you asking so many questions? This is my sister and brother-in-law! I brought them to visit—what’s it to you?!” Then she turned around with an apologetic smile. “Ashley, Arthur, don’t mind them. They’re always overreacting.” Arthur smiled kindly. “It’s okay. It makes sense they’d be cautious.” Anyone living in a place like this clearly wasn’t ordinary. And Nina was so kind-hearted—it wouldn’t take much for the wrong person to take advantage of her. Seeing they weren’t upset, Nina relaxed a little. She turned to the guards, fuming. “Go get us a sightseeing cart! We’re tired from walking!” The guards didn’t move. After a moment’s hesitation, one of them spoke respectfully but firmly. “Miss, as per protocol, we must first register your guests. Once their identities are verified, they’ll be allowed entry.” He bowed slightly, polite but unmoving. Nina’s face darkened.“What is your problem?! Don’t think I won’t do something just because you’re a captain! You dare stop my friends at the gate? You’ve got some nerve! When Grandpa comes back, I’ll make sure he punishes you!” Her little mouth fired off angrily, her cheeks flushed pink from frustration. Ashley stepped in and gently took her hand. “Nina.” But Nina patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Ashley. I won’t let anyone treat you unfairly while I’m here.” And just like that, Ashley’s heart softened. This innocent, sweet girl—who had only just met them yesterday—was already so determined to stand up for them. She wasn’t mad because the guards didn’t listen to her. She was mad because they’d made her friends feel unwelcome.