Ste looked at the key in her hand. "Where''s the address?"


    Abby handed her a small slip of paper. "Star, do you want to go see? I''ll go with you."


    Ste didn''t refuse. "Okay."


    ...


    The sky outside was overcast, threatening rain. Since Ste had fainted earlier, Abby took the wheel.


    Ste gazed out the window at the dark, heavy clouds, her mood just as bleak. Halfway to their destination, the rain began to fall. Fat droplets sttered against the windshield, creating a dull, rhythmic drumming.


    The world outside quickly became a blur of wetness. Ste stared nkly at the rain, her mind still empty.


    Abby nced at her, wanted to say somethingforting, but ended up just sighing silently.


    Following the address, they arrived at the gates of arge castle. Abby stared at it in curiosity. "Is this where Joshua lives?"


    "No," Ste said. "He''s from Aetheria."


    "Then why did he want us toe here?" Abby wondered.


    "I guess we''ll find out," Ste replied.


    They got out of the car, opened their umbres, and walked slowly toward the castle. Pushing open the heavy doors, Abby was so stunned by what she saw inside that she gasped.


    "Oh my god... Aren''t these the lost masterpieces from that art exhibition in Aetheria? Why are they all here?"


    The walls of the grand hall were lined with famous works from around the world. Ste recognized some from the exhibition, but many rs were even rarer pieces she had never seen before. Each one was a priceless treasure, impossible to acquire on the open market.


    While Ste was taking in the paintings, Abby let out another cry of shock.


    "Wow, that diamond is huge! It''s so brilliant! I''ve never seen one that big, not even at an auction! I doubt even a fake would be made thatrge, it''s unbelievable!"


    "Star, over there, that crown... isn''t that the one worn by the first queen of Yorston?"


    "And that ne! I''ve seen it in magazines. They said it''s a relic from thest century, made with techniques that have been lost to time. Even today, it can''t be replicated, not even a forgery."


    "Star, look! That jade bracelet is so translucent, it''s gorgeous! Even someone like me who knows nothing about jade can tell it must be incredibly valuable."


    "That antique vase looks pretty special too..."


    Abby had thought that spending so much time with Ste had made her worldly. But stepping into this castle, she felt like a country mouse visiting the city for the first time.


    The castle wasn''t just filled with paintings; there were countless other rare treasures. Abby''s head was spinning; it felt like she had walked into a world-ss auction house.


    "The world''s richest man is certainly in a league of his own," Abby muttered. "Even his gifts are on another level."


    After touring the main hall, Abby, brimming with curiosity, randomly pushed open one of the room doors. What she saw was a room so filled with glittering essories that it was blinding. Nes bracelets earnings, rings, brooches, and all sorts of sparkling ornaments filled every surface. You name it, it was there.


    Abby couldn''t help but let out another gasp. "Joshua is so extravagant. He could fill


    an entire castle with gifts. I have to see what''s in the other rooms."


    For a moment, Abbypletely forgot the gravity of the situation, her excitement taking over as she began to explore the castle with gusto Pushing.open she saw cabs filled with row after row of car keys.


    a second d


    door