Then, one of them turned toward Julian, who was still seated, his arms gently folded over his stomach. He looked up slowly, sensing the air had changed.
"Sir," the staff member said, "we're terribly sorry, but we're checking everyone's bags today. A customer reported something missing."
Julian blinked. "I… I didn't see anything."
"It's just a formality. Could we see your bag, please?"
Julian hesitated for a second. Something about this felt wrong.
But he quietly untied the small side pouch from his belt...the one he always carried with him. He handed it over carefully.
The staff member opened it—
And inside, among a folded handkerchief and a few coins was a ring.
A gold ring.
With a blue crystal.
The staff member stared at it. The other one stepped closer.
And the room, once full of whispers, fell completely silent.
Julian blinked at the sight of it, confused. "That's not mine," he said softly, his brows slowly drawing together.
But no one said anything yet.
