Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 270

Serena didn’t have an immediate answer this time.

She paused, thinking for a long moment before speaking slowly. “There are usually two main reasons for this kind of situation.

First, it can come down to differences in the source of the raw materials. Back in Ancient Rome, gemstones were mined from various regions, and the mineral composition would differ depending on which mountain range or quarry they came from. The unique geological conditions shaped the trace elements the stones absorbed.

Second, the processing methods also play a role. Sometimes, during the crafting process, people used auxiliary materials rich in certain trace elements, which could influence the final composition.

But aside from these two reasons, I believe there’s another important factor.

That’s the environment where the artifact was buried.

Since the piece you’re holding dates back to Ancient Rome, it must have been underground for centuries. The soil or the surrounding environment could have been rich in a particular element, and over time, there could have been an exchange of materials between the environment and the artifact.

That would explain the presence of those trace elements.

However—”

At this point, Serena looked up at Abelard. “Mr. Wilkes, I have to say, there isn’t enough information in your question, so I can’t be certain of the answer.”

Someone in the audience scoffed, laughing dismissively. “Just admit you don’t know. Why go on and on about it?”

“Sure, she got the first two questions right, but that doesn’t prove Serena isn’t cheating. All it shows is that she’s got some skill as a restorer—not that she’s as brilliant as she acts on TV.”

“I bet she’s cheating, just not all the way—maybe forty percent, tops. There’s no way she could answer every question otherwise.”

The crowd tittered with laughter.

Cynthia Lynwood, sitting in the audience, finally allowed herself to relax.

But even as the laughter rippled through the room, Serena’s voice remained calm. She turned to Abelard and said, “Mr. Wilkes, could you please share the correct answer with us?”

Abelard let out a rueful laugh and shook his head. “The truth is, I don’t know the answer either.”

The room erupted in surprise.

“Mr. Wilkes, how could you not know the answer?”