In literature, the word "asked" serves as a versatile marker for dialogue, inquiries, and internal reflections. Authors use it not only to introduce direct questions and requests—such as the polite summons in Austen’s narrative [1] or the urgent interrogation in Dickens’ works [2, 3]—but also to transition smoothly between thought and spoken word. In more philosophical or rhetorical texts, it frames conceptual challenges, as seen in Nietzsche’s exploration of morality [4] or Schopenhauer’s theoretical musings [5]. Meanwhile, in narratives spanning from historical epics [6] to intimate character studies [7], "asked" signals both external questioning and internal self-reflection, thus enriching the interactivity and pace of the text. Whether prompting dialogue that reveals character traits, advancing the plot, or inviting readers to ponder deeper questions—as in examples from Dumas [8, 9, 10, 11, 12], Verne [13, 14], and Tolstoy [15, 16]—"asked" remains a fundamental tool that shapes the rhythmic flow and emotional tone across genres.