Chapter Nineteen: Into the Jungle

Gong Hao felt as though his troubles had multiplied yet again.

Because his performance during the day had greatly pleased Her Highness the Princess, she decided to give this servant a few more chances—he would be the one to attend her at dinner.

For those of high birth, granting a servant further opportunities to serve was perhaps the greatest reward. Yet, for Gong Hao, if the ultimate result of his diligent efforts was simply to labor even harder in service to someone, that was hardly the outcome he desired.

What the Princess considered a reward might, in others’ eyes, be an excellent opportunity to prove themselves, but to Gong Hao, it was sheer torment.

That night, the castle’s grand hall became the venue for the Princess’s supper.

The young Princess herself sat high at the head of a long dining table built from precious jade. About twelve servants lined up along the table, each bearing dishes served in exquisite vessels. Senior servants, clad in black tailcoats and snow-white gloves, sliced the delicacies for her, while crystal goblets held wine as clear as violet agate.

A servant presented the Princess with a shelled tiger prawn. She tasted it lightly, then frowned, her pretty brows drawing together. “Why is there no herb sauce?”

The servant responded respectfully, “Your Highness, the herb sauce has run out. In our haste to leave, we were unable to bring enough ingredients.”

There was little to be done; whenever the Princess traveled, it was as though her entire household moved with her—even the dining table had journeyed alongside her.

“I can’t eat this without herb sauce. Take it away,” the Princess demanded, puffing out her cheeks in frustration. She began to complain, “Is there no one here who can actually be of help to me?”

Then her gaze fell on Gong Hao, who stood quietly to the side.

Gong Hao could only sigh inwardly. “Your Highness, I do know of something that can substitute for herb sauce, and it can be found right here on Purgatory Island.”

“I knew you were better than the others!” The Princess brightened instantly.

“But this substitute is somewhat different. It is a magical plant—oh, please don’t misunderstand, it isn’t poisonous. It simply causes a mild intoxication when consumed.”

“Intoxication?”

“Yes. It emits an aroma much like fine wine, very pleasant, and can be used both in cooking and in crafting excellent spirits. In fact, when it comes to cuisine, its effect surpasses that of herb sauce. From the dishes you favor, I can tell you have a refined palate. I believe… you will enjoy it.”

“Then fetch some for me.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible tonight, Your Highness. Purgatory Island is a weapons research site for the Empire, not a vineyard or brewery. That magical plant isn’t cultivated in the castle; it must be found in the forest outside. I only discovered it recently while accompanying Lord Lancelot on a monster hunt. While I would be happy to collect it for you, I’m afraid you won’t be able to enjoy it tonight.”

Speaking of the Purgatory Island forest, the Princess’s eyes lit up. “Do you go out every day to hunt monsters?”

“Strictly speaking, I accompany Lord Lancelot. But now that you are here, Your Highness, I imagine he will go alone tomorrow. While you are on the island, my sole duty is to accompany you and ensure your happiness.”

“Oh, don’t let me disrupt your work. I was just thinking of exploring the forest myself. Perhaps tomorrow we can go together—I’d very much like to see the forest scenery.”

Gong Hao could only feel more helpless. “If that’s the case, Your Highness, I’m afraid you will be disappointed.”

“Is the forest not entertaining?”

“No, the forest is fascinating. There are many magical plants and beasts you’ve likely never seen. Some are stunningly beautiful, with ornate feathers and vibrant colors; others have bizarre ways of surviving—sure to astonish you. But I can assure you, if you go tomorrow, you will likely see none of it.”

“Why?” The Princess was perplexed.

Gong Hao thought she had improved greatly—not once did she say, “I am the Princess; the forest creatures should come out to greet me.”

He explained, “It’s like this, Your Highness. In the mortal world, you stand at the very top, surrounded always by servants, maids, knights, and mages—all at your beck and call. This privilege, while granting you the finest humanity has to offer, also causes you to lose something else.”

“Such as the forest?”

“Exactly. Humanity and nature are both mutually supportive and mutually opposed. If you visit the forest as you are now, you will find nothing but withered branches and rotten logs, a few nameless animals, and a pile of unremarkable plants—nothing to capture your interest. I daresay you will find the place not half as charming as the gardens of Wellington Palace, where the blooms are always vibrant. To experience the wonder of the forest, you must set aside worldly splendor and immerse yourself in nature.”

“Just as I did with the saber-toothed beast today?”

“Even more so than that.”

“What must I do?”

“You cannot bring attendants—just you, me, and Lord Lancelot. The fewer people, the better.”

“That is out of the question!” cried all the mages and knights at once. “The Princess cannot travel alone without an escort!”

Avril’s large, clear eyes turned to Gong Hao. “Is there no other way?”

“Your Highness, humanity and nature are fundamentally opposed. We cannot maintain our trappings and expect to appreciate nature’s beauty; we must blend into its atmosphere. Too many followers will turn this wild forest into a bustling human world. Surely you have seen enough of human splendor—you need not seek it here. To savor the wonder of the forest, you must give up your retinue, or the forest will not accept you. Imagine a great company marching in, laying stone paths, scaring off all the magical beasts, even the plants afraid to bloom… How would that be any different from a stroll in your own garden? If you wish to enjoy the forest, you must not disturb its tranquility with too many people, nor must you let outside forces alter its ecology. Only thus can you experience a pleasure you have never known.”

The little Princess propped her delicate chin on her hand. “Hmm, you make a good point.”

“And what of the Princess’s safety?” a knight protested angrily. “The forest is not a safe place. There are man-eating magical beasts!”

“I believe Lord Lancelot can handle that. He is no less skilled than any of you, and far more experienced in surviving the wilds. If you’re still uneasy, there is a compromise,” Gong Hao replied politely.

“What compromise?”

“Puppet warriors.”

“Puppet warriors?” The crowd exchanged glances. “Won’t those disrupt the forest as well?”

“Puppet warriors are not humans. They are magical automata created for battle, absolutely loyal and obedient. They do not speak, nor do they actively disturb the peace of the forest. They are not living beings—no presence, no life—like walking stones, no matter how many. In the absence of danger, they are as if they don’t exist. Without their master’s command, they won’t even retaliate. Thus, puppet warriors are the best solution. And I promise, I will never lead the Princess into dangerous territory—there’s no need. The more perilous the area, the less beautiful the scenery, for top magical beasts drive out all other life. The forest’s true charm lies in its diversity and vitality…”

“I see,” the Princess nodded. “Then tomorrow, assemble all the puppet warriors.”

“Uh…” Gong Hao forced a smile. “Your Highness, there’s no need for so many, and puppet warriors require someone to control them. So we will need at least one more person… Lord Andrew or Lord Pierre.”

“But didn’t you say the fewer people, the better?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then there’s no need for that disrespectful fellow. He can teach you how to command the puppet warriors, and you will be in charge of their protection tomorrow.”

Gong Hao bowed his head slowly.

“As you wish, Your Highness. But I will need Master Heinz’s permission.”

“He will consent.”

“Yes, Highness.”

Success at last!

Gong Hao knew he was striding toward freedom at last.

———

Controlling the puppet warriors was not complicated.

These warriors were bound to command tokens rather than to any individual. After all, the magical constructs forged on Purgatory Island were ultimately meant to serve the Empire; if the control could not be transferred, then Heinz would have to go to war himself.

Receiving the command token from Heinz, Gong Hao examined its craftsmanship with great care. It was covered in intricate magical runes. As long as he wore it, all puppet warriors in his vicinity would obey his commands.

He did not believe he could keep it under the current circumstances, but nothing prevented him from studying its secrets and familiarizing himself with the command techniques in advance.

Perhaps, in the future, he would never get another chance to come so close to the core secrets of the puppet warriors. He must seize this opportunity to master all he could.

He secretly memorized every line of runes, every incantation, studied the materials and their uses, and practiced issuing every possible command to the puppet warriors.

For the Princess’s safety, Andrew assigned Gong Hao fifty puppet warriors.

With Lancelot accompanying them, Avril would be well protected.

———

Early the next morning, the three of them set out.

Lancelot had no interest whatsoever in accompanying such a spoiled and willful princess. Thus, under the pretense of leading the way, he walked at the very front. Behind him, a silent troop of puppet warriors followed.

Gong Hao and Avril walked together.

For the first time, Avril walked side by side through the forest with a lowly servant—an entirely new experience for her.

The forest paths were rough and uneven. Fortunately, Avril had taken Gong Hao’s advice and changed into simple clothing; otherwise, her dress would have been ruined.

Just yesterday, the Princess had insisted that even smooth roads be covered with luxurious carpets. But after Gong Hao’s persuasive words, she now wore coarse garments, forging her own way through hidden forest trails, crawling through caves, and letting the earth stain her from head to toe.

To her, all of this was an unimagined novelty. Though exhausted, her heart was elated.

She watched sunlight filtering through the lofty canopy, casting a dappled pattern on the grass below—gentle as a lover’s hand caressing her cheek. In the distant, shadowy woods, a faint, mysterious gleam beckoned.

The quiet forest occasionally echoed with birdsong. The fresh air washed away the stench that hung above the Sea of Death. A thin mist, like gauze, shrouded them, refracting the sunlight into a myriad of colors.

The mysterious tranquility of Purgatory Island’s forest drew Avril in. Escaping the bustle of the city, she basked in this serene and beautiful wilderness, her spirit refreshed.

After all, she was only twelve—a young girl not yet corrupted by worldly splendor or intoxicated by the lure of power. She quickly fell in love with this tranquil patch of earth.

“It’s so beautiful! I never imagined how wonderful it could feel to walk freely like this! Glariel, now I understand why you insisted I leave the attendants behind. Had they come, they’d have chopped down the ancient trees, laid carpets, and hung bells… Oh no, that would be a travesty—a destruction of beauty.”

“You are right, Your Highness.”

“Don’t call me Princess—call me Avril.” She said this earnestly.

Gong Hao was a little surprised.

At that moment, the Princess’s face was smeared with dirt, her clothes tattered from branches. She was far removed from the splendid image of royalty, stripped of her retinue and guards, and, removed from her arrogant environment, even her temperament seemed softened by nature.

Gong Hao thought that this young Princess was far more agreeable now than when he’d first met her.

The Princess sat down. “I’m a little tired, Glariel. Will you sit with me for a while?”

“All right, but I should let Lord Lancelot know.”

“No, let him go on. Just the two of us here.”

“Very well, Princess.”

“I said, don’t call me Princess.”

“Why? I am only a servant.”

“Because I realize now you are quite right. At least so far, you’ve been right about everything. So I want to see if you’re right about one more thing.”

“What is that?”

“Friendship. You once said having a friend is a wonderful thing. You also said that, to gain something, you must sometimes give something up. A princess shouldn’t have friends, but I want to try. Glariel, I want to know what it feels like to have a friend.”

Gong Hao considered a moment, then nodded. “Yes, I think you need a friend—someone who can show you a world you have never seen.”

“Then… may I call you Xiu Yi?” Avril’s voice was clear and sweet, like the music of heaven.

“…Yes, you may… Avril.” Gong Hao replied, helplessly.