The Princess Smells So Good (GL) - Chapter 30

For several days in a row, everything went smoothly. The tension everyone had been feeling slowly lifted, and the crew visibly relaxed. Only the old boatmen knew that the ship had set off in a different direction.

“…At the time, the pirates arrived in a strange manner. It was a day with heavy fog, and everyone was exhausted from the day’s work, so we were a bit dazed… I’m not sure how we got tricked.”

In the room, the boat captain who had been saved by Fa Yilian spoke. His name was Sun Zai. He had been in a daze for a long time due to shock and the long time he spent submerged in the lake after Fa Yilian pulled him in. After he recovered, he was brought here to be questioned by Captain Wang and others. Fa Yilian, as the one who saved him, was naturally present as well, but she didn’t show any concern. Instead, she kept glancing at her master, who sat beside her.

Wei Zhao sat next to them, showing a look of boredom. These past days, due to her identity, she had been treated with the best food, drinks, and goods. The ship’s resources were limited, but it was clear that the ship’s owner had spared no expense. Wei Zhao, accustomed to luxury, accepted it all without hesitation, enjoying it comfortably. At that moment, the precious tea, which even Yu Cheng only dared to offer to distinguish guests, was left by her side, but she paid no attention to it, letting the tea cool and the fragrance dissipate.

Resting her chin on her hand, she stared out the window, looking almost like a mascot.

The others only needed to see her make a slight gesture and dared not look at her for too long.

Captain Wang had already heard the news from other boatmen. He lowered his eyes and said, “I’ve heard that there were a lot of people on board. The pirates didn’t kill many people during the raid, but the number of people rescued doesn’t match that.”

Sun Zai’s face changed slightly, and he stammered.

“…Did your ship carry a lot of slaves?” Wei Zhao suddenly spoke up.

Though Sun Zai didn’t know who Wei Zhao was, he could tell from the way the others treated her that she was not someone to offend. He lowered his voice and said, “Yes. We didn’t have any guards, so we brought more slaves to protect the goods… It’s not a big deal, right?”

“Are you trafficking goods, or slaves?” Fa Yilian asked.

The others looked at Sun Zai’s face, and their expressions changed.

Slaves were common, but their origin had specific requirements—captives from wars, land expansion, or foreign tribes. Even in the chaotic New World, where slaves were in abundance, they still needed official documents. Someone like Sun Zai, however, was likely an illegal black market trader without such papers.

“This…” Yu Cheng immediately looked at Captain Wang with a troubled expression.

Captain Wang was unsure. They didn’t want to cause trouble, especially with the Princess present. But with the Princess here, not tying up the suspects seemed almost arrogant in defiance of the laws of the Great Zhou. But if they did tie them up and it led to trouble, what would they do?

So Captain Wang turned his gaze toward Wei Zhao.

Wei Zhao smiled. “Why is everyone looking at me?”

Her tone implied that she didn’t want to get involved and that they could handle it as they pleased.

The air in the room grew heavy. Fa Yilian spoke again, “What about the pirates? Are they all slaves?”

Sun Zai hurriedly responded, “The tattoos and markings are all over their faces, and I’ve seen many people with words tattooed on their faces. I can’t say for sure, but it’s almost certain.”

Fa Yilian nodded. “Did they board the ship directly? Was there any resistance?”

Sun Zai forced a smile. “I didn’t see how they boarded. By the time I noticed, the pirates were already everywhere. But I didn’t hear any sounds—no warning, no crashing sounds, nothing.”

Fa Yilian hummed and glanced at Sun Zai, then smiled softly. “You’re lucky.”

“Is that all? I’m getting tired.” Wei Zhao lazily stretched her eyes, showing some impatience. Fa Yilian quickly bowed and extended her hand. Wei Zhao placed her hand in Fa Yilian’s, rising smoothly. Then, she turned to look at Sun Zai and Captain Wang. “We’ll leave first.”

The other two had no choice but to comply. Wei Zhao snorted softly and left with Fa Yilian. But once they stepped outside, her expression grew serious. “Slave trafficking.”

Fa Yilian raised an eyebrow. “You’re against slave trading?”

Slaves supported the prosperity of the Great Zhou. It had been officially permitted by the Sage Emperor.

Wei Zhao raised an eyebrow, turned, and reached out to gently touch Fa Yilian’s face. The touch was smooth and soft, the jawline distinct and graceful. Fa Yilian slightly bent her body to make it easier for Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao’s finger hooked under Fa Yilian’s chin. “You’re quite beautiful, I like it. But you need to understand your position. Don’t ask too many questions.”

Fa Yilian smiled. “Of course, as long as you’re happy.”

Her answer was odd, as though she were a foreigner who knew nothing, just entering the Great Zhou.

Wei Zhao snorted, pulled back her hand, and turned to leave. “Don’t meddle in things that aren’t your business. The most important thing now is to leave here safely.”

The waters had been smooth, and Wei Zhao’s route had intentionally avoided the first small island to minimize trouble. As a result, the familiar scenery was nowhere to be seen at the expected time. The others, though slightly irritated, were reassured by the knowledge that their lives and safety were more important.

But soon, Wei Zhao realized that she had breathed a sigh of relief far too early.

Things happened suddenly, without warning, yet it all seemed so inevitable.

After all, the weather that day had been truly awful.

At midnight, thick fog began to rise. The boat captain’s face showed concern. Sailing in foggy conditions was dangerous. Though they had the compass to guide them, it was still easy to crash into rocks, especially on this route, which the captain wasn’t too familiar with. He cautiously instructed the crew to slow down, but this gave the pursuers who had been trailing them the opportunity they needed.

Wei Zhao was woken up by Fa Yilian.

It had been a long time since she felt this way. She furrowed her brow, quickly becoming alert. Fa Yilian wouldn’t wake her unless it was serious. Looking into Fa Yilian’s eyes in the dark, Wei Zhao suddenly had a fleeting sense of being in the forest again, running and hiding with Fa Yilian.

“…Is it pirates?” Wei Zhao asked after a moment of silence, her head lowered, her gaze resting on Fa Yilian’s head.

Fa Yilian held Wei Zhao’s foot, helping her put on shoes, one hand warmly enveloping Wei Zhao’s foot. She didn’t look up but softly murmured, “I heard sounds. I’ll take you to the next room. You’ll be fine.”

Wei Zhao nodded. She always trusted Fa Yilian’s judgment in these matters and never interfered with Fa Yilian’s decisions.

“How many people?”

“I’m not sure. I heard the sound of weapons…” Fa Yilian frowned. “If they set the ship on fire, we might…”

In the water, the situation was more dangerous than it had been in the forest. Wei Zhao understood the unspoken implication of Fa Yilian’s words. Her jaw tightened. The moment her foot lost its support, she stood up. “We’re leaving now.”

Fa Yilian nodded. They took a few steps, and Wei Zhao reached out to grab Fa Yilian’s hand. Fa Yilian paused for a moment, then looked back at Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao pursed her lips. “You better protect yourself. Don’t throw your life away for anyone else.”

Fa Yilian seemed momentarily stunned, looking at Wei Zhao before whispering, “Can I call you by your name?”

Wei Zhao raised an eyebrow, showing some irritation. “What is it now, and you still…”

“But I want to call you by your name,” Fa Yilian said, her eyes sparkling like two gems in the dark.

Wei Zhao pursed her lips and turned away, avoiding Fa Yilian’s gaze.

“…If calling you by your name isn’t appropriate, I’ll just call you A Xian.”

Wei Zhao, her small name “A Xian,” had not been used since her mother, the Empress, passed away a long time ago.

“…A Xian…” Fa Yilian whispered, her voice full of joy, like a child with a new toy. “A Xian, A Xian…”

“Enough! Shut up!” Wei Zhao snapped, tightening her grip on Fa Yilian’s hand. Fa Yilian chuckled softly, mumbling something more, but Wei Zhao didn’t care to hear it.

As they left the room, the sounds of fighting grew louder. But curiously, there was not a single person on the level they were on. Wei Zhao’s expression darkened, and she moved toward the railing.

Fa Yilian grabbed her arm. “Let’s go to Song Sisi’s room first. I’ll handle the rest.”

Wei Zhao looked at Fa Yilian’s determined eyes. The feelings of helpless anger and guilt swelled up inside her again, stronger than ever, almost overwhelming her.

In the end, Wei Zhao said nothing. She knew that any words at this moment would be futile and out of place. She lowered her head, letting herself be pulled by Fa Yilian.

They soon reached Song Sisi’s room. The door was opened by Song Sisi herself. Her eyes were red, filled with fear as she looked at them. She nervously called, “Sister Lin…”

“A Zong?” Fa Yilian asked, her expression serious and not looking good.

“A Zong said she’d go check the situation and told me to stay here and not open the door to anyone,” Song Sisi said, casting a glance at the two of them. “Of course, you’re not outsiders. Come in quickly.”

Wei Zhao frowned.

A Zong clearly cared for Song Sisi. The fact that she left Song Sisi alone in here—was something wrong?

“You stay here. I’ll be back soon.” Fa Yilian glanced at Wei Zhao. Seeing the worry in her eyes, she smiled softly, leaning closer.

“A Xian,” her slave whispered, “wait for me, don’t be afraid.”

Wei Zhao shot her a fierce glare. “You…” She bit back the words I wouldn’t be afraid even if you died and muttered, “Be careful, stay alive.”

Because on this entire ship, there was no one more important than her life.