Xu Huo didn't rush to meet up with Duan Cheng and Li Kun, but instead took Yan Jiayu "Towards the Destination" and away from the castle.
He found a place to settle in, then finally started talking about what he saw in the Rose Garden.
"The missing craftsmen in the castle were probably killed by the King." Xu Huo said, "The 'bodies' are buried under the rose trees."
"Blaming the murders of his subjects on the Puppet Man?" Yan Jiayu said, "Is he really that afraid the deal will be exposed? No one who's ever seen the Puppet Man is left; most people in Jewel City are oblivious. I doubt the news would have much impact anyway."
"Maybe the King thinks it's better to be cautious." Xu Huo replied, "In the story the King told, the black gem that brought the puppet to life came from the Puppet Man. If the Puppet Man actually played the brutal role as described, the deal was never equal—and the Puppet Man also brought props."
