Chapter Forty-Three: The Masquerade Ball

“Lord Pierre.”
Pierre, who was engrossed in his experiments, looked up.
“Hugh Glair?” Pierre frowned slightly. “Why is it you?”
“Yes, my lord, I’ve come to deliver the potions completed today.”
“Why isn’t Isadora here? She’s usually the one who comes.”
Gong Hao observed Pierre’s response carefully; it was clear that, deep inside, there was a certain impatience.
He answered, “Princess Avril has stayed on Purgatory Island for nearly two months now. She feels it’s time to return, so today she called Isadora back.”
“Is that so? What a pity.”
“Yes, my lord. Isadora is clever, beautiful, and very charming—I’m reluctant to see her leave. The thought of her departure makes me feel as if I’ve lost something.”
Gong Hao’s words seemed to echo Pierre’s own feelings, speaking directly to the matters of his heart.
For the past month, this enchanting, alluring little sprite appeared before him nearly every day.
She was so lovely, utterly captivating; every gesture, every glance left Pierre powerless to resist.
If this were not the Alchemy Tower, but instead Wellington Academy of Magic, perhaps Pierre would have already forced himself upon her and disposed of her.
“When are they leaving?” Pierre asked Gong Hao.
“Three days from now. In fact, I saw Isadora weep when she heard the news.”
“She cried?”
“Yes, she cried alone in secret; it’s clear she’s reluctant to leave this place. My lord, I find this odd—a maid has no reason to weep over leaving Purgatory Island. In fact, I think she’s been acting strangely lately.”
“What do you mean?”
“I suspect she may have fallen in love. You know, there are many outstanding young men on the island, especially among the apprentices—they’re smart, witty, and knowledgeable. When Isadora isn’t helping me, she often mingles with the other apprentices; compared to the time spent with them, she spends the least time with me. I think she may secretly like someone.”
“Is that possible?” Pierre’s brow furrowed, and a nameless anger rose within him. No, she’s mine—how could she like another? Damn it!
Gong Hao continued, “Last night, when I finished my experiment and left, I noticed her saying something like ‘see you in the little grove tomorrow night.’”
“You mean Isadora is secretly meeting someone?”
“I think so, my lord, though I can’t be certain. You know, I may have misheard. And after I left, she said nothing further, nor did I see whom she spoke to.”
“But you can’t deny there’s a good chance she’ll leave the castle tonight for a rendezvous, right?”
“Yes, my lord, that’s precisely why I wanted to tell you. You know achievement comes from diligence, and love is the most distracting thing. If any apprentice falls for a girl, it could mean they’ll no longer work hard. I’m worried this might lead to major mistakes or other negative consequences.”
“Your concern is justified; alchemy does not tolerate distractions.”
“If you agree, I’d like to go to the grove tonight to see which apprentice is secretly meeting her.”
“No.” Pierre refused decisively. “That’s inappropriate, Glair. You must remember Isadora is the princess’s maid; if such a secret rendezvous is discovered, it would reflect poorly on the princess’s honor. It could affect the royal reputation.”
“Yes, my lord, you’re absolutely right. I’m sure the princess would not like such a thing to happen.”
“Have you told anyone else about this?”
“No, my lord, I haven’t told a soul.”
“Good. From now on, don’t concern yourself with Isadora and that apprentice. After all, they’ll leave in three days—let it go. Let’s hope the apprentice regains his senses and focuses on his work.”
“Yes, my lord. Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Go.” Pierre waved him away.

Watching Gong Hao’s departing figure, Pierre’s eyes blazed with fury, threatening to burn away all reason. Oh, Isadora, my love, how could you betray me and cavort with another man?
No, I will not accept such a thing.
Tonight…yes, tonight, I know what to do.
Well done, Hugh Glair, thank you for your news—it has given me a divine opportunity. That damned apprentice will be my scapegoat, and Hugh Glair will be my witness. But to avoid the master’s discovery, it seems I cannot remove those delightful parts of hers.
Nevertheless, tonight promises to be an exciting night.
Yes, truly something to look forward to!
Pierre closed his eyes.
———————————————
In the princess’s chamber, Gong Hao continued to tell Avril stories.
“There are many theories about the origin of masquerade balls. One is that they mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring, when all evil and monsters return to the deep mountains, no longer threatening mankind. To let them leave unnoticed, these parades are held to send them off. Another theory traces it to the courtly circles. In some countries, whenever there’s a grand celebration, the monarch dances merrily with his subjects in the palace. Since the monarch is the supreme authority, his subjects are always cautious when celebrating with him, making it impossible to truly enjoy themselves.”
“Yes, that’s why I love spending time with you,” Avril interrupted, cutting in.
“So later, a clever queen devised a solution—everyone would remove their identifying attire and don a mask. That way, during the festivities, since faces are hidden, there’s no need to worry about facing the monarch, and speech can flow freely. Especially since the monarch wouldn’t join right away, but would slip in halfway through, never revealing his identity, simply to enjoy an equal share of fun.”
“Oh, that’s a clever method. No one would ever know if their dance partner was the king himself. But my father is so fat, even with a mask, people could spot him by his belly.”
Gong Hao laughed. “Yes, in fact, the method wasn’t very effective. Many had their own ways of identifying the monarch, and even if the monarch wasn’t present, they still dared not speak loudly—everyone feared their words might be overheard by some spy nearby. It couldn’t make the nobles let go entirely, but the tradition persisted. Among the common folk, it’s a fun way to celebrate. Imagine, everyone wearing masks in the streets—you never know who you’ll dance with. Perhaps beneath a mask is the face you’ve longed for, or perhaps one you detest. But, not knowing anything, you let everything go and laugh freely. You could even walk among the people, listening to their discussions about the country or the royal family. Since your identity is hidden, you can hear many truths. By concealing one’s appearance, the heart opens—that, I believe, is the original meaning of the masquerade ball.”
“That’s wonderful. When I return to Wellington, I’ll ask Father to host a masquerade ball. Then I’ll slip away and mingle with the commoners, listening to their amusing tales. Of course, none of them compare to you, Hugh.”
“You like the idea?” Gong Hao asked.
“Of course, I love it. I wish I could try it right now.”
“Oh, masquerade balls are held only at night. By the light of the bonfire, two masked people face each other like strangers. Then they sit and confide in one another, speaking whatever they wish, without fear of consequence. They can sip delicious fruit wine and chat, never removing their masks, communicating only with their hearts… It’s a delightful experience. There’s no need for a crowd to try it.”
“So, shall we try it tonight?”
“I worry your steward and servants might stop you.”
“We can sneak out. You’re capable, aren’t you? I love the feeling—just like when you took me to the Alchemy Tower.” Avril was excited.
“Yes, Avril,” Gong Hao nodded. “Since you insist, I suggest you prepare a maid’s outfit, and I’ll make you a mask. By the way, what kind of mask do you like?”
Avril thought seriously for a moment, then declared, “One that’s fierce and menacing, with claws and fangs.”
“Oh no, Avril, that won’t do. It’s nighttime—you’d frighten everyone.”
“Oh, but no one will see me anyway.”
“But I think you’d be better off with something cute.”
“All right, Hugh, whatever you like, I’ll wear.”
“Then, I’ll go make your mask and bring it to you later.”
“Mm.” Avril shrank her little neck, covering her mouth, giggling secretly.
“I believe tonight will be wonderful,” Gong Hao said meaningfully.
——————————————————————
At dusk, Gong Hao delivered the mask to Avril.
A charming little rabbit.
When night fell and all was quiet, Avril changed into a maid’s dress, put on the rabbit mask, and tiptoed to the window.

She jumped out, landing with a thud in Gong Hao’s arms.
There were originally guards outside the window. But Avril had earlier dismissed them all with the improbable excuse that “you’re blocking my favorite moonlight.” Thus, with Gong Hao and Avril working together, sneaking out of the castle became effortless.
Barely out the door, Avril couldn’t help but laugh, doubled over. “Oh, Hugh, this is so much fun. We’re just like lovers sneaking around. Every day with you is so exciting.”
Gong Hao laughed too. “Would you like something even more entertaining?”
“You have something better?” Behind the rabbit mask, Avril’s large eyes sparkled.
“Of course,” Gong Hao replied. “There’s a form of entertainment called drama—a beautiful art. It was born among the common folk and has been cherished for centuries. In drama, there are many wonderful and moving stories. During festivals, people incorporate these stories to make masquerade balls even more lively.”
“Tell me how!”
“Do you remember the story I told you about Romeo and Juliet?”
“Oh, that’s a tragedy. Damn you, Hugh—you stole so many of my tears.” Avril pounded Gong Hao with her small fists, just like a playful lover.
“Yes, a classic tragedy: a pair of lovers kept apart by their backgrounds. Sometimes, at masquerade balls, people light a bonfire, and a couple recites lines from Romeo and Juliet beside it, as if they are the protagonists themselves. It’s a deeply engaging performance. Through it, they taste the sweetness of love and feel every emotion—joy, delight, bliss, as well as pain, sorrow, and anxiety… Would you like to try?”
Avril was tempted.
She nodded gently.
Gong Hao took out a vial of potion for her.
“Drink this,” he said.
“What is it?”
“A voice-changing potion—it will temporarily deepen your voice and make your speech more expressive.”
“Oh, you always put so much thought into everything.”
Avril drank the potion.
Then she asked softly, “Which scenes shall we do?”
“The moonlit confession and the final parting—those are the most poignant. Here’s the script; memorize it soon. Oh, and in these scenes, we’ll use each other’s pet names.”
“Pet names? You never told me they had pet names.”
“That was my oversight.”
“Well then, Hugh, what should I call you?”
“Call me Ivo.”
“Ivo? Isn’t that the apprentice’s name in the castle?”
“Just a coincidence.”
“And Juliet’s pet name?”
“Isa.”
“Oh, that’s funny—Isadora is called Isa too.”
“Coincidence makes the story, Avril.”