The Sokovia River was Sokovia’s mother river, much like the Yellow River to China, and held a revered status in the country. The river ran through several climate zones, and the northern region Shen Yibin’s group was headed for had a cold-temperate climate. This season, the weather was neither too cold nor too hot, making it perfect for an outing.
"To protect the Sokovia River, we’ve passed laws prohibiting the construction of factories along its banks, so the natural scenery is incredibly well-preserved. You’ll see its beauty for yourself soon. I’m sure Hah’Er will love it too." Along the way, Sylvie was constantly pointing out the sights to Shen Yibin.
For example, a castle below had been built by one of her ancestors; a tributary over there was the backdrop for a heroic legend about another; and that mountain range ahead was the site of a great battle—which, of course, her ancestors had also won. Sylvie’s family history certainly sounded glorious.
"Your Highness, we’re about to arrive at the location Mr. Shen mentioned," the pilot announced after they had been flying for over an hour. Sokovia wasn’t a large country. A flight this long in China might not even take you out of the province, but in Sokovia, they were already approaching the national border.
"Bin, is that the place you’re looking for up ahead?" Sylvie asked, turning around. Looking down from the helicopter window, she saw a dense broadleaf forest below. The beautiful Sokovia River cut through the middle of it, making a wide bend as it flowed downstream. The current was gentle and the water looked deep, while the banks were lined with all sorts of shrubs. It was certainly a scenic spot, but she wondered what kind of animal Bin was interested in finding here.
"Just find a place to land up ahead," Shen Yibin said. He could see on his pet radar that the orange dot was near the riverbend below; it hadn’t moved very far since they took off.
"I can’t land directly on that spot. I’m afraid we’ll have to set down somewhere else and walk to the riverbend." The pilot scanned the area for a moment but couldn’t find a suitable landing spot. He flew forward a little farther before finally touching down on a flat patch of grass.
"Look, we just need to head east for about two kilometers!" Sylvie announced after standing on high ground for a moment to get her bearings. Everyone then unloaded supplies like tents, food, and drinking water from the helicopter. Oh, and to ensure Her Highness’s safety, the accompanying Royal Guards were also carrying weapons.
"All set. Let’s head out!" Leaving the pilot to guard the helicopter, Shen Yibin, Sylvie, Hah’Er, Xiaoliu, and Maphario began their journey to the riverbend. The two Royal Guards took formation, with one clearing the path in front and the other covering the rear to prevent any mishaps.
"We’re deep in the forest now. Not many people come out this far, so finding a path is difficult. Be careful not to wander off. If you get separated from the group in a place like this, it’ll be hard to find your way back," the Royal Guard at the front warned. "Also, although it’s only two kilometers in a straight line, it will probably take a long time to walk since there’s no clear path. Be prepared for that, and try to conserve your energy."
"It’s fine. Just because we can’t find a path doesn’t mean *he* can’t!" Shen Yibin patted Xiaoliu’s head. He pointed toward the riverbend, then at a large tree up ahead. "Climb up and scout the way for us!" Monkeys didn’t have to trudge along on the ground, after all. With Xiaoliu guiding them from the trees, they were sure to make better time.
"EEEEK EEEK!" Xiaoliu grew excited at the sight of the big tree and deftly scrambled up it. He first climbed to the very top to survey the area for a moment, then came down a little and began swinging from tree to tree, continuously pointing the way for Shen Yibin’s party. All they had to do was follow Xiaoliu, which didn’t take much effort at all.
After weaving through the rather dim forest for over an hour, Shen Yibin estimated they had covered four or five kilometers. He was just about to look up and ask how much farther they had to go when the view suddenly opened up before him. As he rounded a large tree, sunlight spilled, unobstructed, onto his face, and the rushing sound of water filled his ears. They had finally emerged from the forest and reached the riverbank.
"This is the first time I’ve been to a place like this since leaving the military." Sylvie’s face lit up with delight at the sight of the beautiful Sokovia River.
"Alright, let’s all take a break to rehydrate and eat something!" one of the Royal Guards announced. He immediately took a moisture-proof mat from his pack, spread it on the ground, and laid out an array of drinks and food, turning the scene into a picnic. ’This is so much more comfortable than when I was looking for Egg and Xiaoliu,’ Shen Yibin mused.
’Man, it’s great being a princess. Even a difficult journey could be made so pleasant. I didn’t even have to carry a pack; the two Royal Guards handled all the luggage. All I had to do was look after Hah’Er. This was way more comfortable than my past adventures.’
"Hmph!" Hah’Er padded over to the river’s edge. He closed his eyes and took a deep, greedy breath of the fresh air, then lowered his head to inspect the water of the Sokovia River. It seemed he was thinking about going for a swim.
"There aren’t any dangerous animals like crocodiles in the Sokovia River, and the current is gentle, so it’s perfect for swimming. I brought a swimsuit; we can go for a dip after we eat." It seemed Sylvie had the same idea.
’’You brought it? Don’t you mean the two Royal Guards carried it? You nobles are so decadent.’ But then again, swimming in a place like this would feel amazing. ’Clear water, beautiful scenery, and a princess for company...’ It was like he’d stumbled into paradise.’
After the flight from the Capital City and the long trek through the forest, everyone was getting hungry. So, after admiring the scenery for a bit, they sat on the mat and began to eat. Xiaoliu gnawed on a piece of fruit, while Maphario cupped nuts in his paws and stuffed them into his mouth. Sylvie elegantly spread jam on a slice of bread for Hah’Er, and Shen Yibin found a sausage for himself.
’Hm? What was that sound?’ Shen Yibin’s ears twitched. He noticed the two Royal Guards had the same reaction, their wary eyes scanning the nearby woods. It seemed they had also heard something.
’Was I just imagining things? What danger could there possibly be out here in the wilderness?’ Shen Yibin was about to dismiss it and go back to his meal when a large tree let out a horrifying CREAK and began to slowly topple, crashing right toward them!
"The tree’s falling!" The two Royal Guards exploded into action. One grabbed Sylvie and the other snatched Hah’Er, rolling away in opposite directions. Shen Yibin scrambled to grab Xiaoliu and Maphario, diving to the side.