A lot of the 'hints' in the walkthroughs are way too vague, since certain other events seem to need to happen BEFORE those listed events can happen. It took me forever to unlock the servant for the princess, for instance. Had no idea why she wasn't showing up.
that is deliberate for some pure bonus stuff.
the steps for the way home should be spelled out fairly well. there is a very detailed walkthrough if hints seem a bit vague. it is linked in the main post.
the servant is indeed a relic from an much earlier removed quest. i guess i should just hide the quest step and let the event happen as surprise