Chapter 661, The Wealthy City Lord
Wen Mansa also smiled and gestured with her hand, "Please sit, Mr. Robien."
The Warlock sat down across from her.
A maid brought over tea and refreshments, placing them in front of him.
The Warlock flipped his hand and took out a pair of exquisite jade carvings from his ring, placing them on the table. "City Lord, a gift I happened to obtain. It should be quite rare in Rentam City. I hope you will like it."
His words carried a hint of boastfulness.
As if to say Rentam City was a small place, and even she, the City Lord, would rarely see such things from the outside world.
"Thank you." Wen Mansa glanced down, then tilted her head and called out, "Hartel."
"Madam!" The housekeeper stepped forward.
"Put the gift away. Place it on top of the fireplace, next to the Elven ornaments," Wen Mansa instructed.
"Yes, Madam."
The Warlock was slightly stunned. Elven ornaments?
She even managed to get things from the Elves?
As the housekeeper took the jade carvings and placed them atop the fireplace, the Warlock furrowed his brows.
When he had just entered, all his attention had been on the City Lord's belly, suspecting she had used a stand-in. There were no signs of pregnancy as the rumors suggested.
Now looking around, he realized the entire hall was filled with luxurious decorations of varying styles, each one of great value.
Carved ornaments, vibrant tapestries, exquisite oil paintings.
He was also born of nobility and had some knowledge of these things.
Judging by the elements of these items, they were indeed Elven ornaments.
Not just that—there were Dwarven, Gnomish, and even Human ones.
A trace of surprise and suspicion surfaced in the Warlock's eyes. Was this really Rentam City?
Wasn't this some royal prince's manor?
Wen Mansa was very pleased with his expression and waved casually, "Mr. Robien, do you like it? If you do, feel free to choose one."
"No need, no need, I'm just curious," the Warlock quickly collected himself and replied casually.
He had come here this time to persuade her to give up the city.
Looking like a country bumpkin would surely put him in an inferior position.
Wen Mansa didn't say more. If he had come one day earlier, she wouldn't have had these things, but his timing was just right.
She had just become rich, and then he arrived.
If he really did pick something, she wouldn't be willing to part with it.
It was said that on Gold-Silver Island, these were items only powerful merchants and nobles could possess.
"Mr. Robien, what brings you here this time?" Wen Mansa didn't waste time and asked directly.
The Warlock steadied himself and said softly, "I came this time to bring good news to you, City Lord Wen Mansa. It's a huge blessing for both you and Rentam City."
Wen Mansa narrowed her eyes, already having some guesses.
But she still asked with curiosity, "What good news?"
The Warlock spoke earnestly, "The Ekow Kingdom plans to incorporate Rentam City into its territory and retain your status as City Lord. It would be hereditary, and the Kingdom will support the city, providing a steady flow of resources. You'll also gain a powerful backer. Anyone who covets this city will have to think twice before going against a Kingdom."
As he spoke, the Warlock's tone gradually became excited.
As if he were offering Rentam City a tremendous opportunity.
Wen Mansa picked up her tea and took a light sip.
The content matched what she had suspected. Someone had already come to test the waters about this matter.
Seeing no change in her expression, the Warlock toned down his excitement and asked, "What does the City Lord think?"
Wen Mansa asked, "Whom are you representing?"
"His Highness the First Prince."
Wen Mansa pondered briefly and quietly asked, "Has the First Prince ascended the throne already?"
The Ekow Kingdom's internal power struggle had long been a hot topic in the outside world.
Many speculated who would ultimately become the new King, or whether the princes would fight each other to ruin, letting someone else seize the throne.
The Warlock raised an eyebrow, stuttered for a moment, then said, "The First Prince already controls most of the army. Ascending the throne is only a matter of time."
"I support the First Prince too," Wen Mansa nodded.
The Warlock's eyes lit up, "You agree?"
"That's not what I meant." Wen Mansa shook her head immediately, organized her words, and said, "Thank you for the First Prince's recognition. Rentam City is inhabited by both humans and orc. If it were truly incorporated into Ekow Kingdom, the city would fall into chaos. The orc would resist, and the whole city would be in danger."
The Warlock frowned but still said, "How the orc are handled would be an issue for the higher-ups. You just need to agree to join. The Ekow Kingdom will provide you with resources and support. What's bad about that? You'd be a City Lord of the Kingdom, admired by all."
"You don't understand the situation in Rentam City. The orc make up half the population. It's not as simple as you make it sound," Wen Mansa insisted.
"City Lord, you need not worry. The Ekow Kingdom has already assembled nearly ten thousand troops at the border. Your agreement would avoid war and ensure the city's safety," the Warlock said again.
Wen Mansa's brow furrowed sharply, and she gave him a cold look.
Using both threats and bribes.
First came promises of benefits. Seeing she wasn't moved, he revealed the assembled troops.
He was essentially saying if she didn't agree, they'd attack the city.
Truly pushing her to the limit.
She stared straight at him, then smiled again, "I won't consider this matter. If the First Prince truly ascends the throne, I'll send a congratulatory gift."
"Won't you reconsider? None of my terms are a disadvantage to you."
"I'm a bit tired. I won't keep you for dinner," Wen Mansa said calmly.
"City Lord, how about..."
The housekeeper stepped forward, "Sir, Madam needs to rest. Please leave."
The Warlock frowned tightly, watching the skeleton with a sword step forward as well.
He then stood up and said, "Alright then. I'll be staying a few days at the Windgrass Tavern in the city. If you change your mind, feel free to come find me. A win-win situation—no one wants to see it go to waste."
"Please." The housekeeper gestured again.
The Warlock turned and walked out.
Wen Mansa remained seated, watching his departing figure.
Clearly, he didn't understand Rentam City. The terms and promises he offered were based on old impressions.
That is, before Wu Heng and Wen Mansa took over, when Elno was still the City Lord.
Back then, 'Elno' would likely have agreed and been glad to find a backer in Ekow Kingdom.
But things were different now. Wen Mansa was City Lord, and Wu Heng stood behind her.
So it was destined they would not join any Kingdom.
...…
In the returning carriage.
The Warlock closed his eyes and began recalling the recent events.
Rumors about this female City Lord were greatly mistaken.
From her current appearance, one couldn't tell if she was pregnant. It was possible she'd already given birth.
Second, this City Lord was extremely wealthy.
The items displayed in her residence weren't ones ordinary nobles could afford. Some couldn't even be bought with money.
They represented the friendship of an entire race.
Not simple at all.
Moreover, her courage was exceptional—not something a mere gang leader could possess.
When the First Prince and Ekow Kingdom were mentioned, she showed no reaction—as if they were just names.
"When I get back, I must report the information."
...…
Zombie world.
A group of survivors rushed from a side alley, holding up a national flag.
The survivors held electric batons and machetes, conducting checks.
Qi Hancai walked over, followed by Korean interpreter Xin He.
"Who is the leader?" Qi Hancai asked.
Xin He translated.
A middle-aged man stepped forward, "I am."
"How many of you are there?"
"Eleven in total. We're all local residents," the man replied.
After Xin He translated, Qi Hancai nodded and continued, "Tell them we are from the Sambu Port Rescue Team. They can come back to the base with us, but they'll need to follow instructions from now on. If they're unwilling, they can leave. We'll provide three days' rations."
Xin He translated again.
The group immediately knelt down.
Xin He said, "Sister Qi, they all wish to join. They beg us not to abandon them."
"Alright, register them and have them follow the convoy."
Xin He continued speaking.
Everyone nodded.
...…
Skeleton squad location.
A large number of corpses were converted into skeletons, and the corpse cores were stored in spatial rings.
Everything had been handled.
Wu Heng entered a nearby maternity store and glanced at the products inside.
The items inside were well-preserved, most of them sealed and brand new.
He casually stored strollers and cribs into his spatial ring.
Once everything was done—
He returned to base with the army.
...…
Rentam City, Island Lord's Mansion.
Wen Mansa was downstairs assigning tasks to her subordinates.
Wu Heng was upstairs in the bedroom, gently rocking the baby while softly calling her name.
Unlike their first meeting yesterday—
The baby was no longer afraid of strangers, not crying, and smiled at Wu Heng.
Xiaoxiao flew in the air, "Quick, let me play with her for a bit."
Wu Heng said with annoyance, "What do you mean 'play for a bit'?"
"Put her in the crib first. I'll lull her to sleep," Xiaoxiao continued.
Wu Heng placed the baby in the crib.
Xiaoxiao used her ability to gently rock her to sleep.