Chapter 704: Let Her Keep You Company
Coming here to acquire assets?
Hearing Shanaila say that, Wu Heng immediately understood her meaning.
Right now, the premium properties and assets in Netarei City were vacant and undervalued—a prime opportunity for acquisition.
Of course, there were risks involved.
If war broke out again and the city was taken over by someone else, there was a high chance such purchases wouldn't be recognized.
The money spent would go to waste.
As of now, the Guild was stationed here.
After this attack on the headquarters investigation team, more high-level Professionals from headquarters would likely arrive, and the chances of a large-scale conflict and information lockdown were low.
"Isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Wu Heng said.
Shanaila's voice came through again. "Once the news spreads, all the merchant caravans will come here looking for opportunity. Merchants seek profit—no one cares whether it's appropriate. Besides, if we buy it, we can coordinate with the Fifth Princess's plans. If others get it first, it won't be so easy."
Shanaila then added, "The other people in the investigation team all have their own factions and supported merchant guilds. They'll definitely send the news out too."
That made sense.
Better in their hands than someone else's.
"Alright, then come over and see what you can buy," Wu Heng agreed.
"I'll gather funds tonight before other guilds beat me to it," Shanaila replied directly.
"Okay."
They chatted a bit longer, and Wu Heng updated the maid and Shanaila on the situation at Gold-Silver Island.
Overall, things hadn't changed much on Gold-Silver Island.
The newspaper series continued; the third great detective story had already started.
Several popular items continued to sell. Production of pens and watches was gradually increasing, and the bicycle factory had started manufacturing, though efficiency still needed improvement.
After confirming both sides were safe,
they ended the call.
...…
He hung up the mic and stationed skeletons to guard the radio.
Wu Heng took a sip of water and sat back in his chair, his mind drifting back over the day's events.
Capturing the White Wings Gang leader had originally been the last step of the plan.
He hadn't expected to discover the old man impersonating the Snake Emblem Consortium, leading to a clash with the military.
If he hadn't killed the city lord and brought the skeleton army into the city, who knows how it would've ended.
Wu Heng, Tapani, and Janvito definitely could've escaped, but the others?
There would've been casualties for sure.
"I thought it was the Kirin Path, but it turned out to be the Holy Veneration Sect," Wu Heng muttered with his teacup in hand.
Back on Gold-Silver Island, Wu Heng and Sheila Grey had analyzed the Ekow Kingdom's situation.
They'd uncovered plans involving the Kirin Path and suspected that the civil strife in Ekow Kingdom was largely tied to it.
They had been searching for related clues during the Netarei City investigation.
In the end, it was only during corpse questioning that they learned it was a sect backing the crown prince.
"Show-offs! Daring to kill a headquarters investigation team—of course they'll be branded a cult."
"The crown prince can kiss the throne goodbye."
Once the Guild started investigating the crown prince, whether it was officials supporting him or other sects and noble families,
they'd all hesitate to continue backing him.
After all, once the Guild found a reason, even royalty was meaningless.
Wu Heng then began thinking about his next steps.
With the Fifth Princess managing things here, and Shanaila coming too, it was a chance to raise his fame.
He had to stay tied to the Fifth Princess as much as possible.
If she joined the race for the throne, it would cause a stir in the kingdom.
And he'd ride the wave to boost his own reputation.
With that thought, he opened his panel.
[Level: 19 (347585/355000)]
[Fame: 19 (9582/66000)]
He didn't need to worry about EXP at all.
What he lacked was Fame.
"I'm level 19. Glenda is level 20. I have some standing now."
"I have to seize this opportunity."
...…
As he was thinking—
Glenda phased through the wall from outside and glanced at the study. "They're not back yet?"
"No. Maybe they went to watch some commotion," Wu Heng closed his panel and asked, "How's the city?"
When returning to the mansion, Wu Heng had released all three wraiths.
Mainly to check for hidden dangers in the city.
That level 18 Fist Master from the Holy Veneration Sect had escaped—he might attempt a surprise attack. If he dared kill an investigation team, attacking two people wouldn't be surprising.
Also, they needed to check if the disbanded military forces in the city were regrouping for trouble.
"No sign of other high-level Professionals. The city's a bit chaotic. Lots of gang fights, but the Guild is increasing patrols. Shouldn't be a major issue," Glenda replied.
Wu Heng nodded and said, "Shanaila will come from Gold-Silver Island tomorrow to buy some properties."
"No wonder she became the guild leader. Sharp instincts," Glenda praised, then asked, "Why don't you go pick her up? It's only a half-day trip."
She meant the Ghost Train.
"Better she comes by ship. Sudden appearances might draw Guild attention. We might need that time gap as cover later."
Glenda nodded thoughtfully. "True. We have time. She's probably the first to get the news and head over."
As they spoke, Xiaoxiao and Beni flew back.
"Uncle, nothing outside. Didn't spot any high-level people," Xiaoxiao floated near his shoulder and reported.
"Good." Wu Heng then asked, "Why are you two back so late today?"
"Beni and I watched a fight. It was intense!" Xiaoxiao waved her fists excitedly.
"Why were they fighting?"
"Something about catching people? Didn't really get it."
Oh boy, pure bystanders.
Clueless about the reason.
Beni said, "I overheard a bit. The ones being beaten were part of a forced conscription squad. They'd kidnapped people. The families came after them. Several families beat them up. Pretty brutal."
"Oh, that's what it was," Xiaoxiao realized. Then she asked, "What's a forced conscription squad?"
"Like, if your uncle didn't want to go to war, and those people came to take him by force. Beat him up if he refused."
"Ohhh, I get it now," Xiaoxiao nodded.
Since the city lord's death, those squads lost their privileged status.
Now that the fighting was over, if those taken returned alive, the families would just grumble.
But for the ones who didn't come back, their families would definitely seek revenge.
"Are they still fighting?" Wu Heng asked.
"No, patrols arrived and broke it up," Beni said.
"Good." Wu Heng nodded, stretched a bit, and said, "I'm going to rest. The battle drained me."
"Then give me the skill book."
"I still have my tablet—charge it for me!"
"Charging! You've watched those two cartoons a thousand times." Wu Heng pulled out the items.
"Then get me something new."
"When I find some." Wu Heng said and walked downstairs.
He reached the first floor.
He saw Philipa sitting on the living room couch, with the Fifth Princess Brittany massaging her shoulders and the young maid kneeling beside, pounding her legs.
"Put some strength into it! Didn't you eat?" Philipa barked.
Wu Heng walked over and pinched her cheek. "Bullying them, huh?"
"If I'd lost, the tavern would've been hers," Philipa said.
Brittany gritted her silver teeth but still said, "A bet's a bet. Philipa won. We admit it."
The two had made a wager before.
If the killer was the city lord, Brittany would lose and be Philipa's maid for a month, at her full disposal.
If the killer wasn't the city lord, the Nautilus Tavern would go to the Fifth Princess.
Although the real killer turned out to be the level 18 sect Protector, the city lord had also been involved—saying he was just an accomplice would be too lenient. He was one of the masterminds.
So, Philipa had won.
Seeing both parties willing to accept the outcome, Wu Heng couldn't say much. "Don't go too far."
Philipa tossed her head. "Go get me water. Brittany, go prepare my bath."
"Tch~!" Brittany scoffed and went upstairs.
The young maid went to get her water.
Philipa said, "Hey, how about letting Brittany keep you company tonight? I'm in charge now."
Brittany staggered on the stairs and nearly fell.
Wu Heng rolled his eyes at her. "Stop scaring her. A joke is fine."
"No way. She really wanted my tavern. She has to be my maid for a month," Philipa insisted.