Chapter 702, We Were All Young Once
The Kingdom's Fifth Princess?
Philipa's words made everyone frown, then they all turned to Wu Heng in unison.
Originally, they were just investigating a city in the YEkow Kingdom.
Now you're telling us there's a princess on your ship?
Everyone stared at him. Wu Heng paused in his eating and explained, "The YEkow Kingdom is in chaos. The Fifth Princess fled to Gold-Silver Island. I reported this with Steward Sheila Grey to headquarters."
"How did she get here?" Tapani followed up.
"She heard the Guild was investigating Netare City, so she snuck aboard the fleet. The ships were already at sea, so we had no choice but to let her come. I didn't think this mission would be that serious, so I didn't mention it. Don't worry, she wasn't involved in the city's actions or the kingdom's conflicts."
On the return trip, Philipa had briefly explained the princess's situation.
Facing a military assault, she even offered herself as a hostage to save the Guild members.
What can you say?
This Fifth Princess seemed like someone rarely exposed to darkness—an idealist who still held onto faith and justice.
Janvito stroked his beard, "Sigh~! Be more careful next time. How could someone sneak aboard like that?"
"Exactly, it's hard to justify an outsider sneaking into a task force."
"Wu Heng, you're such a great detective, and you didn't notice? Was it because she's pretty?"
"Well, Wu Heng is still young. That's not too strange."
"We were all young once—pretty girls, you know!"
Everyone joked, lightening the mood in the room.
A look of shared understanding—like they'd all been young before.
"Huh?" Wu Heng realized their misunderstanding and quickly said, "No, she snuck in on a headquarters ship. The Gold-Silver Island ships are all skeletons. How could a living person sneak on board?"
The room fell silent.
Damn, they'd been teasing him for nothing—she came from the headquarters ship.
They exchanged glances, a little embarrassed.
Tapani said, "Alright, it's fine if she came along—as long as she doesn't have ulterior motives. What does everyone think about letting this Fifth Princess manage the city?"
Janvito stroked his beard, "I have no objections. Her presence will save us a lot of trouble."
Others chimed in.
"I think it's fine too."
"Her managing the city helps us. Anyone else might pose a danger."
Tapani nodded and looked at Wu Heng, "What do you think?"
Wu Heng replied, "We should ask her if she's willing first."
Tapani downed his drink and said, "Alright, let's assign tasks. Each team plan patrols and maintain city order. Wu Heng, go explain the situation to the princess—see if she's willing to manage the city."
"Understood!" the members replied.
Wu Heng nodded as well.
"Okay then. Eat light for now. Tonight we'll have a proper meal." Tapani clapped his hands.
Everyone stood and left the cabin together.
They began to carry out their assigned duties.
At the doorway—
"Wu Heng," Tapani called again.
Wu Heng looked over.
"After you talk to the princess, come back for the questioning. The headquarters task isn't over yet."
"Got it."
Wu Heng replied and walked toward the inner cabin.
Philipa went up to the deck to direct skeletons to clear floating barrels of explosives from the sea.
......
Inside a cabin—
Fifth Princess 'Brittany' sat in a chair, staring blankly at the table.
The Guild members had returned.
Some intel had been brought back with them.
It confirmed that City Lord Darsil had ordered the military to attack the headquarters investigation team.
He had tried to trap them in the city and kill them all.
Headquarters would surely pursue this matter.
Netare City was finished. So was the YEkow Kingdom.
After her father died, why had the kingdom turned out like this?
Rotten to the core.
Knock knock knock~!
Then came a knock at the door.
"Fifth Princess, it's Wu Heng. Are you in there?"
Brittany's dead gaze regained some light. "Please come in, Lord Island Master."
The door opened, and Wu Heng stepped in, looking at her.
"Where's your little maid?"
"I wanted to be alone for a bit, so I sent her out," Brittany answered softly.
From her eyes, Wu Heng saw no spark.
Worse than when she was on the island—lifeless.
"Feeling down?" Wu Heng sat nearby.
Brittany didn't reply.
Wu Heng continued, "We'll investigate what really happened. I'll tell you the results when we know."
"Thank you." Her tone was emotionless.
Wu Heng frowned slightly.
She wasn't right.
In truth, he could relate to her mood.
He'd once returned from another world to find his home gone and the world overrun by zombies.
For a long time, he'd been trapped in deep gloom.
A gloom that couldn't be shaken.
"Disappointed in the kingdom?"
"Yes." Brittany answered without hesitation.
Wu Heng had been about to ask her about managing the city—but held back.
If he brought it up now, she might think the Guild just wanted to use her.
Especially in her current state, she might reject the idea outright.
After thinking a moment, he asked, "Last time, you said you wanted to build your own force and restore the kingdom. Still planning on it?"
Brittany looked at him in surprise.
She'd thought he'd offer comfort and platitudes.
But instead, he brought up what she'd said the first time they met.
Wu Heng continued, "You're disappointed because you see the kingdom getting worse."
"Yes."
"Then at the root, it's because the people in charge aren't fit to rule. But from what I've seen, you're not bad."
Brittany stared blankly, blurting out, "You support me reclaiming the kingdom?"
"That depends—do you have the determination?" Wu Heng looked at her. "We've seen Netare City. Maybe the rest of the kingdom is just as bad—even your capital."
"I... What should I do?"
Wu Heng leaned in, speaking softly, "Netare City has no lord now. The elders are discussing candidates. I'll speak on your behalf—see if we can get you appointed. Then you can start building from there."
Brittany's eyes wavered. She hesitated. "I'm afraid I'll mess it up."
"Could it be worse than now? Brittany, you're smart and kind, which makes you a bit too emotional. But if you really want to do this, you won't be worse than your brothers." Wu Heng said seriously.
"Really?" Brittany looked up suddenly.
"You still don't believe me?"
"I believe you. I'm willing to manage this city and stabilize things." Brittany nodded firmly.
Wu Heng stood up. "Then get ready. I'll tell the elders. If they agree, we'll send you to the City Lord's manor."
"Thank you."
Wu Heng nodded and stepped out.
Brittany still looked a bit dazed. She picked up a mirror and looked at her tired face.
......
Stepping out, Wu Heng exhaled deeply.
The events in Netare City had nearly driven the Fifth Princess into depression.
The army attacking the Guild must have deeply shaken her.
He stepped onto the deck.
Elder Tapani and others stood chatting nearby.
Seeing him come out, they asked, "How did it go?"
"It hit her hard, but she accepted our proposal. She'll take charge as a princess," Wu Heng said.
They all nodded. "Good. Let's begin the questioning."
Wu Heng took out Darsil's body and unwrapped the tapestry, revealing his face.
He cast [Dead Talk]. The corpse sat upright.
Its gaze turned toward them.
Wu Heng looked at the others. Seeing no one speak, he asked, "Who killed the local steward?"
The corpse answered, "Luchana."
That name had come up before.
During the interrogation of the fake Snake Emblem Consortium elder, he'd said the person behind it all was Commander 'Luchana'.
Wu Heng continued, "Why did he kill him?"
The corpse replied, "He discovered Luchana's identity as a cult protector. He feared the information would reach the Guild."
Everyone's brows furrowed.
It involved a cult.
Cults acted recklessly. Many spread their faith without concern, even if a local steward died.
The princess had been right—someone in the kingdom was colluding with a cult.
Tapani turned to the investigator. "Did you record that?"
"Yes," he nodded.
Wu Heng asked the corpse, "Why did you attack the headquarters investigation team?"
The corpse said, "You found key evidence. Luchana said if you left, headquarters would come and arrest him. Killing you bought him time."
That "key evidence" was the fake consortium elder.
That elder had indeed said the Commander and City Lord were involved.
Fourth question—Wu Heng asked, "How did he become Netare City's commander?"
"The First Prince's reinforcements arrived during a siege and saved the city."
Fifth and final question.
Wu Heng asked, "Which cult does he belong to?"
"The Holy Veneration Sect."