Chapter 448, Kill Him First
Garrison?
Hearing this term in another world.
There's a bit of dissonance.
Shanaila curled her legs on the sofa, continuing to explain, "Gold-Silver Island's unique position means most trade needs to transit through here. So, various merchant guilds and factions have stationed personnel, both to protect their guilds and to act as oversight."
Wu Heng understood her meaning.
Gold-Silver Island was a crucial hub for maritime trade, but due to pirates, it wasn't trusted by merchant guilds or nations.
Under the guise of escorts, they'd stationed personnel here.
Protecting their respective guilds, and in case of danger, the guild's escorts could unite, forming a considerable fighting force.
"Haven't you inquired at City Hall or the garrison?"
Shanaila sighed, "I did, but they gave no clear answers, just official rhetoric. So, I wanted to ask you if the Guild has any intelligence."
Wu Heng had always thought this so-called joint fleet seemed unreliable.
But he had no evidence, just a gut feeling.
There was no reason to stop Starflower from participating in the anti-piracy operation.
At the time, pirates were rampant, severely disrupting trade routes, making merchant guilds impatient.
Wu Heng thought for a moment, then said, "Tomorrow, I'll ask the steward if there's any intelligence and let you know when I get back."
Shanaila burrowed into his arms, "Hmm, you're so good."
Minnie, seeing their business talk was over, leaned in from the side, teasing, "Good at what?"
Shanaila buried her face in his chest, murmuring softly, "Good at everything."
"So, Sister Shanaila, what do you like best about Master?"
Shanaila's face turned even redder, "Go away! You're still young; how dare you ask such things?"
"Hehe!" Minnie giggled mischievously.
Wu Heng glanced at the sky, pulling the blushing wood elf closer. "Are you going back tonight?"
Her voice grew smaller, "Up to you."
"Then you're not going back," Wu Heng said, lifting her into his arms. "Minnie, shall we include you tonight?"
Shanaila leaned against his chest, cautiously glancing at Minnie. "Give me some time, okay, Minnie?"
"I'll listen to Sister," Minnie smiled.
Wu Heng carried her upstairs.
...…
The next morning, after breakfast,
Shanaila left, and Andviel headed to the Guild for her shift.
Wu Heng disguised himself, stepped out, and hailed a carriage to Lighthouse Street.
The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Nautilus Tavern.
He pushed the door open and entered. Several bartenders were cleaning up.
A bartender near the door said, "We're not open yet, sir. You can come back this afternoon."
"I'm here to see Milisen. I'm her friend."
"Oh!" The bartender suddenly understood, gesturing upstairs. "Follow me, the boss is in her room."
They climbed the stairs together.
Stopping in front of Milisen's room, the bartender knocked lightly. "Boss, a lady is here to see you, says she's a friend."
"Let her in."
"Ma'am, please," the bartender said before turning to leave.
Entering the room,
Milisen was in a loose cream-colored nightgown, her face still showing traces of sleep.
She frowned at the figure in the doorway. "Who are you?"
Wu Heng removed the "Illusion Veil" from his head, revealing a black cloak underneath.
Removing the cloak's hood revealed his original appearance.
"My lord!" Milisen immediately stood up.
She recognized the Illusion Veil.
But hadn't expected there to be an additional protective layer inside. He was more cautious than before.
Wu Heng nodded. "There's been a lot going on lately. It's best to be careful."
"You're right," Milisen agreed.
Wu Heng sat down nearby, asking, "Have you gathered any intelligence recently?"
"Yes!" Milisen retrieved a notebook from the spatial ring hidden on her chest.
Flipping through its contents, she said, "A guest mentioned seeing some pirates coming ashore through the port, but nothing unusual happened. Another point is that the fleet's anti-piracy efforts seem effective. Many docked fleets haven't encountered pirate attacks."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. "How do you know about the fleet's anti-piracy operations?"
Milisen replied, "Some fleet members staying at the tavern mentioned it in conversation. They attributed the lack of pirate encounters to the fleet's efforts."
"Did those people see the Gold-Silver Island joint fleet?"
Milisen shook her head. "Probably not. From their conversation, it sounded like speculation linking the pirates' disappearance to the fleet."
Wu Heng nodded, understanding.
Milisen closed the notebook. "That's all the intel I've gathered. The tavern's been busy lately, but it's mostly merchants."
"Alright, no problem," Wu Heng continued. "Pack your things. You'll stay at my place for a while. Come back after some time."
"What about the tavern?" Milisen asked, surprised.
"Close it or leave it to a trusted employee. Your choice," Wu Heng said decisively.
Milisen didn't dare refuse, starting to pack her belongings. "I'll choose the second option, my lord."
After packing up,
Wu Heng donned his disguise and left with Milisen.
On the first floor, Milisen informed a staff member that she'd be returning to her hometown and left the tavern in their care.
They exited the tavern together.
Taking a carriage, they circled Lighthouse Street before heading back to Central Street.
...…
"Master, who is this?" Minnie asked, curious about Milisen.
"She's Philipa's mother. She'll stay here for now. Arrange a room for her," Wu Heng instructed.
Then, turning to Milisen, he added, "This is Minnie. She handles everything here. If you need anything, just ask her."
"Miss Minnie," Milisen greeted politely.
Minnie smiled. "There are free rooms on the second and third floors."
"I'll leave it to you, Miss Minnie."
"The second floor has a larger room facing south with good lighting. Let's use that one."
"Alright."
The two women chatted as they headed to the second floor.
Wu Heng went straight to the fourth floor and entered his study.
Sitting at his desk, he began organizing the intelligence he'd gathered over the past few days.
The missing merchant fleets, pirates entering Gold-Silver Island, the expanded garrison.
The island's owner was clearly linked to the blank envelopes.
And now, the cards were on the table.
He needed to kill him first.
Letting the opponent make the first move would only put them at a disadvantage.
Having made up his mind, Wu Heng immediately stood and went downstairs.
On the second floor, Minnie was directing skeletons to move furniture into a room.
"Master, heading out?" Minnie turned and asked.
"Yes. Stay home, and don't go out."
"Understood, Master."
Wu Heng left the house with his skeleton attendants and headed for the Guild.
...…
Steward's study.
Wu Heng entered, finding Imiro studying a nautical chart.
Imiro glanced up. "What is it?"
"Steward, I've gathered some intelligence to report," Wu Heng said.
"Let's hear it," Imiro said, setting the map aside.
Wu Heng quickly recounted the fragmented intelligence he'd gathered.
The island's owner, at level 18, had received pardons from the Guild and various factions. Killing him outright would be risky and difficult to justify later.
Besides, there was no need for Wu Heng to act personally.
With the Guild and Imiro present, why take the risk himself?
Imiro's expression remained neutral. "Your analysis is good. What's your suggestion?"
Wu Heng replied, "Steward, it's clear that the island owner has turned. He never intended to restore trade routes after receiving his pardon. What's unclear is whether he's acting on the blank envelopes or is the one sending them."
"Do you know his profession?" Imiro asked.
"According to Sheila Grey, he's a Warrior."
Imiro nodded. "By profession, a Warrior is more suited for execution than decision-making. It's more likely he's following the blank envelope orders."
Wu Heng's expression turned serious.
He said directly, "Steward, even if we don't kill him immediately, we should at least detain him to prevent any issues."