Chapter 693, The Woman
"She's alive for sure?" Janvito pressed.
"That relic only works if the person is alive," Wu Heng explained.
The others who had gathered around also looked visibly pleased upon hearing this.
Ever since entering the city, the case had been a murky struggle. Though the Guild members seemed to investigate freely, there'd been no real progress.
Now, finally, a breakthrough: they'd located a relative of the murdered secret messenger.
A vital lead might emerge.
"Let's not waste time. This lead could vanish," Janvito said.
He feared someone else might find and silence her first.
Wu Heng glanced at the pendant and ordered, "Some of you stay here and guard the place. Janvito, the rest come with me. Are there horses? Bring them."
"Yes, sir!" came the energized response.
Two horses were brought over.
Wu Heng and the old mage mounted up and rode off, following the pendant's direction.
The skeleton attendants followed at a fast pace, creating some distance.
Further behind, the Guild members jogged after them.
The team split into three groups, racing down the street.
Passersby turned to stare.
......
Residential area.
The Guild squad entered with full momentum.
Residents on both sides quickly cleared out. Shops that were open hastily shut their doors.
Peering through cracks to watch the sudden commotion.
Whoa~!
Wu Heng tugged the reins and his horse stopped.
Janvito also halted and stroked his beard to maintain his appearance.
Wu Heng pointed to a house ahead. "This is the place."
It was a two-story brick-and-wood home.
Being a port city, the living conditions were relatively good.
"Doesn't seem like we're welcome," Janvito said, glancing around. "Where's your little wraith? Check for danger."
Wu Heng expanded his senses.
He picked up the sounds behind doors and peeking eyes.
The faint clinking of tools, signs of residents' wariness.
"No danger. The city's forced conscription made people cautious. Ignore them," Wu Heng said.
While they spoke—
The skeleton attendants and remaining Guild members arrived.
"Don't delay," Janvito urged.
Wu Heng motioned toward the house. "Knock."
A Guild member stepped forward and knocked.
Footsteps could be heard inside, but no reply.
"We're from the Guild. We just have a few questions."
Still silence.
"Break it down," Janvito ordered.
Bang~!
The member kicked the door.
It shuddered violently.
Bang~! On the second kick, it burst open.
Inside the dim house—
Three women and a child huddled together. One had a hand behind her back as if holding a weapon.
"What do you want? We stick together. Try anything and you won't like the result," one woman threatened.
"We're Guild members investigating a case," someone clarified.
"Looking for someone? You've got the wrong place."
"Does anyone here have a Guild connection?" a member asked.
Still no one replied.
Wu Heng looked at the pendant—it pointed to a woman in the back, under 30, her face streaked with soot but clearly defined.
"You're coming with us."
"No, no, I don't know anything," she backed away.
"We're from the Guild headquarters. A secret messenger died delivering a report. We traced it to you," Wu Heng said calmly.
Her eyes flickered. After a long pause, she said, "Why should I believe you?"
"Come to the Guild. You'll know soon enough," he replied.
Seeing the gathered forces outside, she knew escape was impossible.
She nodded. "I'll go with you."
"This way."
She grabbed her bag and followed them out.
The others all exited as well.
Wu Heng pulled a few silver coins from his ring and handed them to the others inside. "Sorry for the trouble—fix the door."
He left the coins on a side cabinet and departed with the team.
The return trip was less hurried.
They escorted the woman straight back to the Guild.
......
Inside the Guild Hall—
Elder Tapani sat rigidly, expression stern.
There'd been some progress today.
But it was unclear if it would truly help the case.
"Shall we send someone to escort them in?"
Tapani looked at the others. "No need. We'll wait here."
"What if there's still no solid intel?"
Tapani shot a glare, but still answered, "If there's nothing, we're not the ones who should worry—the Kingdom and this city should. If there's no result, the City Lord is done for."
"True. He should be the most worried."
"Blocking our entry and the suspicious gaps in this case—he's finished either way."
"Let's see if Wu Heng gets results."
As they spoke, footsteps echoed outside.
The door opened. Wu Heng entered with his team and a woman.
......
Janvito and Tapani exchanged a quick glance.
Tapani's stern face relaxed slightly.
"Wu Heng, what do you have?" he asked directly.
Wu Heng replied, "We spoke briefly on the way. She claims to be the dead messenger's wife. When the city went into chaos, she couldn't flee and hid in a civilian home."
Tapani nodded and looked at the plainly dressed woman. "Your name?"
She avoided his gaze and stepped back.
Wu Heng said, "This is Elder Tapani, the most powerful person in the city right now. Just answer truthfully—you'll be safe."
She gave a light bow. "My name is Flora."
"Did your husband leave you any message before he left?"
"Yes," she nodded.
Everyone reacted.
"What was it?" Tapani pressed.
She removed her outer coat, opened a seam in her inner garment, and pulled out a receipt from the Snake Emblem Consortium.
These receipts were common—valid without needing ID.
Wu Heng inspected it. The marks and anti-counterfeits were legitimate.
He handed it to an 18th-level investigator for verification.
It checked out.
Wu Heng continued, "Did he say anything else? Any warnings?"
"Um..." She hesitated. "I don't remember. He told me to hide if danger came, and wait for Guild HQ."
"What kind of person was he?" Wu Heng asked.
She froze, and the others looked at him oddly.
Then she began sobbing, telling the story of how they met and his sense of duty.
After some time passed—
Seeing nothing else could be learned, Wu Heng asked, "Anyone have more questions?"
"No. Get her a room to rest," Tapani said.
She was escorted out.
Once the door closed, Wu Heng looked to the priest. "Was she truthful?"
"Hard to say. She only said a few lines, then cried," the priest replied.
Tapani looked at her. "You think she's suspicious?"
"I'm not sure," Wu Heng added. "I'll check the local Snake Emblem Consortium. It was closed before—maybe I can find someone now."
"I'll go with you. Dean Janvito can stay here. If the intel holds up, we'll move immediately," Tapani said, standing.