Chapter 694, Arrest
The old mage stroked his beard. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I can't catch anyone?"
"That's not it. But if this really involves the city lord or the military, the Elder's presence carries more weight."
Janvito didn't argue. "Go ahead. Just don't forget to send someone back with updates."
"Alright, let's go."
The team adjusted. Wu Heng, Tapani, and others set out for the Snake Emblem Consortium.
......
On the battleship—
The Fifth Princess stood at the railing, arms folded, gazing toward Netaray City. Her golden hair blew in the wind.
It had been months since she'd left the Kingdom.
Now returning, she hadn't expected that once-prosperous Netaray—key to the Kingdom's maritime trade—would be in such a state.
It felt like a dead city.
She didn't know what Golden-Silver Island was like before, but it was surely better than this.
One was thriving, the other decaying.
Complete opposites.
"Could it really be tied to Netaray?" she muttered.
She admired and trusted Wu Heng completely.
But she feared it truly involved the city's authorities.
If so, it was truly rotten to the core.
"Brittany, what are you doing?" Philipa walked over holding fruit, glancing at the city.
"Just enjoying the view."
Philipa handed her a piece. "Why are you so sure the city lord didn't kill the steward?"
The princess replied, "It's not that I trust him—it's his track record. He's helped shape policies and develop the city. He wouldn't do something so foolish."
Philipa munched fruit. "People change. Maybe he was forced."
"You missed my point."
"Then explain it."
"He may change, but he's not stupid. Killing a steward brings serious consequences. No local leader would risk that."
Philipa thought a moment, then fed her parrot. "What if it was him?"
"Why are you fixated on him?"
"Just a hunch. If someone died quietly on the ship, it had to be someone who could cover it up."
The princess narrowed her eyes. "Wanna bet?"
"On what?"
"Your island tavern."
Philipa raised an eyebrow. "And if you lose?"
"Do what you want."
"You'll serve under me for a month—and your little maid too."
"Deal. You'll be the one crying."
"I'm not some helpless noble shut-in."
......
Snake Emblem Consortium headquarters.
The front door was shut. Even the tavern sign was gone.
The Guild stood outside.
Wu Heng said, "The Consortium operated below this tavern. It's all closed now."
Elder Tapani looked around. "Knock."
Knock knock knock~
A Guild member rapped on the door.
Repeatedly.
No answer.
"Forget knocking—get it open," Wu Heng said.
A rogue stepped up, pulled out tools, and worked on the lock.
In moments, the door opened to a relatively clean hall.
Wu Heng stepped in and frowned slightly.
The place had clearly been maintained.
"They're downstairs," Wu Heng said, leading them down.
They descended the stone steps toward the basement.
Halfway down, a figure appeared at the end of the corridor, lit eerily by glowstones.
A man in formal attire stood there.
"We're not accepting guests right now."
Wu Heng handed over a receipt. "Sorry. Just here to retrieve something."
The man glanced at it. "Wait here."
He returned shortly with a box.
"Please leave."
Message clear, they left.
Once outside—
The door slammed shut behind them.
They heard extra locks clicking into place.
......
Outside the tavern—
"Open it," Tapani said.
Wu Heng opened the box. Inside was a letter.
Everyone perked up.
Not valuables—just information.
They read it together.
Their brows furrowed.
The letter detailed the murder and the culprit.
It explained:
The Twin Dragon Gang's leader was a former pirate.
He'd attacked trade caravans. The steward and secret messenger had been investigating.
When they got close, the steward was ambushed and killed.
Chaos followed. The Guild was sealed off. Gangs were drafted into the army to hunt the messenger.
The messenger left this letter and fled to seek help.
Everyone frowned.
So it was a local gang after all.
They'd expected a battle with the army. And now this?
An investigator began copying the letter word for word.
"Elder!" Wu Heng called.
Tapani snapped out of it. "We're going to the City Lord's estate. We want that man."
......
Clatter clatter~
Bones clacked through the street.
Guild members plus over a hundred skeleton soldiers marched on the City Lord's manor.
Seeing the force, chaos erupted ahead. Soldiers rushed to the walls.
"Who goes there? This is restricted!" guards shouted.
The Guild replied, "We're here for a wanted criminal. Interfere and you'll be punished."
The standoff was instant and tense.
Then a voice called out, "Lower your weapons—stay calm!"
City Lord Darsil appeared atop the wall, surprised.
"Guild masters, what's the meaning of this?"
Tapani stepped forward. "City Lord Darsil, we've identified the killer. We need your cooperation."
"You have? Of course, I'll help."
"Open the gate. We'll explain."
Darsil hesitated, then nodded. "I'll come down. Keep your men calm."
The gate opened. Darsil stepped out. "Who is it?"
"The Twin Dragon Gang's leader. He's now an officer in your army."
Darsil's eyes widened. "Impossible!"
Tapani sneered. "Let's bring him out and ask together."
"I must check first."
"Then bring him out. We'll all ask."
......
Clatter clatter~
A unit marched over.
They surrounded the Guild team. The tide turned.
"Expecting reinforcements, Lord Darsil?" Tapani reached for his sword.
"Not at all." Darsil called to the new commander. "Do we have Twin Dragon Gang members in our ranks?"
"Twin Dragon Gang?"
The commander thought, then nodded. "Yes."
"Where is their leader? Bring him."
"He died in battle against the rebels over a week ago."
The Guild's expressions shifted.
Gone again?
Darsil asked, "Any of his men still alive?"
"Probably."
"Find them. Bring everyone in."