Chapter 730: Reputation Plan
Share the Kingdom!
Seeing her make this decision was still a bit surprising.
That Brittany would make such a promise—and it didn't even sound like something she would think of herself.
Most likely someone advised her, or something happened that made her think to write to him and make such a promise.
But to be fair, this decision made Brittany seem more mature.
Able to recognize reality instead of believing in some heroic tale where a simple wave gathers people to explore and fight.
"What did Brittany say?" Philipa circled around and stood on her toes to look at the letter.
"Netalei City's development plans—and she wants our help reclaiming the throne," Wu Heng said, handing her the letter.
Philipa glanced at it and tossed it aside. "Help how? Sounds like robbery. It's not that simple."
"She said the Kingdom would be split and co-managed with us."
The bold Philipa froze, then said word by word, "Then we gotta help!"
"No rush. Don't go running your mouth either." Wu Heng sipped his tea. "Netalei City's all good?"
"All good! The Guild's stationed there, and with so many patrolling skeletons, who would come and die there?" Philipa added, "Tapani wants the newspaper sent over ASAP. Also, Janvito says to take good care of the skill books he lent you and bring them back when I return."
Wu Heng still had Janvito's two skill books.
The skills had already been unlocked—[Summon Lightning] and [Summon Arrow Rain].
He left in a rush earlier and didn't have time to return the books.
Honestly, dragging it out was better.
Otherwise, unlocking two skills in a few days would be a bit much.
"Remind me to return the books when you go back," Wu Heng said.
"Got it." Philipa jumped up. "That's it. I'm heading to the tavern."
"Not staying for dinner?"
"I just came to deliver news. I'll check in on Milison—haven't seen her in a while. I'll be back later." Philipa snapped her fingers and her parrot flew to her shoulder. She nodded slightly at Wu Heng.
"Go on back," Wu Heng said.
Philipa walked out to the courtyard and shouted to Minnie, "Minnie, I'm heading out. I'll be back tonight for that movie you mentioned."
"Go on! Don't be late," Minnie replied.
"Alrighty!" And with that, she left the Lord's Mansion.
...…
The living room was now quiet with only Wu Heng inside.
He sipped his tea and looked again at the Fifth Princess's letter.
Share the Kingdom.
That was the biggest promise she could make.
The Kingdom of Ekow—vast land, large population—a strong foundation for future growth.
Both in resources and in enhancing his reputation.
And right now, he was stuck on reputation and had been working toward improving it.
"But... it's risky right now," Wu Heng murmured.
All the intelligence coming in lately made the Kingdom of Ekow seem increasingly dangerous.
Multiple cults, many involving level 18 Professionals, and the Snake Emblem Consortium's leader had also gone toward the royal capital.
Add in the Guild's investigation team from before—
It looked like a huge battle was brewing.
One involving level 18 Professionals and clashes between Heroes.
If he got involved openly, it might bring war to Gold-Silver Island.
"Tough call."
Wu Heng finished his tea and walked upstairs.
He went straight to the radio room.
Picking up the mic, he asked, "Shanela, are you there?"
He waited a bit but didn't hear her voice.
Seemed like she wasn't in.
Wu Heng continued, "If you see this message, let me know."
With that, he hung up and headed upstairs.
...…
After dinner—
Wu Heng went back upstairs.
The maids had prepared snacks and drinks, and all went together to the home theater.
After finding their seats—
"What's this? All mysterious," Philipa said.
"It's a movie. Super exciting," Robe said.
"A stage play? I hate those—so fake and weirdly acted," Philipa said, crossing her arms with disinterest.
But she was still curious about the upcoming movie.
Thud~!
The sound system kicked in, making Philipa jolt.
The opening played—the Demon King Sauron appeared forging the magic ring in lava.
Philipa jumped up with a machine gun in hand.
Her green parrot flapped away in panic.
"Knew she'd get scared."
"She talks tough but scares easy."
"Hehe!"
The maids all laughed. Philipa quickly realized it was just a movie and not dangerous.
Andviel gently said, "Put the gun away. Don't accidentally damage the equipment."
Philipa put the gun away and sat down with a cough. "Just a reflex to danger."
The others snickered.
Andviel explained, "It's fine. Like the promo videos at expos—pre-recorded footage. Just relax and enjoy."
"Oh, okay." Philipa nodded.
Robe leaned in. "The later parts are even more epic. Steward Sheila Grey thought it might be Elven history!"
"That dramatic?"
"Totally!"
"Hush now, let's watch."
They quieted down, snacking and watching the movie.
...…
Radio room.
Wu Heng leaned on the desk. Shanela's voice came through. "Philipa's back?"
"She arrived this afternoon."
"Your kind of ship is really fast—cut travel time in half," Shanela said.
Seemed like she'd been tracking Philipa's timing.
Wu Heng said, "Brittany wrote to me. Did you know?"
"I knew she wrote, but not the contents. What did she say?" Shanela asked curiously.
"She promised that if she takes the throne, she'll share the Kingdom with me."
"Smart girl. Caught on quick."
"I knew you put her up to it," Wu Heng said.
Shanela laughed, "I didn't tell her that. Just said your future's bright, and if she wants your help, she better show sincerity."
Wu Heng asked, "What do you think of the offer?"
"If you can help her, go for it. Even gaining control of a few cities benefits both you and Brittany," Shanela said, with the logic of a merchant.
Taking action would be worthwhile—even gaining a few cities or territories was a win.
All of it would help future growth.
And if he actually put Brittany on the throne, that would be huge.
A Kingdom backing him was no small thing—far beyond what Gold-Silver Island could match.
"You've got a point," Wu Heng said. "Tell Brittany I'll help, but I can't promise how things will end."
"Right now, we're the only ones willing to help her. It's tough for her," Shanela said.
Wu Heng reminded, "This is just between us. Don't spread it. Be careful when going out. Don't leave the city."
"Is something wrong?"
"Got intel—many cults gathering in the Kingdom of Ekow, plus level 18 Professionals. Be cautious," Wu Heng said.
Shanela got serious. "Got it. I'll warn Brittany too."
"Tell her not to rush. Wait for my plan. We'll decide based on the situation."
"Alright."
After chatting a bit more, they ended the call.
Wu Heng left the radio room, glanced at the maids watching the movie, and headed upstairs to his study.
He chatted a while with the ghosts in the study.
As night fell, he went to rest.
...…
In the bedroom.
Wu Heng lay on the bed, thinking again about Brittany's letter.
He really didn't have strong interest in the Kingdom of Ekow.
But his reputation needed a population base to rise.
Helping Brittany ascend the throne would benefit him too.
"Still not the right time to get involved."
"For now, I'll just deliver some bullets to Wen Mansa and reassess."
Wu Heng settled on his next steps.
First, go to Rentam City and deliver the ammo to Wen Mansa, spending some time with the mother and daughter.
Then evaluate how much of northern Ekow the skeleton army could occupy and consider Brittany's matter afterward.
"Alright, that's the plan."