Chapter 732, Pretending to Sleep
Golden Sail Tavern.
At dusk, the tavern was bustling. Patrons sat in the main hall, chatting as they waited for the bard to perform.
To share local news or tell a story about the Great Detective.
In a private room on the second floor.
The weather was a bit stifling, but to block out the noise, the inner doors and windows were still shut.
"Ladies, that's the situation. Are any of you interested?"
Siska stood in the middle, looking around at the women seated around her, her face serious and earnest.
Gathered around were mostly maids and prostitutes from the island, with only a few bards among them.
Before the success of the stage play "Blushing Maid Beni", Siska wouldn't have had the prestige to gather so many women.
But now that the stage play had succeeded and she had the Lord's attention, she had become a leading figure among the island's maids.
It made gathering these women much easier.
"Madam Siska, I have a few questions," a heavily made-up woman sitting near the front suddenly spoke.
The woman wasn't young, but still retained decent looks.
"Go ahead!"
The woman cleared her throat and said, "We all know what men want. If the Lord himself brought this up, doesn't he have some ulterior motive?"
The women all turned to look at Siska.
Siska smiled and said, "To be blunt, our bodies aren't something the Lord would even look at. If he had other intentions, he wouldn't need to discuss it with us. He'd just take what he wanted and write a notice about it."
"But we need to eat. If we rehearse movies and plays all day, won't we lose our income?" another, younger woman said softly.
Siska looked at her, "Do you want the Lord to spoon-feed you everything, arrange your whole life for you?"
"If he's willing, of course I'd want that," the woman said coyly.
Laughter rippled through the room.
Siska continued, "According to the Lord, movies are much harder than stage plays, and the scripts need to be rewritten. Anyone with talent can try."
"Second, movies need a lot of people—extras, background roles—so if you want to participate, there's a place for you. Don't worry about doing a lot and getting nothing."
"And lastly, once a movie is shot, it plays on its own. We just stay home and get paid. The Lord will handle all the selling and screening."
"Really, it's like the Lord is feeding us. You just have to open your mouth and catch it. I just worry you're too used to stuffing things in to handle being fed."
Her crude joke made the women laugh again.
The first woman asked again, "We've all made money lying down. Can a script even be written?"
Siska said, "If we can't write it, we'll hire someone. Bards, scholars—we'll make it happen. For the Lord's trust and for ourselves."
Her sudden assertiveness stunned everyone.
No wonder she had led her group from relying on men to becoming a theater troupe leader.
She did have more backbone than most.
Seeing no one speak, Siska raised her voice, "Alright! Anyone willing to change and give it a try, come sign up. Tell me your skills—charming men doesn't count."
The women stirred.
They began walking over to sign up with Siska.
...…
Steward's Residence.
A magic circle formed in the courtyard, and Wu Heng appeared.
"You're here! Shiyali's already made dinner," said Sheila Grey, smiling not far away.
She had been waiting in advance.
Wu Heng smiled, "You're always feeding me. I feel bad."
Sheila Grey rolled her eyes, "Come on. If you feel bad, just eat more."
The two walked into the house together.
In the dining room, Shiyali wore light blue home clothes and was placing dishes on the table.
She smiled, "Perfect timing. The last dish just finished."
"You're really a great cook," Wu Heng complimented.
"What can I do? I have a sister who wants to be a hero and can't do anything but train," Shiyali joked. "Sit, let's eat."
Wu Heng sat down. The two women each found a seat beside him, one on each side.
"Try this—you didn't have it last time," Shiyali recommended some new dishes.
Sheila Grey gave her sister a look, clearly annoyed.
Wu Heng tasted each dish seriously, offering repeated praise.
Shiyali's cooking really was excellent, no worse than the skeleton chef at the Lord's Mansion. The flavors were fragrant.
"Try this honey wine," Shiyali refilled his glass.
"It hits harder later—don't drink too much," Sheila Grey warned softly.
Shiyali noticed and topped her own glass, "We're home, what's there to worry about? Drink with Wu Heng."
Sheila Grey looked at her full glass and began sipping slowly.
"I saw more construction in the central district. What's it for?" Shiyali asked casually, resting her chin in her hand.
"A theater. The movies you've seen will play there," Wu Heng replied.
Shiyali asked, "Will it be open to the public?"
"Yes. You two get the first look. If it's good, then it gets released to others."
"Good idea," Shiyali nodded with a smile, then glanced between him and Sheila Grey. "How far have you and my sister gone?"
Cough cough~!
Sheila Grey choked on her food, coughing violently.
She looked at Shiyali in shock, "Why would you ask that?"
Shiyali turned to Wu Heng, "How many women do you have?"
Wu Heng looked embarrassed, hesitated, "A few."
"Those maids?"
"Yeah," Wu Heng answered, glancing at Sheila Grey.
Her eyes showed curiosity, but at the mention of the maids, there was no change in expression.
After all, she had known about his relationship with Minnie and the others.
If she minded, she wouldn't be close to him now.
"No need to be so cautious. With your status, having maids handle your daily life isn't odd," Shiyali smiled. "Will you reach Level 18?"
Wu Heng looked at her—her gaze was serious.
"Is level that important?"
"We live long. If you reach a high level, we'll have more time together. So yes, it matters," Shiyali explained.
Sheila Grey looked at her sister in surprise.
When it was just the two of them, she'd said Wu Heng would surely reach Level 18, and praised him endlessly.
But today she sounded stricter.
Sheila Grey whispered, "Don't feel pressured. I don't care about that."
Wu Heng looked at them.
Both had a hint of hope in their eyes.
"Don't worry. Level 18 isn't hard," Wu Heng said confidently.
"Told you he was confident," Shiyali smiled.
Wu Heng changed the topic, "Do you think showing a pirate movie might promote bad behavior?"
"Bad behavior? Like what?" Sheila Grey asked.
"Like making pirates seem cool. Some islanders might go back to being pirates," Wu Heng explained.
"Possible..."
They continued eating and chatting, the atmosphere lightened again.
Honey wine tasted like fruit wine, but the kick came after a while.
All three faces turned a little red.
After eating and drinking,
They cleaned up the table together.
Shiyali said, "Talking is boring. Let's play King's Command! Wu Heng, do you know it?"
Wu Heng frowned, "A game?"
"Wait a sec," Shiyali got up, fetched a deck of cards, and picked out three.
"It's simple. Everyone draws one card. The King gives an order. The commoners must obey."
The rules were easy.
Sheila Grey added, "We can play, but no outrageous commands."
"Okay, let's draw!"
Each drew a card and placed it in front.
"Alright, check your cards! Let's see who's King today."
They flipped the cards. Shiyali gleefully raised hers, "I'm the King. Sheila Grey is a commoner."
Sheila Grey glanced at Wu Heng, a bit helpless.
Shiyali grinned, "Commoner, I order you to get up and dance for us."
Sheila Grey frowned, "I don't know how to dance."
"Wu Heng, do you want to see?" Shiyali asked.
"Yes," Wu Heng nodded seriously.
"Wu Heng wants to see—just dance a little."
Sheila Grey, resigned, got up and swayed her waist lightly.
After the dance,
They drew cards again. Shiyali was still King; Wu Heng was the commoner.
Both looked at Shiyali, who laughed, "I order the commoner to copy Sheila Grey's dance—exactly."
"Damn! That's too much," Wu Heng protested.
Sheila Grey's eyes sparkled, "Rules are rules. I danced."
Wu Heng hesitated, then got up and mimicked her moves.
The sisters burst into laughter.
...…
A few rounds later, the novelty wore off.
The honey wine's effects grew stronger. Shiyali leaned on his shoulder.
Sheila Grey only glanced at the gesture, said nothing, and leaned on his other shoulder.
One on each side, they both leaned on him.
Wu Heng, with his strong constitution, just felt warm and tipsy.
Sheila Grey, a melee class with a decent level,
Had decent resistance to abnormal effects.
But Shiyali seemed groggy and started mumbling nonsense.
"I'm dizzy. I need to lie down," Shiyali whispered.
Sheila Grey walked over, "Told you the wine was strong. You drank too much."
They laid Shiyali flat on the living room rug, covering her with a thin blanket.
...…
Once Shiyali was settled,
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey sat by the window.
Sheila Grey leaned gently on his shoulder, the two gazing at the night.
"I'll be leaving for a few days. You'll need to hold the fort," Wu Heng said softly.
Sheila Grey stiffened, "Why again?"
"Just some things. Nothing dangerous. I'll be back in a few days," Wu Heng said calmly.
"It's dangerous outside lately. Don't take risks," Sheila Grey said worriedly.
"Got it."
Wu Heng stroked her cheek; their eyes met.
His gaze moved to her red lips, drawing closer.
Sheila Grey pushed his face away, "Shiyali's right there."
"She's asleep. Just a quick kiss," Wu Heng coaxed.
"No."
"Just one kiss. We'd be done by now," Wu Heng said again.
Sheila Grey hesitated, then let him come close.
What started as a quick kiss became a deep entanglement.
Her eyes were full of anxiety and fear, constantly glancing at her sleeping sister.
"Light..." Sheila Grey murmured.
Wu Heng casually flung a slipper—hit the switch. Darkness.
Only faint light from the window remained.
In the dark, Sheila Grey was no longer shy, arms around his neck, losing herself.
The two collapsed together on the floor.
Wu Heng lifted her clothes; she shyly slipped a hand under his shirt, touching his muscles.
Amid the rustling sounds,
They lay tightly embraced on the floor.
Suddenly, Wu Heng felt eyes on him.
Looking past Sheila Grey, he saw in the dim light—a pair of bright eyes staring at him.
Shiyali, wrapped in the blanket, cheeks flushed with alcohol,
Was watching them directly.
Damn!
His body tensed.
"Don't move!" Sheila Grey whispered.
Wu Heng froze, holding her tightly. Less than a meter away, Shiyali stared.
He was about to explain.
But Shiyali smiled, reached out a pale finger.
She touched his lips, then slipped it into his mouth.
Wu Heng's eyes widened. He didn't dare move. What was she doing?
She took her finger out—and put it in her own mouth.
What the hell?
Was she asleep or awake?
Was she sleepwalking?
This was weird, unsettling—and strangely exciting.
Sheila Grey stayed pressed against him, unaware her sister was awake. She whispered, "Move."
How the hell could he move in this situation?
Just then, Shiyali slowly closed her eyes—as if falling back asleep.
Wu Heng shifted slightly; Sheila Grey let out a soft moan.
Shiyali opened her eyes again, grabbed his hand, and interlocked fingers.
...…
Late at night, Wu Heng left the room.
Sheila Grey tidied her clothes and followed.
"I have to take care of Shiyali, can't let you stay here," she said, adjusting his collar.
"I know. We'll stay at my place next time," Wu Heng caressed her cheek.
"I'll see you off when you leave Gold-Silver Island."
"If you see me off, everyone will know I'm leaving. I'll be back soon. I'll visit then," Wu Heng said gently.
Sheila Grey agreed, "I have to get back and take care of Shiyali. No idea why she drank so much."
Wu Heng gave an awkward smile.
Sheila Grey returned; Wu Heng used teleportation to go back to the Lord's Mansion.
...…
Back in his bedroom,
Wu Heng quickly washed up and lay on the bed.
Recalling what happened earlier,
His heart pounded again.
"What was with Shiyali?"
She watched the whole thing play out.
It was scary—and oddly exciting.
Because she was watching—and she was Sheila Grey's sister—they'd ended sooner than they might've.
Before leaving, he'd glanced at Shiyali.
Her eyes were closed again, but he could tell—she was pretending.
"Was it on purpose?"
Invited him to dinner, served honey wine, passed out first.
Everything felt staged.
Even if Wu Heng didn't think both sisters liked him,
The signs showed Shiyali had a strong feeling for him.
"Honestly, Shiyali's pretty great."
"Just not sure if Sheila Grey can accept that."
...…
The next morning.
The whole household sat in the dining room. Philipa had arrived early for breakfast.
Wu Heng said, "Today I'm going to Rentam City. Viel will handle things on the island."
"Okay, Master," Andviel nodded.
Wu Heng turned to Philipa, "Stay a few more days. Take the tinkerers with you when you leave."
"Sure! What about Janvito's skill book? If I don't bring it back, the old man will flip."
Wu Heng handed her two books, "Tell him Gold-Silver Island plans to start a mage research institute. Invite him to live here."
"Got it. I'll tell him," Philipa stored the books in her spatial ring. "When will you take me to see Rentam City? I've never seen orcs... Minnie doesn't count."
"Next time, if there's a chance," Wu Heng smiled.
Then he turned to Minnie and the others, giving each some
After breakfast, he took along some supplies Minnie had prepared for the journey.
He put on the [Conductor's Hat], waved goodbye to the maids, and boarded the train.
...…
Wood Elf Parliament Hall.
The hall was spacious and bright. The smooth marble floor was covered with a long, slender carpet decorated with vine and clover patterns, extending deep into the hall.
At the very front, high steps led up to a semicircular arrangement of numerous seats.
The seats weren't full. Four wood elves in various ornate robes were seated scattered about.
An elderly wood elf spoke, "News from Gold-Silver Island—Wu Heng wants to purchase the formula for the Plant Growth Potion."
Another wood elf said, "What's there to discuss? Treat him like other kingdoms—just refuse. He's not worthy of special treatment."
"Don't be so quick to refuse. Look at this first," the elder said, gesturing.
Several newspapers floated to the others.
The elder pointed, "Just read the Great Detective story in the lower-left corner. Save the rest for later."
Everyone refocused on the papers.
Their brows furrowed.
The main investigation team had been attacked in the Kingdom of Ekow—they only learned of it through the newspaper.
"What are you suggesting?" another asked.
The elder's tone remained calm, "That city lord once traded with our merchant guild. He was Level 16. Wu Heng went alone and killed him. His level and strength are beyond what we expected."
"You want to agree to his request? We already made an exception letting him get close to Shanella," someone warned.
Another added, "We can sell them potion concentrates. No need to give the formula."
The elder shook his head. "Of course we're not selling it now. But I'm thinking—it's been a long time since our tribe had a hero. Don't you think someone nearing Level 18 in his twenties could become one?"
The others raised their brows, instantly understanding.
Having a hero from another race could also benefit the tribe.
Especially given their decent relations so far.
And Shanella's close bond with him.
"Are you sure he'll become a hero? If we give the formula, we lose control."
"No—we wait until he proves he can reach Level 18."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
...…
The train door opened.
Wu Heng stepped off with two skeleton attendants, also releasing three phantoms.
"Confirm the direction to Rentam City," Wu Heng said.
Xiaoxiao flew into the air, scanned the area, then quickly descended.
Pointing ahead, she said, "Uncle, the city's that way—and there's a skeleton rider coming from behind."
A skeleton rider?
"What about that side?"
"There's a road going that way."
Wu Heng pushed through the brush and saw the road leading to Rentam City.
And in the distance,
A skeleton rider was galloping toward them, a cloud of dust behind him.
"Wu Heng, don't go out. Someone's approaching—the target might be that skeleton rider," Glenda's voice sounded in his ear.
Xiaoxiao added, "There are people—five of them, around Level 10, moving this way."
The two phantoms reported.
As the skeleton rider neared, a group dressed like a mercenary squad rushed out.
The leading Warrior charged with a shield, ramming the horse's belly.
The others readied for battle.