Chapter 828, So It Was an Experiment
As expected!
Just like Princess Natalia had said—brief contact might be enough to fool them.
But long-term impersonation of the Second Prince wouldn't be so easy.
Sure enough, the two of them came to see him first thing in the morning.
Their words were direct tests.
Wu Heng showed a trace of embarrassment and answered with a smile, "Of course I remember. It was Instructor Zigmont who trained us. I never liked it and learned slowly, so you found someone to help me in secret. With their help, I passed his test."
Minister Edwin nodded slightly. The first question checked out.
Before he could continue—
Wu Heng sighed again, trying to steer the topic back to current events. "If I'd worked harder back then, maybe things would be better now."
"Everyone grows differently, Your Highness. You shoulder the burden of restoring the kingdom. Don't dwell on the past," Minister Edwin said, then added another question, "Do you recall the time we were walking in the garden and met a squirrel? You even gave it a name—what was it again?"
"Zoe. It ran away later. We looked for it for a long time but never found it," Wu Heng replied softly.
After the questions, the minister had made up his mind.
Returning to his seat, he glanced at the Commander-in-Chief beside him and gave a small nod.
All the questions had been private memories—he could recall them easily.
That proved the prince before them had no issues.
The test was over.
Only then did Commander-in-Chief Seldan speak. "Your Highness, please explain what exactly happened in Nilari City. Who was behind the attack?"
The renewed topic allowed Wu Heng to breathe easier.
Looks like he'd passed the test.
He had read the diary last night and talked with the princess for half the night.
He remembered most of the key points.
But he still feared they might ask about something he didn't know.
Wu Heng leaned on his forehead, wearing a pained expression. "Ditalio. He colluded with the Secret Cult and arranged several 18th-level Professionals to attack Nilari City."
The two ministers exchanged glances.
So it really was someone from the First Prince's side.
Commander-in-Chief asked, "What was the situation like then?"
Last night, soldiers had already been dispatched to Nilari City.
But confirmation would take a few days.
For now, they could only ask questions to get a general sense.
"All I know is there were four assassins. I don't know how they found my residence. It was chaotic. I escaped under my guards' protection," Wu Heng said, sighing again.
As if recalling a shameful moment.
"What are Your Highness's plans?" the commander asked again.
Wu Heng took a deep breath and said slowly, "My presence here must stay secret to avoid more assassin attacks. Let's wait for Nilari City to send back more details. Then we can make follow-up plans."
"Understood, Your Highness. I'll strengthen the city's defenses and await further intel," said the commander.
Wu Heng nodded.
At that moment, Glenda slowly stood up.
She was still possessing the Secret Cult elder, wrapped tightly, though her skin already showed signs of severe aging.
After bowing, she said, "Your Highness, please allow me to leave briefly and transfer more funds."
Before Wu Heng could reply—
Minister Edwin spoke first, "Leaving now might draw attention."
Polite words—but clearly worried that the Second Prince's whereabouts might be exposed.
"I have my methods. I guarantee the enemy won't detect me," Glenda said calmly.
Both ministers looked at Wu Heng, waiting for his response.
Wu Heng said, "If you're confident, then pick a good time to leave. Just don't attract notice."
"Yes, Your Highness," Glenda nodded and sat back down.
The formal discussion ended.
They sat a while longer and chatted casually.
Then the two ministers rose, bowed, and left.
......
Wu Heng remained seated for a bit.
Then Beni flew in from outside.
She said, "No issues. They took a carriage home. While chatting, they also said you checked out fine."
Glenda commented, "They saved their own necks."
"Exactly," Xiaoxiao agreed.
Wu Heng loosened his collar and said, "Good they believe us—less trouble for us. Glenda, head out now and dispose of that body."
"Alright." Glenda stood, left her things behind, and walked out.
......
Glenda left.
Wu Heng stood and headed to the back.
Returning to the Princess Residence, he entered the building and saw the princess waiting in the parlor, with a few maids busy nearby.
"Your Highness!" the princess rose and bowed.
"Mm." Wu Heng nodded.
The princess told the maids, "You're dismissed. Unless it's urgent, don't come in."
"Yes!" the maids responded and left.
Then the princess walked over, helped him remove his coat, and quietly asked, "Did everything go well, my lord?"
"The minister asked two questions. No big deal. I answered them all," Wu Heng said, sitting down.
"Last night's work must've helped," the princess replied, still standing.
Then, realizing how that might sound, her cheeks flushed slightly.
Wu Heng said, "Thanks to the notes. There might be other things to watch out for—think carefully if anything was missed, then let me know."
"Yes, my lord," she nodded.
Wu Heng stood again. "I'm heading to the study. If someone comes looking, say I'm resting. I'll be back for dinner."
"Understood!" she replied with her head bowed.
Wu Heng went upstairs to the study.
After sitting for a while, Glenda flew back in wraith form.
She stretched midair and sighed, "Being a wraith is way better. That body was awful."
Sounded like she disliked being alive.
Wu Heng asked, "How'd you dispose of the body?"
"Just outside the city, I ran into a wolf pack. Tossed it to them. Probably even the bones are chew toys now," Glenda explained.
Xiaoxiao shivered. "Auntie, that's so creepy!"
Glenda chuckled. "Even the wolves were stunned. Probably the first time they saw someone walk over and lie down to die."
"Vivid image," Wu Heng said.
Xiaoxiao and Beni nodded in agreement.
"What's next?" Glenda asked.
"I told the princess to inform me if anything urgent comes up. For now, let's visit the zombie world."
The three wraiths entered his body.
Wu Heng opened a Realm Gate and stepped through.
......
On the other side was a prison monitoring room.
A skeleton sat at the monitors, its hollow eye sockets staring straight ahead.
Wu Heng released the three wraiths first.
Then he walked to the skeleton, patted its shoulder, and said, "Pull up the surveillance for cells 202, 203, and 204."
The three screens enlarged, clearly showing restless zombies.
Their bodies hadn't changed much, but their wings had grown to about 20 centimeters. The footage made it easy to see.
Occasionally, they flapped twice, stirring up clouds of dust.
"Doesn't look like much changed!" Xiaoxiao pressed her face to the screen.
"Don't get so close—it's bad for your eyes."
"Uncle, are you just trying to nag me?"
Wu Heng chuckled. "Come on, let's put those people we caught yesterday into cells too."
Leaving the control room, they headed toward the cell block.
Along the way, they saw an alchemical skeleton pushing a metal cart.
"You come with us," Wu Heng told it.
The skeleton turned the cart around and followed them down the hallway.
[Mansion Spell] opened, revealing a squad of skeleton soldiers in standard Ekow Kingdom armor, all turning their heads in unison.
Further inside were five iron cages.
Each held a still-weak 18th-level Professional.
"Bring them out," Wu Heng ordered.
Clatter~!
The skeletons moved in and dragged all five out.
Pulled from the [Mansion Spell], the five looked around in shock and confusion.
Seeing skeletons everywhere and hearing beastly howls from other cells—
Their faces changed again.
A necromancer's experimental base.
No doubt a place for studying necromancy.
Damn it, he's using us as test subjects.