Chapter 321, The Letter
Letter?
Wu Heng accepted the letter and glanced at it.
It wasn't a blank envelope but an official letter from the guild.
"Thank you."
"Just doing my job," the staff member replied with a smile before turning to leave.
Wu Heng held the letters and headed straight for the office study.
Opening the door,
He saw Andviel organizing the room. As the Deputy Steward's assistant, she always arrived earlier.
She would make some initial preparations.
"Master."
"Mm." Wu Heng nodded, sitting down at the desk to open the letters.
There were two letters, both from people he knew.
One was from the gang's Sister-in-law, Wen Mansa, and the other from Blackstone Town's Steward, Madam Slater.
Had they agreed to write at the same time? Both letters arrived here simultaneously.
He picked up the first letter, broke the seal, and unfolded the paper.
「Master:
You must have arrived at Gold-Silver Island by now. Was the journey smooth? Are the new members friendly? If it's not too comfortable over there, or you're feeling out of place, you could come back to Rentam City. Things here aren't as bad as they used to be.
Of course, with your skills, things will go smoothly wherever you go.
After you left, Steward Slater came to Rentam City, bringing singers and dancers. Now the Golden Cat has opened and has become the most popular entertainment spot in the surrounding cities, raking in a fortune daily. The city's tax revenue has even tripled.
The city's development continues along the plans you laid out, with streetlights now standing in the central area, and property prices around the shops skyrocketing. Those who sold their properties to us at low prices must be regretting it so much they can't sleep.
I'm keeping track of the tax revenue and the Golden Cat's income so you can take it whenever you return.
While you've been away, I've missed you dearly. I know you must be thinking of me too and understand that the guild work keeps you busy. Still, I dream of you every day, especially the times I get to be your little wildcat.
Oh, and I have a surprise for you. Something we worked hard on together has come to fruition.
If you have time, please come back and visit. I miss you very much. 」
After reading, Wu Heng stowed the letter in his space ring.
The first part detailed the progress in Rentam City.
As planned before he left, he and Wen Mansa had agreed to transform Rentam City into a true "city that never sleeps."
Besides being a hub between the Orc Federation and the Kingdom of Yekor, it was also to be built into a large entertainment city.
The Golden Cat was a central part of this vision.
Judging by the letter, the results were impressive.
Even the entire city's shops benefited, and tax revenue naturally rose.
The latter part of the letter expressed Wen Mansa's longing for him.
Wen Mansa, his first maid, was a gang leader outwardly cold but inwardly a cat-ear-wearing, purring woman.
Wu Heng missed her too, but it was quite a journey; even using the ghost train, it would take half a month.
He planned to visit when time allowed and outline the next steps for Rentam City.
...
"Did someone send you a letter, Master?" Andviel brought him a cup of tea.
"It's from Wen Mansa!"
Andviel chuckled, "Sister Wen Mansa must miss you to death. She was the clingiest when we were in Rentam City."
"Was she?"
"Yes. You can ask Minnie. If we spent too much time with you, Sister Wen Mansa would get angry," Andviel said, petting the little owl.
"Really? I'll mention that to her next time."
"No need. Besides you, she's very good to us. She even gave us pocket money, which we haven't had since coming here," Andviel replied.
"Oh, so she does act a bit like the big sister."
Andviel leaned in, "Did she mention my people?"
"No, but Wen Mansa is reliable. I'll check on them when I return."
"Thank you, Master!"
The owl chirped as the two chatted.
Andviel went to a drawer, took out some jerky, and fed it to the owl.
Wu Heng opened the second letter and read its contents.
...
「Deputy Steward Wu Heng:
The seas around Gold-Silver Island are riddled with pirates, far worse than inland bandits, with leaders possibly reaching Tier-3 or Tier-4 in strength. They're quite a force.
Be cautious, and don't act alone as you might inland.
To achieve the rank of Deputy Steward so young makes you a rare talent among humans.
If you can get through this period safely, the guild will invest more in you, so be sure not to take unnecessary risks.
The Golden Cat in Rentam City is also doing well. Even excluding your agreed share, its earnings are several times higher than those from the Blackstone Town Golden Cat.
I'm considering focusing on Rentam City for business from now on.
I hear Gold-Silver Island is an important trade location at sea. You might want to explore if it's suitable for setting up another Golden Cat.
Blackstone Town is fine, although, since you left, your reputation in the Crowded District has only grown, surpassing mine, even as the guild's steward.
The residents of the Crowded District recently submitted their third application to erect a statue in your honor, which has been approved. So, you'll likely see your likeness when you return.
Yuli often mentions you and seems to be quite attached. Keep your role in mind and avoid discussing anything related to pirates with her.
Lately, she's been talking about becoming a pirate, which is giving me a headache.
All's well on my end, so there's no need to worry.
I'm also watching over your house in Blackstone Town. I recently replaced the furniture and wall hangings. Come back when you can and see if you like it.
Take care of yourself. 」
Reading the contents, Wu Heng raised an eyebrow.
Slater was different from Wen Mansa.
Wen Mansa was more direct in expressing her feelings, as was common in gang culture.
Slater, on the other hand, had a strong-willed businesswoman image, assertive in her dealings.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to open the Golden Cat or secure her position as a steward.
Even in their personal relationship, she insisted on being "the one on top."
The letter advised him to be cautious and updated him on the Golden Cat's operations.
With Rentam City's income surging, she was even considering shutting down the Blackstone Town Golden Cat.
Toward the end, she mentioned Yuli wanting to be a pirate and questioned how that was his problem.
Coming to Gold-Silver Island to deal with pirates wasn't something he'd told Yuli about.
Finally, the letter's mention of new furniture was clear enough.
Last time, they'd parted on good terms, but furniture was hardly a reason for a visit; it was just her way of saying she missed him.
Hmph! Women.
Acting all cold.
Wu Heng pulled out two sheets to reply to the women.
He shared some details about the situation here and expressed his longing for them.
He promised to visit when he could.
After finishing, he sealed the letters and addressed them.
"Andviel!"
"Yes, Master?" Andviel turned to him.
"Nothing urgent, I'm heading back."
"Now? It's not even noon!"
"Can't help it; I feel restless here. Let me know if anything comes up." Wu Heng stood up.
"Alright, take care, Master."
The owl chirped twice.
Wu Heng waved to both the owl and Andviel and left with the letters.
He dropped off the letters at the front desk and exited the guild.
...
Returning home,
He saw Shanaila, the wood elf, sitting in the courtyard.
Seeing him, she beamed, "You're back!"
"Yeah, why are you sitting here alone again?" Wu Heng walked over, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Shanaila glanced around nervously before relaxing against him, "Just sitting outside. Minnie's inside, drawing."
"Ah… another new hobby for Minnie."
Shanaila smiled, "It's good for her. Besides, you're quite indulgent with your maids."
"I'll pamper you even more in the future!"
Shanaila looked up slightly, "Remember, you said that!"
"Of course!"
Shanaila continued, "The Star Flower fleet is about to leave port. How much of your ceramics and glassware are you planning to sell? I can take it all."
The household goods collected from the zombie world,
which Wu Heng had agreed to sell to Star Flower,
could fetch a better price than if he sold them directly.
"Tomorrow. I'll prepare the goods; you can have someone pick them up then."
"Good. Also, write down anything else you need. I'll include it in the order."
"Alright!"
The two chatted in the courtyard until Minnie came out.
She called Shanaila over to review her drawing.
Shanaila joined Minnie to make some adjustments, while Wu Heng made an excuse and slipped out.
He headed to the port, toward his ship's cargo hold.
Opening the gateway, he transferred the prepared goods over.
...
The skeletons carried the items one by one.
Gradually, the entire hold was filled.
"Shanaila can arrange the pick-up tomorrow; at least it's put to use."
These items were all scavenged from the zombie world.
Selling them through Star Flower allowed him to offload a large volume.
Otherwise, they'd have just kept piling up.
After finishing the transfer,
Wu Heng locked the doors and assigned skeleton guards, heading back to the deck.
He strolled down the road on his way back.
Checking out a few shops on Lighthouse Street along the way,
he bought some alchemy materials and plenty of arrows.
Halfway home, he felt someone approaching quickly.
He turned alertly, with Skull-Crusher and Bloodhand positioning themselves protectively around him.
The person approaching was a bald, dark-skinned burly man dressed like a gang member.
He bowed slightly, "Sir, our lady requests your presence!"
Wu Heng sized him up, "Who's your lady?"
"Lady Mackintosh!"
That six-armed seer?