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Chapter 583, Feels Even More Satisfying
The tavern instantly fell silent, and the chefs and helpers from the back kitchen also came to the entrance.
Everyone on the island knew about the battle between the island lord and the challenger.
Even after it ended, regardless of the opponent's loss.
It remained a hot topic among the people, who also speculated about his true identity.
Saban didn't pause for long, leaned forward, and spoke seriously, "The challenger 'Luan Randolph' is a prince of the Celtic Kingdom, also the kingdom's designated next king, and a human genius nurtured by the Guild. The elder accompanying him is his master, an 18th-level mage of the Guild."
Clatter~!
The once-quiet tavern instantly became noisy.
From their attire and demeanor, one could tell they were definitely not ordinary people.
But no one expected them to have so many identities.
The Celtic Kingdom's Lopez Port connects directly to the Emerald Sea, so it wasn't entirely unfamiliar.
And yet, the other party turned out to be a kingdom's prince, the future king.
Also, a human genius supported by the Guild.
The elder accompanying him was also an 18th-level mage.
These identities combined were far greater than Wu Heng, who was merely promoted to island lord as a Deputy Steward for meritorious service.
In fact, there was no comparison at all.
"He's a genius? He's about the same age as the island lord, right?"
"He should be younger than the island lord, and his potential for the future is also greater."
"Bullshit, the guy was born a prince, his development path was predetermined. The island lord changed professions later than all of us."
"That's true. Even the stories say that the island lord used to rely on solving cases to make a living. Back then, he didn't even have a profession!"
"So, the island lord beat up his apprentice right in front of an 18th-level mage?"
"Yeah, just thinking about it feels satisfying."
"Watching it live yesterday was already great. Now that we know his identity, it feels even better."
The bard Saban took a sip of water.
After the discussions quieted down a little, he continued, "Everyone, let's continue. Later, I'll also be telling the fourth installment of the detective story."
The tavern guests gradually fell silent.
Saban continued reading other sections of the newspaper.
...…
Guild, the Steward's study.
Shiyali walked in and handed the newspaper to her younger sister. "Wu Heng was ruthless. He published Luan's name and identity in the newspaper. Now, the entire island knows him."
Sheila Grey wasn't surprised at all. She smiled and said, "He brought it on himself. Who told him to go around declaring that he wanted to challenge the island lord as soon as he arrived? Now that he's been beaten, he deserves it."
Saying this, she still took the newspaper and glanced at its contents.
The most eye-catching spot in the center featured a photograph of the duel.
Wu Heng held up his reward high, Shiyali stood beside him with a smile, and in the lower right corner, Luan, in tattered robes, walked off the stage in defeat.
The composition of the image was excellent.
The joy of the victor, the gaze of the beautiful judge, and the despondency of the loser.
Even without reading the text, one could understand what the picture was conveying.
Sheila Grey glanced at the image, then at her sister. She couldn't shake the feeling that something about the expression in this picture seemed different from usual.
"Was this picture added on purpose?"
"No idea, maybe it's another new tool," Shiyali replied, then added, "Some of the newspapers were also sent to the port, likely to be shipped by fleet to the various Guild branches across the Emerald Sea, as well as to headquarters."
Sheila Grey leaned back in her chair with a smile. "Luan really had bad luck offending him. Looks like this matter won't be contained within Gold-Silver Island anymore."
The Emerald Sea occupied a special position, connecting many coastal cities from different nations.
With newspapers being sent out, people across different places would soon learn about this incident.
Since it involved a prince and an Guild-backed genius, it could also serve to spread Wu Heng's reputation.
"Yeah," Shiyali said, sitting sideways on Sheila Grey's chair armrest. She urged, "Let's check out the fourth story installment. I placed a bet at the tavern—wonder if they'll reveal the culprit today."
Sheila Grey frowned. "You should stay out of things like that. Otherwise, I'll write to mom."
"I'll share half the winnings with you."
"Still no. I'm a steward; I can't encourage this kind of behavior."
"Got it, got it. Let's read first."
...…
Inside Shanaila's residence.
Workers were tidying up belongings, loading them onto a carriage waiting at the entrance.
A new house had been selected at the municipal hall that morning.
It was in the residential area outside the island lord's manor, separated by a street.
Even though the Wood Elves tacitly approved of her relationship with Wu Heng, they still couldn't live together.
On the surface, she was still the president of the Merchant Guild and the legal wife of a Wood Elf official.
But living closer and visiting more frequently was still acceptable.
This was also something the two had agreed on beforehand.
To be each other's lovers.
Tap tap tap~!
Footsteps sounded as the housekeeper walked in with a newspaper.
"Madam, the island lord's manor is selling a new newspaper. I bought a copy for you."
Shanaila took it and glanced at it. "A duel? I didn't even know about this."
"I heard it happened a few days ago. As soon as Luan arrived, he went around declaring he would challenge the island lord, but in the end, he lost to Lord Wu Heng."
Shanaila sighed. "He's growing so fast."
The housekeeper agreed. "Madam has great judgment."
Shanaila looked up and playfully asked, "You mean Wu Heng? That does seem to be the case."
She had initially treated him like a younger brother to take care of, but unexpectedly, he had grown into an extraordinary figure.
He was now able to hold Gold-Silver Island and defeat Luan, a genius.
She was quite satisfied with her choice.
Footsteps approached as a worker in charge of packing walked over, saluted, and said, "Madam Shanaila, everything is ready."
Shanaila stood up. "Let's go, move it to the new place."
...…
Island lord's manor.
Wu Heng sat in the study, looking at the reputation panel.
Today, in the fourth installment, the reputation increase was even smaller—just over 500 points.
This growth rate wasn't necessarily all from Gold-Silver Island. Increases from the zombie world or other places were also included.
It seemed he still needed to expand outward rather than just guard Gold-Silver Island.
He pondered this.
Two spirits, having completed their market survey, flew back.
Xiaoxiao excitedly said, "Uncle, everyone's talking about you beating that guy. They're really supporting you."
Glenda added, "Now that they know he's a prince, they're all strangely siding with you."
"Well, I come from a similar background as them. Unlike those princes and princesses," Wu Heng thought aloud.
"Yeah, hero stories always have commoners overcoming nobility. And this time, it's a prince," Glenda remarked.
Wu Heng chuckled. "So, I'm becoming more and more like a hero from a story?"
"Isn't that your goal? Getting closer to it is only natural," Glenda replied, floating toward the desk.
"Exactly! If you slack off now, you'll suffer in the future," Xiaoxiao lectured with her hands on her hips.
"I think I'm working pretty hard," Wu Heng argued.
The two spirits flew off to mind their own business.
A knock came at the door.
Minnie's voice followed. "Master, Sister Shanaila is here."
"I'll be down in a moment."
...…
Backyard garden.
Shanaila, in a light blue dress, sat in the stone pavilion, watching butterflies chase each other among the flowerbeds.
The maids tactfully did not follow.
Wu Heng walked toward the pavilion at a leisurely pace. "How's the house?"
"I got one closer to you. I'm setting up the furniture now, so I came by to sit for a while," Shanaila turned, smiling.
"Once it's done, I'll have a skeleton install an air conditioner for you. It'll be more comfortable."
"Great, that's what I love most about your tools," Shanaila laughed.
Wu Heng stepped into the pavilion and sat beside her.
He took her hand and pulled her up.
"What are you doing?" Shanaila whispered, glancing around.
Seeing no one watching, she straddled him, facing him.
Wu Heng wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, "Did you read the newspaper?"
Shanaila cupped his face with a playful smile. "What, you want me to praise you?"
Wu Heng gave her a firm squeeze.
"I want to publish this kind of newspaper everywhere. Any ideas?"
Thanks to 冲动是魔鬼 for the reward.
Thanks to 08a for the reward.