Chapter 623 - Chapter 623, Somewhat Familiar

<

I've reverted to the old tier system on Patreon.

I know the recent changes may have caused some inconvenience, so as an apology, I'm offering a 30% discount on all tiers until the 20th of this month 🎉

If there's strong interest, I'll extend the discount through the end of the month 📅

Thank you for your support and understanding 🙏💙>>

Chapter 623, Somewhat Familiar

Lighthouse Street.

Every tavern was surrounded by people.

On various streets, bards stood atop crates, stone bricks, or makeshift stages, loudly reading stories from the newspaper.

The entire street was packed.

The little island seemed to be cloaked in a literary atmosphere.

Those nobles visiting Gold-Silver Island for the first time—

Were inwardly stunned by the scene before them.

The entire island felt like it was celebrating a festival, with everyone swept up in the excitement.

All this over a newspaper release.

"I found out the newspaper is published by the Island Lord's mansion—one issue every seven days. Besides regional intel, the main feature is the serialized Great Detective story. It's said to be based on the Island Lord's personal experiences and is very popular here," a servant reported back quietly after gathering intel.

Several gathered nobles furrowed their brows.

"You mean this happens every seven days?"

The servant shook his head. "I heard the first few issues were released every three or five days."

The group looked at the crowd, their eyes widening.

"I've heard of these papers—our caravan tried selling them elsewhere. The effect was mediocre. Never thought they'd be so popular here."

"Wasn't this place supposed to be a pirate island? Why are they into reading?"

"This Island Lord is something else. The changes here are incredible."

"I heard the first issue's story can still be bought at city hall. Let's go—I want to see what he's experienced."

"Let's go, together."

...…

Island Lord's mansion.

Wu Heng sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, blueprint in hand.

Across from him, a crack and stone gate stood open.

Inside the gate, components were forming out of thin air, continuing to combine into new parts, forming larger mechanisms.

Even just watching them materialize was complex.

Without the blueprints to follow page by page, he wouldn't know what part they were even on.

"Let's hope this works," Wu Heng muttered.

For the electromagnetic cannon, he had dismantled the turret and armory cave—no longer functional for combat.

Now it was more like a giant warehouse.

If it failed or didn't meet expectations, it would be a huge waste of effort and time.

As the assembly continued, three specters flew back in.

"Uncle's playing with building blocks—make me a castle!" Xiaoxiao said from the side.

"Weapon building—modern high-tech!" Wu Heng tapped the blueprint. "So how was this issue received?"

"About the same as before—taverns are packed," Xiaoxiao answered.

Beni added, "Everyone's guessing the next part of the plot!"

Wu Heng looked at Glenda. "Glenda, you're the author—didn't go check the feedback?"

Glenda, as if just waking up, replied, "I did. Similar to before. The opening chapter's word count is limited—once the crime appears, it'll pick up."

Wu Heng gave her a strange look but nodded. "As long as it's going well. You all go ahead. A lot of new people are on the island, some might be high-level—be careful when going out."

"Okay," Xiaoxiao replied. "Sister Beni, let's go watch a movie."

Beni nodded and flew toward the study.

Wu Heng looked at Glenda. "What's wrong?"

Glenda hesitated, then said, "I saw a familiar back out there—turned around and it was gone. Maybe I've just been thinking too much after talking about the past."

Yesterday, Wu Heng had asked her in detail about her husband.

Whether for others or herself, it felt like the past was behind her and her current life was good.

Reading, writing—things her husband disdained—were now well-received on the island.

Admittedly, not all reception was positive.

But since the topic came up last night, she couldn't calm down. She kept seeing herself dragged into the basement, watching him smash the oil lamp.

The sharp oil smell filled the basement, followed by a room-consuming blaze.

Her husband blocked the stairs, watching her struggle, watching her slowly be engulfed by fire.

"Are you sure it was him?" Wu Heng frowned.

Glenda thought hard. "Maybe not. He doesn't have your skills, probably didn't live long. Maybe the figure just looked similar."

Wu Heng said, "Don't pressure yourself. When this exhibition ends, we'll go find him."

"Honestly... it doesn't matter if we find him or not," Glenda said.

"There should still be closure. Leave the rest to me," Wu Heng promised.

Glenda smiled. "Alright."

"Come on, give me a hug!" Wu Heng opened his arms.

"Crazy. Flirting with a ghost."

Glenda floated down and gave a hollow hug.

...…

Guild entrance.

An elder in neat noble attire stepped down from the carriage slowly.

The journey here had been rough.

Roads were often blocked, carriages inching through the crowd.

Probably no faster than walking.

He glanced around and entered the hall with his attendant.

After asking a staff member, he walked straight to the Deputy Steward's office.

He knocked. After hearing a response—

He smiled and stepped inside.

Behind the desk, Deputy Steward 'Skeeter' was reading a newspaper. He looked up, frowned, and raised a brow. "Mr. Magnoro—I almost didn't recognize you."

The elderly 'Magnoro' smiled gently and gave a noble salute. "Deputy Steward Skeeter."

Skeeter put the paper down and quickly got up. "Come now, let's not stand on ceremony. Have a seat."

Magnoro straightened and sat nearby. Skeeter sat across from him.

"Mr. Magnoro, are you here for the exhibition?" Skeeter asked.

Magnoro nodded. "Island Lord Wu Heng is a promising young man and favored by the Guild. My chamber sent me to attend and build ties."

"Coming from the Island Lord?" Skeeter asked.

"Not yet. I came here first."

Skeeter was surprised. "That's too courteous."

Normally, one would see the Island Lord first, then visit friends.

Magnoro smiled. "Of course I'll visit the Island Lord. But I'm not familiar with him. I hoped to learn his preferences from you—maybe what gifts to bring."

Skeeter realized—he was here to gather intel.

"Well... I haven't dealt with the Island Lord much. Maybe I can refer you to the Steward—she's more familiar."

"That's too much trouble," Magnoro shook his head. "I'm just casually asking."

He leaned in slightly. "I heard the Island Lord once served as a squad captain in Rentam City. Is that true?"