Chapter 666, Docked Ship
Morning, at the opera house.
As the graceful music began to play, the massive curtain on stage slowly opened.
Behind the curtain was a noisy tavern. Patrons were drinking and chatting while a serving maid in a blue dress moved constantly among the tables, delivering drinks.
Her voice was clear and ethereal, instantly drawing attention amid the chaos.
Creak~!
The sound effect of a door opening played.
A figure in a black cloak appeared, glanced around, and slowly sat in a corner.
The maid quickly walked over.
"Sir, what would you like?"
The man casually tossed two silver coins onto her tray. "One cocktail for me, and the other for you. Order what you like."
"Thank you, sir." The maid smiled and quickly left to prepare the drinks.
...…
In the audience.
"They started from the tavern scene," Minnie whispered.
Robe followed up, "The original opening that introduced their identities was cut."
"Hmm, this works too," Minnie nodded.
Annette said, "The actress playing the master seems to take every line and move very seriously."
"But she looks shorter than the real master," Minnie tilted her head to glance.
Wu Heng turned his head slightly, "Keep your voice down, people might hear."
"Oh, right!"
...…
In the seats reserved for the association.
Shiyali watched the performance. "Is the Fifth Princess playing Wu Heng?"
"Yes. I had someone look into it. She's been rehearsing for this play lately—staying out of trouble," Sheila Grey said.
"She looks quite young. I kind of pity her."
Sheila Grey glanced at her, "What Gold-Silver Island can do is ensure her safety while she's here. We won't get dragged into political games because she's pitiable or not."
"I get it." Shiyali turned back to the stage. "Still, she plays the role well. How does she act so much like Wu Heng?"
"Shh, it's getting to the important part."
...…
The stage performance continued.
As the plot progressed, everyone stopped talking and focused on the play.
Flames roared as the actress playing Beni stood firmly at the front. Dressed plainly, her gaze was fearless.
She stared at the cultists in black robes.
A smirk formed on her lips as she shouted, "Wu Heng will come back to avenge me—and all the villagers who died."
With that, she walked directly into the flames before the cultists could approach.
The flames were props, of course.
But even so, sighs could be heard from the audience.
Even if people had seen or heard this story before, the moment still struck a chord.
Next, the character playing Wu Heng entered, now dressed in a more elaborate mage robe, accompanied by a strong-looking attendant.
A stark contrast to his tavern appearance earlier.
Wu Heng discovered Beni's body and revived her.
Then the plot accelerated.
Wu Heng avenged Beni by wiping out the villains.
...…
It was a short play, and within thirty minutes the story had wrapped.
The cast bowed and the curtain fell.
The performance ended.
The maid who had first approached Wu Heng about adapting the story hurried over.
She bowed. "Island Lord, ladies."
Wu Heng smiled and nodded. "It was a great performance. You all have real talent."
While not professional bards, these tavern maids had done impressively well.
The woman looked excited. "Thank you, sir."
"Minnie," Wu Heng called softly.
Minnie handed over several bard profession scrolls. "The Island Lord prepared these for you. Keep up the good work."
The maid instinctively took them. "Thank you, my lord. Thank you, miss."
Wu Heng led the group out, with cheers and tears of joy behind them.
...…
Afternoon, at the Golden Sail Tavern.
Bard Saban finished reading the latest detective story, then sipped his tea.
The stage adaptation of the detective tales had made them even more famous on the island.
They also secured a deal with the opera house to perform the play every three days.
A decent source of income.
But during regular days, he still read the newspaper and chatted in the tavern.
Not just because the tavern had helped him during hard times, but also to stay popular and keep up with new stories.
To prepare for future adaptations.
"Everyone, tomorrow's the Artificer course at the association. If you're interested, don't forget to sign up. It's an opportunity the Island Lord fought to get us."
The crowd nodded.
"I heard it was one of the conditions for joining the Hongwen Society."
"I heard that too. They even demanded the Island Lord's potion recipes."
"Outrageous. That's basically robbery."
"The Island Lord is a good man..."
"If I find the author who always cuts off the chapters mid-way, I swear..."
"Yeah, they better stay hidden."
At that moment, someone whispered into Saban's ear.
He nodded, and after the person left—
He announced, "Here's a bit of breaking news for you."
The room quieted, all eyes on him.
Saban continued, "The maidens' adaptation of Blushing Maid Beni has been approved by the Island Lord. It'll be performed at the opera house soon. Hope everyone goes to support them."
"They really made it."
"They asked me to play a cultist... Damn! Should've said yes."
"I wanna act too!"
...…
Back at the Island Lord's estate.
Wu Heng returned to his study and turned on the air conditioning.
He glanced at Beni. "How was your story? Satisfied?"
The ghosts had also watched the play invisibly.
Today's story was adapted from Beni's real past.
The original person was right beside him.
Hearing Wu Heng's words, Beni smiled. "It's all thanks to Lady Glenda's writing. I wasn't that brave—honestly, I was terrified back then."
"Fear is natural. You were already very brave," Wu Heng said.
Glenda added, "Definitely. Braver than many high-level professionals."
"Yeah! Beni was super brave, like a hero," Xiaoxiao chimed in.
"Thank you, everyone," Beni said, then floated closer to Wu Heng. "Thank you, Wu Heng. You took me out of Blackstone Town."
"No need to thank me."
Knock knock knock~!
A knock sounded, and Minnie's voice followed. "Master, Lady Macintosh called. She has something to discuss."
Wu Heng went downstairs and picked up the phone.
"Hello."
"Island Lord, this is Macintosh. I've got intel to report," came a low female voice.
"What is it?" Wu Heng asked.
"We've got word that there's a cargo ship at the port sending large amounts of food upward every day. Enough to feed nearly a hundred people. We think something's off."