Chapter 483, Milisen
Wu Heng gave her a sidelong glance.
"They know you're from the Island Lord's mansion, so they didn't charge you. Later, when they need help, it'll be more trouble. Send the payment over in a bit."
Philippa scratched her neck. Seeing how serious he was, she nodded and agreed, "Fine, fine, I'll send the money later."
As she left, she muttered, "I knew these vampires were up to something."
Wu Heng said, "It's fine. It's not a big deal."
Philippa laughed and continued explaining the ship's reinforcements and modifications.
When it came to ships, she seemed much more professional.
She pointed out which areas were vulnerable to attacks and the ship's weak points.
Her explanations were detailed, including the effects of the modifications.
It was clear this knowledge wasn't something an ordinary pirate could have.
She did have some expertise.
Wu Heng listened for a while and complimented her.
Philippa looked extremely pleased.
Wu Heng then asked, "When can the ship set sail? The merchant fleets have reported pirates roaming around again these past few days."
Philippa thought for a moment and said, "The hull reinforcements are done. What's left is installing equipment and devices. Once that's done, we can set sail."
"When will those installations be finished?"
"They're scheduled for assembly tomorrow," Philippa said, then suddenly looked at him. "What about the things you promised me? The talking gadget and that big, fire-spitting weapon?"
She was referring to the radio and the autocannon.
Wu Heng had indeed promised her earlier.
"Let's go to the cargo hold," Wu Heng said.
Philippa followed him into the ship's cargo hold. Wu Heng took out a twin-barreled autocannon.
"Yes! That's the one. It's awesome!" Philippa's face lit up with excitement.
She had been eyeing this thing for a long time, but he hadn't given it to her before.
Now she finally had it.
She carefully examined it and then asked, "What's this thing called?"
"Autocannon."
"Hmm, not a bad name. So, it's mine now?" Philippa looked at him with a raised chin.
"It's yours. Keep it stored in your spatial ring."
"Awesome!" Philippa pumped her fist.
Wu Heng added, "You know this thing requires ammo, right?"
"I know. It's like the gun you gave me—shoots bullets," Philippa nodded.
"This autocannon is like a bigger version of that gun. It's powerful but has limited ammo. I can only give you 100 rounds. Normally, use the ship's ballista to attack. Save the autocannon for critical moments."
"Got it."
Wu Heng continued, "If you can't secure the autocannon, destroy it. Don't let it fall into others' hands. If someone else gets a weapon like this, it'll be dangerous for us."
Philippa's expression turned serious. She patted her chest and promised, "Don't worry. Even if I die, I won't lose this treasure."
Wu Heng pinched her cheek. "Don't talk nonsense. Your life is more important than anything."
"Hehe." Philippa smiled brightly, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "I knew you were kindhearted."
"Ammo is limited, so be mindful when shooting."
"Why not just make more ammo?"
"You think I don't want to? We just don't have the means to produce it yet."
"Alright."
After giving her a few instructions,
Wu Heng began teaching her how to operate the autocannon. It wasn't much different from a large machine gun.
The only major difference was how to fire it.
Philippa proved to be a quick learner.
She soon understood how to operate it and was quite thrilled.
After storing the autocannon,
Wu Heng said, "I have a couple of other artifacts for you. They might come in handy when you set sail in a few days."
"What are they?"
Wu Heng took out [Iron Maiden] and [Water Demon Conch],
explaining their functions one by one.
Philippa's face showed amazement, her eyes filled with delight.
"I've never seen artifacts before! And now you're giving me two? Both are mine?"
"Yes, they're yours, but don't sell them."
Philippa hugged him tightly. "Thanks, Dad."
Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled him close.
She kissed him deeply.
They embraced passionately in the cargo hold for a while
before separating and leaving the hold.
The port was too noisy for any deeper exchange of feelings.
Philippa went to check on the equipment orders at the store.
Wu Heng hired a carriage to return home.
...…
In the Zombie World,
when Wu Heng arrived,
the train station lobby had undergone a transformation.
Debris and filth had been cleared away, while welding and cutting were happening in various areas.
It looked like a factory, bustling with activity.
Wu Heng sent out his ghostly scouts to check the zombies near the entrance.
Then, leading his skeleton army,
he exited the station and cleared the nearby zombies to prevent a horde from wandering too close.
The battle went smoothly.
By dusk, Wu Heng returned with his skeleton army.
The skeletons resumed their standby positions.
Wu Heng re-entered the station.
Qi Hancai approached quickly. "You didn't ask me to accompany you today!"
"Just cleared the entrance, didn't go far."
"But I want to go with you," Qi Hancai murmured before clearing her throat and reporting, "We've started broadcasting the food-for-gold exchange message locally. The shelters are excited, but we should clear the main roads of zombies to allow more shelters to participate."
Wu Heng had to focus on Philippa's sailing preparations these two days.
"We'll do that in a couple of days. First, turn this place into a trade point. Then I'll lead the skeletons to clear the roads."
"Got it!" Qi Hancai added, "The train already returned and will bring back more people and skeletons tonight. The rescued women from yesterday have all been assigned work without issues."
"You've always managed things well. I'm confident in your abilities."
Qi Hancai smiled. "I'm glad to be of help."
"Alright, this place is in your hands now."
"Understood!"
Wu Heng returned to his room and opened the gate to leave.
...…
The next morning.
Nautilus Tavern.
Philippa sat on someone's lap, her arms resting on their chest.
"Am I impressive or what?"
Wu Heng replied, "Can you not talk?"
Philippa pouted. "Isn't that what people say? You don't say it, and you don't let others either?"
"That's something men say!"
"Then you say it."
"I won't. It's too perverse." Wu Heng shook his head.
"Oh, so you're calling me a pervert? You soft little lamb."
Philippa quickened her movements. Both furrowed their brows, too focused to argue further.
"I'm out of energy. Your turn," Philippa said, collapsing to the side.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Philippa, the dockmaster's messenger is here looking for you. Don't keep them waiting," came Milisen's voice from outside the door.
Philippa froze, then sat up. "I forgot I had an appointment."
She began hastily putting on her clothes.
"Wait, you're just leaving?" Wu Heng looked at her.
Philippa smiled and kissed his cheek. "Next time."
With that, she rushed out.
"Milisen, where's the messenger? Also, I want crab for dinner tonight."
"Alright, slow down and think before you speak."
"Got it…."
...…
In the room.
Wu Heng sighed helplessly.
Only Philippa could abandon things halfway like this.
Creak~!
The door reopened.
Wu Heng looked up and saw Milisen entering.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Wu Heng sitting on the bed.
"M-my lord, I didn't know you were here."