Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 4: Professor Lorrain

Was it the System's action after verifying their marriage? Isaac believed that had to be the cause.

A knock at the door shattered his contemplation.

"I'll take a look," he told Emily just as she vanished, then headed to the apartment's front door.

Standing there was a tall woman in a silk nightgown.

Her long, dark brown hair appeared a bit disheveled.

With her mature features, defined cheekbones, plump lips, and intense golden eyes, she exuded an air of authority.

The nightgown hugged her contours, emphasizing her ample bust and a waist so narrow it could tempt any man.

She held a cigar in her grip, its end glowing softly while she inhaled leisurely.

Tobacco aroma blended with the subtle floral hint of her perfume.

Catherine Lorrain, his instructor and the property owner. Her unit was located on the upper level.

She had assisted him in securing this place at an unbelievably cheap rate.

Isaac eyed the cigar briefly, then met her gaze.

"Professor Lorrain," he said, maintaining a casual tone. "It's quite late. Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Catherine gave a sly smile, blowing out a slender stream of smoke.

"I might say the same to you."

Without seeking an invitation, she entered. Her confident stride showed she was accustomed to such boldness.

Isaac shut the door after her, observing as she scanned the space.

She drew another puff from the cigar, knocking the ashes into a compact metal container she held.

"I was getting ready for tomorrow," she remarked offhandedly.

"Getting ready?" Isaac inquired, tracking her movements with his sight.

"For the Awakening Ceremony. It's a major event, you know."

Isaac tensed up a bit. Of course. The next day marked the occasion for him and his fellow students to unlock their Talents.

That explained his frantic attempts to rest—to sharpen his focus and boost the odds of a successful Awakening.

Catherine strolled leisurely about.

Her eyes roamed the area, seemingly hunting for clues.

Isaac remained composed, striving to hide any anxiety. Her arrival felt odd. Though bold by nature, a late-night visit like this wasn't typical for her.

"Is something amiss?" he questioned.

"Yes."

Catherine faced him, her golden eyes squinting.

"The spiritual link binding the Ghost to this space... it's severed."

Isaac felt a jolt of surprise.

He swiftly quelled the rush of ideas threatening to overwhelm him and behaved casually.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Isaac," she replied, advancing toward him. "Have you forgotten my ability?"

"...Lie Detection."

"That ability just revealed you're lying."

"Alright, alright, sorry for the deception."

Isaac promptly shifted his strategy.

"I'm aware of the ghost. Discovered her today. But I'm clueless on how the bond snapped. I don't even understand what a bond entails," he explained.

"You haven't a clue how the bond got broken?"

"I have a theory, but it's likely off the mark."

"That makes sense. Since you've not learned about beast bonds, their mechanics would be unfamiliar."

Catherine inclined her head.

She surveyed the room once more prior to pivoting to depart.

"I stopped by to check if the ghost had broken free. Good night," she stated, pondering if the bond had glitched.

"Professor, how did you learn of the ghost, and why assign this room to me?" he pressed urgently before her exit.

"You requested an affordable place."

"But you ought to provide a secure—"

"You obtained a room, and she received sustenance. It benefited everyone. She doesn't harm anyone."

'Then offer your own life energy to her, you sly fox,' he muttered inwardly.

Catherine paused at the entrance and spun to confront him.

"Don't get strange with her. I intend to tame her as my beast."

Isaac sensed a foreboding feeling.

"Could I inquire how you plan to achieve that?"

"I'll shift her bond to myself."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

Isaac began perspiring.

Catherine would end him if she discovered he now held Emily's bond.

"Why the sudden unease?"

"..."

"Respond, you rascal."

'Curses, not that query! How can I fib through a straightforward one like this!?'

Isaac clenched his jaws.

"I kissed her."

"...what?"

"I kissed Emily."

His statement redirected Catherine's focus from the bond to the kiss.

"You kissed a ghost? Are you that pent up?"

Isaac's brow twitched.

"Whatever," she dismissed, releasing another cloud of smoke. "Do as you please with her if she agrees. Just ensure she doesn't flee."

"Flee?"

"If she gets away, I lose my chance to bond with her. Prevent that at all costs."

She brushed off the final ashes from her cigar into the case and headed for the door.

"I'll return tomorrow with a fix for the bond. Goodnight."

She closed the door on her way out.

Isaac exhaled gradually. Tension eased from his frame with her departure.

'I narrowly avoided catastrophe.'

Emily materialized again, hovering before him.

Her see-through body gleamed softly in the low illumination, silver locks drifting like vapor.

A contemplative expression graced her features.

Isaac's gaze drifted unbidden to her fingers resting on her rosy lips.

He swallowed, the memory of their kiss flooding back.

"Isaac," she faltered, twisting her fingers. "That kiss... I enjoyed it."

"Er, alright?"

Emily's eyes turned resolute, as though she'd reached a decision.

She met his stare directly.

"We're married now, aren't we?"

"Technically, yes."

"So... shall we engage in what married couples do?"

Isaac nearly sputtered in shock.

"What?"

"I mean... kissing you felt good, and I crave more. Beyond mere kissing. Plus, you declared your love for me."

Emily's ear tips flushed crimson like ripe fruit.

Embarrassment colored her.

Yet, perhaps due to her isolation from human customs and limited social knowledge, she voiced her desires openly without shame-induced restraint.

Isaac regarded Emily intently.

Her bountiful chest pressed against the sheer, ghostly material of her gown.

A slender waist highlighted the swell of her hips flawlessly.

The gown adhered just right to showcase her toned legs.

The view could drive any man to abandon restraint.

"Isaac?" she drifted nearer. "Does that mean no?"

Isaac's thoughts raced.

Intimacy with a ghost—even one as stunning and seductive as Emily—would brand him a pervert forever.

However...

'Wouldn't that earn me rewards?'

His mind wandered to the prize he'd gained from their initial kiss.