Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 441: Conflicting Thoughts And Embarrassment

Her power to revive monsters ensured that, after taming the ghosts from the Great Dungeon, the city would possess a mighty legion of undead sentinels.

Moreover, Avery’s bond played a key role.

As she explained, the bond she formed with the land kept her abilities active even within the Trial. This setup created something akin to an automated defense mechanism.

Additionally, Isaac had forged an alliance with the Solkara race recently.

They were far from feeble.

Catherine was present as well.

Numerous well-trained soldiers guarded Isaac’s lands too.

Upon closer reflection, the city might now stand stronger than ever before.

’Don’t forget the Seventh Queen.’

That enigmatic woman had displayed clear interest in Isaac prior to his entry into the Trial.

She appeared eager to claim him as an ally.

Should grave peril strike Isaac’s domain, she could very well step in to help.

Isaac gradually lowered his hand from his temple.

’Yes... the outside should hold steady. Time to concentrate here.’

Right now, only the Trial ahead truly counted.

"Finished organizing your thoughts?" a gentle voice addressed him.

Isaac turned toward the sound.

Nearby, the Sword Empress sat cross-legged on a plain chair that had materialized in the vast white void. Arms crossed, her face held its typical stern demeanor.

Yet Isaac hesitated briefly.

She resembled the Sword Empress he knew perfectly: those piercing eyes, rigid posture, commanding aura that compelled others to bow instinctively.

However, something felt off.

Perhaps due to the realm’s aura, or this being an alternate version of her, a captivating presence amplified her allure beyond the norm.

’She matches her current self perfectly... no, this iteration radiates even greater beauty.’

’How has someone so powerful and stunning stayed unmarried?’ he pondered.

"What’s on your mind?" she inquired.

"I was just thinking how stunningly beautiful you are—it takes my breath away," Isaac replied.

The words escaped before he could rein them in.

Isaac stiffened.

’Why’d I blurt that out?’

His eyes widened a touch.

He had voiced his inner thoughts aloud.

Though startling, Isaac composed himself and scanned the Sword Empress’s response right away.

He recalled her fury from the lie detection revelations. A remark like this ought to earn him a swift slash—

’Huh?’

Isaac blinked in surprise.

’Is she... blushing?’

A soft crimson tint colored the Sword Empress’s cheeks.

Spotting his gaze, she cleared her throat softly and averted her eyes, attempting to conceal her flush.

"This is the War God’s Domain. Your true heart lies bare here. Lies hold no power in this realm," she stated, steadying her tone to its familiar poise.

She hesitated momentarily before adding,

"So... are you truly my disciple?"

"Yes."

The affirmation slipped out without delay.

"And those earlier words—"

She cut herself off.

After a beat, she shook her head faintly.

"Forget it. No need to dwell on that."

Isaac observed her silently.

He had braced for punishment.

Months under the Sword Empress’s training taught him her readiness to deliver physical corrections.

But this response defied all expectations.

No rage surfaced.

Instead, she seemed... flustered.

Curiosity gripped Isaac.

An overwhelming curiosity.

Driven by it, he broke his firm vow never to use it on the Sword Empress.

He activated Inspect.

Two lines of data popped up instantly before his eyes.

[Status 1: What in the world is her future self up to!? Peeking into someone’s private moments when he’s barely twenty!? What attracts her to him!? A handsome face doesn’t justify that! Aaaaaaah!!]

[Status 2: I-If he learns her future self has been watching him, she’ll know he’s aware. So why does her future self keep watching? What’s their connection!? AAAAAAH!!!! She was merely curious!!! Just wanted answers!!!]

’Whoa... intense.’

The turmoil in those lines nearly embarrassed Isaac vicariously.

Evidently, the Sword Empress wielded a top-tier mental shield skill or artifact, explaining her lack of concern over mind-reading.

Regrettably for her, such defenses proved worthless against Isaac’s Inspect.

"Can you execute my Sword Art?" the Sword Empress questioned.

Having mostly recovered her poise, she strived for a serene, authoritative look.

"Despite your words, I struggle to fully accept you hail from the future. But demonstrating my Sword Art will convince me further."

Isaac nodded. "Fair enough."

He advanced and drew a deep, steadying breath.

Then, he commenced.

His form glided fluidly through the [Dragon Slaying Sword Art] sequences she had imparted directly.

The surrounding white expanse lacked typical wind or gravity, yet Isaac maneuvered as on solid ground.

Movements seamlessly transitioned.

The opening stance.

The next.

The third.

Isaac’s limbs flowed with expert precision: sword angles, weight shifts, subtle footwork tweaks. Mastery shone in every detail.

Time stretched as he progressed through the forms.

Upon completing the last pose, Isaac panted heavily.

Sweat beaded on his brow and neck.

Merely showcasing the techniques required profound concentration and exertion.

Isaac swiped sweat from his forehead with his hand’s back and eyed the Sword Empress.

Her brow furrowed lightly.

Silence lingered for an instant.

Then, a single nod.

"I acknowledge it. You’re my disciple. None but I could impart those nuances," she declared evenly.

"That cover everything?" he asked, clearing the last sweat from his face.

"I have further inquiries," she answered.

She tilted her head and motioned past Isaac.

"First, though, talk to him. He’s waited patiently."

Isaac blinked.

"Who?"

He pivoted.

Sometime amid their exchange, a new presence had materialized behind him.

Isaac detected nothing beforehand. Before fully facing it, the figure spoke,

"The War God, ■ Hargraves."