Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 466 Lord Quest Reward, Emily's Gift For Isaac

Chairman Lucius heaved a sigh, his stern demeanor softening. The sharp businessman guise dissolved, revealing a father displeased with Isaac's entanglement with both his daughters.

"She desires a bungalow, ideally in the city center, not the outskirts, and certainly not a small one. It must feature a well-maintained garden, a state-of-the-art private security system, and offer a pleasant view. Furthermore, she has a penchant for collecting rare, expensive wines," Lucius recounted, ticking off his fingers as if reciting a familiar inventory.

Isaac's lips curved subtly.

Chairman Lucius, seemingly oblivious, continued, "She also appreciates designer jewelry, though she shuns ostentatious pieces. The preference is for understated elegance, yet undoubtedly valuable. Standard vehicles won't suffice for her either. If you intend to offer a gift, ensure it's anything but ordinary."

"...Are you attempting to fleece me?" Isaac inquired.

"What?" Chairman Lucius appeared genuinely affronted. "That would never be my intention."

The indignant tone caused Isaac's lips to twitch again, this time more pronouncedly.

Chairman Lucius noticed this, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. After facing Isaac's composed confidence moments earlier, it was gratifying to reciprocate a similar demeanor.

He cleared his throat before proceeding, "Putting jokes aside, she isn't exceedingly particular. A simple watch would likely bring her joy. More crucially, she will be present tomorrow for Celia's concert. Many esteemed Lords are expected, correct? She will formally be here to meet them, and..." he paused briefly, "...I will endeavor to introduce Alice and Selene to her."

"Rest assured, I will accompany Selene and Alice tomorrow, and we shall be well-prepared," Isaac affirmed.

The Lords were arriving with him in mind, but prominent figures within his City – business magnates, academic leaders, influential families – would also be engaging with them. If Selene's mother were to blend into one of these gatherings, it would present an ideal moment for a formal introduction.

Chairman Lucius gave a nod, a subtle trace of relief in his eyes. Despite their frequent exchanges, he placed his trust in Isaac for critical matters.

"I have pressing matters to attend to. I shall take my leave," Chairman Lucius announced after a brief exchange.

"Already? Please, stay for dinner, father-in-law. You should also consider staying the night. Alice would be delighted by your company," Isaac urged, attempting to extend his visit.

Chairman Lucius dismissed the idea without a second thought. "I have no desire to share the same roof as a notorious womanizer like yourself."

Isaac could only stare, rendered momentarily speechless, as the man departed without a backward glance.

Moments passed, and the sound of the car driving away faded.

"Does he truly need to make such remarks?" Isaac murmured to himself.

He then spoke calmly, "Ruby, please prepare the gifts Chairman Lucius detailed."

"The watch, specifically?" the AI inquired.

"Indeed, along with the other items," Isaac replied, a grin playing on his lips.

His future mother-in-law would undoubtedly be taken aback by the extravagant presents. He planned to attribute their value to Chairman Lucius, fabricating a story about the latter misrepresenting her preferences to him.

'You have hounded me for so long, old man. Witness my retribution,' he mused, unknowingly mirroring Celia's growing mischievousness.

"Acquiring all of that will incur significant expense," the AI noted.

Isaac waved his hand dismissively. "Financial resources are something I possess in abundance. And earning more is effortlessly achievable."

"Understood."

Isaac turned and re-entered the house.

Celia had departed. After spending time with him earlier in the evening, she had left, stating her intention to visit Arlene. He still found himself marveling at her boundless energy; the girl rarely remained in one place for more than a few hours.

The residence now felt remarkably tranquil.

He stretched lightly, leaning back against the sofa, allowing himself a moment of repose. His thoughts meandered between anticipation for the upcoming gathering and the extensive list Lucius had casually presented.

Before he could fully immerse himself in the quietude, a figure materialized before him.

Professor Catherine.

She was carrying a sizable stack of books.

"Since you have some free time, let us engage in some study. It has been some time since you've dedicated yourself to proper academic pursuits. With multiple Lords arriving tomorrow, it would be beneficial if you possessed at least a rudimentary understanding of the matters at hand," she stated, placing the books down.

Isaac offered no objection. He simply nodded and opened the first volume.

Catherine observed him for a beat, then internally pouted. She had anticipated some resistance, perhaps a grumble or at least a reluctant sigh. The experience lacked its usual flavor when he cooperated so readily.

Nevertheless, she settled beside him and commenced her explanation.

The learning session proceeded with efficiency. Isaac lent his ear, posed inquiries when necessary, and absorbed all the new knowledge with remarkable speed. There were no diversions, no superfluous interjections, just a relentless stream of information.

After a period of thirty minutes, Catherine observed the timepiece upon her wrist and announced, "Let's take a respite."

"Agreed," Isaac responded, stretching his limbs and letting out a yawn.

Noticing his fatigue, a duplicate of herself materialized behind Isaac, placing its hands upon his shoulders to commence a slow, firm massage. "You've applied yourself well today. I'm pleased you're not forsaking your studies simply because your strength has increased," she commented, inclining her head slightly to meet his gaze.

"Hmm," Isaac affirmed with a nod.

Catherine studied his countenance for a brief duration, perceiving that his attention was elsewhere.

"What occupies your thoughts?" she inquired.

"I was contemplating... among the Lords who are set to arrive tomorrow, will any of them have affiliations with Mother's organization?" he countered.

Catherine's smile wavered momentarily.

Her gaze shifted subtly, as if delving into a contemplation more profound than the question posed. Then, she drew nearer, encircling his torso with her arms from behind.

"I shall safeguard you this time," she vowed in a hushed tone. "Have no concerns." Isaac expelled a gentle sigh, then shook his head. "No. It is I who will be safeguarding you this time. I possess considerable strength now, you understand."

He lifted his arm, flexing his bicep with a grin. Catherine emitted a soft chuckle. The pervading tension lessened somewhat.

She leaned forward, bestowing a light kiss upon his cheek before retracting. "We shall see."

Their studies resumed.

Moments elapsed swiftly. One subject led to another, and before they were fully aware, several hours had transpired.

The main entrance swung open. Emily and Alice made their entrance.

Both bore the unmistakable signs of exhaustion.

The instant Emily crossed the threshold, she gravitated directly towards Isaac, practically collapsing into his embrace—for him to cradle her in a bridal carry—as if she had been anticipating this moment throughout the entire day.

"Well done on completing the quest," Isaac remarked, effortlessly supporting her weight.

"Mm," Emily murmured softly, plainly too fatigued to articulate further.

Isaac let out a chuckle. It was perpetually intriguing to observe the dichotomy. In public, she projected an aura of approachability coupled with command. Within the confines of their home, all of that dissolved, revealing his endearing, albeit somewhat spoiled, wife.

He adjusted his grip slightly and directed his attention to Alice.

"Commendable work in the field today," he stated, patting her head while simultaneously employing Telekinesis to momentarily support Emily.

Alice offered a nod, and a subtle glimmer flickered within her eyes at his gesture, though it vanished as swiftly as it appeared.

She meticulously removed her boots and cloak, arranging them with precision upon the designated hooks near the entryway.

"What are the awakened individuals occupied with?" Isaac inquired.

"They are engaged in a celebratory gathering this evening. They insisted we remain, but Emily expressed a desire to return. She paid no heed to their entreaties," Alice relayed.

"I wished to be with Isaac after a day of labor," Emily added, tightening her embrace slightly.

Alice cast a glance in their direction, then at Isaac. She maintained her silence, yet her unspoken message was abundantly clear.

"Rest assured, I shall dispatch a clone to manage affairs there," Isaac assured. Alice acknowledged this with another nod.

They proceeded further into the residence.

Isaac procured a towel, moistened it with warm water, and tenderly cleansed Emily's face. She offered no resistance whatsoever, merely nuzzling into his touch as if it were the most natural action in the world.

He then turned his attention to Alice.

She stood there placidly, observing him. Her demeanor remained composed and impassive, yet her eyes conveyed a different narrative. A subtle thread of anticipation was discernible within them. Isaac offered a smile and performed the same ministrations for her.

Her outward reaction was minimal, but the slight thawing in her posture was evident.

Once their preparations were concluded, they migrated to the common living area.

Concurrently, the door opened once more. "Emily, Alice, you've returned! Congratulations on successfully completing the Lord's quest!"

Celia's voice resonated through the room as she entered, radiating her characteristic effervescence. Emily and Alice offered their thanks.

Celia performed a slight stretch, then surveyed her surroundings. "Ah, yes, what is slated for dinner this evening? My hunger is considerable."

Isaac rose from his seat. "Well, considering everyone is weary, I shall undertake the cooking—"

"Might we invite Priscilla and Celeste from Cradle?" Celia interjected smoothly. "I have a craving for their culinary creations today; they were exceptionally delightful last time."

"...Come now, my own cooking is not *that* abysmal," he grumbled. Celia simply beamed.

Alice offered a diminutive nod but remained silent. Emily closed her eyes, feigning slumber in his arms.

Their collective response was deemed sufficient.

Isaac clicked his tongue. "Very well."

He dispatched the necessary request.

Ordinarily, Alice or Emily would have assumed the responsibility of meal preparation, but they were undeniably spent. Furthermore, the whereabouts of the Sword Empress remained unknown, signifying a lack of any other suitable individual to assume the task.

Before long, the scent of a delightful meal began to permeate the residence as the dragon maids busied themselves with dinner preparations.

Leaning back against the sofa, Isaac found Emily resting against his side while Alice sat nearby. Celia, as usual, was chatting animatedly, her conversation weaving through various topics without notice, jumping from one subject to another with each passing sentence.

"...And then she insisted it wasn't her fault, even though it obviously was," Celia continued, her hands moving slightly as she emphasized her point. Isaac offered occasional nods in response.

Once the culinary preparations were complete, the group migrated to the dining table.

Isaac signaled for Avery to join them. The water elemental spirit materialized without hesitation this time, taking her seat peacefully. A stark contrast to earlier, there was no lingering awkwardness or discernible reluctance.

"It seems you're becoming accustomed to this," Isaac remarked. Avery responded with a slight nod and a subtle smile.

Simultaneously, Professor Catherine materialized at the table, as if she had been present all along. The dinner commenced, and the conversation naturally found its rhythm. Isaac updated them on Selene's progress. "Her evolution concluded without a hitch. She encountered no difficulties and immediately commenced her class evolution right afterward."

Celia let out a soft giggle, seemingly privy to the reason behind Selene's hasty advancement.

Alice gave a small nod. After a brief period of discussion, she added, "Emily's quest rewards were also quite substantial. Primarily, they consist of blueprints for various structures."

Isaac directed his gaze toward Emily. "That's highly practical. I'll review them at a later time."

Emily, who had been quietly enjoying her meal, paused briefly. Then, she spoke, her voice soft, "I received something else as well. It's intended for you." Isaac looked at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

She reached into her inventory and produced a straw hat, the kind commonly worn by farmers. Without uttering another word, she gently placed it atop his head.

"For me?" Isaac inquired.

Emily nodded, a delicate smile gracing her lips. "All the items I've acquired previously... you've always bestowed them upon us. Therefore, I'm delighted that I can finally present something to you."

For a moment, Isaac remained silent. Then, he adjusted the hat slightly and offered a smile.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

He proceeded to examine the item's description.

Verdant Sovereign's Straw Hat

Rank: Legendary

Effects:

- Tireless Labor (Passive):

Diminishes stamina and mental fatigue experienced during extended activities such as construction, combat, or skill utilization. The effect manifests steadily, not through sudden bursts.

- Weathered Resilience (Passive):

Imparts resistance to Corruption and environmental hazards, including extreme heat, cold, wind pressure, and challenging terrain. The wearer remains stable and rooted, akin to an individual accustomed to laboring under all conditions.

- Simple Living (Passive):

Decreases reliance on external resources. Mitigates hunger, thirst, and minor exhaustion, enabling the user to function effectively even in adverse circumstances.

- Cycle of Growth (Passive):

The longer the user engages in farming within a specific area, the greater their efficiency becomes. Harvest yield, harvest quality, land fertility, and mana consumption gradually improve over time.

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