Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 477 Legendary Gift Box, New Title

"I have no intention of becoming your Sub-Lord," Averon stated definitively. Isaac's gaze flickered momentarily.

He glanced at Simraj, just a brief look to confirm he was paying attention, before returning his focus to Averon.

"I do not wish to serve under anyone as a Sub-Lord, Averon," Isaac declared. "...What?" Averon appeared baffled.

However, Simraj became noticeably tense.

This reaction did not escape Averon's notice. He tilted his head slightly, his brow creasing.

Simraj explained, "Lord Averon, Sir Isaac is... an extremely valuable individual. He's like a treasure that conveniently appeared. The other Lords would go to any length to secure him. If he refuses their offers, they resort to underhanded tactics. This could involve..."

"...Pressuring the awakeners Isaac sends into the wilderness by controlling neighboring Lords. They would target Lords like you, who are Isaac's neighbors," Averon finished, his expression undergoing a swift change.

The shift on his face was apparent.

He looked back at Isaac, his gaze now serious.

"Stop involving me in this. I have people to protect, Isaac. While I was jesting earlier, if it concerns my people, then I--"

"You don't want to be a Sub-Lord, and neither do I. I'm not trying to drag you into trouble; I'm merely cautioning you about what's imminent. The Lords will target both me and you. Instead of facing them alone, why don't we collaborate?" Isaac countered.

"Nonsense," Averon retorted without hesitation. "Because you refuse to be a Sub-Lord, I should be yours?"

Isaac had never been a person driven by a lust for power.

Even in the past, after awakening his Farming Talent, he had been content with a tranquil existence. Cultivating crops, growing stronger at his own rhythm, and living peacefully with his wives had been sufficient. In fact, it had been more than enough. Back then, strength was merely a means to achieve comfort, not to exert dominance.

But that mindset proved unsustainable in this world.

Individuals like the former Governor Marcus demonstrated the depths of greed when supported by authority. Overlord Aurora showcased the devastating impact of overwhelming power on those who opposed her. These weren't isolated incidents but rather the norm.

Peace was not a gift bestowed; it was something that had to be

earned.

Isaac had learned this lesson through harsh experience.

One could not simply remain in their own territory and hope to go unnoticed. The instant one possessed something of value—be it strength, resources, or even latent potential—someone would inevitably covet it. That was the fundamental nature of this world.

If Isaac desired to safeguard his family and provide them with a life of tranquility, he could not afford to remain inactive.

He needed to augment his strength. He needed to empower everyone within his sphere of influence. His City required fortification, not just in terms of physical defenses, but also through the cultivation of people and systems resilient enough to withstand immense pressure. Above all, he required allies capable of holding their ground.

He was no longer the same person he once was.

Rather than passively awaiting the arrival of threats, he would proactively take the initiative.

"It might not be so disadvantageous for you to be my Sub-Lord," Isaac stated, his tone unwavering.

"What makes you believe--"

"The tax rates on crops and the loot acquired from the Great Dungeon will be reduced

if you pledge allegiance as my Sub-Lord," Isaac interrupted calmly. "You must have noticed the Sunflower in the marketplace. That's merely one of the novel varieties I am currently developing."

Averon's brows drew together slightly, but he refrained from interrupting this time.

Isaac continued, "Soon, I will have cultivated complete plant entities capable of fighting alongside us, much like summoned creatures. These will be available for purchase by anyone. Furthermore, you are likely aware that I possess a Lord Talent that enhances drop rates."

"The 100%+ Drop Rate Lord Talent," Averon mumbled.

"200% Drop Rate Lord Talent," Isaac corrected.

The atmosphere palpably shifted.

Averon remained silent for a moment. His expression froze, a fleeting instant, yet noticeable. A hundred percent had already seemed outlandish when the rumors first surfaced. But two hundred?

That was a factor capable of irrevocably altering the balance of power.

"Should you become my subordinate, all your citizens will benefit from this same 200% drop rate increase. Do you grasp the magnitude of such an advantage? Resource drops, rare blueprints, equipment, maps, currency—every obtainable item will yield higher drop rates and quantities."

Simraj, who had been silent until this point, shifted subtly in his position.

Isaac, without looking, knew the man was listening intently. Isaac proceeded, "The Solkara race is inherently suited for combat. Your people have faced countless monstrous entities. You are well aware of the notoriously low abyssal drop rates. Under my guidance, that issue will cease to exist. Instead of a weakness, it will transform into your greatest strength. With every engagement, you will reap substantial rewards."

Averon clicked his tongue softly. He found himself begrudgingly admitting that Isaac's persuasive pitch was having an effect,

The sheer amount of benefits Isaac bestowed was incredibly appealing.

However, to his astonishment, Isaac wasn't finished with his offerings.

"You should have heard the whispers about EXP potions. They are real," he added.

Averon was utterly taken aback.

He had indeed heard the rumors. Mythical potions capable of granting EXP were spoken of in hushed tones.

Gaining EXP was conventionally understood to be achievable only through defeating monsters or honing one's skills.

But to gain EXP merely by consuming a potion? It defied all logic. Yet, the circulation of such product rumors within Isaac's City was undeniable, serving as one of the key attractions that drew Lords to his domain.

Averon would go so far as to claim that these EXP potions held more allure for many Lords than even Isaac's famed crops.

"Do you truly possess EXP potions?" Averon inquired, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Opting for a demonstration over words, Isaac reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a small vial. With a simple, unadorned motion, he placed it on the table between them.

The liquid within shimmered with a faint luminescence.

Averon’s gaze fell upon the vial.

"Drink it. If you harbor concerns about it being poison—"

Averon retrieved the vial before Isaac could complete his sentence. "You’re not foolish enough for such a trick, and I trust Catherine implicitly."

He removed the cap and downed the contents in a single gulp.

A brief, charged silence followed, then Averon stiffened. His hand, gripping the nearly empty vial, tightened almost imperceptibly.

"...My level just advanced by three," he stated after a profound pause. Simraj surged forward instantly, unable to contain his eagerness. He took the vial from Averon, consuming the remaining potion within.

Mere moments later, his eyes widened in revelation.

"...It's true. I have indeed leveled up. These are genuinely EXP potions. Such a legendary item truly exists," Simraj declared.

His voice resonated with a complex blend of astonishment, excitement, and perhaps even a trace of apprehension.

Isaac offered a nod, as though this reaction was entirely anticipated.

"H-How many can you provide us?" Averon stammered, his earlier composure noticeably frayed. "Five? Six? Seven—"

"One thousand," Isaac declared calmly.

"One thousand!?" Averon almost leaped from his seat.

Even Simraj appeared profoundly shaken by the revelation.

It defied all reason.

An item of such immense value ought not to exist in such staggering quantities. If it did, it should be fiercely guarded, concealed, and reserved only for dire emergencies. Not... distributed wholesale as if they were common provisions.

"Indeed. One thousand per week. You may acquire more, but it will necessitate a purchase. For a fixed allocation, I’m prepared to offer a discount," Isaac elaborated. A palpable silence stretched between the three for several seconds.

The implication was not one thousand in total, but one thousand *each week*?

Both men felt their fundamental understanding of value being dismantled and reshaped before their very eyes.

Numerous Lords grappled with the arduous task of producing a mere thousand ordinary potions within a span of seven days.

Yet, Isaac possessed the capacity to generate one thousand EXP potions – a mythical concoction – weekly?

"How are you even capable of—" Simraj began, only to cut himself short.

He found himself uncertain whether he truly desired the answer.

Isaac offered no explanation.

He merely shifted back slightly in his seat, observing their reactions with keen interest. Internally, he mused on how these individuals would react if they discovered his true capability: harvesting nearly ten thousand EXP potions daily. If he were to simply cultivate and harvest the Vitality Crop for a single day, the output of EXP potions would more than double, perhaps even triple, that amount.

"We can formalize a Contract if you doubt my word regarding the EXP potions. So, what is your decision now regarding becoming my Sub-Lord?" Isaac inquired.

Averon did not respond immediately.

He reclined in his chair, releasing a long, contemplative breath. His fingers drummed a soft rhythm against the armrest, not from impatience, but from the intensity of his thoughts.

Simraj cast a brief glance in his direction but remained silent.

After a moment, Averon finally spoke.

"With such an abundance, the other Lords will undoubtedly seek to claim you. Mere association with you will place me in considerable peril," he stated, his voice carrying a new weight.

"Danger is already an inevitability. However, aligning with me significantly bolsters your city's prospects of survival," Isaac countered evenly.

This was no mere hyperbole.

Isaac possessed undisclosed contingency plans, such as the Soulbind Pendant. Should circumstances deteriorate severely, he could secure their cities within the pendant. However, these were not details he intended to reveal at this juncture. Averon did not require every piece of information just yet.

Averon's rhythmic tapping gradually slowed, eventually ceasing altogether. He regarded Isaac once more, his gaze now far more scrutinizing.

Contrary to Isaac's proposal, Averon still perceived another viable path.

He could seek alliances with the other Lords.

If he were to secure their backing, particularly at this early stage, he could guarantee a measure of protection. It wouldn't be an equitable partnership, nor would it necessarily be comfortable, but it would offer stability. His people would remain safe, at least for the foreseeable future.

It represented the more prudent choice.

It was also the more predictable one.

However...

'Lady Catherine is clearly not foolish. If she is collaborating with Sir Isaac, they must possess a method to withstand the other Lords,' Simraj conveyed to Averon via telepathic link.

"That is precisely what I am considering," Averon replied through the same mental channel. "If

True, aligning with the other Lords wouldn't offer much. However, if an alliance with Isaac materialized, especially if he possessed a means of defense and was willing to share those resources, the potential benefits would be immense! Simraj remained silent, allowing Averon to fully process his thoughts. Averon's gaze fell upon the now ordinary-looking, empty EXP potion vial on the table. Although its glow had faded, its recent effect was anything but mundane. Three entire levels gained.

That alone was enough to sway critical decisions. His mind began to race, piecing together information, assessing risks, and calculating potential outcomes. He could delay his response; that would be the safest course of action. He could claim the need to consult with his city's elders, prolonging the decision and buying precious time.

Yet, the moment the thought surfaced, he discarded it. Time was of the essence. Isaac was on the verge of meeting with the other Lords. Any statement made during that meeting would irrevocably shape subsequent events. Based on Averon's prior observations, Isaac was not one to easily yield or compromise. This implied conflict.

Once hostilities commenced, the other Lords would act without hesitation. They would move swiftly, aiming to isolate Isaac, neutralize his advantages, and seize whatever they could. Anyone associated with him would inevitably be drawn into the fray. Averon's city would not escape unscathed.

If he wished to influence how his people navigated the impending challenges, the decision had to be made now. Not later. Immediately.

'We shall follow the path you choose,' Simraj stated.

Averon turned slightly, meeting Simraj's gaze. Simraj wore a gentle smile. Despite Averon's youth, his people's welfare had always been his utmost concern. He had dedicated years to preparing for his role as Lord, diligently learning, observing, making mistakes, and rectifying them. He wasn't flawless—far from it. His prior spiteful actions towards Isaac had demonstrated this undeniable fact. Nevertheless, he had taken responsibility for his error, offered an apology, and, most importantly, learned from it. That was the crucial takeaway.

Simraj refrained from intervening to assist Averon in making his choice. This particular burden was precisely what Averon needed to shoulder. If he evaded it now by relying on Simraj's guidance, he would be ill-equipped to handle greater responsibilities in the future. Averon slowly exhaled, then turned his attention back to Isaac.

"...Do you have an available subject slot? You cannot make me a Sub-Lord beneath you unless I become your subject," Averon stated. Isaac offered a faint smile.

That subtle gesture was confirmation enough. "Yes. I do have subject slots available," Isaac replied.

He wasted no further time. Isaac produced a Contract he had acquired from the [Market]. He meticulously detailed the agreements regarding EXP potions and other crop transactions, then presented the document to Averon and Simraj for their review and signatures. After a careful examination, they both signed the Contract. Once the agreement was finalized, Isaac accessed his interface.

His gaze shifted subtly as he navigated his Lord Profile, swiftly locating Averon's name. A prompt materialized before him.

[Request: Add Subject - Name: Averon Solkara]

[Subject Slots Available: 10] [Confirm Y/N?]

Isaac confirmed with an immediate 'Yes'.

A new interface materialized before Averon.

For several moments, he remained motionless.

Then, additional seconds ticked by. A profound silence enveloped the room. Simraj remained quiet, and Isaac did not press him.

Averon simply sat there, his eyes fixed on the presented screen.

Once he accepted this, there would be no turning back. His city, his people, his future—all would become inextricably linked to Isaac. Should Isaac falter, everything would crumble into ruin. However, aligning with the other Lords offered no superior alternative.

Minutes elapsed.

Finally, Averon made his move.

He raised his hand and confirmed the action.

The screen vanished.

Concurrently, a notification appeared before Isaac.

[New Subject Gained: Averon Solkara, Solkara Race]

This was swiftly followed by another.

[Averon Solkara, a Lord, has pledged their allegiance to you.]

[Averon Solkara has become a Sub-Lord under you.] [Congratulations for having a Lord pledge allegiance to you for the first time.] [Random Gift Box (Legendary) x1 gained.]

[Title 'Prime Lord' gained.]