Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 480 Gifts From Other Lords; Let's Start The Operation 'Scamming 101'

The utter absurdity of the displayed Status Screen plunged the meeting hall into a deep, unnerving silence.

For a moment, no one uttered a sound. The atmosphere grew heavy, as if even the slightest breath might shatter something incredibly delicate. A few Lords shifted in their seats, the small movements feeling jarringly out of place in the profound quiet.

Could Isaac possibly have devised a method to deceive the Inspect items?

This question surfaced in many minds simultaneously, yet it quickly faded. No, such a feat seemed impossible.

The assembled Lords exchanged swift, fleeting glances. Some subtly shook their heads, barely perceptible signals.

Every one of them possessed Legendary-grade Inspect items. These were not mere trinkets susceptible to simple deceptions. Concealing a Status was achievable, and overloading an Inspect item, much like Isaac had done previously, was also within the realm of possibility. However, presenting an entirely fabricated Status was unthinkable. Not against the power of a Legendary-grade Inspect item.

This left only one conceivable explanation: they were ensnared within an illusion.

Yet, even this theory couldn't withstand scrutiny.

The sheer number of formidable individuals present was staggering. Lords, their

trusted subordinates, and the Third Priest himself. Even a Water Elemental Spirit would struggle to trap all of them within an illusion without someone detecting the subtle shifts.

The inevitable conclusion was that the Status they had witnessed... was genuine.

This realization settled upon each person, quiet yet immensely weighty. "Greetings, Lords."

Isaac's voice sliced through the silence effortlessly. He stood before them, a subtle smile gracing his lips, exuding an aura of calm composure as if nothing out of the ordinary had transpired.

The Lords responded almost instantly, setting their perplexing thoughts aside for the present.

"Greetings, Lord Isaac."

"It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lord Isaac."

"You possess a more striking appearance in person."

The ensuing exchange proceeded smoothly and with utmost politeness. The matter of the Status remained unaddressed. Not for now.

Isaac advanced and occupied the vacant seat that had been arranged for him. Avery followed without a hint of hesitation, taking a seat directly beside him.

Under typical circumstances, such an action alone would have ignited palpable tension. Many of the Lords present would likely scoff at a lesser Lord occupying a seat among them so casually. But on this occasion, not a single frown or sign of displeasure was visible.

Instead, smiles were offered, and Avery was also warmly greeted.

Averon and Alice remained standing dutifully behind Isaac.

Several Lords directed their attention towards Averon. Recognition dawned in their eyes. He possessed a formidable Talent and Class, qualities that distinguished him in combat. However, that was the extent of his recognized strengths.

He demonstrably lacked a Lord Talent.

For a Lord, personal martial prowess was a secondary concern. The paramount importance lay in the capacity to develop a City and effectively lead its populace. While Averon might excel in battle, his capabilities as a Lord were unremarkable.

With him at the helm, a City's advancement would be severely limited.

Yet, his current position behind Isaac altered their perception dramatically.

So, he has already sworn his allegiance.

This unspoken understanding spread quietly through the gathered Lords.

Then, another significant realization followed.

Isaac Hargraves possesses a method to conceal his Lord Talent.

It had already been definitively established that Isaac possessed a Lord Talent with a 100%+ Drop Rate. Nevertheless, this talent was conspicuously absent from his Status display.

Items capable of obscuring a Status were exceedingly rare. However, observing Avery seated beside Isaac, the Lords could reasonably deduce the potential origin of such a powerful artifact.

Their collective attention pivoted.

It settled upon Alice.

For a fleeting instant, the very atmosphere seemed to shift.

A flicker of unbridled greed ignited in their eyes.

A Saintess.

She represented an artifact of immense value. A figure endowed with the ability to stabilize a City,

influence vast populations, and draw the benevolent attention of the Gods. Such an entity was precisely the kind of prize over which devastating wars were waged.

The Lords swiftly reined in their covetous thoughts.

There was no imperative to act hastily.

If they could secure Isaac's allegiance, Alice would naturally fall under their advantageous control

as well.

Their gazes then shifted once more.

This time, they focused on the woman with striking dark blue hair, who was leaning nonchalantly against the wall.

She maintained a distinct distance from the others, her arms folded, observing the assembly with a composed, almost detached demeanor.

She was clearly appraising them.

A subtle current of displeasure manifested on the faces of several Lords.

They were unaware of her identity, yet she carried herself with an air that suggested their collective presence held little significance.

More importantly, a stringent rule had been clearly stipulated: each Lord was permitted to bring only two subordinates.

Every individual present had adhered meticulously to this regulation.

They could tacitly overlook Isaac's accompaniment by the Water Elemental Spirit, deeming it a reasonable exception. But this situation?

An unidentified human woman, present without any discernible explanation...

It felt like a deliberate act of disrespect.

"Who are you?"

Sisyphus inquired, his tone meticulously controlled. Concurrently, he activated his Inspect item.

The attempt proved futile. The item failed to function.

This singular failure caused his expression to tighten almost imperceptibly.

"She is with me."

The Third Priest interjected with a smile, though a faint undertone of strain could be detected in his voice, betraying his own subtle dissatisfaction with the unfolding circumstances.

"Regardless of her identity, you have already brought two subordinates, Third Priest. Request that she depart," Fafnir stated calmly.

The woman with the blue hair remained entirely unmoved. She continued her silent observation of the assembled Lords, her posture unwavering.

This only served to further displease the Lords.

"I am afraid I cannot give her orders," the Third Priest responded.

That statement instantly altered the atmosphere.

The Lords' gazes became sharper.

Even Isaac's usually placid expression shifted slightly.

"What exactly does that mean?" Fafnir inquired.

"She is a trusted friend of the Emperor. Even in his seclusion, he makes inquiries about her," the Third Priest explained.

This revelation elicited an immediate and palpable reaction.

The assembled Lords straightened.

Their attention returned to the woman, but their perception had been fundamentally transformed. The prior annoyance had dissipated, supplanted by a blend of curiosity and wariness.

Should the Emperor of Florathi himself show concern for her, it indicated she was far from a common individual.

Isaac, too, regarded her with renewed scrutiny.

The precise nature of her connection to the Emperor remained elusive, yet the mere existence of such a link was enough to provoke significant questions.

Isaac, now is not the moment to dwell on her, a voice echoed within his mind.

Initiate the meeting, and seize control before another does. Otherwise, you risk being drawn into their predetermined agenda.

Isaac cast a brief glance in her direction before giving a subtle nod.

He then redirected his attention back to the assembled Lords.

"So, will Eleanor be permitted to remain?" The question was straightforward, yet the underlying implication was anything but.

The Lords exchanged uncertain glances.

This situation was highly unfavorable to them. The established protocols were clear, and Isaac had, in effect, skillfully circumvented them. By leveraging the Third Priest, he had introduced an unexpected element, subtly positioning himself above the others.

However, none voiced any objections.

Not when her true identity and standing were so uncertain.

"She may stay," Bella declared, her voice steady and composed.

Isaac acknowledged this with a nod.

"My gratitude."

He leaned back slightly and continued,

"Firstly, I extend my sincere thanks to all of you for gracing this occasion with your presence to offer congratulations. It is a profound honor to meet each of you."

"The honor is ours. You vanquished a Catastrophe during your Lord quest. Not to mention your extraordinary Status, which I've never witnessed before," Bella responded with a gentle laugh. She paused momentarily before adding, "It does spark my curiosity, however. How did you achieve such rapid and substantial growth?"

"You are too kind, Lord of Mists. While my progress may indeed be swift, I consider myself a novice compared to the esteemed individuals gathered here today," Isaac replied with a faint smile.

His words were courteous, but their meaning was unmistakable.

He had no intention of divulging the details of his advancement.

A few of the Lords offered knowing smiles, understanding his decision implicitly.

"Haha, very well. If you prefer not to share, so be it," Hass chuckled briefly. He had set aside the matter concerning the Third Priest for the moment, shifting his focus entirely to the proceedings of the meeting.

He leaned forward slightly. "Instead, let us offer our formal congratulations. It is a distinct pleasure to welcome someone of your caliber into our ranks."

With a subtle gesture, a subordinate stepped forward, presenting a finely crafted container.

"We have brought tokens of our esteem. Behold, the Seeds of Whisperleaf Fern and the Ashveil Bloom."

A subtle ripple of surprise moved through the hall.

Even Isaac's eyes narrowed slightly; he recognized the significance of these botanical gifts.

Hass continued in an even tone,

"The Whisperleaf Fern possesses the unique ability to mature into a sentient arboreal entity, rumored to be capable of forging connections with the world's ley lines. As for the Ashveil Bloom, it is said to vitalize blood within a considerable area. Wherever it flourishes, the land becomes remarkably fertile. New life emerges healthier, the elderly experience extended vitality, and recuperation from fatigue is significantly accelerated. Moreover, the incidence of illness noticeably declines."

Whisperleaf Fern.

Ashveil Bloom. Neither of these items could be considered mundane.

The Whisperleaf Fern's capacity to interface with ley lines was extraordinary. Ley lines, often referred to as the Veins of the World, represent immense subterranean channels of spiritual energy. In antiquity, they formed the fundamental infrastructure supporting numerous flourishing civilizations. Even now, despite the pervasive influence of the Red Rain seeping into the earth and corrupting many of these vital streams, a select few remain untainted.

Whisperleaf Ferns possess the remarkable ability to detect these pristine conduits. Once discovered, they establish a connection, subsequently drawing spiritual energy upward toward the surface, channeling it to the location where they are cultivated—toward the City itself. This represents an immense and invaluable benefit.

A consistent and self-replenishing flow of spiritual energy would catalyze a transformation in the city's infrastructure. The energy sector alone would experience a significant augmentation, conservatively estimated at twenty percent under typical conditions. In favorable circumstances, this increase could even approach one hundred percent. A city, it must be noted, can never afford to be deficient in its energy supply.

Everything is fundamentally dependent upon it. The operation of blacksmith forges requires it. Potion reservoirs necessitate it for maintaining equilibrium. The energy demands of Awakeners in training facilities are ceaseless. Even the fundamental operations of ordinary dwellings for non-awakened citizens rely on it. A solitary tree capable of influencing such widespread systems... its intrinsic value is undeniably immense.

However, there exists a significant reason why Whisperleaf Ferns are not ubiquitously found.

Their rarity in discovery is matched only by the extreme difficulty encountered in cultivating them.Even before the onset of the apocalypse, during a time of global stability and resource plenitude, cultivating such items was a feat achieved by merely a handful of regions. The prerequisites were exceptionally stringent, and the rate of failure was exceptionally high. "We can cultivate Whisperleaf Ferns with ease. Your farm is comparable – no, it surpasses holy lands," Avery's voice resonated within his mind, exuding an air of calm confidence. Isaac offered an internal nod. His farm was demonstrably beyond the ordinary, having already exceeded what most would deem optimal conditions. His attention then shifted to the second seed. Ashveil Bloom. This particular seed held a rarity equivalent to, if not greater than, the Whisperleaf Fern. Its influence pertained to "blood." Any individual residing within its vicinity would experience a progressive and permanent enhancement of their blood quality. While the effect might appear straightforward at first glance, Isaac was well aware of its profound implications. Superior blood translates to more robust physical bodies. Stronger bodies, in turn, signify increased endurance, accelerated recovery rates, and enhanced resistance to ailments. Over an extended period, this culminates in a healthier populace and, consequently, greater overall productivity across all sectors. Blacksmiths could withstand higher temperatures, Awakeners would recuperate faster between training sessions, and even children would develop with more resilient foundations. The effect would propagate gradually, yet its ultimate impact would be immense. Nevertheless, akin to the Whisperleaf Fern, it possessed a critical drawback. It required two centuries to mature and manifest its true potential, rendering it impractical for the majority of Lords. "I possess the ability to grow it instantaneously," Isaac declared, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. Both botanical specimens were invaluable treasures. In the possession of most Lords, they represented long-term investments with uncertain returns. However, under his stewardship, they transformed into immediate strategic advantages. Furthermore, in conjunction with his farm and Avery's capabilities, their performance was likely to exceed even the records of ancient history. "The plants are exceptional. But..." Isaac's gaze drifted. He focused his attention on the individual presenting the gift. Sisyphus. Mere moments prior, the man had audaciously addressed the Sword Empress, questioning her right to be present and ostentatiously looking down upon her. Now, he sat composedly, speaking with polite deference and offering rare resources as if no prior discord had occurred. The stark contrast was evident, revealing his true character to any discerning observer. "You need not concern yourself, Lord Isaac. These are tokens of congratulation. I expect nothing in return," Sisyphus stated, perceiving Isaac's contemplative silence. Isaac offered no immediate reply. *If something is given freely, its cost is often the highest,* he mused. Sisyphus might label these as gifts, but accepting such offerings would inevitably forge an invisible obligation—a debt of favor, acknowledged or not. This was precisely Sisyphus's objective. "Since Sisyphus has graciously presented his gift, I too shall offer mine," Bella interjected smoothly, her voice cutting through the atmosphere. A subtle undulation passed through her mist-like form, and a spatial ring materialized, hovering before her. Reaching within, she produced a luminous green core. For a fleeting instant, the core was visible before it remained suspended between them. "This is the Genetic Catalyst of the Vinefang Titan. It may potentially allow you to cultivate it into a sentient plant-type monster. Naturally, given your affinity for plants as a farmer, you could also absorb it directly. I suspect you would acquire a potent skill," she explained. Isaac gave a slow nod. Tyr, the treant he already commanded, had originated from a Genetic Catalyst as well. The treant possessed the ability to grow Hell-Iron Myre, a unique ore primarily found in Hell, which proved exceptionally useful in blacksmithing. The Vinefang Titan mirrored Tyr's potential in significance. If nurtured correctly, it could evolve into a formidable defensive entity—a guardian capable of protecting the city's perimeter without constant oversight. Alternatively, direct absorption could bolster Isaac's own strength. Regardless of the chosen path, the gift was undeniably substantial. "Then, I shall also present my gift..." One by one, the assembled Lords began showcasing their contributions. Each item was meticulously selected: rare materials, unique artifacts, specialized resources—none were commonplace. With every subsequent offering, the perceived value escalated. Some gifts were intended to enhance infrastructure, others focused on bolstering personal power, and a few were clearly strategic, designed to influence future decisions. Isaac listened, observed, and remained largely silent. The most valuable gift was presented last. It came from the Third Priest. Surprisingly, it was remarkably straightforward. A Legendary Grade armor set. Even without scrutinizing its specific attributes, Isaac could discern its immense power; the mere aura it radiated was sufficient confirmation. A hush fell over the hall as the armor was unveiled. Isaac understood the motive behind the Third Priest bestowing such a precious item. This gift served as the Third Priest's overture to address the morning's incident. A gesture of reconciliation. A means to mend fences without directly confronting the issue.Isaac contemplated the armor for a brief moment before returning his attention to the Priest. He remained silent, not yet accepting the offered item. The act of receiving any of these presents was far from straightforward; each carried its own set of conditions, some readily apparent, others concealed. Once accepted, these ties would inevitably constrict. At that very instant, Avery's voice resonated within his mind once more. "I also receive numerous gifts frequently. It's precisely because of this that I've learned how to accept presents without incurring any obligations." Isaac cast a fleeting glance at her, a shadow of bewilderment clouding his eyes. She offered a subtle smile, clearly relishing the unfolding events. "Essentially," Avery continued, "our objective is to deceive them. And we need to do it thoroughly."