Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 481 Avery's Plan

A moment of peculiar expression crossed Isaac's face, quickly masked before anyone else could notice.

His gaze was fixed on Avery, attempting to decipher her thoughts, yet she appeared utterly serene, as if her suggestion was the most natural thing in the world. This feeling he'd always had was now solidified.

This Spirit, presenting a noble facade to all, possessed a hidden playful nature.

It defied the typical image one might associate with such a being. The common assumption is that existing for over three millennia would temper emotions, erode individuality, and leave behind only a placid, detached demeanor.

Avery, however, was the antithesis of that.

She was remarkably spirited.

For a fleeting instant, Isaac's thoughts drifted. She must have traversed desolate lands for ages untold. She must have witnessed innumerable events, mourned departed companions, observed the rise and fall of empires, and seen mortals strive and ultimately falter.

Yet, here she sat, a gentle smile gracing her lips, casually plotting to deceive a room brimming with powerful Lords.

It was a curious paradox.

Was it her ability to conceal true feelings behind that smile, or had she simply found acceptance in the flow of existence?

'A long life isn't simply a parade of pleasantries, is it? It demands extraordinary fortitude,' Isaac mused internally.

He then offered a subtle nod.

Avery's perception was immediate.

She addressed the assembly, "My sincere gratitude for all your generous gifts. Such treasured items clearly demonstrate the high regard everyone here holds for Isaac. However, we must respectfully decline your offerings."

"Might this be due to a perceived obligation? Please, do not trouble yourselves. These are gifts presented without any hidden agendas. You may accept them without the slightest sense of indebtedness," Hass interjected.

"I am fully aware that neither the assembled Lords nor the Third Priest harbor any ulterior motives. Nonetheless, accepting items of such immense value would still be excessive," Avery countered smoothly.

A few of the Lords showed signs of displeasure.

It wasn't a disagreement with her sentiment, but the outright refusal was unexpected. They had arrived prepared to bestow gifts, and the majority had anticipated Isaac's acceptance, albeit with a degree of caution.

Avery continued, her tone unwavering, "However, I do possess a method. A means by which Isaac can accept your gifts without incurring any undue burden."

This declaration immediately recaptured their undivided attention.

"I have a question," Fafnir interjected.

"Pray, do ask," Avery responded with a slight inclination of her head.

"Given your apparent guidance of Lord Isaac, should we interpret this as a sign

that you have aligned yourself with his City, becoming part of his retinue?" Fafnir inquired.

Avery offered a smile.

Instantly, the room's ambiance shifted.

A palpable heaviness descended, an oppressive force bearing down on every individual present. It was akin to enduring the immense pressure found in the abyssal depths of the ocean.

Fafnir's countenance hardened. His body tensed as if ensnared by unseen tendrils from all sides. The crushing weight focused solely on him, though its oppressive presence was felt by all.

A faint hiss escaped him, but no word of complaint followed.

He bore the discomfort.

Perhaps it was pride, or sheer obstinacy.

Nevertheless, it was evident to everyone present that he was in distress.

"Lord Fafnir, I am the Spirit of Water. As you can observe, my association with Isaac stems from my desire to receive something in return from him." Avery's voice remained perfectly modulated.

Her gaze lingered on him for another moment before she added,

"However, I would appreciate it if you refrain from statements that question my autonomy by suggesting I am subordinate to another." Fafnir met her stare for a second before nodding. "Understood." His voice, though strained, did not falter.

The oppressive force dissipated as abruptly as it had manifested.

The atmosphere in the room lightened once more.

Avery smiled faintly, as if the preceding event had been inconsequential.

"As I was saying, I have a method for Isaac to accept these gifts without

feeling encumbered. But before I elaborate, I wish to confirm one crucial point. You are all gathered here with the intention of recruiting Isaac as your Sub-Lord, is that correct?" she inquired.

The question was blunt. Excessively so.

For a brief interval, the Lords exchanged furtive glances. Typically, such negotiations were approached with a greater degree of subtlety, but Avery displayed no inclination for such niceties.

Still, with the matter now laid bare, there was little point in evasion.

"Indeed, that is accurate," Bella affirmed, speaking for the collective group.

Avery gave a single nod, then directed her attention to the Third Priest.

"The Third Priest's objective is not to make Isaac a Sub-Lord, but rather to bring him to the Florathi Kingdom, correct?" she asked. "That is correct," the Third Priest confirmed.

"In that case, should you prevail in this wager, you may escort Isaac according to your timeline. Conversely, if you lose, Isaac will depart according to his own schedule. As a newly appointed Lord, his prior commitments involve the development of his city, thus necessitating his continued presence here for the present," Avery stated placidly.

The Third Priest remained silent, his response delayed.

It was clear that delays were not to his liking, especially concerning something as critical as the World Tree. However, he restrained any overt displeasure, mindful of Avery and the Sword Empress's presence within the meeting hall.

After a brief pause, he directed his gaze toward Isaac. "Do you share the same sentiment?"

"Yes. I absolutely intend to visit the Florathi Kingdom and meet the Seventh Queen. However, returning immediately with your delegation would pose complications for me. I would much rather arrive when my schedule permits. Naturally, I understand that the Third Priest also operates under a demanding schedule. Therefore, this bet," Isaac responded without a moment's hesitation.

This was, of course, a fabrication.

He possessed the capability to depart at any moment if he truly desired, particularly with the clones he had meticulously prepared. Nevertheless, observing Avery taking the lead in this matter, he chose not to intervene.

The Third Priest regarded him intently for a span of time before offering a slight nod, signifying his acceptance of the wager.

"What sort of bet do you propose?" Fafnir inquired, his tone regaining its composure as if the prior tension had never occurred. "I imagine all the Lords present have certain offers they wish to extend to Isaac in exchange for his allegiance. Record these proposals upon these," she declared, producing several sheets of paper that materialized from a spatial ring.

With a graceful flick of her wrist, the papers dispersed throughout the chamber, alighting precisely before each Lord.

"Anything inscribed on these documents will remain concealed, ensuring that no one ascertains another's bid and preventing any retraction of offers upon viewing others'." Avery elaborated. "How does this pertain to the bet?" Bella questioned.

"Every Lord here will assemble a team of six individuals. Subsequently, these teams will venture into the Great Dungeon. The team that successfully navigates to the conclusion of the Third Area first shall emerge victorious. Isaac will then align himself with the winning faction," Avery explained.

For a fleeting moment, an absolute silence permeated the room.

It was as if the implications of her words had not yet fully settled.

Then, the realization struck.

The response was instantaneous, evident in the sudden intensity in their eyes and shocked expressions.

Avery's proposition was astonishingly advantageous.

Indeed, Isaac's side would benefit from her participation.

However, she was but a single entity.

Considering the formidable forces the Lords commanded, each Lord's team was guaranteed to include at least two Overlords of Apex species. The remaining members would consist of Overlords from high-ranking species, none of whom were insignificant in power.