Chairman Lucius sighed, and his expression slowly shifted. The sharp, calculating businessman faded, replaced by a father who still clearly disliked Isaac for getting involved with both of his daughters.
"She likes a bungalow, preferably in the central district, not the outskirts, and not sothing small. It needs a proper garden, a private security system, and a good view. She also prefers imported furniture, custom-made, not mass-produced. Oh, and she has a habit of
collecting rare wines. Expensive ones," Lucius said, counting on his fingers as if listing items from mory.
Isaac's lips twitched slightly.
Chairman Lucius continued as if he hadn't noticed. "She also enjoys designer jewelry, though not the flashy kind. They need to be subtle, but expensive. And she won't settle for standard vehicles either. If you're thinking of gifting her sothing, it better not be average."
"... Are you trying to scam out of my money?" Isaac said
"What?" Chairman Lucius looked almost offended. "I would never do that."
The righteous tone made Isaac's lips twitch again, this ti more noticeably.
Chairman Lucius caught it and felt a small sense of satisfaction. After being on the receiving end of that calm, confident attitude just minutes ago, it felt good to return the sa attitude to Isaac.
He cleared his throat and continued, "Jokes aside, she isn't very picky. You can bring her a simple watch, and she will be happy. More importantly, she will co here tomorrow for Celia's concert. A lot of Lords are attending, right? She will officially be here to et them, and..." he hesitated for a mont, "...I will try to introduce Alice and Selene to her."
"Don't worry. I will be there with Selene and Alice tomorrow, and
prepare for it beforehand," Isaac said.
The Lords were coming for him, but the important figures of his City -business leaders, university heads, influential families-would also et them. If Selene's mother joined one of those group, it would be the perfect opportunity for a formal introduction.
Chairman Lucius gave a nod There was faint relief in his gaze. For all the bickering he did with Isaac, he trusted him in important matters.
"I have work to do. I'll take my leave," Chairman Lucius spoke after a small talk.
"Already? Stay for dinner at least, father-in-law. You should also stay the night. Alice would be happy to have you with us." Isaac tried to keep him a little longer.
Chairman Lucius didn't even consider it. "I have no intention of
sleeping under the sa roof as a womanizer like you."
Isaac stared at him, speechless, as the man walked away without looking back.
A few monts later, the car drove off.
"Does he really need to make those comnts?" Isaac muttered under his breath.
Then he spoke calmly, "Ruby, prepare the gifts Chairman Lucius ntioned."
"The watch?" The AI asked.
"Yes, and the other gifts too," Isaac said with a grin.
His future mother-in-law would definitely be surprised by the expensive gifts. He would put the bla for them on Chairman Lucius, saying he lied about her preferences to Isaac.
'You have been on my case for so long, old man. Watch how I get my revenge, he though, not realizing he was becoming a nace like Celia.
"Buying everything will be quite expensive," the Al responded.
Isaac waved his hand dismissively. "Money is one thing I have in abundance. And I can earn more just as easily."
"Understood."
Isaac turned and walked back into the house.
Celia was gone. After spending ti with him earlier in the evening, she had left, saying she wanted to visit Arlene. He still didn't understand how she had so much energy. The girl couldn't stay in one place for more than a few hours.
Now the house felt unusually quiet.
He stretched slightly and leaned back on the couch, letting himself relax for a mont. His mind drifted between thoughts of tomorrow's gathering and the long list Lucius had casually dropped on him.
Before he could settle into the quiet, a figure appeared in front of
him.
Professor Catherine.
She was carrying a stack of books.
"Since you're free, let's study a bit. It's been a while since you've
properly studied anything. And with multiple Lords coming tomorrow, it would be good if you at least know what you're dealing with," she said, placing the books down.
Isaac didn't argue. He nodded and opened the first book.
Catherine watched him for a mont, then pouted internally. She had expected so resistance, maybe a complaint or at least a reluctant sigh. It wasn't as enjoyable when he cooperated so easily.
Still, she sat down beside him and began explaining.
The study session continued smoothly. Isaac listened, asked a few questions when needed, and absorbed everything quickly. There were no distractions, no unnecessary comnts, just a steady flow of
information.
After half an hour, Catherine looked at the watch on her hand, and said, "Let's take a break."
"Okay," Isaac replied, stretching and yawning.
Seeing that he was tired, a clone of hers appeared behind Isaac and placed its hands on his shoulders, beginning a slow, firm massage. "Good work today. I'm glad you're not neglecting studying just because you've grown stronger," she said, leaning down slightly so she could look at him.
"Hmm," Isaac nodded.
Catherine studied his expression for a mont, realizing he was not focusing on her.
"What are you thinking?" she asked.
"I was wondering... among the Lords coming tomorrow, will any of them be connected to Mother's organization?" he asked back.
Catherine's smile faded for just a second.
Her eyes shifted slightly, as if she was thinking about sothing deeper than the question itself. Then she moved closer and wrapped her arms around him from behind.
"I will protect you this ti," she said quietly. "Don't worry." Isaac let out a small breath, then shook his head. "No. I'll be the one
protecting you this ti. I'm strong now, you know."
He raised his arm and flexed his bicep with a grin. Catherine chuckled softly. The tension eased just a little.
She leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek before pulling
back. "We'll see."
They returned to studying.
Ti passed quickly. One topic turned into another, and before they
realized it, a few hours had gone by.
The front door opened. Emily and Alice walked in.
Both of them looked tired.
As soon as Emily stepped inside, she imdiately moved toward Isaac
and practically fell into his arms-for him to hold her in a princess carry-as if she had been waiting all day for this.
"Good work on completing the quest," Isaac said, supporting her
weight easily.
"Mm," Emily responded softly, clearly too tired to say more.
Isaac chuckled. It was always interesting to see the difference. Outside, she carried herself with friendliness yet authority. At ho, all of that disappeared and what was left behind was his cute, and
spoiled wife.
He adjusted his hold slightly and looked at Alice.
"Good work out there today," he said, patting her head while using
Telekinesis to support Emily for a mont.
Alice nodded, and a faint sparkle appeared in her eyes at his gesture, though it disappeared just as quickly.
She quietly removed her boots and coat, placing them neatly on the hanger near the door.
"What are the awakeners doing?" Isaac asked.
"They're having a celebration tonight. They insisted we stay, but Emily
wanted to co back. She wouldn't listen to them," Alice replied.
"I wanted to stay with Isaac after working all day," Emily added, tightening her hold slightly.
Alice glanced at her, then at Isaac. She remained silent, but her ssage was clear.
"Don't worry. I'll send a clone to handle things there," Isaac said. Alice nodded again.
They moved further inside.
Isaac picked up a towel, dampened it with warm water, and gently
cleaned Emily's face. She didn't resist at all, just leaned into his touch
as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Then he turned to Alice.
She was standing there quietly, watching him. Her expression remained calm and cold, but her eyes said a different story. There was a hint of expectation there. Isaac smiled and did the sa for her.
She didn't react much, but the slight relaxation in her posture was
noticeable.
Once they were done, they moved into the living room.
At the sa ti, the door opened again. "Emily, Alice, you're back! Congrats on completing the Lord quest!"
Celia's voice filled the room as she walked in with her usual energy. Emily and Alice thanked her.
Celia stretched slightly, then looked around. "Oh, right, what's for dinner today? I'm starving."
Isaac stood up. "Well, since everyone's tired, I'll cook—" "Can we call Priscilla and Celeste from Cradle?" Celia interrupted
smoothly. "I want to eat their food today. It was really good last ti."
"...Co on, my food isn't that bad," he muttered. Celia just smiled.
Alice gave a small nod but didn't say anything. Emily closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep in his arms.
Their reaction was enough of an answer.
Isaac clicked his tongue. "Fine."
He sent the request.
Normally, Alice or Emily would have handled cooking, but they were
clearly exhausted. And the Sword Empress was still missing, which ant there was no one else to take over.
A few minutes later, the house began to fill with a faint, pleasant aroma as the dragon maids started preparing dinner.
Isaac leaned back on the couch, Emily still resting against him, Alice
sitting nearby, and Celia talking about sothing random as usual, shifting topics every few sentences without warning.
"...and then she said it wasn't her fault, but it clearly was," Celia continued, gesturing lightly as she spoke. Isaac nodded now and then.
Once the food was ready, they moved to the dining table.
Isaac called Avery to join them. The water elental spirit appeared without resistance this ti, taking a seat quietly. Compared to before, there was no awkward pause or reluctance.
"Looks like you're getting used to this," Isaac said. Avery gave a nod with a faint smile.
At the sa ti, Professor Catherine appeared at the table as well, as
if she had always been there. Dinner began, and the conversation flowed naturally. Isaac spoke about Selene. "Her evolution went smoothly. She didn't
have any issues, and she imdiately started her class evolution right
after."
Celia giggled, as if knowing why Selene was in such a hurry.
Alice nodded slightly. They spoke for a while, and she added, "Emily's
quest rewards were also quite good. Most of them are blueprints for buildings."
Isaac glanced at Emily. "That's useful. I'll take a look at them later."
Emily, who had been quietly eating, paused for a mont. Then she
said, "I got sothing else too. It's for you." Isaac looked at her, a little surprised.
She reached into her storage and took out a straw hat: the simple
kind farrs usually wore. Without saying anything more, she gently placed it on his head.
"For ?" Isaac asked.
Emily nodded, a small smile forming on her face. "All the items I've
gotten before... you always gave them to us. So I'm happy I can finally give you sothing."
For a mont, Isaac didn't say anything. Then he adjusted the hat slightly and smiled.
"Thank you. I like it."
He checked the item description.
Verdant Sovereign's Straw Hat Rank: Legendary Effects:
- Tireless Labor (Passive):
Reduces stamina and ntal fatigue during prolonged activity such as
building, combat, or skill usage. The effect is steady, not explosive. -Weathered Resilience (Passive) Grants resistance to Corruption and environntal effects such as
heat, cold, wind pressure, and rough terrain. The user remains steady
and grounded, like soone used to working in all conditions. - Simple Living (Passive):
Reduces dependency on external resources. Slows hunger, thirst, and
minor exhaustion, allowing the user to operate efficiently even in
poor conditions.
- Cycle of Growth (Passive):
The longer the user farms in the sa area, the more efficient their farming beco. Amount of harvest, quality of harvest, land quality,
and mana usage, improve gradually over ti.
...
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