I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 647: Kraven's past

Mara swallowed hard, then began speaking.

"Kraven is the son of Duke Astran. Duke Astran is considered one of the most influential figures in the Hermes Kingdom—possibly second only to the King himself in terms of political power and wealth."

Julian's eyebrow raised. That was more significant than he had anticipated. "And what's the son of such an influential figure doing running a brothel and paying to watch incestuous siblings perform?"

Mara's expression became uncomfortable. She glanced at Thomas and Sarah, then back at Julian.

"It's... complicated," she said finally.

"Uncomplicate it," Julian commanded.

Mara took a deep breath. "The Astran family has direct ties to the royal family. The current Queen of Hermes is the daughter of Duke Astran—meaning she's Kraven's sister."

Julian nodded slowly, processing this. "So Kraven is the Queen's brother. That's a significant connection."

"Yes. Because of this royal connection, the Astran family has maintained a very strict code of conduct. Public propriety, moral code, exemplary behavior at all times. The Duke and Duchess are extremely careful about their reputation and the family's image."

Mara paused, her expression becoming more troubled.

"But Kraven was just the opposite of that. From a young age, he fancied women and their bodies. He loved screwing with them, using them, degrading them. It started with servants, progressed to prostitutes, and slowly the habit extended to his own family members."

Julian's expression remained neutral.

"The Duchess Astran—his own mother," Mara continued, her voice dropping lower. "The Queen of Hermes—his own sister. He pursued them both, made advances, tried to seduce or force them. The rumors say he succeeded with at least one of them, though which one depends on who's telling the story."

She looked directly at Julian.

"The Duke and Duchess, knowing of his perversions and unable to control him, made a decision. They separated Kraven from the main castle and built him an estate far away from the capital—here, in Ezakael. They removed him from the succession entirely. Currently, Kraven's older brother is chosen as heir to the Dukedom."

Mara's lips twisted into smile.

"So Kraven comes here, to his exile estate, with all his fetishes and perversions intact but at least away from the royal family. And we feed those fetishes and he rewards us for that."

Julian absorbed this information.

"So Kraven is basically an exiled nobility. Powerful connections, significant wealth, but separated from real political power and influence."

"Exactly," Mara confirmed. "He still has access to the family fortune—they pay him generously to stay away and stay quiet. He still has the family name and the protection it provides."

"And he uses that wealth and protection to indulge his darkest desires without consequences," Julian finished.

"Yes," Mara continued. "That's him alright. Well, he pays almost blindly, so what can we do, right? Money is money, and we all need to survive."

Suddenly, a thought flashed in Julian's mind— an opportunity he hadn't considered before. He did everything in his power to hide the smile that was building inside him.

"Okay," he said slowly. "I'll keep everything to myself as we agreed. But I want to be part of this next time. Call me as well when Kraven comes."

Mara's eyes narrowed with immediate suspicion. Her entire body language shifted, becoming guarded and wary.

"That's all you need?" she asked, not wanting to believe him. "Just to watch? No blackmail, no demands for money, no threats to expose everything unless I give you a cut of the profits?"

Julian shrugged casually. "I'm curious about the kind of man who would pay for such entertainment. I want to see him for myself, understand what drives someone like that. Knowledge is more valuable than gold, Miss Mara."

Mara stared at him for a long moment, clearly trying to read his intentions.

Finally, she shook her head. "No. I don't believe you. This is too easy. There's something you're not telling me."

She crossed her arms.

"Well, come with me to convince their mother if you're really committed to this arrangement. Prove you're actually invested and not just gathering information to use against me later."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Do you not trust me?"

Mara's laugh was sharp and bitter. "Would you, if you were in my place? A stranger appears, bypasses my magical seals, witnesses my most private operations, and then claims he just wants to 'watch' next time? That's not trust-inspiring, Mr. Julian."

Julian smiled—genuinely amused by her suspicion, which was entirely reasonable given the circumstances.

"You are technically right," he admitted. "Very well. If participating in convincing the mother will establish my trust, then so be it."

He stood from the chair and gestured toward the door.

"Lead the way, Miss Mara."

Mara studied him for another moment, then seemed to make a decision. She checked her clothing, making sure her dress was properly arranged.

"Thomas, Sarah," she said, turning to the siblings who were still standing by the pool in their towels. "Get dressed and return to your duties. Act normal. I'll speak with your mother tonight and arrange everything for tomorrow."

Both of them nodded numbly, still processing everything that had happened.

Mara moved to one of the doors—not the one Julian had entered through, but a different exit on the far wall. She took out a key from somewhere in her dress and unlocked it, revealing a narrow passageway beyond.

Julian followed her and the door closed behind them with a soft click.

The passageway was dim, lit only by the occasional magical lamps that were set into the walls at intervals. The path itself was confusing— the corridor branched multiple times, had false dead ends that were actually concealed doorways.

"This is quite the maze," Julian observed as they walked.

"Intentional," Mara replied shortly. "The passages are designed to confuse anyone who doesn't know the route. Even if someone managed to bypass the outer seal, they would get lost in here and give up."

"Clever," Julian acknowledged. "How many people know about these passages?"

"Very few. Myself, obviously. A few trusted employees who help maintain the chamber and arrange things. And our... patrons, who are given specific instructions on how to navigate."

"Like Kraven."

"Yes. Like Kraven."

They reached what appeared to be a dead end—a blank wall with no visible door or opening. Mara placed her hand on a specific section of the wall, and Julian felt a pulse of mana as the hidden mechanism activated.

The wall shimmered and became transparent, revealing another passage beyond. They stepped through, and it solidified behind them.