I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 858: Another bombshell

Julian leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead. Olivia’s hands, still resting against his chest, slowly slid up and around him. She held him back, tentative at first, then with growing certainty, as though she were finally allowing herself to believe this moment was real.

Neither of them spoke again for some time.

The silence, for once, did not feel like fear or uncertainty.

**

The days passed as usual. After spending a few more days at the castle, the count returned to his county. Julian had only a handful of conversations with Elara before she left, mostly about what she planned to do once she returned to Capital. During that time, Clara made no contact with Julian, and he did not push for any either. Now that they were both gone, the castle felt empty.

Barely two days had passed since the count’s departure when another piece of news struck the Astran Duchy. The long-awaited royal visit was finally happening, and it was happening tomorrow.

**

Currently,

Julian was stood in the great hall, facing his father. Duke Astran sat in his chair at the head of the room, his expression unreadable.

Others had gathered as well: Olivia, Vanessa, Commander Aldric, a handful of knights, and several ministers. A few nobles from the surrounding lands had also come, mostly counts and barons whose lands bordered the duchy.

“Your grace, I do hope you’ll put in a good word for us when His Majesty arrives,” said one count, his eyes locked on the duke with greedy expression on his face.

Beside him, a fatter baron nodded eagerly, rubbing his hands.

“Indeed, indeed. A mention of our… modest contributions to the duchy’s grain stores would go a long way, your grace. We would be forever in your debt.”

The duke said nothing at first and simply let the silence stretch just long enough to make both men shift uncomfortably on their feet.

“Contributions,” he finally said, “that I recall came only after three reminders and a threat to reroute your trade route through Baron Kell’s land instead.”

The count’s smile wavered. A bead of sweat formed on the Baron’s head.

“The king does not come here to hear about grain stores,” the duke continued. “He comes to see whether this duchy still stands strong enough to be worth his attention. I suggest you spend tonight worrying about that, rather than your own names reaching his ears.”

A few knights exchanged glances. Commander Aldric’s mouth twitched, though he kept his gaze forward. Olivia looked away entirely, clearly holding back a smirk, while Vanessa studied the two nobles with something closer to disgust.

The count opened his mouth again, and bowed instead. “Of course, your grace. We only meant well.”

The Duke let the silence linger a moment longer after the two nobles stepped back. Then he turned his attention to the rest of the room.

“The notice arrived with almost no warning. Whatever reason His Majesty has for advancing the schedule, we will not meet him unprepared. There is little time, so listen carefully.”

His gaze settled on Olivia first.

“You will oversee all decorations and reception arrangements. The main hall, the guest wings, the courtyards, and the route from the gates. I want everything appropriate for a royal visit, nothing excessive, nothing lacking. Use whoever you need.”

Olivia inclined her head. “I will begin immediately.”

Julian was genuinely happy that Olivia had properly accepted their relationship.

Although for a few days after their intimacy in the wardrobe, she had been shy and mostly avoided him.

But now it seemed that she had reached some kind of acceptance and began to open up again.

Now they were mother and son in front of others, and simply man and woman in their private space.

The Duke then looked to Commander Aldric.

“Double the patrols along the outer walls and the main approach. I want the inner courtyard and the great hall under constant watch from tonight onward. Check every servant and every visitor who enters the grounds. If anything feels even slightly out of place, I want to know before it becomes a problem.”

Aldric struck a fist lightly on his chest and bowed.

“It will be done, Your Grace.”

The Duke’s eyes moved over the gathered counts, barons, and ministers.

“The rest of you will make certain your own houses present no embarrassment. Your men will follow the castle’s security orders without complaint. Your contributions, whatever they may be, will be ready if called upon. Do not make me regret allowing you to remain present for it.”

A few of the nobles shifted on their feet, but none spoke.

Finally, the Duke turned to Vanessa.

The change in his expression was slight, but noticeable. The hardness remained, yet something more personal entered his voice.

“The Crown Prince will be arriving with His Majesty’s party,” he said. “You already understand what that means.”

Vanessa met his gaze without flinching. “I do, father.”

“Good. Then prepare accordingly. Whatever personal understanding exists between you and the Crown Prince, I expect you to carry yourself as the future queen this duchy has presented you to be. There will be eyes on every exchange. Do not give anyone reason to question the alliance we have spent years securing.”

Vanessa gave a single nod. “I will not disappoint the family.”

The Duke held her gaze a moment longer, then looked once more across the assembled group.

“You all have your tasks. Begin them now. We have less than a day.”

The hall began to empty as ministers, knights, and nobles moved to carry out their orders. Olivia was already speaking quietly with two stewards. Aldric had turned to issue instructions to the nearest captains. Vanessa remained still for a few seconds longer, before she too turned and left the hall.

Almost everyone had left the great hall.

Only the soft echoes of distant footsteps remained when the Duke finally turned his full attention to Julian.

“Kraven.”

Julian stepped forward and offered a slight bow. “Yes, Father.”

The Duke’s voice softened. “I have something to tell you.”