I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 819: The Count’s visit

The Duke straightened immediately, his expression shifting back to one of composed authority. “Very well. Let us greet them properly.”

Julian, Olivia, Vanessa, and the Duke then made their way to the front yard together. The morning sun was bright and warm, casting a golden glow over the carefully maintained grounds. Servants had lined the path with fresh flowers and banners, creating an impressive welcome for the arriving guests. The air carried the scent of blooming roses and polished armor from the knights standing at attention.

For about five more minutes, nothing happened. The group stood silently in the courtyard, the only sounds being the gentle rustle of banners in the morning breeze and the distant calls of birds. The sun continued its steady climb, bathing the grounds in a warm, golden glow that made the polished armor of the knights and the fresh flowers lining the path shimmer beautifully.

The Duke stood tall and composed at the center, though Julian could sense the subtle tension in his father’s shoulders. Olivia stood beside him, her hands fidgeting nervously with the folds of her dress. Vanessa shifted excitedly on her feet, barely able to contain her anticipation.

Then, finally, the sound of carriage wheels and powerful horse hooves echoed from beyond the gates.

The main gates swung open gracefully, and a grand carriage rolled into the courtyard, pulled by four massive horses as black as midnight. Their coats gleamed under the sunlight, and they wore ornate silver armor that shimmered with every step. Their breath formed faint misty clouds in the cool morning air despite the rising sun. Their manes were braided with fine silver threads, and they moved with discipline—clearly bred for both breathtaking beauty and raw strength.

The carriage itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship: dark, polished wood adorned with gleaming golden trim that caught the light. The Azmed family crest stood prominently on the doors—a majestic silver eagle soaring over a field of deep blue.

The carriage came to a smooth stop in the center of the courtyard. The driver dismounted swiftly and opened the door with a deep, respectful bow.

A figure emerged first.

He was a tall, distinguished man in his late fifties, with ashy gray hair and a neatly trimmed goatee that have him an air of refined authority. He wore formal yet comfortable noble attire: a deep burgundy tunic with intricate gold embroidery, a matching cloak fastened by a silver clasp, and a finely crafted sword resting at his side. His eyes swept over the welcoming party, lingering for a brief moment on Kraven before he turned back toward the carriage.

The atmosphere in the courtyard shifted palpably.

Count Azmed.

Julian recognized him immediately. His mere presence commanded respect without the need for words.

The Count extended his hand into the carriage. A slender hand took it, and the next figure stepped out into the sunlight.

Her presence seemed to envelop the entire courtyard.

She was stunningly beautiful, nearly rivaling Olivia in elegance and grace. She wore a perfect silver gown adorned with shimmering, detailed embroidery that glittered like stars in the morning light. The fabric flowed elegantly around her figure, balancing noble modesty with undeniable allure. Her auburn hair cascaded in loose, lustrous waves that caught the golden sunlight and framed a face with warm hazel. A small, warm smile graced her lips as she fully emerged, her posture refined and graceful.

Just like the Count, her gaze swept over the courtyard as well, landing briefly on each member of the Astran family before settling on Julian for a slightly longer moment. There was a flicker of something in her eyes… recognition, perhaps a touch of nervousness, or maybe even caution.

Is she Elara? Julian thought to himself as he studied the woman.

But the more he watched her, the less it made sense. She had a certain aura of maturity around her, and her curves spoke for themselves. As someone who considered himself a master of milfs, Julian could immediately tell that her curves belonged to a woman who had mothered children… even though her face could easily be mistaken for that of a woman in her early twenties.

Her figure was full and womanly — wide hips, a generous bust that strained subtly against the elegant fabric of her gown, and a graceful posture that spoke of experience. Yet her features remained remarkably youthful, with smooth skin and striking eyes that held both warmth and hidden depth.

Just as he had predicted, a third figure emerged from behind the Count and the Countess.

She was beautiful — strikingly so. The perfect combination of her parents’ best traits. She wore a soft pink gown that flowed elegantly around her slender yet feminine frame, accentuating her gentle curves. Her hair cascaded in soft waves down her back and her face held an innocent, almost ethereal quality.

Unlike her father and mother, her eyes immediately locked onto Julian the moment she emerged. She looked at him once – a brief, intense gaze that seemed to carry a thousand unspoken emotions, before she lowered her eyes in something close to self-loathing or self-doubt.

Yes — that described her expression best. It wasn’t outright fear, but an aching uncertainty, as if she were bracing herself for disappointment or rejection.

Vanessa leaned closer to Julian, still holding his arm. “That’s Lady Elara,” she whispered excitedly. “She’s even lovelier than the last time we saw her, isn’t she?”

Olivia remained silent beside them, though Julian could feel her tension. Her gaze flicked briefly toward Elara, then back to the floor. The contrast between the young, innocent-looking fiancée and the mature, conflicted woman standing next to him was not lost on Julian. It created a strange, layered tension in his chest.

Count Azmed stepped forward with a broad, diplomatic smile and bowed respectfully to the Duke and Duchess before turning his attention to Julian.

“Young Lord Kraven,” the Count said warmly. “It has been far too long. I trust you have been well?”

Julian bowed his head slightly, maintaining Kraven’s persona while his mind worked rapidly. “Well enough, Count Azmed. I apologize for my earlier surprise. The years have… blurred some memories, I’m afraid.”