I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Lady Elara’s eyes widened slightly at that revelation. She looked at Julian again, her earlier nervousness softening into curiosity.

The Count cleared his throat and nodded slowly.

”That is… quite impressive. We had heard rumors, of course, but to reach Arch Mage level in such a short time is no small feat. House Azmed is glad to see such positive developments within the Astran family.”

The Count then gestured toward Elara with clear paternal pride and said, ”Our daughter has broken through to the Peak Sovereign Realm as well.”

That surprised everyone at the table - even Julian.

She has reached Peak Sovereign Mage?

She appeared fairly young, likely in her early twenties. Considering the fact that children only awakened their elemental affinity at the age of sixteen, reaching such a high level in less than a decade was more than impressive.

Moreover, if she were to reach Arch Mage in one or two years, she could break Kraven’s record for being the youngest in the kingdom to achieve that realm. But considering how Kraven had a hidden master guiding him, it would not be strange if she, too, had been taught by another powerful figure in secret.

Elara flushed deeply as every eye at the table turned toward her. Her head lowered immediately, and she fidgeted with her hands nervously in her lap, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden spotlight. The innocent flush on her cheeks made her look even younger and more vulnerable.

The Duke broke the silence first. His eyebrows was raised in genuine astonishment.

”You are kidding, right, Azmed?” The Duke paused for a moment, realizing how rude the words might have sounded, and quickly coughed to cover it. ”Well… she was extremely talented from a young age, but to reach such a high level… that is unheard of.”

He glanced between Kraven and Elara, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

”Both of them are beyond talented. The future of our two houses looks exceptionally bright if this match proceeds as planned.”

The Countess smiled warmly and placed a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

”Elara has always been diligent. She trained relentlessly while in the capital. We are very proud of her progress.”

Vanessa leaned forward with sparkling eyes, clearly excited by the revelation.

”That is wonderful news! Elara, you must tell us how you managed such rapid advancement. Brother has his own mysterious story from Ezakael, but I would love to hear yours as well.”

Elara lifted her head slightly. Her cheeks were still burning with embarrassment and her voice came out soft and modest when she finally spoke.

”It… it is nothing so extraordinary. I simply worked hard and received guidance from a respected mentor in the capital. I was fortunate.”

Julian observed her carefully. There was humility in her words, but he sensed something deeper - perhaps a strength hidden behind her shy exterior. Her talent was genuine, and the way she carried herself suggested she was not merely riding on family prestige.

The Duke nodded approvingly and raised the glass of wine that he was holding.

”Then let us toast to the continued prosperity of both our houses. To talent, hard work, and strong alliances.”

Everyone raised their glasses in agreement. The tension that had briefly thickened the air eased as the conversation shifted toward lighter topics — upcoming festivals in the capital, recent magical innovations, and the beauty of the Astran gardens. Olivia contributed politely, though her gaze still occasionally drifted toward Julian with that familiar mix of lingering emotion and restraint. The Countess seemed genuinely friendly toward her, and the two women fell into easy conversation about family matters and court life.

Count Azmed, now more relaxed, turned his attention back to Julian.

”Young Lord Kraven, if I may be so bold… we were concerned when we heard about your exile and… certain behaviors in the past. But seeing you now, composed and clearly powerful, puts our minds at ease. I hope this reunion marks the beginning of a stronger bond between our families.”

Julian offered a measured smile. ”As do I, Count. The past is behind us. I am focused on the future and the strength of House Astran.”

Lady Elara listened quietly, stealing glances at him throughout the exchange. There was still that trace of self-doubt in her expression, as if she were wondering whether the man sitting across from her was truly different from the stories she had been told. Yet there was also a flicker of hope.

As the breakfast continued, the dialogue flowed more naturally. Vanessa kept the mood light, sharing amusing stories from court, while the Duke and Count discussed potential trade agreements. Olivia and the Countess bonded further over shared experiences as mothers and duchesses. Through it all, Julian remained observant, noting every subtle reaction, every unspoken word.

The arrival of House Azmed had added new layers to the game.

**

Finally, as the breakfast reached its end, the Duke turned to the Count with a glint in his eye and said, ”Azmed, should we see how talented our future rulers are?”

He had a smile on his face, and the Count seemed to recognize that expression immediately. The same confident smile bloomed on the Count’s face as well. He turned to his daughter and said,

”Elara, why don’t you duel with Lord Kraven? Show them how much you have improved.”

That seemed to catch Elara off guard. Her eyes flicked nervously between her father and Kraven. For a moment, she looked uncertain as if this was too much for her to handle.

Sensing her hesitation, Julian smiled calmly and urged, ”That would be great. I would love to see how much Lady Elara has improved.”

His words seemed to cheer Elara up a little. She did not reply verbally but simply nodded and a faint spark of determination appeared in her eyes.

Now that the duel was set in place, the two families — the Duke’s and the Count’s — made their way to the courtyard. The Count had initially suggested heading to the training grounds, but the Duke insisted on holding the duel in the open courtyard so that everyone in the duchy could witness the future of their families.

The Count did not argue against it, because he himself was far too confident in his daughter’s abilities. In his mind, there was no way that the exiled son of the duchy could have truly changed to the point of reaching Arch Mage level in such a short time.