I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Having now witnessed that change with his own eyes, the Count found himself more certain than ever that Elara’s betrothal to Kraven was the best decision. he could ever make. Strength like that, paired with such discipline, was rare. He intended to make the most of it.

But beside him, his wife’s thoughts moved down an entirely different path.

Unlike her clearly impressed husband, the Countess held no such confidence. Yes, he had changed. She could acknowledge that much plainly enough; only a fool would deny what they had all just witnessed with their own eyes. But change on the surface meant little to her when compared against everything she still knew, or believed she knew, about the man underneath.

What if it was only his power that had changed, and nothing else? What if, buried beneath that newfound composure and control, the same cruelty still lingered?

If he had been capable of such behavior then, what would he do now that he possessed true strength and influence?

Power did not erase character. If anything, in her experience, it only gave the worst parts of a person more room to expand unchecked.

Her hands curled into tight fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she watched Kraven smile down at Vanessa. To everyone else in that courtyard, it likely looked like the smile of a reformed man. To the Countess, it looked like nothing more than a mask worn exceptionally well.

I will not let you near my daughter, she thought, the words sharp and unwavering in her mind.

Olivia, standing a short distance away, noticed the Countess’s expression and felt a familiar unease. She understood the protective instinct of a mother all too well. However, she said nothing and only watched as Vanessa continued to cling lightly to Kraven’s arm, chatting animatedly about the duel.

The courtyard slowly returned to normal. Servants began clearing the debris left by the water and steam, while the last of the spectators drifted away in small groups, still discussing the unexpected intensity of the match.

Vanessa, still linked lightly to Julian’s arm, glanced between her brother and Elara with a sudden spark of mischief in her eyes. She leaned closer to Julian and spoke just loud enough for those nearest to hear.

”Brother, you’ve barely had a moment to speak with Lady Elara since she arrived. Why don’t the rest of us give you two a little time to catch up? After such a dramatic duel, it seems only fair.”

The suggestion was delivered with her usual bright smile, but her intention was clear to everyone listening. The Duke raised an eyebrow, then chuckled softly and nodded.

”A reasonable idea,” he said. ”Count Azmed and I still have a few matters to discuss regarding the upcoming trade routes. We can continue inside.”

The Count agreed without hesitation. ”Indeed. The young ones should have a chance to speak without us hovering over them.”

The Countess’s expression tightened immediately. She opened her mouth as if to protest, but before she could even voice her objection, Olivia stepped forward with a graceful smile and gently placed a hand on the Countess’s arm.

”Come, Lady Clara,” Olivia said warmly. ”Let us leave the younger generation to their conversation. We can enjoy some tea while the men discuss business. I would very much like to hear more about the capital.”

The Countess hesitated but the combination of Olivia’s polite insistence and the fact that both the Duke and her own husband had already agreed left her with little room to object without appearing unreasonable. She shot one last wary glance toward Julian before allowing herself to be guided toward the castle doors.

Vanessa lingered for a moment longer. She turned to Elara, who had gone completely silent, and offered her a knowing little wink before following the others inside.

In a matter of moments, the courtyard emptied. The last of the servants finished their work and withdrew, leaving only Julian and Elara standing amid the lingering scent of steam and scorched stone. The morning sun had climbed higher, casting soft light across the damaged paving. The air still carried a faint residual warmth from the earlier clash of mana.

Elara stood a few steps away, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. The pink gown she wore was still damp in places and lightly scorched at the edges, and a few strands of her hair clung to her neck. Her cheeks remained a deep, vivid red. She seemed unable to meet Julian’s eyes at first, her earlier confidence from the duel having completely evaporated now that they were alone.

Julian studied her quietly for a moment. The contrast between the determined mage who had summoned a towering Water Guardian and the shy young woman now standing before him was almost striking. He decided not to push too hard, at least not yet.

”You don’t have to look so nervous, Lady Elara,” he said, his tone calm and almost gentle. ”I don’t bite.”

Elara finally lifted her gaze, though only briefly. ”I… I’m not nervous,” she replied, the slight tremor in her voice betraying her. ”It’s just… sudden. I didn’t expect everyone to leave so quickly.”

Julian allowed a small smile. ”Vanessa has a talent for arranging situations. You’ll get used to it.” He paused, then added more sincerely, ”You fought well today. That Guardian of yours was impressive. Most mages your age would never attempt something so complex, let alone control it in a real duel.”

Elara’s flush deepened at the praise, but a quiet pride flickered in her eyes. ”Thank you. I… I’ve been training for a long time. I wanted to show that I wasn’t just here as a political arrangement.”

The honesty in her words was unexpected. Julian studied her more carefully. Beneath the shyness and the self-doubt she had shown earlier, there was a clear desire to be seen as more than a betrothed piece on a board.

”I can see that,” he said. ”And for what it’s worth… I respect it.”

A brief silence settled between them. The courtyard felt larger now that it was empty, the distant sounds of the castle the only background noise. Elara shifted slightly on her feet, still clearly uncertain how to navigate the sudden privacy.