I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 226: You want to ambush me?

Hallie stood, her hands balling into fists at her sides. ”But she has no right to make such a decision. She canʼt just—” Her voice faltered as the reality of the situation hit her.

”Yes, I know,” the queen said. ”But Aisha has laid a path for him to walk on, and with his growing power and influence, he will soon gain the peopleʼs support as well. The people are always looking for a new face, someone who represents strength.”

”But, Mother, how can Father give the kingdom to someone who has only just had his royal blood acknowledged? He is barely part of this family, he is an outsider.” Hallie asked, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of everything.

”I donʼt know, Hallie,” the queen replied, her voice tense with a mixture of frustration and worry.

”I donʼt know what your father will do. But one thing is for sure: Your son should take the crown. And that should be final.”

Hallieʼs face flushed with surprise and a hint of anger. ”How is it even possible? Father wonʼt just hand the throne over to him.”

The queenʼs expression grew even darker as she spoke. ”I know he wonʼt, but we must make sure that he will, Hallie. We cannot let Julian take what is rightfully your sonʼs.”

Hallie nodded. ”What do you have in mind, Mother?” she asked, the weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders.

Before the queen could respond, a sharp knock on the door interrupted them.

”Enter,” Hallie said, her voice little composed.

The door opened, and a young man entered. His posture was straight and regal. He appeared to be in his early twenties, with short white hair and a lean physique that gave him the look of a warrior.

His royal attire marked him unmistakably as a prince. The royal crest that was made with fine gold, shone on his chest, confirming his status.

He looked strikingly similar to Hallie, though his features were sharper and more intense.

He approached closer and bowed before both his mother and grandmother. ”Mother, Grandmother,” he greeted respectfully.

Hallieʼs eyes softened slightly upon seeing her son. ”Ivan, youʼre here,” she said, her voice steady but with a trace of concern.

He straightened up as his brows furrowed in confusion. ”Yes, Mother. What is the problem?”

The queen whose face was lined with worry, met his gaze. ”Dear Ivan, your throne is at risk.” Her words hit with an undeniable gravity.

Ivan blinked in surprise, unable to register the sudden attack of her words. ”What do you mean, Grandmother?” he asked.

Hallie let out a heavy breath as she moved closer to her son. She spoke in a low voice and recounted everything she had learned about Julianʼs rise to power, his unexpected royal acknowledgment, and his growing influence in the kingdom.

After a moment of silence, Ivanʼs brow furrowed in deep thought. ”So, itʼs like that,” he said with a hint of frustration laced his words.

”This Julian... How strong is he?” he asked.

The queenʼs gaze hardened as she replied, ”We donʼt know yet. But one thing is certain— the king thinks highly of him.”

Ivanʼs jaw clenched slightly at the mention of the kingʼs admiration for Julian.

”Then we have to make sure he doesnʼt get too far ahead,” he said as his expression changed to something darker.

The queenʼs demeanor suddenly shifted, her initial worry melting away to reveal a sly, calculated expression.

”You donʼt have to worry about that,” she said as a grin slowly spread on her face.

Ivan was curious about the sudden change in his grandmotherʼs demeanor. ”What do you mean, Grandmother?” he asked.

The queen stepped forward. ”This journey,” she began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, ”is the perfect opportunity to deal with him. Away from the safety of the capital and his family.”

Hallieʼs expression changed with mixture of curiosity and fear. ”Mother, what exactly are you suggesting?”

The queen smiled with a chilling glow in her sharp blue eyes. ”I have a plan. One that will ensure Julian Easvil is no longer a threat to us—or to Ivanʼs rightful claim to the throne.”

”And what, precisely, is this plan, Grandmother?” Ivan pressed further.

The queen chuckled softly, waving a hand as if to dismiss his concerns. ”Leave the details to me, my dear. For now, all you need to know is that Julianʼs ascent will end before it truly begins. All it takes is one… misstep during this journey.”

*****

Meanwhile, Julian strolled through the grand hallways of the royal palace as he took in the magnificence of the palace.

The intricate carvings on the walls, the shining chandeliers, and the sheer scale of the architecture was surprising even to him.

He stopped in his tracks with a subtle smirk playing on his lips. ”Domain of Isolation,” he called softly.

In an instant, an invisible barrier began to manifest around him. It slowly expanded outwards, nearly engulfing the entire palace except a few selected areas that were heavily guarded with hidden and unknown things.

They were too complex even for his abilities to breach.

Within the vast sphere of his Domain of Isolation, he could hear every sound, every movement like ripples in a pond.

He could hear the steps of maids, the clinking of plates in the kitchens, and the disciplined march of guards patrolling the hallways.

But amidst these usual observations, a certain conversation attracted his attention.

”This Julian... How strong is he?”

”We donʼt know his full strength yet, but he is dangerous—clearly a threat to Ivanʼs claim on the throne.”

”Mother, what exactly are you suggesting?”

Julianʼs smirk returned as he didnʼt need to search or focus to identify the voices.

”The Queen and Hallie,” he thought, his eyes shining with interest. ”And… Ivan?”

The discussion carried on, each word filled with malice and ambition. Julian could almost see the outlines of their figures in his mind.

”I have stirred quite the pot, havenʼt I?” Julian said as his smirk widened.

He listened to their conversations for a moment longer. Their plans, their schemes, were all laid bare before him.

”This journey is the perfect opportunity to deal with him.”

”I have a plan. One that will ensure Julian Easvil is no longer a threat to us—or to Ivanʼs rightful claim to the throne.”

”An ambush during the journey, is it? Julian thought, clearly recognizing the underlying schemes behind her words.

He chuckled. ”Oh, so you think you can play against me, huh, Grandma?” he murmured to himself. ”Very well. Letʼs see who gets on their knees first.”

However his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a faint, breathy sound that pierced through his ears.

”Ah... ah... ah...”.

For a moment, he stood still, tilting his head slightly as if to confirm what he had just heard. ”A... moan?” he murmured, a mix of curiosity and amusement creeping into his expression.

”Now, what could this be?” Julian said, a sly smile playing on his lips as he allowed his curiosity to guide him.

Julian focused and closed his eyes, narrowing in on the origin of the sounds. As he closed in, the noises became clearer and more audible.

”Ahhh... yes... youʼre so big, Your Majesty!”

”Your Majesty...?” he repeated. His eyes widened slightly at first, then his lips curled into a devious grin.

He guided his attention further and his vision penetrated through the walls of the room that was labeled as Head Maidʼs Quarters.

What he saw inside made him chuckle—a low, amused laugh that echoed softly in the grand hallway he stood in.

”So,” Julian said, his tone dripping with mischief, ”the King is indulging in... extracurricular activities with the head maid.”

”And since the King does not dare bring her to his quarters... the Queen might be completely unaware of her dear husbandʼs affair.”

Julianʼs smirk grew sharper. ”This could be interesting indeed. Secrets within secrets... and a card I might just play if the situation calls for it.”

He resumed his leisurely stroll, ”This kingdom just keeps getting more entertaining.”

***

The days in the royal palace passed smoothly without any major events.

Julian spent his time wandering through the castle, visiting different sites, and overall enjoying the free and relaxed time that he was getting.

He remained to himself, avoiding any significant interactions, and before he knew it, it was already the night before they would depart to the Apollo kingdom.

Julian stood before the kingʼs chamber with a smile up his face. There were guards stationed outside, their expressions hard and disciplined. One stepped forward and blocked his path.

”Your Grace,” the guard said, ”you cannot enter without permission.”

Julianʼs smile remained unwavering. ”Yes, I know,” he replied. ”Go and inform His Majesty that Julian Easvil has come to talk.”

The guard hesitated for a moment but then nodded, heading inside to relay the message.

Moments later, the guard returned and bowed. ”Your Grace, His Majesty has called for you,” he said.