I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 340: First task as a Duke

Julian sighed again, staring at the mountain of paperwork before him. The sheer volume was overwhelming, but he knew there was no escaping it.

As Duke, the responsibility of managing the stateʼs affairs rested solely on his shoulders.

With a resigned groan, he rolled his shoulders and straightened his posture. If he had to do this, he might as well do it properly.

He picked up the trade agreement with Guire County, skimming through the contents. It detailed an upcoming deal regarding the exchange of precious minerals and grain shipments.

The agreement seemed fair on the surface, but as he read further, Julian noticed a clause that would give Guire County an advantage in pricing. His eyes narrowed.

”Trying to outmaneuver me, are they?” he muttered, tapping his fingers against the desk.

He reached for a quill and quickly scribbled the changes, adjusting the terms to ensure Easvil would not be on the losing side. He sealed the document and set it aside for further review with his council.

Next, he picked up the import list. Supplies for the military, raw materials for construction, medicinal herbs—everything was accounted for, but the numbers seemed off. He frowned, going through the list more carefully.

Certain goods were being imported at a higher rate than necessary, and there were inconsistencies in recorded quantities.

Julian exhaled sharply. ”Corruption, or incompetence?” Either way, it had to be dealt with.

He took another sheet and ordered to summon the head of the trade department. He wanted a detailed report of all imports.

Minutes turned into hours as Julian worked through the seemingly endless stack of reports and documents. Land disputes, infrastructure projects, tax—everything required his attention.

Some issues were minor, needing only his approval, while others demanded deeper study and analysis.

A knock on the door pulled him from his concentration. ”Enter,” he called, stretching his over worked fingers.

A young advisor walked in and bowed. ”Your Grace, the head of the trade department has arrived as per your summons.”

Julian nodded. ”Send him in.”

Moments later, a middle-aged man entered the room. He stood still, slightly trembling in nervousness.

Julian didnʼt waste time with gossips.

”Explain this.” Julian slid the import list across the table. ”I see unnecessary excess and unbalanced costs. Either youʼre not doing your job properly, or someone is lining their pockets. Which is it?”

The manʼs face paled. ”Y-Your Grace, I assure you, I have been overseeing all transactions—”

”Then why am I seeing differences?” Julian interrupted. ”I expect answers. And if I donʼt get them soon, I will personally ensure that those responsible are punished.”

The official swallowed hard and nodded. ”I will launch a full investigation and report back to you within the next two days.”

Julian leaned back, studying him. ”One day.”

The man hesitated but quickly nodded again. ”Yes, Your Grace.” He bowed deeply before hurrying out of the room.

Julian smirked to himself. This was the power of a Duke. His word was law, and no one would dare challenge him unless they were ready to suffer the consequences.

After handling trade affairs, Julian turned his attention to matters of security. Easvilʼs borders needed stronger fortifications, especially after the war they had just faced.

He drafted orders for increased patrols and requested updates from his military commanders. Strengthening his army was a priority. If war ever came knocking, Easvil would be ready.

A knock on the door came again, and this time, it was Emma. ”Your Grace, youʼve been working tirelessly. Perhaps a break?”

Julian smirked at her seductive tone. ”Tempting. But I still have work to do.”

She pouted playfully. ”Even Dukes need rest.”

Julian chuckled and gestured for her to approach. ”Then keep me company while I work.”

Emma obeyed, standing beside him as he continued reviewing documents. Every now and then, she leaned in, her soft perfume distracting him.

”You will tire yourself out,” she whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Julian exhaled and put the quill down. ”Fine. Five minutes.”

She grinned. ”Thatʼs all I need.”

After a brief pause, Julian resumed his work with renewed focus. He signed on a few more agreements, gave tasks to his advisors, and ensured that every major issue had been seen through.

By nightfall, the once cluttered desk was significantly clearer. Julian leaned back, satisfied.

His first day as Duke had been exhausting, but productive. He had taken control, asserted his authority, and ensured that Easvilʼs future remained secure under his rule.

As he stood to leave, Reginaʼs words echoed in his mind. You must prove youʼre worthy of it.

A smirk played on his lips. He would prove it, and more. This was just the beginning.

Julian stretched as he stood from his chair. He stepped away from his desk and walked toward the balcony. The night air was cold but oddly refreshing.

The duchy was lit with candles and torches, bathing the state in a warm, golden glow. It was thriving, but there was always more to be done.

Emma approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist. ”You look deep in thought.”

Julian smirked but didnʼt look away from the duchy. ”Just thinking about what comes next.”

”Youʼre already planning tomorrow?” she teased.

”Yes, there are too many works to be done, Emma.”

Emma sighed, resting her chin on his shoulder. ”You are thinking too much, Lord Julian. You should let someone ease it.”

He turned to face her and cupped her cheeks. ”I already have someone doing that,” he murmured before planting a kiss to her lips. ”But tonight, I have one more task to handle.”

She pouted. ”And here I thought I had convinced you to relax.”

Julian chuckled. ”Soon.”

Emma left with a knowing look, and Julian called for one of his guards. ”Bring in Lord Harrin. Now.”

Minutes later, the nobleman arrived, looking far too relaxed for someone about to be questioned. Julian didnʼt offer him a seat.

”Lord Harrin,” Julian began calmly, ”explain to me why your region has reported shortages in mana stones supplies when the supply has arrived.”

The older man cleared his throat. ”Your Grace, the roads have been particularly difficult this season. Bandit attacks have—”

Julian slammed a hand on the desk, silencing him. ”Donʼt test my patience with excuses. I know how much grain was sent, and I know how much should have reached the people. So I will ask one last time—where is it?”

Harrin paled but managed a weak smile. ”I assure you, Your Grace, the matter is being investigated.”

Julian leaned forward. ”You have two days to return what was stolen, or I will personally ensure that you and your family will regret what you have done. Do you understand?”

The nobleman swallowed hard and nodded. ”Y-Yes, Your Grace.”

”Good. Dismissed.”

With one final bow, Harrin hurriedly ran out of the room.

Corruption is such a powerful virus that once starts affecting the human society, it will not stop until veveryhting is completely rotted.

A knock came once more. This time, it was Eleanor. She stepped in without waiting for permission, her sharp gaze scanning the room before landing on him.

”Busy first day?” she asked, amusement in her voice.

Julian smirked. ”You could say that.”

She walked closer, placing a hand on his desk. ”You handled everything well. You will be great duke.”

Julian smirked, extending his hands out to her. ”Come here,” he said softly. ”And you will be my Duchess.”

Without hesitation, Eleanor stepped forward, falling into his arms. She gracefully sat onto his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck.

”Mmm, yeah,” she murmured, fixing the collar of his shirt. ”But you better not announce it.”

Julian chuckled, bringing her hand to his lips. He kissed it softly, before locking eyes with her. ”Why?”

Eleanor leaned in close to his ear, her breath warm on his skin. ”Because we are brother and sister,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

His arms tightened around her and Eleanor could see that there was no hesitation or doubt in his gaze. ”And? Do you think that changes anything?” he said

Eleanor sighed, placing her hands on his chest. ”No,” she whispered, ”but you canʼt expect the kingdom to pardon this, do you now?”

Julian smiled, his fingers sliding into her hair, ”I donʼt. Thatʼs why we have our own world, our own kingdom.”

She closed her eyes, embracing the warmth of his words. Here, in his arms, there were no expectations, no judgment—only them.

”Youʼre impossible,” she said with a faint blush on her cheeks.

Julian chuckled, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. ”And you love it.”

A warm smiled formed on her lips as she melted into his kiss. ”Unfortunately, I do,” she whispered, surrendering to him completely.

The days soon passed and Julian grew accustomed to his new role, embracing the responsibilities and challenges that came with it. He adapted quickly, his natural confidence and ambition driving him forward.

With each passing day, his influence expanded, and those around him began to see him not just as a powerful figure but as a true leader.