I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

As they continued strolling through the castle corridors, Rose suddenly slowed and came to a stop. She hesitated for a moment before turning slightly toward him.

“Umm… Ju…lian,” she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of nerves and hope.

Julian stopped and looked at her with a gentle smile. “Yes, Rose? What’s on your mind?”

She glanced at his face, searching for any hint of discomfort or rejection, but there was none. His expression was warm and relaxed—just like the Julian she remembered.

“Are you… fine with me calling you that?” she asked cautiously, her fingers tightening on her dress.

Julian chuckled softly. “Of course. Call me whatever you wish, Rose. After all, we go back a long way.”

A bright smile broke across her face, her eyes lighting up with relief and happiness. In that moment, she looked more radiant than ever.

“Thank you, my lord,” she said, bowing instinctively.

Julian waved his hand casually. “Don’t stick to formalities with me.”

Rose straightened, her smile lingering, and they began walking again—side by side, as they once had long ago, the air between them now a little lighter, a little more familiar.

“Rose, I’m focusing on transforming the entire duchy. That includes not just the capital, but also every noble estate surrounding it—including yours,” Julian said, turning to her.

Rose tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought. “Transform?” she asked, curious. “What do you mean, Julian?”

Julian looked ahead, his eyes glinting with determination. “I want complete development. Industrial growth, agricultural—be it crop production, mana crystal extraction, or mana fuel refinement. I want stronger trade networks, smarter architectural designs, advancements in infrastructure… everything. And I want you to be part of this change.”

Rose was silent for a moment, letting his words settle in her mind. She looked around the castle grounds, the streets, and the people in the distance. Then she turned back to him, her voice steady.

“I’m ready, my lord. Just tell me what to do.”

Julian nodded approvingly. “Start with architecture. Prioritize functional buildings. No need for excessive decorations or empty grandeur. I want buildings to be strong, useful, and worthy of our vision. And don’t stop at the estates. Upgrade even the commoners’ homes. Their comfort and safety matter just as much.”

Rose nodded with determination. “Understood. I’ll get my teams moving immediately.”

Julian continued, “And if you ever face any sort of financial trouble—don’t hesitate. Send a letter directly to Easvil. Eliz will handle the affair personally. I don’t want progress stopped over something as trivial as funds.”

Rose nodded seriously. “Yes, my lord.”

“Also, make sure to pass on the message to the other estates near you. I want them to know this isn’t just about your county. Everyone is expected to rise.”

Rose placed a hand on her chest and bowed slightly. “I’ll see to it right away.”

“Good,” Julian said. “Let’s not waste any more time.”

With that, they entered the castle. Without delay, Rose called her trusted aides and instructed them to begin upgrading the homes of the commoners.

Though surprised by the sudden change, the commoners didn’t resist. They welcomed it, placing their complete trust in Rose’s leadership, which had never failed them.

Meanwhile, Julian took charge of reviewing the architectural designs. He rejected anything that appeared overly luxurious or wasteful.

“This isn’t about flaunting wealth,” he said. “Make it simple—but strong, cozy, and dignified.”

The revised plans reflected that vision: simple homes with proper insulation, ventilation, and enough space for a family to live.

Under their combined leadership, a new phase of growth had already begun.

**

As Julian continued overseeing the development, a heavy thought weighed on his mind—transportation.

It’s a major flaw, he admitted to himself.

While magic portals existed, their use was severely limited. They consumed an enormous amount of mana crystals, and their operation required high-level mages. That made them too expensive and inefficient for everyday or large-scale use.

Only the nobility or upper-ranking officials could afford to use them once in a while, let alone think about using them in infrastructure.

But development required movement. Raw materials needed to be moved from quarries and mines. Crops from rural farms had to reach the city markets.

Mana crystal refineries needed regular supply chains. Even the movement of workers, architects, and builders between estates was a hassle. Transporting anything between even relatively short distances was inefficient, slow, and costly.

Julian realized that if he didn’t solve this, it would severely hinder the duchy’s growth.

“We can build the finest cities,” he murmured, “but if we can’t move people and goods, it all falls apart.”

But transportation, he thought again, isn’t something that I can solve with just my power or authority. It needs minds. Engineers, inventors, and scholars who understand mana, designs, and construction.

He sighed.

This wasn’t a battle he could win with a spear or magic. It was slower, more complicated—and far more important in the long run.

With that thought lingering, Julian continued to direct the workers for a while longer, offering feedback on materials and layouts. Once satisfied that the designs were proceeding as planned, he made his way back to Rose’s castle.

Inside, he found Rose seated behind her desk, her hand moving swiftly—signing, stamping, and scribbling notes. A pile of documents sat beside her, each one a direct result of Julian’s sudden arrival and commands.

Letters to suppliers, notices to estate managers, and official news for the commoners—it was chaos, organized only by her capable hands.

“Rose,” Julian said, stepping inside, brushing a bit of dust off his shoulder, “I’ve directed the builders and briefed your advisor on where to prioritize. Make sure to keep an eye on them, especially the supply routes.”

Rose paused her writing and looked up, her eyes a little tired but still sharp. She gave a slight nod, then leaned back in her chair and glanced at the high ceiling above.

“Time really changes fast,” she said softly. “It feels like just yesterday we were marching to Apollo, preparing for that war.”

Her gaze lowered, meeting Julian’s again. “And now… here we are. You, the heir to the kingdom. And me, a countess managing an entire estate.”

Julian smiled faintly, his expression a mix of nostalgia and pride. “Yes… who would’ve thought, right?”