Chapter 442 - 442: Schedule for the day ahead
Satisfied, Julian let go of Eliz, who stumbled back with a flushed face, half from arousal, half from shame. He didn’t say another word—just turned away, leaving her trembling and speechless in his office.
He walked off in silence.
A moment later, the door to his room clicked shut behind him.
He exhaled softly, glancing around the room.
The grand bed covered in black and gold sheets.
The old wooden drawers carved with the Easvil crest.
Paintings of landscapes.
And the ornate chandelier overhead, still glowing with silverish glow.
This was the room where everything had begun.
From the clumsy son of a Duke…
…to the Archduke of the Kingdom.
The climb was long. But for him?
“I had it very easy,” Julian murmured.
His mind drifted to the past—the exact moment everything shifted.
That day at the awakening hall. When he had first gone to test his elemental affinity.
He remembered placing his palm on the orb like everyone else.
He remembered the silence… the waiting…
Then boom.
The mana orb had shattered.
The hall went silent.
And then—
[SYSTEM UNLOCKED]
The voice had echoed in his head like thunder.
Julian’s smile widened.
That was the true beginning. The system. The secret cheat no one else had.
Memories flashed back in his mind, filling him with a rush of nostalgia.
He laughed to himself as he looked up at the ceiling.
“I’ve probably slept with half the royals and nobles of the kingdom,” he murmured with pride.
Queens. Duchesses. Countesses. Princesses.
“The only one I think left…” he muttered, eyes narrowing slightly, “is Eva.”
His smirk grew. “Well… I’m satisfied for now. I’ll keep her for later.”
With that, he flopped back onto his bed, exhaling deeply. He stretched, muscles relaxing as his head sank into the pillow.
With a low, satisfied breath, he closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.
***
The morning light crept through the tall windows, casting warm golden glow across the room. The curtains fluttered slightly from the breeze and Julian stirred awake.
He groaned softly, rolling over.
Blinking a few times, he rubbed his eyes. “That was good…” he whispered with a satisfied grin.
He got up, freshened himself with a splash of cool water and changed into a loose black shirt and pant when—
Knock knock.
“Come in,” he said, still adjusting the collar.
The door creaked open.
Eliz stepped in.
She was dressed in a fresh, formal purple gown embroidered with silver lilies. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, and her expression was perfectly composed.
Only her cheeks betrayed her, painted in soft red.
Gone was the cock-hungry, submissive woman from last night.
Now, she looked every inch the professional secretary of the Archduke.
She closed the door behind her with a soft click and bowed slightly. “Good morning, my lord. I have brought your schedule.”
Julian turned towards her, his lips curling into a lazy smirk.
“Oh, Eliz… you’re here,” he murmured, voice low and playful, eyes roaming over her in a way that made her posture stiffen.
“Yes, my lord,” she replied calmly, though her tone carried a faint tremble. She held the documents a bit too tightly.
He stepped toward her slowly.
“Good,” he murmured. “You look pretty today.”
Her breath caught for the briefest second and she straigtened her back instinctively.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, keeping her eyes trained on the papers—anywhere but his face.
But Julian chuckled, stepping just close enough to make her flinch internally.
“You wear dignity well,” he whispered near her ear. “Almost as well as you wore that little nightgown last night.”
Her cheeks flared red instantly.
“I… I’m here to deliver your schedule, not to revisit—”
“Oh?” he interrupted, raising one brow. “Do you think you can talk back now that the night has passed?”
Eliz’s breath hitched, panic flashing in her eyes as she stammered, “No, my lord, I was just saying—”
Julian chuckled, enjoying her flustered reaction. “It’s okay,” he said softly, waving a hand in the air. “I was just messing with you.”
She exhaled in relief, the tension easing from her shoulders. Her lips parted slightly as she tried to steady her racing heart.
But beneath the calm she showed, her mind raced with a different, more complicated thought. If only… she thought, her cheeks warming again, if only he had pushed me again… taken what he wanted like yesterday.
The memory of his dominance lingered—how his hands had gripped her strongly, how his voice had been a low command, how she had surrendered to him completely, trembling and breathless under his control.
She fought to push the thought away, reminding herself to focus on the present.
Julian, sensing the flicker of vulnerability, smiled wider. “Don’t worry, Eliz,” he whispered, voice dipping into that familiar tone that made her pulse quicken. “You’re safe with me… for now.”
She swallowed hard, caught between desire and restraints.
Then, as if switching gears, Julian’s gaze sharpened, and he gestured toward the papers in her hands. “Now, how about that schedule?”
Eliz nodded, straightening her back. “Of course, my lord.”
“The first thing on today’s schedule is the trade negotiations with the Hans family,” she said, eyes flicking briefly to his face for reaction.
“They have proposed several profitable trade routes that could boost our revenues significantly. Their merchants are eager to strengthen ties with our duchy, especially after your recent demonstrations of power.”
Julian’s grin deepened. “Good. The Hans family supporting me means more than just wealth—they bring influence and loyalty.”
Eliz adjusted the papers and continued with a smooth tone, “The second item on your schedule is the military training session this afternoon. You’re invited to oversee the exercises to evaluate their effectiveness and provide your insight. The commanders are eager for your approval and guidance.”
Julian’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Good. I want to see firsthand how well my forces are preparing.”
Eliz nodded. “I’ll ensure everything is ready for your arrival.”
She then flipped a page. “And finally, you are scheduled to visit the Marquis of Ravenswood tomorrow. Their noble household is part of the Apollo Kingdom. While on the surface they seem cooperative, intelligence suggests their true agenda is unclear.”