Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

For a moment, the Emperor seemed lost in thought, his eyes distant, perhaps remembering his brother and the nephew he hadn't truly known. "I see. That is… unfortunate," he murmured, more to himself than to Jaegar.

Then, to Jaegar's surprise, Zenumus looked at him; his gaze softened with something close to sincerity. "I apologise. For everything."

Jaegar was stunned, unprepared for the weight of Zenumus's words. In a way, he had guessed that the emperor would try to welcome him back into the family, but he didn't expect him to apologise to him, which made it seem as if Zenumus truly regretted his past actions and wanted to make amends.

Jaegar did not show it, but he was emotionally unstable as a result of what had happened with his aunt. Right now, the word family was like a blur to him, and if they had all their reasons, he couldn't help but feel like an outsider looking in. The apology from Zenumus only added to his confusion and inner turmoil, leaving him unsure of how to proceed in this unexpected turn of events.

The Emperor's regret was not something he had anticipated, and for a moment, Jaegar was at a loss for words. The tension between them softened, just slightly, as Jaegar looked at his uncle, recognising perhaps for the first time that the Emperor was more than just the man who ruled the empire—he was family, however distant they had become.

Jaegar turned his gaze back to Zenumus, listening with unexpected interest as his uncle began to speak.

"Your father, Angus, was always a challenging one to understand," Zenumus said, a faint, reminiscent smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Since he was young, he's been... difficult. Even now, there are moments when I can't quite tell what he's thinking." He paused, as though the memory of Angus was caught between warmth and frustration. "But he always held one thing dear: family. I see now that I may have acted too harshly toward you, Jaegar. Family is… complicated, but it's what holds us together."

"I don't know the exact reasons for you to grow up outside the empire. Mother said not to raise the topic. So, it is what it needs to be. But, while I am here, you are a member of the family and always will be. It was an impulse decision taken in the heat of the moment during the barrier breakdown, and I am truly sorry for what had been done."

Jaegar was genuinely taken aback by the way Zeumus spoke. It was the first time he felt uncertain about how to respond. After all, he was the emperor; he didn't owe Jaegar an apology, yet here he was. Jaegar could see the sincerity in Zeumus's eyes and was caught off guard by his unexpected warmth. Having treated the imperial family as outsiders for so long, Jaegar felt the walls he had built around himself beginning to crumble.

The Emperor's words softened, carrying a note of regret. "And that's why I've decided I want you here, Jaegar. I'd like you to stay in the palace with us." Zenumus's gaze met Jaegar's, his expression earnest.

"Your grandmother has been waiting to meet you. She asked about you. She's worried about you."

Jaegar's thoughts swirled with the unexpectedness of it all.

He hadn't anticipated such a heartfelt offer from Zenumus, much less a reminder of the bonds that tied them together. His uncle's words lingered in the air, filled with unspoken resolve.

"Family comes first," Zenumus continued. "Staying close, it makes us stronger. You're welcome to come to me, whenever you wish."

"I know you don't really love your father, and I don't expect you to. But don't forget that there are people here in the palace waiting for you and wishing for your well-being. You have a place here, Jaegar, among those who care about you."

With that, the Emperor's face softened further. "For tonight, however, go enjoy yourself. The soiree awaits, and I hear it's a rare opportunity to truly unwind."

Jaegar's mind raced as he left the garden, his steps thoughtful as he retraced his way back to the grand hall.

The Emperor's words had caught him entirely off guard, filling him with a strange mixture of bewilderment and a warmth he'd scarcely let himself imagine. Was this what it meant to belong to a family, to be valued beyond his utility? As he crossed the threshold back into the hall, still mulling over his uncle's words, he was abruptly jolted from his reverie.

A young woman hurled herself at him, wrapping him in a tight embrace. "I missed you, little brother!" she exclaimed, her voice bright with laughter.

The familiar scent and voice brought him to his senses, and as she moved back, Jaegar recognised the woman immediately. His half-sister, Jacqueline, her blonde hair tumbling down her shoulders, looked at him with a mixture of joy and relief.

It had been years since they'd seen each other.

"Jacqueline," he murmured, surprised. But before he could ask her anything, she grabbed his hand, tugging him away from the throngs of guests and out of the hall with such urgency that Jaegar had no choice but to follow.

Once they reached a secluded alcove, shielded from the curious gazes of the guests, Jacqueline stopped abruptly.

She faced him, her confident smile faltering as her eyes filled with tears.

Without warning, she began to cry, her shoulders trembling as she struggled to compose herself.

Jaegar's expression softened as he watched her. This was a side of his sister he hadn't anticipated, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. "Jacqueline, what's happened?" he asked gently.

She bit her lip, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. "I'm so sorry, Jaegar," she said in a shaky voice. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I… I heard about what happened, but I was powerless to do anything. I wanted to help, but…" She trailed off, her gaze dropping as if ashamed of her inability to protect him.