Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

The bustling Sphepet Circle continued its pre-festive revelry around them, oblivious to the tension between the two figures standing stock-still amidst the chaos. Shoppers bustled past, arms laden with gifts and treats.

A group of carollers struck up a rendition on a nearby corner, their voices harmonizing perfectly thanks to a subtle charm.

In the distance, the great clock tower chimed the hour, its deep, resonant tones echoing across the district. The sound seemed to break the spell that had fallen over Jaegar and Professor Lovett, bringing them both back to the present moment.

Jaegar opened his mouth to speak, unsure of what he would say but feeling the need to break the uncomfortable silence. However, before he could utter a word, Professor Lovett beat him to it.

"I... I read about the trial," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm glad you are out."

Jaegar nodded, his throat suddenly tight. "Thank you," he managed, folding the newspaper and tucking it into his coat pocket. "It's been... a challenging time."

Professor Lovett's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "I can only imagine," she said, her grip on the book relaxing slightly. "Jaegar, I... that is to say, we... the faculty at the academy, we were..."

She trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words—a rarity for the usually eloquent professor. Jaegar waited, acutely aware of the curious glances they were attracting from passersby.

After all, it wasn't every day that one came across a recently exonerated Prince.

Professor Lovett shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting to the bustling street around them. "I... I'm afraid I must be going," she said, her voice regaining some of its usual composure. "There's much to prepare at the academy before the holidays."

Jaegar nodded a mixture of disappointment and relief washing over him.

"Of course," he replied, his voice low. "I understand."

This chapter upload first at NovelUsb.Com

Professor Lovett hesitated for a moment, then added, "Perhaps... you could visit the academy after the holidays? The headmaster would be pleased to hear from you. He had spoken about your presence for a while."

Jaegar felt a small spark of hope in her words. "I'd like that," he said softly.

With a curt nod, Professor Lovett turned and strode away, her emerald robes billowing behind her.

Jaegar watched her leave, his mind flooded with memories of their time together at the academy.

Intimate moments shared in secluded corners of the library, passionate debates over obscure potions theories, stolen glances across the Great Hall during meals. He sighed heavily, the weight of what had been lost settling on his shoulders once more.

Shaking himself from his reverie, Jaegar turned and made his way to the nearby barbershop.

Clink!

The bell tinkled softly as he entered, and the barber, a jovial old man named Finnegan, looked up from his current customer. He instantly recognised Jaegar from the newspapers.

"Well, well," Finnegan said with a grin, "if it isn't the man of the hour! Come for a tidying up, Mr. Ambrose?"

Jaegar nodded, settling into the waiting chair. "Indeed, Finnegan. I think it's time to look a bit more presentable."

Jaegar used to come here whenever he was in the Sphepet circle, a frequent customer here.

When his turn came, Jaegar settled into the barber's chair, the familiar leather creaking beneath him. "I'd like the hair trimmed to just above my shoulders," he instructed, "and the beard... well, I think it's time for it to go entirely."

Finnegan set to work with enthusiasm, his scissors snipping away with precision. As the excess hair fell away, Jaegar felt as though a weight was being lifted from him, both literally and figuratively.

The ragged, unkempt appearance that had marked his time in custody was being stripped away, revealing the man he used to be. It had been a long time since he had a haircut and all the hair was sort of crusty and stinking too. Now that he thought about it, he can't even remember the last time he had a proper bath.

When Finnegan finally spun the chair around to face the mirror, Jaegar found himself staring at a familiar stranger. His hair, now neatly trimmed to his shoulders, framed a face he hadn't seen in months.

Without the beard, his handsome features were once again revealed. His eyes, which had seemed sunken and haunted, now appeared brighter, more alert.

Jaegar smiled at his reflection, a genuine smile that reached his eyes for the first time in what felt like an eternity. "Thank you, Finnegan," he said, rising from the chair. "You've worked your usual magic."

He paid him and stepped out of the shop.

With a spring in his step that hadn't been there before, Jaegar made his way back to Pierre's house. The walk gave him time to reflect on the day's events—his exoneration splashed across the newspapers, his encounter with Professor Lovett, and now his return to a semblance of his former self. He sighed heavily, feeling that it may take a while for things to settle down.

As he approached Pierre's house, Jaegar noticed that the curtains were drawn, and there was a comfortable silence about the place. Assuming his friend was still asleep, he quietly let himself in, the door yielding easily to his touch.

Stay updated with empire

Jaegar made his way through the familiar hallway, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. As he entered the living room, he was met with an unexpected sight.

Pierre and Jennifer were entwined on the sofa, locked in an intimate embrace.

At the sound of his entrance, they sprang apart, Jennifer's face flushing a deep crimson as she hastily straightened her blouse.

Pierre, looking somewhat flustered and more than a little annoyed, frowned at Jaegar. "Hey, don't sneak up like that," he grumbled, running a hand through his dishevelled hair.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Jaegar couldn't help but smile, both at his friends' embarrassment and at the sheer normalcy of the situation.

After months of isolation and uncertainty, walking in on such a mundane, human moment felt oddly comforting.

"I thought you were still sleeping," Jaegar replied, his tone light and teasing. "And the door wasn't locked."