Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

For a moment, an awkward silence hung between them, broken only by the ticking of the ornate clock on the mantelpiece.

Then, almost simultaneously, they both began to laugh.

It started as a low chuckle but quickly grew into full-bodied laughter, the kind that shakes your entire frame and leaves you gasping for breath. It was cathartic, releasing months of tension and worry in a single, joyous moment.

As their laughter subsided, Pierre wiped tears from his eyes and really looked at Jaegar for the first time since he'd entered. His eyes widened as he took in his friend's transformed appearance.

"Well, well," Pierre said, a grin spreading across his face. "Look who's decided to rejoin civilised society. And there it is, in all glory, the handsome devilish appearance."

Pierre smothered as he leaned back on the sofa.

Jaegar chuckled. Pierre always makes witty comments about his handsome face.

Then Pierre added, "Though I hate that face of yours, I have to say it's nice to your face after a long time. You're looking more like yourself already."

Jaegar ran a hand through his newly trimmed hair, still marveling at how different it felt. "It's good to feel like myself again," he admitted. "Though I have to say, I didn't expect to come home to such an... entertaining scene."

Pierre had the grace to look slightly abashed, but his grin didn't fade. "Yes, well, life goes on, doesn't it?"

There was a gentle rebuke in Pierre's words, but also a warmth that spoke of relief and genuine happiness at seeing his friend restored.

Jaegar felt a rush of affection for Pierre, grateful for his unwavering support throughout the ordeal.

"Indeed it does," Jaegar agreed, sinking into one of the plush armchairs. "And I, for one, am glad to be back in the land of the living."

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As if on cue, Jennifer reappeared, bearing a tray laden with tea and an assortment of biscuits.

Her earlier embarrassment seemed to have faded, replaced by a warm smile as she set the tray down on the coffee table.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Now, if you stop bickering and have some tea," she said softly, pouring him a cup of steaming tea.

Jaegar accepted the cup with a nod of thanks, inhaling the familiar, comforting aroma.

The grandfather clock in the corner chimed the hour, its deep, resonant tones filling the room.

Outside, the sounds of the Sphepet's pre-festive bustle drifted through the window—laughter, snatches of carols, the clink of glasses from the nearby pub. Life, in all its messy, wonderful complexity, went on.

And Jaegar, newly shorn and freshly exonerated, was ready to rejoin it.

Pierre leaned in closer, his voice turning serious. The firelight cast flickering shadows across his face, emphasising the gravity of his words.

"There's something else, Jaegar," he began, his eyes darting briefly to the frost-covered windows. "We've been followed."

Jaegar's body tensed, his hand tightening around his glass. "Followed? By whom?"

Pierre shook his head, frustration evident in his furrowed brow. "That's just it. We couldn't get a good look at them. But they weren't exactly subtle about it either. It was like they wanted us to know we were being watched."

"All I could find out was that they dressed as the ministry men. They even chased after me, and I don't know what they would have done if you hadn't come."

He went on to describe a series of unsettling incidents: shadowy figures lingering at street corners, the prickling sensation of unseen eyes watching their every move.

"At first, I thought I was being paranoid," Pierre admitted. "But Jennifer noticed it too. We've been careful, changing our routines, but they're persistent."

Jaegar's face paled, the full weight of the situation crashing down upon him. The thought of his friends being in danger because of him weighed on his mind, and if anything were to happen to them, he wouldn't forgive himself for such a thing.

"This is my fault," Jaegar said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've dragged you both into this mess."

The worry etched deep lines into his face as he continued, "If anything were to happen to you or Jennifer because of me... I don't think I could bear it." He shook his head, anguish clear in his eyes.

Pierre reached out, gripping Jaegar's shoulder firmly. "Hey, we're in this together, alright? Jennifer and I, we're not helpless. And we certainly aren't afraid."

Jaegar smiled slightly.

The fire crackled. Outside, a gust of wind howled, rattling the windows and sending a shower of snow from the eaves.

"I have to say, Ewen. I didn't expect him to see in the ministry. He was so adamant during my hearing," Jaegar added, leaning back on the sofa.

Pierre added, "Yeah, me too. The word around the ministry is that he is skilled and has been very successful in his duties in the ministry. They were so appreciative of him that they rewarded him with a promotion in just a year."

Jennifer then said, "But why was he so obessessed with Jaegar's case? I have been wondering ever since we met. When we first met him, he outright said that it wasn't possible to meet you, and I heard that he didn't allow anyone to meet you."

Jaegar nodded.

Pierre frowned as he continued, "Well, we all know that he wasn't all that friendly with us in the academy either. So, it doesn't matter what his intentions are. I think we have to find the source of evidence and from where did the ministry obtain it."

Jaegar sighed, placing his cup on the table. "Pierre, I appreciate you being concerned with the matter. But I think you and Jennifer should get back to your lives. I will deal with Ewen and the people behind this."

Pierre was about to say something when Jaegar casually raised his hand, cutting him off. "I know, I know." He said it with a wry smile. "Don't worry. Things like that on top of the mountain won't happen again."

Pierre pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes on Jaegar, and said, "Alright. But why are you so smug about it?" Stay connected via empire

Jaegar leaned back on the sofa, raised an eyebrow with an amused look, and he said, "Ah, you are imagining it."