Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

As Bernat, along with the other men, led the way, the city slowly revealed itself, leaving behind the meadows. A stone road stretched before them, lined with imposing buildings.

Jaegar sat back in the luxurious carriage, his gaze fixated on the evolving cityscape outside.

The smooth stone road they drove on guided them through the heart of the city, where the once-distant buildings now loomed ever closer.

Each architectural gem that came into view drew his attention, their intricate designs and grandeur weaving a tapestry of visual wonder.

However, it was the colossal monument-like structure, standing like a titan on the horizon, that truly stole the show. Its sheer magnificence and commanding presence radiated a majestic aura, dominating the skyline as the tallest edifice among the city's myriad architectural wonders.

Jaegar couldn't help but be captivated by the sight, and he marveled at the artistic and engineering prowess that had given birth to such a magnificent spectacle.

As the carriage continued its journey towards the colossal structure that had dominated the horizon, the city unfolded before Jaegar's eyes.

It sprawled out in all directions around the grand Colosseum, an intricate tapestry of life and architecture. The imposing monument grew ever closer, maintaining its aura of grandeur and majesty.

Jaegar couldn't tear his gaze away from the colossal structure. Its presence was awe-inspiring, and as they ventured further into the city's bustling streets, he marvelled at the sights around him. The stone roads they traversed wound through rows of houses, each more advanced and elegant than the ones he had known back home.

It was as if he had been transported to a bygone era, reminiscent of old era, complete with carriages clattering along the cobblestone streets.

The city's streets bustled with morning activity, and the warm sunlight streamed through the streets, casting a golden hue over the scene.

The air was filled with the sound of vendors hawking their wares and the chatter of people going about their daily routines. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby bakery, enticing him to take a detour and explore the local cuisine.

Bernat, along with the other men, rode forward, and the carriage gracefully followed suit. As they proceeded along the path, the bustling streets seemed endless as they kept passing through.

Buildings of diverse shapes and sizes adorned the landscape, their architectural designs ranging from the elaborate to the exquisite.

Jaegar watched the streets and houses passby, he was starting to get bored sitting in the confines of the carriage.

Having navigated through several winding miles of the bustling cityscape, the carriage eventually arrived at a formidable set of towering gates.

At this significant juncture, Bernat took on the responsibility of verifying their identity.

After a brief exchange, their credentials were duly recognized, and the imposing gates swung open, granting them passage towards the majestic edifice that was none other than the Imperial Palace itself.

The path led from these gates to the imposing entrance of the palace itself. Along this path, flanked on both sides, stood colossal statues, each a tribute to the legendary heroes of the House Gadfraye.

These statues were masterfully sculpted, capturing the essence of courage and valour that had defined the Gadfraye lineage for generations. They depicted men and women, warriors and rulers, each with their own tale of triumph and glory etched into the stone.

Yet, amidst this awe-inspiring assembly of heroes, there stood one statue that eclipsed them all. At the very heart of the palace, dominating the courtyard, loomed a monumental figure—a statue of Ageotus Gadfraye, the founding patriarch of the Gadfraye house.

The statue of Ageotus was a work of artistry that defied description. Every detail, from the lines of his noble face to the intricate engravings on his armor, was rendered with meticulous precision. His pose exuded strength and authority, a testament to his unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit.

This magnificent sculpture held a place of honour at the palace's symbolised, a constant reminder of the man who had forged an empire and shaped the destiny of the Gadfraye family.

It was said that looking upon this statue could fill one with a sense of awe and reverence, for it symbolized not only the family's heritage but also the enduring legacy of Ageotus himself.

The carriage didn't make its way towards the main entrance of the Imperial Palace; instead, Bernat directed it to a more discreet western entrance, an exclusive entryway reserved for the imperial family and those related to the family.

Passing between the statues, Jaegar watched the statues as they seemed to come alive, their stone features exuding a regal and majestic aura.

Their journey took them through a series of guarded gates until they reached this privileged access point.

Bernat, with an air of grace, dismounted his horse, and one of the accompanying men swiftly opened the carriage door, revealing Jaegar.

Stretching his arms luxuriously, Jaegar couldn't help but yawn heartily.

Bernat, in a courteous tone, then addressed Jaegar, "Your Highness, if you would be so kind as to follow me."

Jaegar, intrigued but withholding his questions for the moment, inquired, "Where are we headed now?"

Bernat's reply shed light on their destination, "I've been instructed to escort you to Lady Jacqualaine."

Jaegar's brow furrowed as he recalled encountering her at the academy, and his curiosity piqued.

However, he decided to reserve his inquiries for a more appropriate time and simply said, "Lead the way." Bernat nodded and began leading Jaegar through the corridors, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

With Bernat at the forefront and Jaegar following closely behind, they ventured deeper into the palace's interior.

The opulence of the surroundings left Jaegar in awe. The entrance itself boasted towering pillars on either side, setting the stage for the grandeur that lay beyond.

As they proceeded down a lengthy hallway, they arrived at the hall's end, where two staircases beckoned them. Bernat guided Jaegar to the left staircase, and they ascended its steps.

Soon, they found themselves in a spacious chamber furnished with sofas, cushioned chairs, and tables—a room reminiscent of an office.

At the far end of the hall loomed an imposing set of doors. As Jaegar and Bernat made their way to the door, they drew curious gazes from those seated at desks along the way.

Bernat continued his stride until they reached the colossal doors, which he swung open with an assured motion.

Beyond those doors, a young woman sat at a desk, her hands clasped in front of her in an anxious gesture, as though awaiting an important arrival.

As the door creaked open, her gaze shifted from her desk to the doorway. The sight of Jaegar prompted her to rise from her seat, her countenance alight with a radiant smile. "You came?" she exclaimed with palpable delight.

Jaegar's eyebrows knitted together in mild confusion. Why was she so thrilled to see me again? he wondered, her joy mirroring the demeanor she had displayed during their previous encounter.

*

The place Jaegar was brought to was the imperial palace. It had several wings and chamber halls, grand halls, and private chambers for the family. Only the family of the members of the imperial house lives here.

The House Gadfraye has existed for centuries, the throne was passed from father to son, and so on. It was called the Gadfraye dynasty, and they have ruled the province ever since.

The lineage of the Gadfraye family was shrouded in mystery and legend, with tales of their ancestors' extraordinary powers and wisdom that had been passed down through the generations.

According to their ancestral lore, they were direct descendants of Okyreus, the mighty King of the Gods, who was renowned for his supreme power and dominion over both heaven and below.

The Gadfraye family's story begins in the distant past, amidst the tumultuous and dramatic narratives of the gods and goddesses. Okyreus, the ruler, was known for his amorous affairs and dalliances with mortal women. It was during one of these liaisons that the family's legendary bloodline was established.

The family claimed direct descent from a mortal woman named Heermina, who had the rare privilege of capturing Okyreus's heart. Heermina, renowned for her unparalleled beauty and grace, had unwittingly ensnared the affections of the mighty god. Consumed by passion, Okyreus descended from the heavens to be with her. Their union resulted in the birth of a son, whom they named Ageotus.

Ageotus, the progenitor of the Gadfraye family, was believed to inherit the divine qualities of his father.

From a young age, it became evident that he possessed an extraordinary physique, strength, and vitality that set him apart from ordinary mortals. He grew into a remarkable and formidable figure, with features reminiscent of the divine lineage he carried.