Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

Her light blonde hair swayed with each step, a visual symphony accompanying her movements.

As they traversed the grand hallways of the palace, Jacqueline attempted to strike up a conversation.

"You seem rather hostile towards me," she observed, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Is there a particular reason for your animosity?"

Jaegar's gaze darted to the side, studying the intricate paintings that adorned the walls, before he responded with a hint of detachment, "Is there a reason not to be?"

Jacqueline's voice held a touch of sorrow as she confessed, "I always hoped that circumstances were different and you and I could have grown up together."

Her nostalgia painted a wistful picture of what might have been. She continued, "When I first saw you, your small face, tiny hands, you were beautiful, and those deep black eyes... I still remember that moment." Her reminiscence was tinged with a hint of longing.

"I used to visit you with grandma."

"Grandma made a promise to me back then," she continued, "that I should protect my little brother at all times. But..." Her voice trailed off, and she cast her gaze downward. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she finally said, "Father..."

Jacqueline's expression grew enigmatic as she mentioned their father. "I don't exactly know the reasons or what happened," she admitted, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"He has changed, and I don't know what happened to you or your mother. Later, I learned about you from Grandma."

Jaegar absorbed this information, taking a moment to process it all. The weight of unspoken family history hung heavily in the air. He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for speaking harshly earlier.

She seemed to really care about him.

He finally replied, "Well, you know, I didn't actually meet anyone until now. I was raised away from all of you. And I recently learned that the father you speak of was the reason my mother died."

Jacqueline turned to him with a serious expression, her demeanor suddenly stern. She warned him, "Did your aunt tell you that?"

Jaegar nodded, and she continued, "We will talk again after we meet Grandma, but mind your tone with her. I may have slipped, as you are my little brother, but she is not, so watch what you say."

Jaegar mentally noted her caution, thinking to himself, 'Okay.'

In the blink of an eye, Jacqueline had transitioned from a gentle and nostalgic sibling to a resolute and stern presence. The complexities of their family's dynamics were becoming increasingly apparent.

Jacqueline and Jaegar remained silent as they made their way towards the grand chambers of the palace.

This sprawling chamber they had entered boasted a high ceiling adorned with a magnificent chandelier, casting a warm, inviting glow. The walls were adorned with tasteful, single coloured wallpaper, with several paintings adding a touch of elegance to the decor.

Within this vast room, a group of women in maid outfits bustled about, diligently going about their duties. Their eyes couldn't help but be drawn to Jaegar, who stood there, a striking figure in his baggy trousers with a white shirt and wavy hair, dressed distinctively.

She went into the room which had an archway entrance with a transparent curtain.

After a few minutes, Jacqueline returned from an adjacent room, her presence commanding attention. She informed Jaegar, "Grandmother is ready to meet you now," and gracefully took a seat on a nearby sofa.

Jaegar, intrigued by the opulence of his surroundings, ventured further into the room. There, he discovered a translucent curtain hanging in an archway leading to the next chamber. With a composed demeanor, he moved through the slit in the middle.

The next room dwarfed the previous one in size. Beds were arranged on the floor, covering almost the whole room.

The ornate canopy beds were adorned with richly embroidered fabrics and plush pillows, creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The scent of lavender filled the air, adding to the ambiance of tranquilly.

At the centre of this unique arrangement lay the venerable matriarch herself, Vivianne. Her regal presence was undeniable, and her husky voice carried the weight of her years. She gestured for Jaegar to come closer, indicating a spot on the bed beside her, an invitation he politely declined.

Jaegar, his tone somewhat brusque, uttered, "Thanks for the money."

Vivianne paused, momentarily puzzled by his abruptness. Then, with a flicker of understanding, she recalled the modest gift she had arranged for him at the bank.

She replied, her voice tinged with humour, "Just a small sum, my dear. Was it sufficient for your needs?"

Vivianne, resplendent in her attire, wore a long gown that gracefully clung to her curves. Her hair cascaded down to her waist, framing her face with an air of timeless elegance. Despite her age, which should have been evident by the numbers, there was an undeniable youthfulness about her.

Time seemed to have left no mark on her face or body. Her ample bosom and well-defined figure spoke of vitality, and Jaegar couldn't help but find his gaze drawn to her as he took in her striking appearance.

This woman, well into her fifties, appeared far younger than her years would suggest. Jaegar's eyes, almost of their own accord, lingered for a moment before he consciously shifted his attention to her eyes.

Meeting her gaze felt like an electric charge, and he sensed that this was no ordinary encounter.

In a steady tone, he finally spoke, his voice reflecting a mixture of emotions. "I want to know what happened to my mother."

Vivianne could see the urgency in Jaegar's eyes as he pressed for answers about his mother. She felt a pang of empathy for his plight but also recognized the importance of his well-being.

"Can't this wait until later?" She gently proposed, her voice softening with concern. "We can talk about this after you've had a chance to rest and gather your thoughts."

Jaegar, however, remained resolute and silent, his determination undeterred. He was determined to uncover the truth, and nothing could sway him now. It was the main reason he came here.

He needs to find answers before he starts looking for his killers. He hadn't forgotten the first time he was attacked in the academy, that time in the Isles, and that succubus too.

The first time, whoever sent him, it was too sloppy, even he could tell. And the second time, it was done with rather done well compared to the first, and what they didn't expect was Jaegar's abilities. That was how he was able to kill them.

So, Vivianne continued.

In fact, Vivianne had already anticipated this inquiry, her eyes were filled with a knowing sadness.

Jaegar remained standing at the entrance, his unwavering gaze locked with hers.

She sighed softly and replied, "It was a tragic fate that befell your mother. Your father bears no blame for what transpired."

"Your aunt may have relayed some information to you, but I was present, and I hold the full account. Have you ever heard of the Ruby Wreaths?"

Jaegar shook his head in response, and his curiosity piqued. "No, I haven't."

Vivianne leaned in closer, her voice lowering as if she were sharing a well-guarded secret. "The Ruby Wreaths are a unique and cunning group, among the most savage. They are the ones who pursued both you and your mother relentlessly."

As Vivianne spoke, she revealed the dark and secretive world of the Ruby Wreaths, a notorious group of assassins known for their ruthlessness and unmatched stealth. They were willing to go to any lengths to accomplish their objectives, and their extensive network spanned across various branches and spies in every corner.

Rumoured to be the most reliable source of information, their services were available to anyone willing to pay.

"The ones who killed your mother," Vivianne continued, her voice heavy with emotion. "I hunted them down and eliminated them all. Then I took you to your aunt."

She paused for a moment, her gaze distant, as she recalled painful memories. "My son," she said with a heavy sigh, and continued, "I couldn't find him. He was the one who was with your mother when the attack occurred."

Jaegar listened in silence, absorbing the information like a sponge.

"Why did they attack my mother and me?" Jaegar asked, his voice turning stern. His face had regained its stoic expression.

"It's because of you," she said as she looked him in the eye.