Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

"I have my hands full, brother. I am afraid I can't be of much help to you," replied Angus.

After a moment of silence, Zenumus said, "All right, I will find someone else then."

Angus then said, "Ah, about my son Jaegar."

Zenumus's eyes flashed with surprise. Like he was waiting for him to mention his name. They have been talking for quite a while now; he hadn't brought up the topic or asked anything about Jaegar. Zenumus couldn't believe he was more eager than his brother.

"What about him?"

Angus placed the teacup down with deliberate calm and fixed Zenumus with a black expression. "Why did you say you disowned him in the papers?" His voice was calmer.

Zenumus leaned back slightly, his face impassive but his tone firmer. "At that time, the ministry was convinced he was the one responsible for the barrier breach. We didn't have much of a choice. Action had to be taken swiftly to control the damage."

Angus' eyes narrowed.

Zenumus didn't flinch as he continued, his voice firm. "I did what was necessary to protect the name of House Gadfraye. The reputation of our family could not be sullied, no matter the cost."

For a moment, silence hung between them like a sword, neither man willing to concede.

Then Zenumus asked, which surprised Angus, "Let me ask you one thing."

"Do you even care for your family?"

Compared to Angus, Zenumus was more caring and attentive towards his family. For him, family comes first, and at that time, news about Jaegar surfaced, He tried to help, but the matter had reached the ears and eyes of the empire. Also, the ministry was so adamant on Jaegar being the suspect.

At the same time, just as he loved and cared for his family, he also valued the name of Gadfraye. And he couldn't let anyone sully the name; even if he were his own son, he wouldn't hesitate.

Angus laughed out, "Of course, brother. I love my family with no bounds."

Zenumus scoffed, looking at his little brother. He could straight out tell that he was telling the truth.

"Okay. You should look after them, especially your son. I feel he could be a part of the family's legacy."

Angus smiled from ear to ear, "I know. He is a special kid."

Suddenly, Zenumus and even the Grand Knights behind him could feel a very odd, unsettling feeling creeping in them.

Zenumus couldn't really point out what it was, but there was this feeling in him. But it didn't last much longer.

"So, are you going to welcome him into the palace again?"

Zenumus thought for a moment, "I did want to invite him. I will do so in the future. But for now, let the matter die down."

Angus got up and said, "Take care of him, brother."

Zenumus was again surprised; why was he telling him when he should be the one doing that?

"Damn it, Angus, why can't you do it?"

Angus let out a giggle and replied, "Because you're the older brother, and it's your responsibility to take care of him now while I am away."

Zenumus couldn't help but smile at his brother's cheekiness.

With that, Angus left the chamber. As he stepped out, he said to Rauf, "Wait for outside; I will be out in a few."

Rauf bowed and left with the men, while Angus walked towards a certain room.

He walked for a couple of minutes before he reached a big door. Its design was intricate and ornate, with symbols etched into the wood that seemed to glow in the dim light.

He pushed the doors and stepped inside.

There inside the chambers, two people turned to him, "Angus!"

It was his older sister, Genevieve; she sat beside the bed on which his mother was present. She was holding her mother's hand. They both were surprised to see him, as it had been more than several months now.

Vivianne had been staying in her chamber since the time her husband died and never came out much. The loss of her husband had been a lot, and she was grieving for him, no matter how much her children and grandchildren told her to move on.

Angus walked to the bed and sat at the foot of his mother. He placed his hand on her leg and asked her, "How are you, mother?"

Vivianne softened and didn't scold him like she usually does whenever he comes to meet him. She didn't like how he does things, but she can't hate her own child. A mother can only hope that her children will be better as time changes.

"Where have you been?" she asked, her tone softer.

"I apologise, mother, I couldn't come."

Genevieve prused her lips as she said, "What was so important than your family?" Genevieve felt her brother was like a chameleon. That was how she saw him. How a chameleon changes its colour; the same way, her little brother was really good at changing his emotions. So, you can't really tell if he was feeling.

Angus smiled and said, "I am here now, aren't I?"

"Gene," their mother called out. Then she turned to Angus and said, "Where's my grandson?"

Genevieve had been telling her what's happening with Jaegar. She was so worried for him, but her health couldn't support her to go out and look after Jaegar. Even though she tried to persuade Zenumus to help Jaegar, he told her that there was nothing he could do.
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"He's with his friends right now; I think he will come soon, here." Angus said, assuring her.

"Gene said that they put him on a trail and I couldn't do anything to help him; it must have been tough for my boy," she said as her voice cracked with emotion.

Angus reached out and touched her foot over the velvet blanket.

"Mother, don't worry; isn't he out now? We will summon him, so don't worry about him," Genevieve told her, holding her hand.