Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

He had been gone for some time, and during his absence, the backlog had become almost unbearable. The empire's economy had been in a state of flux, with traders coming in and out of the city more frequently than ever, eager to barter and sell in a place known for its wealth and opportunity.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The city was renowned for its guilds and associations—the headquarters of every major magical institution resided here, drawing in witches, wizards, and warriors alike. Among them were great spellsmiths, potion-brewers, and enchanting merchants, whose businesses contributed to the city's constant hum of activity.

In Scroartint, magic and commerce thrived in equal measure.

As the carriage turned down the noble district, where Pierre lived, the streets grew quieter, with grand houses standing tall and stately, their stone facades covered in fresh snow. It was a peaceful part of the city, a contrast to the bustling trade districts he had just left behind.

Snow had been cleared from the main pathways, but it still piled high on the edges, leaving the world around him in a quiet, white blur. He was almost home, where Jennifer would be waiting.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of their house, a well-maintained, elegant manor with thick, iron-wrought gates.

Pierre climbed down, his boots crunching in the snow. As he approached the door, he noticed the large drifts of snow that had accumulated despite the efforts to clear them.

Winter had come hard and fast this year, and it looked like the city was bracing for more.

He rang the bell, and before long, the door swung open to reveal Jennifer, bundled in a warm woollen robe. Her face lit up when she saw him, and she quickly wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. The cold and exhaustion melted away as he held her close, feeling her warmth through the layers of winter clothes.

"Jaegar sent a letter," Jennifer said, her voice soft against the winter breeze as she pulled him inside.

Pierre's brows furrowed slightly. "Oh? What did he say?" He stepped inside, feeling the welcoming warmth of the house as the door closed behind them. Find more chapters on empire

"Come inside first," she urged gently, a smile tugging at her lips. "The snow is coming down strong tonight, and I'd rather not have this conversation with frostbite on my fingers."

Pierre nodded, removing his heavy coat and boots, and following her into the cozy living room, where a fire roared in the hearth.

The warmth was a stark contrast to the biting cold outside, and he sighed in relief as he settled into one of the plush armchairs near the fire. Jennifer handed him a mug of hot cider before retrieving the letter from a nearby table.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment as Pierre sipped the cider, letting the heat soothe him after the long day. Jennifer sat beside him, her hands folded in her lap, though Pierre could tell from her posture that something weighed on her mind.

When he finished the drink, she passed him Jaegar's letter. "It arrived this morning."

Pierre scanned its contents. His eyes moved across the familiar handwriting, noting Jaegar's mention of his visit to Scroartint City. The letter was brief but clear: Jaegar was on his way to meet his aunt, and he promised to fill them in on all the details when they gathered.

Pierre set the letter down on the table between them, his fingers brushing the edge as he leaned back in his chair. "At least he's safe," he murmured, relief visible on his face.

Jennifer smiled warmly, watching the worry ease from Pierre's features. "He's been through a lot, but he always comes through in the end," she said, reaching across to squeeze his hand. "And we have something wonderful to tell him when he gets here."

Pierre's face lit up with anticipation. "I can't wait for him to hear about our wedding date," he replied, his tone full of excitement. "He'll be thrilled."

Jennifer nodded, though her smile was tinged with thoughtfulness. "I just hope he's had a chance to rest. From what he's written, it sounds like things have been... complicated."

"I'm sure they have," Pierre agreed, glancing at the fire, the warm glow reflecting in his thoughtful eyes. "But Jaegar is strong. He'll push through whatever it is, just like always."

The room was filled with the quiet crackle of the fire and the soft thrum of wind outside as the snow continued to fall.

Jennifer rose from her seat, moving toward the window, where thick drapes were drawn back, offering a view of the snow-laden street outside. The snow was piling up higher, drifting against the edges of the houses and clinging to the iron-wrought gates of their home. "The storm's picking up again," she commented, her voice soft but laced with concern. "I hope Jaegar isn't caught in this weather."

Pierre stood and joined her by the window, his arm slipping around her waist as they gazed out into the wintry night. "He'll find his way. He always does."

For a moment, they stood in silence, watching the snow fall heavily against the dim glow of the street lanterns. The city of Scroartint Central was vast, bustling with merchants and traders from across the empire. Tonight, however, it seemed quieter, muffled under the thick blanket of snow that now coated the cobbled streets and rooftops.

Eventually, they turned back toward the fire, Pierre pulling Jennifer close as they sat down again. "It won't be long now," he said, his voice gentle yet confident. "We'll be together, the three of us, just like old times."

Jennifer rested her head against his shoulder. "And this time, it'll be even better. We have so much to look forward to."

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Outside, the snowstorm raged on, but within their home, there was a sense of calm—a brief respite before the whirlwind of Jaegar's return and their wedding plans.