Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

As they neared the main structure, Jaegar's eyes fell upon a massive, ornately decorated hall—a section of the palace specifically reserved for gatherings like tonight's.

The building was alive with light, with grand chandeliers visible even from the outside, their golden glow spilling out of towering windows.

The carriage came to a stop in front of a grand staircase that led up to the entrance, and as Jaegar stepped out, he was immediately met with the muffled sound of cameras clicking and the faint murmurs of conversation turning louder.

People lined the red carpet on either side, clad in their finest attire, as enchanted flashes of cameras illuminated the space. The cold winter air brushed against Jaegar's face, but he stood tall, unbothered, the quiet confidence in his stride drawing immediate attention.

He could see people walking in while people from the sides, the press people, were taking photos, capturing everyone who entered the hall.

The soiree was an important occasion, and all the young generation would be present here, and the press was eager to capture the most beautiful and handsome faces of the night.

Jaegar sighed, as he felt it was bothersome to deal with this lot. Just when he was looking for a way to sneak inside, his name was called out.

"It's Prince Jaegar!" someone shouted from the crowd, and in an instant, all eyes turned towards him. Jaegar clicked his tongue in annoyance, forcing himself to smile.

He wore a suit. Pierre bought it for him even though he insisted that he didn't require it. Jennifer was adamant that he wore a fine suit. To describe his attire, he wore a black jacket and white shirt of fine clothing; the soft fabric suited his frame perfectly. A shaded black long coat that reached up to his knees completed his ensemble, giving him an air of elegance and sophistication. His black hair with traces of blonde with two tendrils framing his face, his wavey hair tied back at the back of his head in a ponytail.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was the most beautiful person; that's how the women described him. And his presence commanded attention wherever he went. His piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a world of secrets, adding to his mysterious allure.

Heads craned, whispers rose, and even some of the guards couldn't help but glance his way as he stepped forward. The cameras turned their gaze upon him, capturing his image with relentless enthusiasm.

Jaegar gave a nod of acknowledgement to the onlookers before ascending the staircase.

There were all sorts of questions coming his way, and there were questions about his abrupt arrival. Everyone knew that the imperial had disowned him right after he was arrested; now that he had been proved not guilty, was he being welcomed into the family again?

Jaegar ignored the questions and straightaway walked to the doors where the gaurds, only permitting the people invited. The press was stopped at the door itself.

Though a few individuals indulged in entertaining the press and their incessant questions, Jaegar was not one of them.

Jaegar stepped into the grand hall, marvelling at its opulence. It was a long and wide hall that could easily accommodate hundreds of people.

The ceiling stretched impossibly high above, painted in dark hues to resemble a starry sky. Tiny enchanted lights were interwoven across the ceiling, twinkling like distant constellations. Elegant chandeliers, each an intricate web of crystalline flowers, hung suspended in mid-air, casting creamy, warm light over the entire hall. Shadows softened the corners, drawing every eye to the centre of the room where dancers would soon sway.

The hall was rectangular, with rows of elegantly set tables lining the sides, where guests were already gathered in conversation.

Servants drifted between tables, trays of wine and champagne balanced effortlessly on their hands. They glided gracefully between clusters of guests, offering hors d'oeuvres from silver trays. The scent of fine spices and perfumes hung in the air, mingling with the laughter and low hum of conversation.

In the middle of the room, a rich red carpet stretched from end to end, framing an open space meant for the evening's dancing.

At the far end of the hall, musicians arranged in neat rows tuned their instruments; their soft murmurings drowned out as they began a slow, sombre melody. Violins and cellos set the mood, their sound filling the vast space with a haunting beauty. Experience new stories with My Virtual Library Empire

Groups of young ladies, dressed in gowns of silk and lace in jewel-toned colours, stood huddled together along the edges, casting glances and giggles in the direction of various eligible men. The young gents gathered in groups, eyeing towards the ladies with an eager look in their eyes, trying to start a conversation.

Each wore an expression of anticipation, hands daintily clutching fans or sipping from delicate glasses as they tried to catch the attention of passing gentlemen.

Above, in the upper floors overlooking the hall, their mothers were already stationed, eyeing the young attendees with careful appraisal. They leaned against golden railings, their gowns more reserved but every bit as ornate, adorned with velvet, pearls, and the softest silks. Their expressions were observant, calculating as they assessed potential matches for their daughters.

Their eyes were like those of a cunning lioness watching out for their daughters while carefully looking for suitable suitors to introduce them to.

The soiree, however, was yet to begin in earnest.

There was a subdued hum of expectancy, a sense that the true revelry could not commence until the main players arrived—the imperial family.

Courtiers and nobles murmured in hushed tones, glancing now and then toward the grand entrance at the opposite end of the hall. Their anticipation was palpable, as though even the musicians' tempo waited to be dictated by the imperial arrival.

His abrupt arrival turned heads in his direction, and suddenly everybody in the room glanced at him. Jaegar felt eyes on him as he moved through the crowd, whispering and following his every step as people noted his arrival.

But Jaegar's gaze wasn't on them.