In the wake of the emperor''s passing, Zenumus Varis Gadfraye stepped into the role destined for him—the new emperor of the empire. His ascension had been a foregone conclusion; he was the natural sessor to his father''s throne.


    Angus, harboring no ambition for the imperial seat, had readily epted his elder brother''s im, a decision supported by their sister. The bond among the three siblings had weathered the storm of grief, providing sce throughout the sombre funeral proceedings.


    With the imperial house standing resolute, the final rites for the fallen emperor were concluded.


    However, a looming challenge overshadowed the mourning—a tear in the veil that separated the magical and human nes. Zenumus, now the emperor, found himself at the forefront of a predicament that demanded immediate attention.


    The ministry, in coboration with the council of witches, diligently explored avenues to mend the fractured veil. Despite their efforts, no solution emerged. The consequences of this breach were profound; it granted humans unprecedented ess to the magical ne, posing a potential threat to the delicate bnce between realms.


    As of yet, the changes have gone unnoticed by the oblivious popce. However, the urgency to address the situation loomedrge. The imperial house, resilient in the face of adversity, grappled with the impending challenge, determined to safeguard the harmony of their world and prevent unforeseen consequences that might arise from the newfound ess to magical realms.


    Several weeks had passed since the profound phenomenon, and the ramifications echoed through the magical ne. The Ministry, recognizing the gravity of the situation, called for a gathering of all sovereigns in the neutral city of Skymire.


    The grandeur of the meeting was reflected in the opulent building owned by the Ministry, where representatives from various regions convened in a room teeming with attendees.


    The primary agenda of this crucial meeting was to deliberate on the course of action regarding the newfound ess humans had to the magical ne. The Ministry and the Council presented a proposal that advocated maintaining the status quo and refraining from interference in human affairs.


    The suggestion was that, if humans caused disturbances, the respective regions should handle the issues internally. It was a conclusion after much debate, as some of them had the thought of just wiping them all out.


    However, not all voices echoed this sentiment. Some advocated a more stringent approach, proposing the removal of any perceived threats among the human poption. The debates unfolded over the course of two days, with discussions osciting between the preservation of secrecy and the inclination to eliminate potential dangers.


    Ultimately, the conclusion aligned with the Ministry''s proposal—magic should remain concealed from humans. The sovereigns reached a consensus to handle human-rted matters within their respective territories. A delicate bnce was struck, advocating caution without unnecessary aggression and emphasising the need to deal with issues as they arise without indiscriminate violence.


    The grand meeting in Skymire concluded, leaving each sovereign with the responsibility of safeguarding their realm while navigating the challenges presented by the alteredndscape of magical-human interaction.


    Zenumus, after returning to the empire, held the meeting with his court ministers. The ministry,prised of skilled mages, diplomats, and representatives from various magical entities, convened to address the intricacies of this newfound unity.


    Zenumus, ever mindful of the potential for conflict, sought to foster understanding and cooperation among the disparate elements of his realm.


    *


    In the midst of the solemn funeral, Angus departed abruptly, disappearing from sight and leaving a void that mirrored the previous absence of Jaegar. The indifference towards their missing figures permeated the pce, and as time passed, the name Jaegar Ambrose faded into obscurity.


    The pce, seemingly unaffected, resumed its normalcy, its corridors echoing with the footsteps of those who had chosen to forget.


    Yet, in a chamber secluded from prying eyes and bustling activities, a room shrouded in darkness due to drawn curtains, a poignant scene unfolded. A young woman cautiously entered, the creaking door announcing her presence. The sliver of light that prated the room revealed a figure slumped on the floor beside the bed, arms draped over its edge, and a heavy burden of grief palpable in the air.


    "Grandma," the young woman, Jacqueline, softly uttered.


    Vivianne, lost in her own world, offered no response.


    Jacqueline approached, settling beside Vivianne, concern etched on her face. "How long are you going to stay here?" she gently inquired, her words an attempt to rouse Vivianne from her despondent state.


    Vivianne remained unmoved, and Jacqueline continued, "Grandma, I can''t bear to see you like this. You need toe out and eat. Everyone is worried about you."


    Outside the chamber, four figures stood in wait—Vivianne''s grandchildren. Lorean, the daughter of Genevieve, and Tautan, the son of Zenumus, formed a supportive presence alongside Jacqueline.


    Though they all shared a bond with Vivianne, Jacqueline was the one who felt more at ease expressing her concern.


    Meeting Jacqueline''s gaze, Vivianne then noticed the two others standing by. The loss of her husband weighed heavily on her, an indelible sorrow etched on her features. The room, veiled in shadows, became a sanctuary for shared grief and the silent struggle toe to terms with the irreceable void left behind by Angus''s departure.


    With a slow and deliberate movement, Vivianne rose from her seated position, silently beckoning the two figures outside to enter. As they stepped into the room, their presence brought aforting warmth. Vivianne, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, enveloped them in a heartfelt embrace. The shared grief became a unifying force, offering sce in the face of loss.


    Genevieve, standing at the doorway, addressed her mother with a mix of concern and understanding. "Mother, we have been worried about you. We are also deeply saddened by Father''s loss, but we have to carry on," she gently expressed.


    Vivianne acknowledged her daughter''s words with a nod, an acknowledgment of the inevitable need to move forward despite the heavy weight of sorrow.


    In a silent procession, the three grandchildren escorted Vivianne to the dining hall. There, they had prepared a spread, a symbol of their collective effort to providefort. The familial bond that transcended words was evident as they sat together, partaking in the shared act of nourishment.


    The profound loss of her husband consumed her thoughts, momentarily relegating the mystery surrounding Jaegar to the recesses of her mind.


    The dining hall, once a ce of joy and camaraderie, now became a sanctuary where the enduring ties of the family provided a semnce of sce amid the lingering shadows of grief.