What about the royal family? Are they short on people?
On the surface, they are severely lacking. Most of the royal family in the capital city has been killed, leaving just a few members scattered here and there. The current monarch is cowering on the throne, living in constant fear.
But in reality, the royal family has proliferated for so many years. How many royal bloodlines have been granted lands and titles, becoming so-called branches and collateral lines? Now that the main line has been almost wiped out, there are still collateral branches.
The most important thing is that the old mage is still alive. To him, what difference is there between the main line and the collateral branches? Aren't they all his descendants?
It's just a matter of spending some time to support some of them again. What truly hit him hard was the fall of his legendary follower; that was like losing both arms.