All-around teacher at the magic academy

"Maria, why did you buy so much stuff today?"

A familiar and friendly woman's voice broke the noise of the street behind Mrs. Maria.

Lady Maria, who was carefully selecting fruit, was startled by the sudden sound, and the apple in her hand almost slipped from her grasp. She quickly turned around and saw Lady Lillian smiling, her eyes carrying a hint of mockery.

"Mrs. Lillian, you really gave me a fright."

Mrs. Maria patted her chest, slightly out of breath, and a blush rose on her face.

Mrs. Lillian chuckled softly, a curious glint in her eyes, and teased, "What's wrong? Are you thinking about some man? Or is something on your mind that's making you so lost in thought?"

Mrs. Maria was a little embarrassed after hearing this. She waved her hand gently and said, "Oh dear, Lillian, what are you talking about? I'm doing this to entertain our guests. They are all my son's teachers."

"Oh, is that so? By the way, why don't you find another man? I've heard that several rich men are interested in you," Lillian said, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

Mrs. Maria shook her head slightly, a gentle smile on her face, and replied, "No, I don't have that thought. Right now, I just want to watch Harvey grow up, get married, and have children so I can hold my grandchildren. That's my biggest wish right now."

Imagining herself holding her grandchildren in the future, Mrs. Maria's eyes sparkled with happiness, and she couldn't help but smile. Her smile was like a flower blooming in spring, warm and radiant.

"I see." Lillian's voice carried a hint of disappointment, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly cheered herself up and adjusted her emotions.

"Then you go ahead with your work. I have some things to do, so I'll head back now," Mrs. Lillian said with a smile, trying to make her tone sound relaxed.

"Okay, Lillian, have a nice day."

Mrs. Maria waved goodbye, still in a good mood. She needed to buy a few more things; she planned to invite Teacher Leon and Teacher Lian to her home today.

Thinking of the heartwarming moment that was about to arrive, Mrs. Maria's steps became lighter.

She moved among the shelves, selecting the best ingredients, already picturing the evening's party in her mind: a table laden with delicious food, the room filled with laughter and joy...

...

"How is it?" The man's deep voice echoed in the spacious living room. His gaze fell coldly on the woman kneeling on the ground, his eyes devoid of any warmth.

“My lord, Maria has no intention of finding another man.”

The woman lowered her head to answer, her voice trembling slightly. Her body leaned forward slightly due to nervousness, as if afraid that her answer would displease the man.

"I understand, you may leave." The man waved his hand, seemingly unsurprised by the woman's answer, his tone conveying an unquestionable authority.

"Then, about the money..."

Lillian whispered a reminder, her voice tinged with hesitation. After all, she didn't want to anger the capricious count at this moment, but she really wanted the money.

"I'll have the butler deliver it to your home later," the man replied casually, his gaze already shifting from Lillian, seemingly lost in thought.

"Okay, okay, thank you so much." Lillian breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly stood up, her face full of gratitude, and then hurriedly left the room.

As Lillian's figure disappeared through the doorway, the man's expression turned cold.

"Your Excellency, why do you still need to ask her opinion?"

The butler beside him asked, puzzled, his brow furrowed slightly, clearly perplexed by the count's unusual behavior.

In the past, if the Earl took a fancy to a woman, he would usually take direct action and use his power and means to seize her. He had never been so cautious before.

The count turned his head, his gaze falling on the butler's face, a playful smile playing on his lips: "I need to ascertain her wishes. I'm the kind of person who enjoys going against a woman's will."

His tone carried a morbid satisfaction, as if this game of controlling the fate of others brought him immense pleasure.

Upon hearing this, the butler's doubts gradually dissipated. It turned out that the Earl enjoyed the process of conquest, especially when the other party was unwilling.

He nodded. Although he didn't agree, he had to obey as the butler.

"What about this woman's money..."

The butler continued to question, his voice calm, but a hint of barely perceptible tension was revealed in his eyes.

"Turn and quietly take care of her."

The man spoke coldly, his tone devoid of any emotion, as if he were discussing something trivial.

"Yes."

Although the butler had long anticipated such an outcome, he still felt a chill run down his spine when he heard the Earl's order with his own ears.

"I heard that woman has a son who attends St. Peter's College."

The butler spoke cautiously, his voice tinged with a hint of probing, as if assessing the impact his words would have on the Earl.

"So what if you went to St. Peter's Academy? I remember you were an outstanding graduate of St. Peter's Academy, right? Now you're just a butler here with me, aren't you?"

The man smiled dismissively, his eyes revealing his disdain for the academy the butler had mentioned.

"Yes Yes Yes."

The butler nodded repeatedly, a bitter smile on his face. He could only silently accept the count's mockery.

This world is cruel. At first, he thought that with his status as an outstanding graduate of St. Peter's College, he could find a respectable job, climb into high society, and realize his ambitions. But he soon realized that he was completely wrong.

It is an indisputable fact that the upper class is reserved for the sons of the upper class.

Even after graduating from a prestigious institution like St. Peter's College, someone of his commoner background still cannot shake off his identity.

Most ordinary magicians who graduate from academies have a predetermined fate: they either enter noble families and become their henchmen or guardians, join the ranks of law enforcement and become part of maintaining order, or engage in ordinary jobs and live mundane lives.

Staying at the college as a teacher after graduation is the best option, but such positions are extremely limited.

He wasn't even qualified to join the Knights, because even an ordinary knight in the Knights was often closely connected to the nobility.

The glory and status of a knight are not easily attained, especially for a commoner like him.

In jobs that involve identity and status, people look first at your social class, and only secondly at your abilities and talents.

This world is full of injustice and prejudice, and noble bloodlines and family backgrounds are often valued more than personal effort and talent.

Thinking of this, the butler couldn't help but feel deep sympathy for the mother and child.

They may also harbor dreams and hope to change their fate through their own efforts, but in such a social reality, it is undoubtedly difficult, and we can only pray for their good luck.