All-around teacher at the magic academy

Leon's gaze fell on the figure in the doorway, his tone calm and indifferent: "Emma, ​​is there something you need?"

Leon's voice was devoid of much emotion, as if the memory and the momentary emotion had never occurred.

Emma stood in the doorway, a hint of tension and unease in her eyes.

Although it wasn't her first time stepping into Leon's office, she was always very careful, as if every step might touch some kind of taboo.

Leon's gaze swept over Emma indifferently, his face expressionless. Previously, his attitude towards Emma had been relaxed and even friendly, but after learning of Duke Chloe's actions, his attitude towards her had subtly changed.

Although he rationally knew that Emma might not understand what Duke Chloe had done, or might even be completely kept in the dark, he still couldn't help but feel a slight resistance towards her.

Leon was torn. He knew he should be objective and fair, but his emotional struggle made it difficult for him to treat Emma the same way he treated everyone else.

He understood that Emma was innocent and that her identity should not be a reason for her to be ostracized, but he could not easily let go of his resentment.

"Professor Leon, I would like to invite you to my home."

Emma's voice broke the silence in the office, her tone carrying a hint of cautious probing.

"A guest?" Leon looked up, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. This invitation was unexpected, especially since he had just been troubled about how to handle his relationship with Emma.

“Yes, that’s right. My birthday is the day after tomorrow,” Emma continued, her voice filled with anticipation.

“At this time of year, my father would usually invite many people to our home to celebrate and hold a banquet, and this time is no exception. My father also said that I can invite whoever I want to attend the banquet, and I hope you can come and celebrate with me.”

Leon frowned slightly. He hadn't expected Emma to invite him to her birthday party at such a time. His first instinct was to refuse, but the words wouldn't come out.

It's a birthday!

Leon murmured softly, his thoughts drifting back to the past. He couldn't remember the last time he celebrated his birthday.

In his memory, birthdays were always simple and warm, usually just a meal with a few close family members, occasionally with a small cake as a garnish. He never imagined that a birthday could be a grand banquet.

He couldn't help but feel curious about the lifestyle of the nobility. In Leon's mind, banquets were usually for celebrating important events, such as weddings or funerals. He never imagined that the children of nobles would hold such grand banquets even for their birthdays. He was truly ignorant.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at Emma with a deep gaze, as if pondering whether he should go or not.

Emma felt a little uncomfortable under Leon's gaze. She shifted her body awkwardly and asked cautiously, "Is it not okay, Teacher Leon?"

There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, as if she was afraid of hearing a rejection.

Leon realized that his gaze might be making Emma uncomfortable, so he withdrew his scrutinizing look and tried to make his tone sound gentle.

He gently shook his head, as if trying to shake off his hesitation, then smiled and said, "I'm so glad to have received your invitation, Emma. I'll be there on time for the banquet to begin."

Upon hearing Leon's reply, Emma's face immediately lit up with joy, and her eyes shone like the brightest stars in the night sky.

"The banquet starts at noon the day after tomorrow, you must come." Her voice was full of excitement and anticipation.

“Yes, I will.” Leon nodded seriously.

“Then I won’t bother you any longer,” Emma said excitedly. She gave a slight bow, then turned and walked towards the door, each step light and cheerful.

"Mmm," Leon responded, his gaze following Emma's figure until she disappeared through the doorway.

Watching Emma's departing figure, Leon's expression gradually became serious. He abandoned his previous relaxed attitude, as if he had taken off his mask and revealed his true self.

He slumped back into his chair, staring blankly toward the door. His fingers tapped the table unconsciously, the rhythm rapid and disordered, as if playing a silent symphony, expressing the turmoil and unease in his heart.

After a moment's thought, Leon slowly stood up and walked heavily to the windowsill.

He reached out and pulled back the curtains, and sunlight poured in instantly, shining on his face. The intense brightness made him squint involuntarily, momentarily obscuring his vision.

After his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sunlight, Leon slowly opened them and looked out the window. He found that the clear sky he had expected was not there; instead, the weather outside seemed rather gloomy and oppressive.

He had intended to open the curtains to get some fresh air and change his mood, but he didn't expect the world outside the window to be just as oppressive, making his mood even heavier.

At that moment, a strong desire welled up in Leon's heart. He wished he had a cigarette in his hand, so that the faint smoke could take away the troubles in his heart.

He took a deep breath out the window, as if that would expel all the sorrow in his heart. But the fresh air did not bring the expected relief; he still felt an indescribable sense of oppression.

Leon turned around again, his gaze falling on the letter on the desk. He picked it up and read it carefully once more; every word, every punctuation mark, seemed to pierce his heart.

After reading it, he closed his eyes and fell into deep thought. A moment later, he opened his eyes, a resolute glint in them.

Leon waved his hand gently, and a faint light flashed, instantly igniting the letter in his palm.

The firelight danced in his palms, illuminating his resolute face, but his heart was unusually calm, as if he had made a major decision with a sense of relief.

He watched the flames until the letter was completely burned to ashes, as if it had never existed in the world.

Leon straightened his clothes, his movements calm and resolute. He closed the office door and walked steadily outside.

Each step seemed exceptionally heavy, yet his back remained ramrod straight.