All-around teacher at the magic academy

The atmosphere in the dean's office was quiet and solemn.

An elderly man with gray hair was sitting behind a large desk, intently reviewing the documents piled up on the table.

His brows were furrowed, as if troubled by some problem, and he could not relax them.

A soft knock broke the silence of the office. The old man didn't look up, but simply responded, "Come in."

Leon stood outside the door, and after hearing the dean's response, he hesitated for a moment. The struggle in his heart was like a gentle breeze outside the window, then he took a deep breath and resolutely stepped inside.

"Dean."

After closing the door, Leon's gaze fell on the elderly figure sitting behind the table. He bowed respectfully and spoke, his voice filled with respect and caution.

Upon hearing Leon's voice, the dean slowly put down the documents in his hand and looked up at him.

The old man's eyes revealed a hint of gentleness, but more so a tranquility born from having seen the vicissitudes of life.

"Have a seat," the dean said, gesturing for Leon to sit down.

Leon walked to a corner of the office where an exquisite tea set sat. He skillfully poured two cups of tea, the steam rising gently into the air, carrying a delicate aroma. He handed one cup to the dean before sitting down opposite him.

"Got to go?"

The dean picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, and then asked, his tone carrying a hint of casual inquiry.

"Yes, we can't stay here any longer."

Leon smiled helplessly, his smile tinged with bitterness, as if he were telling a story of untold sorrows.

"Have you decided where to go?" the dean asked again, his gaze passing over the rim of his teacup as he observed Leon's expression.

"I haven't decided yet, but I'll probably go to the south to take a look," Leon replied, his voice revealing a hint of confusion, as if he didn't have a clear direction for the future.

"It's good that you have a plan."

Plans? Upon hearing this word, Leon couldn't help but laugh self-deprecatingly. The helplessness in his heart was like the bitterness in his tea; he had no plans whatsoever, merely drifting with the waves of fate.

In the end, we still don't have a place where we can stay for a long time, or a home that truly belongs to us.

His gaze deepened, as if he were pondering something, but in the end it only turned into a soft sigh.

"Thank you for taking care of me during this time." Leon sat upright in his chair, his tone full of gratitude, and he respectfully thanked the dean.

The dean waved his hand and replied calmly, "You are a teacher in the college, this is only natural."

"I hope you can look after Ilya's affairs in the future."

"Don't worry, she's a student at the academy now."

"Regarding Lian..."

The dean hesitated, his gaze fixed on Leon's face, as if waiting for his answer.

Upon hearing the dean's words, Leon's hand paused on the rim of the teacup, and his movements became stiff.

He held the teacup, the water inside clearly reflecting his face—a complex and unfathomable face. He didn't know what expression he had, only that it looked terrible.

“Maybe this is good. This place suits her well. I can’t let her take risks with me.”

"That's for the best." The dean nodded.

Leon had sensed before that the relationship between Lian and the Dean was unusual. He remembered that when he first met Lian, she mentioned that she had come to St. Peter's Academy at the Dean's personal invitation. From then on, Leon guessed that their acquaintance could be traced back a long time.

"Did you say goodbye to her?" The dean's words broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible concern.

"No, let's leave it at that. I'm afraid I won't be able to bear seeing you again."

Leon's answer revealed deep emotion, and a hint of pain flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that parting was not easy for him.

After saying this, he picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp, seemingly trying to use the heat of the tea to mask the turmoil in his heart. He didn't mind the scalding tea, as if only in this way could he temporarily forget the pain of impending separation.

"I just came to say goodbye. There's nothing else to do now, so I should go back and pack my things."

Leon stood up, ready to end the brief meeting. His tone was resolute, as if telling himself it was time to end it.

The dean watched Leon's retreating figure, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something comforting or to persuade him to stay, but in the end, he didn't say anything. Only a helpless sigh echoed in the quiet office.

Leon walked back alone, his steps heavy, his mood as gloomy as the overcast weather.

He felt that the academy environment had become unusually deserted. The usual lively laughter and students' conversations seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a depressing silence.

The trees lining the street swayed in the breeze, seemingly lamenting his departure.

Back at his lodgings, Leon stood at the door, looking at the empty house, a strange emotion welling up inside him.

Should he pack his things? He asked himself, but he didn't know what else he had to pack.

When he arrived, he only brought a simple suitcase, and during his time at the college, he did not buy many items, living a simple and frugal life.

He had originally planned to buy himself some new clothes and replace these worn-out ones once he had enough money.

But in the end, he only bought one, and he hasn't worn it yet; it lies quietly in the deepest part of the closet.

Leon chuckled self-deprecatingly, thinking he might as well save it for tomorrow. His smile held a hint of bitterness; perhaps this was the only luxury he had ever indulged in during his time at the academy, or even in this entire life.

He walked to the wardrobe, gently took out the new clothes, stroked its fabric, and then carefully placed it next to his suitcase.

The weather outside gradually darkened, and night fell slowly like a heavy curtain.

However, Lyon lay in bed with his eyes closed, but he felt no sleepiness whatsoever. The image of Lean lying in a pool of blood kept replaying in his mind, a scene like a glaring brand that he couldn't shake off.

He tried to shift his attention to other things, but each attempt was in vain.

After staring at the ceiling for a long time, Leon finally got out of bed. He gently closed the door, walked out alone, and stepped into the night.

The academy path was deserted, with only his footsteps echoing in the quiet night.

He didn't know if it was because he was about to leave, or because of his guilt and unease, but he felt unusually agitated.

Leon tried to find something to do to distract himself, but he found he couldn't concentrate.

He wandered aimlessly around the college for a long time, walking along familiar paths and past familiar buildings, before finally returning to his office.

The office was dimly lit. Leon sat back in his chair, his eyes vacant and his thoughts adrift, like a soulless shell.