All-around teacher at the magic academy

"Almost everyone's here, let's begin."

Duke Chloe stood in the center of the banquet hall, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the magnificent space.

The nobles around him were dressed in their finest attire, adorned with jewels, and chatting animatedly in a lively atmosphere.

He was secretly pleased; all the nobles who were supposed to be there had arrived, and the grand banquet could finally begin.

"dad."

Just then, a clear voice interrupted Duke Chloe's thoughts.

He turned to look and saw Emma, ​​dressed in an exquisite gown, with a hint of anxiety on her face. She quickly walked up to Duke Chloe and said, "Teacher Leon hasn't arrived yet."

Upon hearing Emma's words, Duke Chloe involuntarily frowned, his mood instantly becoming complicated, and his expression turning somewhat unpleasant.

But he quickly composed himself, and soon smiled again. He said gently to Emma, ​​"Did you send him the invitation?"

“I sent it. Teacher Leon said he would definitely come.”

"I hope to see that figure," Emma said anxiously. In her memory, Mr. Leon always kept his word and had never broken his promise. If he said he would come, he would definitely come.

Duke Chloe was somewhat impatient upon hearing this, but he understood his daughter's feelings, especially since it was her birthday and he didn't want her to have any regrets.

He reached out and patted Emma's head gently, saying, "Then let's wait a little longer. I also believe that Teacher Leon will come."

Duke Chloe then turned to his attendant and whispered a few instructions. The attendant nodded and left the banquet hall immediately after receiving the order.

Raphael noticed this scene, and his eyes narrowed involuntarily, a barely perceptible glint flashing in his deep eyes.

At this moment, in a dimly lit corner of the banquet, Leon stood quietly, his figure almost blending into the surrounding shadows.

He originally did not intend to make a high-profile appearance, since it would be easier for him to observe and act from the shadows.

However, he did not expect that his absence would cause the banquet to come to a subtle standstill, forcing him to reconsider his actions.

Leon's gaze was fixed on Duke Chloe in the center of the banquet, whose figure stood out under the dazzling lights.

His eyes involuntarily deepened, as if he were contemplating some important decision.

He gently swirled the wine in his glass, the liquid shimmering enticingly under the light, before downing it in one gulp.

Leon gently placed the empty wine glass on the table beside him, took a deep breath, and composed himself.

His face returned to its usual calm, but a careful observer could still detect a subtle tension in his slightly furrowed brow.

"Emma."

A soft shout rang out, yet it seemed to possess some kind of magic, instantly silencing the once lively banquet.

Emma quickly turned her head and looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Leon walking towards her with a smile. His smile was gentle and kind, as if it could light up the entire banquet hall.

Upon seeing Leon's appearance, Emma's face quickly broke into a bright smile, her eyebrows curving and her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Duke Chloe also noticed the approaching figure. He maintained a polite smile and did not say anything immediately, but simply observed quietly.

Leon walked up to Emma and handed her the gift he was carrying.

It was a beautifully bound magic book, with mysterious runes inlaid on the cover, giving it an ancient and noble appearance.

This book was carefully selected by Leon, who made detailed annotations next to some of the obscure and difficult magical spells. He hoped that this book would help Emma's future studies and become a guiding light on her magical path.

Emma was overwhelmed with excitement upon receiving the gift; a happy smile spread across her face, as if the whole world had become a better place at that moment.

Aurora, standing next to her, slightly pursed her lips, a hint of jealousy rising in her heart. However, she quickly composed herself. After all, it was Emma's birthday, and although she wanted it too, this moment clearly belonged to Emma.

Leon greeted these high-ranking and powerful figures one by one, always wearing a polite smile that was neither overly enthusiastic nor cold and distant.

He walked up to Duke Chloe, extended his hand, and shook it.

Duke Chloe responded without hesitation, never failing to maintain aristocratic decorum on such an occasion.

"Now that everyone is here, let the banquet begin," Duke Chloe said with a smile, his voice revealing the warmth and composure befitting a host.

Then, a beautifully decorated food cart was slowly pushed in through the side door of the banquet hall, with a huge birthday cake on it.

The cake is covered with pure white cream and decorated with several lit candles. The candlelight dances on the cake, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Leon's smile faded, and his gaze slowly moved along with the cake that was being pushed towards him.

He subtly stepped back, seemingly making room for the upcoming celebration.

A fleeting, complex emotion flickered in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

People began offering their congratulations to the host, with blessings rising and falling in waves. Whether sincere or merely out of courtesy, this moment was undoubtedly filled with joy and excitement.

The atmosphere of the banquet reached its climax, and everyone was immersed in the joy of celebration.

Leon stood on the periphery of the crowd, quietly watching Emma, ​​who was surrounded by people. Her face was beaming with happiness, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

He then turned to look at Duke Chloe beside Emma, ​​who was looking at his daughter with pride and doting eyes.

He quietly withdrew from the center of the banquet, moving silently towards the door until his figure disappeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

The glamour and excitement here didn't belong to him. He didn't want to stay any longer; the elegance and luxury made him feel out of place.

Stepping out of the banquet, Leon took a deep breath of the fresh air and felt a sense of relief.

A gentle breeze caressed his face, seemingly sweeping away the dullness and constraint of the banquet. He closed his eyes, savoring this moment of tranquility.

After a brief stay, Leon left the Duke's mansion with his head down, his steps hurried, as if he were running away from something.

His figure, backlit by the light, appeared somewhat forlorn, but he did not turn back. He simply steadfastly continued on his path and disappeared into the Duke's mansion.