All-around teacher at the magic academy

Looking at the luxurious townhouse standing in front of him, Philip felt an overwhelming sense of envy.

He had finished dealing with the team leader's work early on, and then came here following the instructions on the envelope.

Philip recalled what was written on the envelope: "Come to the Duke of Chloe's mansion if you want to know about your sister's illness."

He had not had any contact with anyone from the Duke of Chloe's household and did not know why they knew so much about his situation.

He had originally intended to bring Leon along, but the captain had called him to help with some tasks. He felt that coming here alone might be somewhat dangerous, but he couldn't wait any longer.

He was eager to know about his sister's illness; she had suffered so much with him over the years. Looking at Ilya's obedient nature, he felt he was a bad brother—he couldn't let her be like other girls, playing happily every day, studying at school, and making friends.

Despite the hardships he had endured over the years, he never felt that life was exhausting. In his view, all the efforts and sacrifices were voluntary, and he was willing to do anything to ensure that Ilya could live a normal life.

Ilya was like a gift from heaven to him, bringing hope and meaning to his life. Over the years, even though life was full of hardships, he felt content whenever he thought of his sister.

Filled with a desire for a cure for Ilya's illness, Philip firmly believed that if the answer truly lay in the Duke of Chloe's mansion, then no matter how many difficulties lay ahead, he would pursue it without hesitation.

He believed in the power of the Duke of Chloe's mansion; such a prominent family must possess resources and knowledge beyond his imagination.

Since they mentioned Ilya's illness, they must have some certainty. He didn't believe that such a prestigious ducal family would deceive a nobody like him without reason; it was simply not worth it.

Philip took a deep breath to calm his agitated emotions. With unwavering resolve, he stepped forward and resolutely entered the gates of the Duke of Chloe's mansion.

......

Philip's gaze fell on the stern-faced middle-aged man in front of him.

His figure was tall and imposing, like an impregnable fortress. His hair was thick, shimmering with a faint golden sheen, each strand meticulously combed, not a single strand out of place. His face was solemn and serious, with sharply defined features, and his neatly trimmed mustache further emphasized his meticulousness and refinement. His deep-set eyes seemed to see through everything, radiating an undeniable authority.

Philip guessed that the man before him might be the legendary Duke Chloe.

Facing such a distinguished figure, he felt his heart race, and a sense of nervousness welled up inside him. However, remembering Ilya's radiant smile, he tried to remain calm and cautiously inquired, "Excuse me, are you Duke Chloe? What brings you here?"

After hearing Philip's question, the other person did not answer immediately but remained silent for a moment, which made Philip's slightly relaxed mood tense up again. He suddenly felt his own insignificance; simply standing in front of this great man made him feel immense pressure.

"Philip, you are an orphan. Your parents died when you were just old enough to remember things. You have been living on the streets since you were a child, surviving by begging and stealing."

When you were six years old, you met a down-on-his-luck nobleman and studied magic under him for three years.

When you were ten years old, you met Ilya, who was also an orphan, and you became inseparable. To support your younger sister, you resorted to stealing again, but thanks to your magical abilities, you were rarely caught.

However, when your sister was twelve years old, she suddenly contracted a strange illness. In order to raise money for her treatment, you begged many people, including the wealthy people you had stolen from.

But your sister's condition hasn't improved at all. As you grew up, you started taking on legitimate jobs, tutoring wealthy children during the day and working part-time as a law enforcement officer at night, all to earn more money to treat your sister's illness. But after all these years, her condition hasn't improved. Am I right?

The man looked down at Philip, his voice deep and powerful, each word like a command, leaving no room for doubt or resistance.

After hearing these words, Philip felt as if his clothes were soaked with sweat. His secrets had been completely exposed, and he felt extremely uneasy. He had never imagined that everything about him had been investigated so thoroughly.

Philip felt a wave of powerlessness wash over him. He felt so insignificant in the face of such a being that he almost lost the courage to stand. But when he thought of his sister Ilya, he mustered his courage, gritted his teeth, and managed to speak in response.

“You’re right.” His voice was soft, but full of determination.

"Your performance as a law enforcement officer has been commendable, especially yesterday when you successfully solved a case. Even Captain Max praised you highly." The other person seemed completely unconcerned about Philip's nervousness and continued speaking on their own.

“Yes, that’s my duty,” Philip replied, trying to remain calm.

"Regarding your sister, her condition is not caused by illness, but by a curse."

Boom! These words exploded in Philip's mind like a bomb, causing his thoughts to short-circuit and his mind to go blank.

Perhaps I should have realized this sooner; seeing so many doctors had yielded no progress. Why was my sister cursed? What kind of cruel person would do such a thing to such an innocent little girl?

Anger burned fiercely within Philip; he was filled with hatred for the murderer who had cursed Ilya. He vowed never to let himself find him, or he would tear the man to pieces.

“I need you to do something for me. Perhaps I can help lift the curse on your sister,” Duke Chloe said, breaking Philip’s reverie.

"What do you want me to do?" Philip didn't rush to agree, but chose to listen to what the conditions were. The Duke's mansion must have many talented people; what could possibly trouble a nobody like him?

The man seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the answer, but still explained, "You'll officially join the law enforcement and work for me from now on. Occasionally, you'll report on Max's whereabouts, and I'll give you a very generous bonus every month, enough for you and your sister to live on. And if you agree, I'll immediately heal your sister."

Philip had no idea that the Duke of Chloe wanted him to be an undercover agent, to report on the captain's whereabouts regularly.

Duke Chloe, seeing Philip standing below hesitant, did not rush him to make a decision.

Philip thought about it for a long time, as if he had made up his mind, and finally gave his answer.

Please allow me to go back and think about it. I will give you an answer tomorrow.

"Go ahead." The man didn't say anything, but waved for him to leave.

.....