All-around teacher at the magic academy

Chapter 129: Visit Again

Leon suddenly felt a pang of self-reproach, because he knew he couldn't do what Philip did.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, realizing that this was just the kind of person he was—once he achieved a certain goal, he would find an excuse to shirk subsequent responsibilities.

He ensured Ilya's smooth enrollment in school, and then believed he had fulfilled his responsibility and stopped caring about her life.

Leon knew that he could never care for others as meticulously or be as selfless as Philippe.

Philip's life always seemed to revolve around others, while he himself always considered his own feelings and interests first.

He admitted that this might seem selfish, but he also told himself that this might be the reason why he didn't live as stressful a life as Philip.

Leon stood in the doorway, watching Ilya's figure emerge from the room. A complex mix of emotions welled up within him, leaving him momentarily at a loss. His hand unconsciously touched his hair, trying to conceal his embarrassment.

When Ilya opened the door and saw Leon, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but quickly a bright smile spread across her face. She said softly, "Brother Leon, why are you standing outside instead of coming in?"

Leon took a deep breath, suppressing his unease, and tried his best to make his smile look natural: "It's nothing, I just wanted to come and see you. How are you settling into life at the academy?"

Ilya nodded, her eyes sparkling with joy: "Yes, life at the academy is very peaceful, I really like it. Everyone is very kind to me, and I've made a lot of new friends."

Beside Ilya, a white Samoyed barked happily a few times, seemingly welcoming Leon's arrival.

Ilya crouched down and gently stroked its head with his hand, a sensation that made its eyes squint into slits, clearly enjoying its owner's caresses.

When Leon heard Ilya's words, he breathed a sigh of relief. At least Ilya was happy at the academy; otherwise, his guilt would have been even stronger.

He noticed Ilya's attire and couldn't help but ask, "Are you going out?"

His gaze fell on the dress she had carefully chosen. Although the autumn wind in Barton was already a bit chilly and not suitable for wearing such a thin dress, Ilya still chose this special dress, as if she wanted to be in her best condition to meet someone.

"Yes, I want to go visit my brother."

Ilya's answer carried a hint of sadness. Although a long time had passed, every time Philip was mentioned, an indescribable sorrow would well up in her heart.

On ordinary days, she would visit Philip at the law enforcement officers' place, where almost everyone knew this strong yet gentle girl.

Leon immediately offered to accompany him: "I'll go with you. I don't have anything important to do today." He wanted to offer Ilya some support at this time.

Ilya nodded gently in agreement. Then, she turned to the Samoyed beside her, gently stroked its head, and whispered, "You stay home for now and wait for me to come back."

The dog seemed to understand its owner's words, obediently lying down with a look of reluctance in its eyes.

Afterwards, Leon and Ilya left the academy together. They hailed a carriage on the street, and the atmosphere inside was somewhat heavy. Both of them remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

The carriage moved slowly through the streets of Barton, heading towards the officers' quarters. Elijah gazed at the rapidly receding scenery outside the window, her heart filled with longing for Philip, while Leon was lost in thought.

...

"Here we go again, Ilya."

An older law enforcement officer saw Ilya arrive and smiled familiarly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

Then, his gaze fell on Leon, and he greeted him warmly, "Teacher Leon is here too."

Leon and Ilya nodded simultaneously. Leon was familiar with this enforcer; he remembered that this enforcer was already here when he first joined the Night Watch. He and Philip had a good relationship.

“There are quite a few new faces among the law enforcers,” Ilya said softly, glancing around and noticing some unfamiliar faces.

"Yes, it's probably because we don't have enough staff. Adding some new people can help ease the usual busyness."

Leon explained simply. He knew in his heart that there was no need to explain some things in too much detail to Ilya; after all, the less you know, the less trouble you'll have.

Leon always believed in the principle that a simple life brings carefree happiness.

He couldn't help but recall his childhood, a time when he was carefree and only needed to think about how to play and make himself happy.

As he grew older, his knowledge broadened, and he learned more and more, but happiness seemed to be getting further and further away.

Sometimes, Leon really longs to go back to that innocent time and enjoy that carefree life.

He looked at Ilya and secretly hoped that she could keep this simplicity and happiness and not be burdened by the complexity and weight of the world.

The two passed through the officers' quarters and arrived at the cemetery.

The cemetery was quiet and solemn, with a cold wind whistling through the rows of tombstones.

From afar, they spotted a familiar figure standing before Philip's grave. It was Max, who was constantly smoking, as if using the smoke to convey his words to Philip, who lay buried there.

"Captain," Leon called softly, breaking the silence of the cemetery.

Max paused slightly, then slowly turned around, looking at the two people walking towards him. His voice was a little hoarse: "You've come, Elijah, Leon."

Ilya nodded gently, stepped forward, and placed the carefully chosen bouquet in front of the grave. Her movements were soft and devout, as if she were having a silent conversation with her brother.

A sudden gust of wind made the atmosphere in the cemetery even more chilly. Elijah's skirt swayed gently in the wind, while Max, wearing a trench coat, turned up his collar in an attempt to ward off the unexpected cold.

The cigarette in his mouth burned even faster in the wind, and the red glow of the cigarette butt stood out conspicuously in the dim environment.

Leon noticed that Ilya was shivering slightly in the cold wind, so he took off his coat and gently put it on her.

He was relatively robust and could tolerate the cold wind, but Ilya was different; she needed more warmth.

The three stood silently in the wind, saying nothing. Their gazes were either fixed on the tombstone or fixed on the distance, their hearts filled with longing and sorrow for Philip.

.....