Suddenly, he looked at the sweating young man with suspicion.
"Hey, aren't you the one in charge of receiving guests today? Didn't you say something to that kid? Huh?"
"How could that be—" the young man answered with a pale face, drawing even more suspicious glances from the mentor.
"—You there, come here!"
[Second Stop: Scores at the Warlock Association]
Little Girl's Recommendation: 74
Mentor's Evaluation: 128
9. Life Profession Alliance
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"After escaping from the Warlock Association..." the Hero paused for a moment, looking somewhat conflicted.
"Let's go to the Mage Association." She glanced at the building opposite, which was decorated as lavishly as the Warlock Association.
Both buildings were facing each other across the street, and it was unclear whether this was only the case in this town or if the same could be said for other places.
Compared to the somewhat flamboyant decor of the Warlock Association, the Mage Association seemed relatively understated.
However, the various exquisite decorations and the finely carved patterns on the walls revealed its profound foundation and meaning.
[Mage: Seekers of "Wisdom," wielders of Magic Power and knowledge]
The little girl looked at her with some worry.
The Hero had not talked much about her own family affairs; even when chatting in a carriage or under a blanket, it was often glossed over.
But, as the little girl proudly knew, she was the daughter of a Count and the Princess of the Border.
She had a more profound understanding of the various professions and the noble affairs than the Hero, even if she didn't know every detail by heart.
Although the Hero hadn't been forthcoming, the little girl could glean some clues from her grandfather's house.
The bookshelves in the villa were filled with basic books on magic theory, many of which would be used in the academy, and were quite precious in such a rural area.
Naturally, she didn't think those books would be read by the Hero, and the grandfather didn't seem like a professional spellcaster. Coupled with the usage marks on the training field, the only possibility was that of the Hero's father...
The daughter of a Mage Noble family who was a Magician, simply guessing this identity was enough for the little girl to surmise the Hero's circumstances.
Thinking this, the little girl couldn't help but voice a suggestion.
"Sister, do you still want to go to the Mage Association? The Church seems like a good option, right?
"The Bishop might be strange, but his attention to you was genuine."
"Didn't grandfather say to visit every Professional Guild?"
Perceiving the concern in her friend's eyes, the Hero smiled and gently ruffled the little girl's night-sky black hair.
"Moreover, grandfather also said to not be swayed by others, to make decisions based on my heart... Although it's not easy, that's what I plan to do."
She can't remember clearly now, but perhaps in the past...
No, she must have aspired to be a sagacious and wise spellcaster, vanquishing enemies with Magic, achieving that omnipotent posture.
Even though this aspiration is now but remnants, she still wishes to confirm it once more.
'Do not be afraid, go forth and do what you wish!'
Her best friend would surely encourage her this way.
"...Alright, I got it. I will provide objective advice!"
Looking up at the Hero's smile, the little girl nodded vigorously.
"Let's go then, to the Mage Association." The Hero took the little girl's hand and headed toward the doors that were open to everyone.
[Third Stop: Mage Association]