“Thank you. Shall we start with something simple? What do you think a fire caster is?”

“A fighter. A force of nature.” I stop just short of calling them a weapon, as that might come across as callous.

“Why?”

I blink. Is that a joke? “Fire is destructive. Save light, there is no better affinity for combat.” For bringing harm. “An average fire caster will have as much success fighting monsters—” and men but let’s leave that unsaid, “—as a powerful caster from any other affinity.”

“All very true. However, having a fire affinity does not mean one must become a combatant. There are other ways it can be used, for the betterment of people and society. I’m sure you can think of one.”

Can I? Wait, I can. “Some fire casters are used to incinerate a city’s waste to make it more manageable.” I remember my father specifically telling me about ‘waste casters’ in a bid to motivate me in my studies. Truly, thinking about learning magic just to handle other people’s trash sounds depressing but it is rather profitable, given the space it saves and the value of cleanliness.

“A good example. However, there are many others. There are fire caster smiths who use spells to directly heat metal, combining alloys no one else can. There are cooks who use their mastery of the fire affinity to create wonderful dishes. Some work in greenhouses in Summer Spire and Rosentheim, creating optimal environments to grow special plants used in both research and medicine. There exist a myriad of ways to use your abilities, Lady Tome. I want you to consider that as you move forward with your studies.”

“…I see.” The bald bastard is actually making a good point. I don’t really know all the ways to use my abilities. My vision of spellcrafting is colored by heroic epics, men using magic to battle monsters. Even with Geneva, I’ve asked her how to use my affinities to defend myself, not all the ways to simply use my magic.

“Good. I only say as much to highlight that the Hall values all casters, no matter what role they play. Which leads me into my next question. Would you be more interested those alternate routes for casters or do your interests lie in combat?”

“…a little of both, I suppose. My goal is to see the world. I’m sure that will involve fighting my share of monsters and a few creative uses of mana.” Or the liberal application of gold to find someone to do those things for me.

Aurelius’ smile twitches. What are you imagining right now that’s got you riled up enough to break that pleasant mask? “I see. Then, are you an explorer or are you…planning to relocate?”

“May I ask how such a thing is relevant?”

“Indeed. Some instructors see their students as apprentices and expect them to succeed their research and duties within the kingdom. If you did not plan to linger in the Harvest Kingdom, you would be a poor fit. Life is short, after all.”

For some. “For the moment, I simply plan to explore and not for a few years yet. Though I don’t relish the idea of taking up someone’s torch, no.”

“Would you be interested in working with the guilds? There are many instructors who are affiliated with one or the other. They can provide many opportunities for those seeking entry into a guild or one of the knight orders.”

I take a moment to think on the question. In the future, I will have quite a bit of time on my hands. Do I want to spend days of it out in the wilderness, alongside a bunch of dirty, smelly men hunting monsters? On the one hand, that sounds absolutely horrible. On the other hand, I could use the practice. Oh, and what if there’s other young women hopeful to get in good with the hunters? Would we be ‘forced’ to share a tent?

“I’m not opposed to it,” I say, fighting to keep a smile off my face. “I have other responsibilities and demands on my time, however, that would keep me from extended campaigns.”

“Understandable.” He leans forward, I suppose to emphasize the seriousness of his coming words, and his smile dims, becoming more solemn. “What is the role of a caster in society?”

“The role of casters…” There are so many. Casters are integral to every aspect of life, or at least, the betterment of it. A skilled water caster can end a drought. An earth caster can do the work of a hundred laborers. A simple healer reliant on herbs and potions can never match the prowess of a physical caster. Despite all of that, the most important duty of casters would be…

“Protectors. Knights and hunters keep the monsters at bay. Without those willing to hold them back, there would be no Harvest Kingdom.” In the end, casters are admired and respected for their might. Sure, some master smith may make a lot of gold and a fancy chef may be buried in praise, but everyone bows down to the one who can throw the biggest fireball, end of story.

“I see.”

“Was that not the right answer?” Your tone sure says it isn’t.

“As Miss Umphrieltalia said, there are no right or wrong answers. Simply revealing ones. By saying a caster’s most important role is to protect others, one could say you are rather noble. Or a romantic.”

“Oh? May I ask what other answers have been given?”

“Some have said that a caster’s role is that of a ruler, tying their power to authority. Some say that a caster should liken themselves to servants, humbling themselves before the crown to not be swayed by their power. I have even heard someone say casters are meant to be heroes, with all the chivalric duties such a title implies.”

“I think that would be the romantic.”

He laughs. “Indeed. Then, my final question for you. What are the roles of those with no talent for casting?”

My brows furrow. Role? What role? Does he mean the role of peasants? But peasants aren’t the only one who can’t cast. While a noble’s bloodline and education heighten the chance of producing a strong caster, they can just as easily have a poor talent for cultivating mana and frankly, not have the mental aptitude for building spells. Non-casters are everywhere in society.

“I suppose they can have whatever role they desire.” Or that they can manage. If a man is clever enough, devious enough, and lucky enough, he can be king without the slightest talent for casting. It doesn’t take magic to lead and having magic doesn’t make one all-powerful.

For example, Aurelius. He does everything he can to portray a powerful presence, refusing to walk on the same ground as mere mortals. Even now, he’s not seated in his chair but remains hovering above it, his feet off the ground. Despite what he wants people to believe, he’s still just a man. A stone to the back of his head will take him down just as easily as it would the average farmer. A feat much harder to accomplish with him playing at being a bird, but the truth.

“Any role they desire, is it?” He shakes his head softly. “Very well. I conclude my portion of the interview.”