The moment Roland heard that, he knew Antonia was helping him advance.
Atrelin believed that those who excelled in scholarship should enter government. Arcanists not only controlled all kinds of magical resources, but also held the reins of political power.
But just as magical experiments needed to produce results, advancement in government required a record of achievements.
Broadly speaking, strength commanded respect, but they could hardly... have everyone fight one another before taking office, sorting out their hierarchy like monkeys.
So reputation, prestige, and social skills often still mattered.
"I'm not interested in any of that...
But since you've kindly recommended me, sir, I'll give it a try."
Roland thought it over and answered cautiously.
After returning, Roland told Anna about it.
"That's a good thing," Anna said.
"A mage tower isn't some paradise removed from the world. If you don't seize an opportunity and your rivals do, they can choke off your funding and staffing. That'll make life miserable."
"True. A gifted student can bury himself in study and magical experiments, but the leader of a school doesn't have the luxury of taking things that easily."
"If only I'd understood that back then."
Anna suddenly spoke up.
"Hmm?" Roland looked puzzled.
"I told you before about winning the Morningstar Award.
"Afterward, Pidos Academy tried to bring me into the fold and have me serve their school.
"At the time, I didn't care whether their intentions were good or bad. I refused outright.
"All I cared about was my own Arcana and research. I had no patience for anything else, nor any interest.
"Only when I wanted to aim for the Arcane Star Award did I discover that I'd already blocked every path available to me.
"But in the end, results still count in the arcane world. Fortunately, I had