For Sale. Fallen Lady. Never Used.

"Would you consider being sponsored by the Sylvan Magic Tower?"

"???"

I wasn't a fan of betting against a falling coin, so to speak.

Sensing my confusion, Elisha hurriedly added,

"Don't worry. While the Sylvan Magic Tower is a tower that only elves can belong to, it doesn't imply there is discrimination against other races."

"Ah, I see…"

"Capable mages should be free to exercise their abilities fully. And I think I can help you in that regard."

"……"

What is this now?

Honestly, it was a bit disconcerting.

Elisha? Offering sponsorship? To me?

I was familiar with the concept of sponsorship since it was an essential aspect of H&A.

If one excels in a particular subject, relevant organizations take notice, and in some cases, sponsorship offers are made.

Accepting sponsorship results in receiving a certain amount of gold monthly, along with various other supports related to that field.

For instance, if you were a mage, they'd provide you with magic books or sell you magic equipment at a lower cost.

Other benefits might include sub-quests that could be undertaken over the weekends or holidays, connections with specific heroines, etc.

Depending on the sponsor, the end could vary dramatically.

Of course, it wasn't all rosy.

Joining a sponsor meant you might have to participate in territorial wars or suffer disadvantages because of your sponsor's infamy.

Events and penalties could occur that were beyond your control.

Moreover, unless in special cases, one couldn't be sponsored by multiple entities, nor could one easily change sponsors.

In a world still dominated by social hierarchy, loyalty, and honor, switching sides wasn't simple.

The epilogue that followed the ending, which recited the protagonist's deeds, could even change a line or two depending on the sponsor.

So, choosing a sponsor must be done carefully, and I already had some options in mind. But I never expected to receive a sponsorship offer from the Sylvan Magic Tower here.

It made sense since the Sylvan Magic Tower was never on the list of sponsors I had found through my own research or by memorizing guides from strategy websites.

Even if I were to go bankrupt in the early game, I wouldn't receive a sponsorship offer from them.

Firstly, Elisha, who would be my link to the Sylvan Magic Tower, valued only those who came in first place.

Even if I were to outdo Elisha and take the top spot, the best I could hope for was a declaration of rivalry, thanks to Elisha's fixation on being number one.

And now, a sponsorship offer was coming from Elisha herself?

I blinked in disbelief, and Elisha dramatically opened her fan to cover her mouth.

"Surprised, aren't you?"

"Yes, well…"

"Hehe. But I have good reasons. You mentioned the last time we were at the restaurant that you have only been practicing magic for less than a month."

I had indeed said that.

I was silently recalling that memory when Elisha, who seemed to have regained her composure, continued.

"Most people would probably assume that you had been a mercenary mage before enrolling here. Your performance in the arena was that exceptional."

I had a few spells at my disposal, but I used them skillfully and seemed at ease in battle.

Even I would've assumed I was a former mercenary or adventurer.

"In other words, I'm the only one who truly recognizes your worth. Shouldn't I secure such a promising asset for myself?"

She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. However, her statement startled someone else.

"Secure, what?!"

Carla, who had been hiding behind me, jumped like a startled cat.

Then she started growling like a protective mother, eyeing Elisha cautiously.

Seeing this, the corners of Elisha's eyes curled into crescent moons as she began to smirk.

"Hmm? Do I hear the sound of a puppy?"

"Ugh!"

Carla, who had once made a mistake, covered her mouth with her hand. Nevertheless, Elisha, who was aware she'd been a bit too teasing, let out a chuckle.

"…I'd like to say that, but I'll allow it this time. Carla, you know better than Yandel how great this opportunity is, don't you? Why not explain it to your master yourself?"

"Grrr…."

Carla looked up at me with an expression of helplessness, not knowing what to do.

I gently pinched her cheek, pulling her behind me, and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for the offer, but it's too generous for me."

"I don't think so at all. Why not listen to Carla for a moment? Right now, she might be just a 'puppy,' but originally, she was the one offering sponsorship. She would know exactly what I can offer."

'Puppy'?

That was a bit harsh.

For a moment, an image popped into my head of Carla shouting on the street,

'I am my master's loyal slave, woof woof!'

I shook my head vigorously to shake off the memory from a few days ago.

"I'm sorry, but I already have a place in mind."

"Hmm… Is it because the Sylvan Magic Tower only accepts elves? Rest assured. As the prospective owner of the Magic Tower, I can create a position as an external consultant using my authority… It wouldn't be too hard with Carla around."

Carla gasped at the mention of her name, while Elisha gave a meaningful smile.

Could it be…?

Was she trying to make both Carla and me her subordinates?

Yes. Thinking about it, it seemed likely.

Otherwise, why would Elisha, who never offered any sponsorship despite her higher ranking in the game, act like this overnight?

Of course, she couldn't just sponsor anyone.

Even if she had the position of an external consultant, I was still a human, not an elf.

Of course, recommending a poor choice would just lead to backlash.

However, I was assigned to Class A despite having learned magic only a short time ago, and I even secured second place in today's duel.

That changes things.

Even if the talent was human, it was beneficial for her to bring me into their tower as an external consultant. It wasn't like I would be directly inside the Sylvan Magic Tower. That way, persuading them became possible.

…Wow. I couldn't say it out loud, but it was pretty devious.

As I blankly stared at Elisha, she fluttered her elongated ears up and down, avoiding my gaze.

It seemed like she was aware, and it was a bit embarrassing for her as well.

"What's with that look?"

"Nothing."

Well, I couldn't accept her sponsorship anyway.

As I said, offering sponsorship to commoners was essentially a recruitment proposal.

Even if I didn't feel a sense of belonging to the Sylvan Magic Tower, outsiders would still perceive me as being affiliated with it.

It wasn't like I'd be completely tied to the Tower, but I could only receive support for three months, and if something went wrong, I might even be investigated alongside the tower's downfall.

The risks outweighed the benefits.

Most importantly, I had a crucial reason to receive sponsorship from the place I had originally aimed for.

It wasn't just for gold or various perks, but for a dire reason that directly influenced the ending of this world.

So, my answer was the same from the start.

"I'm truly sorry, but I must decline your offer."

"…Why? I thought it was a really good offer. Are you trying to increase your price?"

"No, that's not it. I genuinely already have a place in mind."

"Where could that be…? Given the magnitude of my offer, you could at least tell me, right?"

In the face of Elisha's slightly sharp tone, I opened my mouth with a sincerely reverent tone.

"It's the Temple of Righteous Radiance."

"…Excuse me?"

"I'm deeply religious."

"……"

Obviously, saying that I had deep faith was a lie.

How could I genuinely have faith in the Gods of this world when I once interacted with them as game characters?

However, it was true that I needed sponsorship from the Temple of Righteous Radiance.

Depending on the sponsor, you could receive exclusive sub-quests, and the Temple of Righteous Radiance offered the most social extermination missions.

And then…

If left alone, those socialites could, in turn, harm me, potentially leading to the downfall of their own church.

…It wasn't surprising that they would all end up in ruins.

This world was destined to be destroyed from the get-go. Until now, it has only been temporarily held back by a seal.

Even that was coming to an end.

I wasn't even sure if I could actually pull this off.

I couldn't allow the Temple of Righteous Radiance, which could be a strong ally, to fall from grace.

Did my strong resolve get across to her?

As our eyes met, Elisha hesitated for a moment and then cleared her throat awkwardly.

"Ahem. If that's the case, there's not much we can do. But please remember that the Sylvan Magic Tower will always welcome you, Yandel."

With that, Elisha began to distance herself.

Watching her retreat, Carla, who had been behind me, suddenly moved closer, clinging to my back.

Squeeze.

A heavy chest pressed against my back, a unique, refreshing scent, and warm body heat.

Carla's presence, which I had temporarily forgotten due to the hectic battles and the complex conversation with Elisha, engulfed me completely.

Carla, almost as if hugging me from behind, whispered,

"Master, Master."

"Huh?"

"Shall I do a priest cosplay for you next time?"

"……"

It was as unexpected as Elisha's sponsorship offer, so I responded to her in the same way.

"I'll somehow manage to find priest robes."

Considering they might get torn, I would need about three sets.