A rare stab of jealousy poked through Maria, at that moment; Virgilia had gotten know Beatrice when she was a child, a girl who had possibly been Maria’s age. The colorful descriptions of Beato’s desires to make people happy only intensified this feeling, although the girl was deeply proud of her mentor for her pure intentions back then.
If Maria had been Beatrice’s age at that time, could they have been friends? Partners? It would’ve been fun to learn magic with Beatrice, to escape the terrible world of humans together and just have fun…
The gentle pat on the head brought her from her wistful thoughts, and the other Witch’s question sent her down another line of consideration.
"…They would have to be someone with a good heart! I don’t want to let the blessing of magic fall into the wrong hands."
"Also, um… They don’t have to believe in magic, at first. That’s what teaching them is all about. Process, progress… I want to be able to see them grow as a person! So that if anything happens to me someday, I know that the duty of making people happy rests with someone pure and good, uu."
"Someone like Beato, with lots of determination, would also be nice. Having lukewarm feelings only sets you up for failure, and I want my apprentice to be someone I can rely on as a friend in the long run."
"So thats.......how an Apprentice Witch views apprenticeship...." It was exactly what Virgilia expected of the young Witch of Origin. A gentle, modest, yet humble answer. Virgilia's expression softened and gave a giggle to the young Witch. So much like Beato was when in her stages of a simple neophyte.
"Yes. Someone like that would fit right into your qualifications, wouldn't they? But....what about someone who doesn't believe in Magic? To show them the beauty and fun that lays in its true layers. There are many humans who deny magic, so its happiness burns when it touches them. With your heart, which has the power to sever all hatred, may weaken as time goes by, yet the power will still lay dormant inside. With this, you can teach it to anyone."
"At the moment you choose an apprentice, you will earn the title of 'Great Master'."