There was an awkward pause in the conversation where Adrien felt as if Giorgio was mentally passing judgement on everything about him.

"How old are you?", Giorgio asked.

"I'll be twenty-four next month".

"Hm", Giorgio mumbled. "A bit old for an apprentice".

Adrien's stomach sank. "...Yes, well", he felt forced to admit.

Val emerged from one of the aisles. "There is no age limit on learning", he said - his voice gentle, but Adrien could tell from the twinkle in his eyes that he was just as bothered by Giorgio's remark as himself.

"Even so", Giorgio replied with a dismissive shrug. "Where are you from?", he then said to Adrien.

"Ordly".

"Hm", Giorgio mumbled again. "You came all the way from there? How come? Aren't there any sorcerers in such a city?".