@WholesomeTriangles
He definitely was an ass but I probably wouldn't blame him for acting like that.
If you look at his eyes and the way hes dressed. It seems he's pretty overworked and doesn't care for his appearance.
Not to mention they info dropped that there only 3 mages existing in their empire/kingdom.
So there probably alot of nobles and people trying to get into magic as well and not register the word "no". So he probably has to give it to them harshly and not give them hope and waste their time.
I would appreciate that kinda remark in the long run and look for another field to be successful in.