I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 115: In Other Words, It Means “Pet Me”

Episode 115: In Other Words, It Means “Pet Me” 

We decided to have dinner in this room instead of the dining hall at the inn. It seemed they wanted to discuss the ancient ruins over the meal. 

Balt and Ray were also curious about the topic. As they were both standing by the wall instead of taking turns eating dinner like they usually would. 

Of course, Brother Leonard’s guards were stationed by the door to prevent anyone from approaching. They seem intent on keeping it a secret, but I have a feeling the official and the miners are already talking about it to others. Is everything going to be okay? 

When I voiced my concern, Duke Flute gave me a smile. 

“Thank you for your consideration. Rumors about the discovery of ancient ruins will eventually spread. It’s just a matter of sooner or later, so it’s not a big issue.” 

Good, that’s a relief. Now I don’t have to worry about everyone getting mad at me because of it. I let out a sigh of relief. 

“Rufus-sama, you’re so kind. To think you care so much about the people.” 

“Of course. We’re able to eat such delicious food thanks to the people who raised the livestock and vegetables. I’m truly grateful to them.” 

Flare-chan looked at me with sparkling eyes. But Brother Leonard and Duke Flute had somewhat complicated smiles on their faces. 

Uh-oh, was that the wrong thing to say as someone in a position of authority? I let my guard down, thinking this was a private setting. 

There are still nobles who believe that showing gratitude to those below them diminishes their own value. And as royalty standing above those nobles, I can’t ignore that mindset—at least, not right now. Royalty sure is a hassle. 

“Rufus, your way of thinking is admirable. But if you want to avoid conflicts, try to refrain from making such statements.” 

“I apologize.” 

When I bowed my head to apologize, Flare-chan also bowed hers. She must’ve thought it was her fault for sparking my careless comment. But that’s not the case. It was my mistake for not thinking through my words as the third prince. 

“Miss Flare, you don’t need to bow. This is part of my education as royalty. It just shows how immature I still am.” 

“I’m very sorry.” 

I reached out to pat the dejected Flare-chan’s head but stopped myself. It’s not proper to casually pat a lady’s head. I know that. 

But despite my hesitation, Flare-chan rubbed her head against me. She was probably wondering why I stopped midway. 

…Is this okay? I don’t know, but I couldn’t exactly refuse her. So I gently patted her head. I hope this was the right move. Brother Leonard and Duke Flute were watching us with warm, amused eyes. 

“Regarding the ancient ruins, I’m planning to bring in specialists as soon as possible. The issue is how to handle the rights to them.” 

Brother Leonard brought up the topic as we continued eating. He was looking sharply at Duke Flute. Rights? What’s that about? 

“Yes… indeed…” 

Duke Flute paused his meal and began thinking. His brow was furrowed. It looked like a troublesome issue. But wait a second. 

“What do you mean by rights? The mine belongs to Duke Flute’s territory, right? Doesn’t that mean the ruins also belong to Duke Flute?” 

“Prince Rufus, the mine is indeed mine. However, the rights to ancient ruins belong to the first discoverer.” 

“So, that means…” 

“Yes. Since you were the first to discover the ruins, the rights belong to you, Prince Rufus.” 

What?! Did I just find ancient ruins on someone else’s land and end up taking the rights to them too? But maybe Duke Flute’s people would’ve found them eventually. This is bad. 

“I relinquish my rights.” 

“That was fast.” 

Brother Leonard gave a wry smile. But come on, think about it. There’s no way a child like me could manage ancient ruins, especially on someone else’s land. 

Besides, even if I were recognized as the first discoverer, people might think Duke Flute handed over the rights to get closer to the royal family. And since I’m just a kid, it would seem even more suspicious. 

“I thought so…….. How can I ever repay this debt to you, Prince Rufus?” 

Duke Flute suddenly looked very downcast. At this rate, he might even offer to give Flare-chan to me for free or something.

Think, think. I need to come up with a way to make sure Duke Flute doesn’t feel indebted to me and also avoid getting scolded by His Majesty the King. 

Yes! I’ve got a good idea! 

“In that case, I have one condition. Could you grant permission for me, Brother Leonard, and Brother Gilliam to tour the ancient ruins? Oh, and for His Majesty the King as well.” 

“Rufus, that’s a great idea.” 

Brother Leonard sounded impressed. It was as if he fully agreed with me. Here’s my plan: 

If I go alone, I’ll probably get in trouble. So I’ll drag everyone else along with me. 

It seems my plan worked, as Brother Leonard joined in without hesitation. From the looks of it, the others will probably be excited about it too. 

“Oh my…! You’re showing me even more generosity…” 

What the heck?! I was hoping this would cancel out any debts between us. But Duke Flute looked even more moved than before. Why did it turn out like this? 

Is Flare-chan really going to end up as a political pawn because of this? That would be pretty unfair. 

But Flare-chan herself didn’t seem bothered at all as she continued to happily munch on her dinner. I like kids who eat heartily. Yeah. 

Seeing her appetite inspired me to start eating again too. This isn’t my fault. Probably.