I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 117: In Other Words, No, That’s Not It

Episode 117: In Other Words, No, That’s Not It

As I was feeling a bit frustrated, it was now Brother Leonard’s turn to ask about our progress. 

This is my chance to show Brother Leonard my abilities! With that in mind, I proudly mentioned that the search for the veins was finished. Heh-heh! 

“I see. Well, good job. I was really wondering what to do when the second ancient ruin was discovered.” 

“I’m sorry about that.” 

Ugh! Back then, he smiled and handled it without saying a word. But it seems like he was really thinking that. He could’ve just told me right there! 

“Um, so my job is done now, right? Should I just prepare to head back?” 

“Well, about that…” 

Brother Leonard scratched the back of his neck. He looked like it was hard to say something. What’s going on? Did something new come up? Or maybe he’s planning to give me some new task? 

As I anxiously waited for his next words, the noise from outside the room started to get louder. 

What’s going on? What happened? Brother Leonard had been sitting across from me. He then moved next to me and patted my shoulder. 

What’s happening? What’s going on?! 

The footsteps grew louder, as if heading directly for this room. 

A knock came quickly, and the door opened. This sort of thing is something only royal family members can get away with. Which means……… 

“Rufus! I’ve missed you, my dear little brother!” 

Geh! Brother Gilliam! What is he doing here?! 

Brother Gilliam, whether he noticed my surprise or not, grabbed me and kissed me on the cheek. Stop it. Brother Leonard is looking at us with the eyes of someone who’s seen something disappointing. So please, stop. 

“Brother Gilliam…” 

“What’s wrong, Leonard? Ah, maybe you wanted a kiss too?” 

“Please stop.” 

Brother Leonard firmly rejected Brother Gilliam. He was using both hands to push him away. It seems Brother Leonard’s strength was far superior, so Brother Gilliam couldn’t match up. 

Brother Gilliam pouted a bit and then sat down on the sofa in front of us. 

I see now. The reason Brother Leonard moved his seat was because of that. But still, what is Brother Gilliam doing here? 

…Oh, right. He must have come for the ancient ruins investigation. What an idiot I am. If I’d just thought about it for a second, I would’ve realized the possibility. 

No, I did think about it. But there are so many scholars researching ancient ruins, so I didn’t expect Brother Gilliam to take the lead in this. 

I wonder if Father is angry? Mother’s probably furious. 

Brother Gilliam was drinking the tea elegantly. It was as though the earlier commotion was nothing. Truly, he’s such a laid-back person. If I had known about this beforehand, I could have mentally prepared myself. 

I shot a disapproving look at Brother Leonard, who hadn’t said a word. 

“Rufus, it’s not that I kept it a secret. I received a letter from Brother Gilliam, and I thought it was a joke.” 

“A joke? Did you misread my handwriting?” 

“I wish I had misread it.” 

Brother Leonard began to rub his furrowed brow. It seems like he’s going through a lot. I’ll forgive him for not mentioning that Brother Gilliam was coming here. But there’s something more important. 

“Brother Gilliam, you did get permission to come here, right?” 

“Of course I did. But both the King and Queen have been busy lately, so I couldn’t get a chance to speak with them directly. That’s why I left a note.” 

“Oh my god!” 

It wasn’t just me who wanted to scream. Brother Leonard also looked up with his hand over his eyes. 

No wonder I didn’t get any advance notice. The noise outside must have been caused by Brother Gilliam suddenly showing up. If we had been told beforehand, this wouldn’t have happened. 

“What’s the matter with you two? Don’t worry, I’ve made sure all the work for the next month is well planned. So, everything’s fine.” 

“”No, that’s not it!””

We seem to be in agreement, Brother Leonard. Without thinking, both of us ended up correcting our older brother, the future king, in an extremely rude manner. 

But I think it’s forgivable. After all, when we get back, it’s not just Brother Gilliam who will get scolded, but we’ll probably be in trouble too. 

The sound of footsteps echoed again. This time, it was accompanied by a soft knock. When I gave a glance, Balt opened the door. There, standing with a pale face, was Duke Flute. 

I’m so sorry. If it’s allowed, I’d like to apologize to Duke Flute right now. 

“Ah, ah… w-welcome, Your Highness, Crown Prince Gilliam.” 

Even Duke Flute, as seasoned as he is, seemed not used to dealing with three members of the royal family at the same time. No, rather, that look on his face seemed more like he wasn’t prepared for it at all. Just how secretly did Brother Gilliam come here? 

“Please raise your head, Duke Flute. I’ve heard from the two of them. I’m happy to hear you’re taking good care of my two younger brothers.” 

“Not at all, it was the least I could do.” 

Duke Flute raised his head. But his complexion remained poor. It seems that he wasn’t ready for this meeting after all. How unfortunate. 

I can’t let Duke Flute worry any more. I have to step in and help here.