I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 119: In Other Words, I am the Savior of the Flute Duke's Family

Episode 119: In Other Words, I am the Savior of the Flute Duke’s Family

After a long time, the three brothers finally gathered together. And the conversation flowed more smoothly than expected. Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. At Balt’s request, we headed toward the inn’s dining hall. Naturally, with three members of the royal family dining, the area had been cleared for us.

I wondered if the innkeeper was upset. Even though Duke Flute had been a regular customer for a long time, it felt a bit excessive to clear the place for us.

But it seemed I didn’t have to worry. The innkeeper said it was more comfortable if the whole inn was rented out. Well, that worked out.

Dinner with Duke Flute and Flare-chan went on. I couldn’t help but notice that Brother Gilliam was watching Flare-chan intently, as if sizing her up.

Flare-chan, on the other hand, had turned red. She was clearly flustered by Brother Gilliam’s gaze. 

Brother Gilliam is quite a charming man. If a guy with that handsome face stared at me, I’d probably blush too. What a guy!

“About the new vein of minerals that Prince Rufus discovered, we’ve figured out the approximate yield,” 

Duke Flute said, mentioning some numbers. But I couldn’t make heads or tails of them. From the way Brother Leonard was focused on his meal, he probably didn’t understand either.

Well, if that’s the case, I’ll just focus on my food.

“That’s impressive. It’s still not as good as the peak, but it’s probably about halfway there, right?”

“Yes, exactly. Plus, there’s still a good chance the vein continues further. So, there’s more to look forward to. And…” 

“And?” 

Brother Gilliam stared at Duke Flute, who now wore a bright expression. The Duke then turned to look at me.

“The mountain that Prince Rufus blew up, a large mineral vein has been discovered there. And it seems that it contains magic ore as well.”

“What?!” “What?!”

Brother Gilliam and Brother Leonard both widened their eyes and turned to look at me. 

I told you……… I didn’t mean to blow up the mountain!

I thought he was focusing on his meals, but it seems Brother Leonard had been listening in as well.

“Now that you mention it, the report said the site of the mountain is still under investigation. Has the investigation been completed? I didn’t expect there to be magic ore there. This might surpass the peak of the past, huh?”

“Exactly as His Royal Highness Gilliam said. The newly discovered veins will likely bring the scale back to what it was before. And with the magic ore veins on top of that, Prince Rufus is the savior of our Flute Duke’s family.”

Duke Flute’s voice wavered with emotion. He looked like he might cry. He must have been feeling the pressure, as his family was on the brink of collapse. After all, many of his subjects must have been depending on him.

Being a Duke is tough. I don’t think I could ever handle that kind of responsibility.

“So, does that mean the project I had in mind is no longer needed?” 

“No, not at all. The project Your Highness proposed is already in progress. It’s for the future of the Duke’s family.”

“Good. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ha! Leave it to me.”

Brother Gilliam seemed genuinely happy that his proposal was still useful. That was a close call. I almost ruined his plan. Thank goodness Duke Flute is a man of principle.

“Now, it looks like the Flute Duchy will be fine for a while. That means we can focus on investigating the ancient ruins with peace of mind.”

“Good luck, Brother Gilliam.”

“What are you talking about, Rufus? You’re standing right in front of ancient ruins, and you’re planning to leave without investigating them?”

I wish I could just say, “Yes, that’s right.” But for some reason, Brother Gilliam looked at me with the same expression as a puppy abandoned under a bridge.

Could it be that he thinks “everyone has romantic feelings about the ancient ruins?”

I forced a smile and glanced at Brother Leonard. He nodded with a somewhat awkward look on his face.

I get it now. He wants me to go along with it. Arguing here might not be a good idea. If I protest, I might end up getting a long lecture on the wonders of the ancient ruins. And I might stay up all night with Brother Gilliam as my guide.

“U-um, I’m definitely curious, but… even if I go, I won’t be able to be of any help, you know?”

“Is that so? With all the incredible mistakes—oops, I mean, the great accomplishments you’ve done, Rufus, I’m sure something interesting will happen again!”

Hey, Brother Gilliam, could you stop describing me like I’m a walking troublemaker?  I’m starting to think that myself, and it’s really starting to get to me.

I puffed my cheeks in frustration. It’s not like I’m trying to cause trouble on purpose, you know? I wonder if you even understand that anymore.

As I puffed out my cheeks, Brother Leonard pinched them. Air whooshed out from my mouth with a *pshh* sound. Seeing this, Brother Gilliam gave a bitter laugh.

“Brother Gilliam, Rufus is actually thinking and acting on his own, you know?”

“I know, I know. Sorry, sorry. It’s just that Rufus stands out so much, I couldn’t help but get a little jealous.”

“Sure, he stands out, but I don’t think I want to be like that.”

Brother Leonard, is that supposed to be a compliment? Does that sound like one? Or am I just imagining it?