I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 131: In Other Words, Betting on the Future

Episode 131: In Other words, Betting on the Future 

Flare-chan kept glancing between me and the wreckage of the Guardians. 

Alright, what do I do? Should I just be honest and tell her exactly what happened? But if I do that, she might end up looking at me like I’m some kind of monster. Worse—she might even start to dislike me. 

I had no idea if we’d actually end up getting married in the future, but getting on a cute girl’s bad side? No, thank you. 

After some hesitation, I turned to Brother Leonard for help. He nodded and said— 

“That’s right. Rufus completely tore the Guardians apart. His Tetsujin just went BWAAAM—” 

NO NO NO NO NO! What kind of explanation is that!? Damn it, relying on Brother Leonard was a mistake. Now it totally sounded like I was the one who wrecked the Guardians… which, okay, technically wasn’t wrong. But couldn’t he have said it in a way that didn’t make me sound like some rampaging destroyer?! 

“So that’s how it is! As expected of Rufus-sama! I had heard the Guardians were strong, but Rufus-sama is even stronger!” 

“Yeah, that’s right… There were five Guardians in total, and Rufus took out every single one of them by himself.” 

Flare-chan’s eyes sparkled with admiration. 

Oh. Right. I had forgotten—this girl loved strong men. 

And as for Brother Leonard… was it just me, or did he sound a little bitter toward the end there? 

Wait… Don’t tell me—he wanted to take down a Guardian himself? But honestly, once he slashed that first one with his greatsword, the fight was basically over. 

Still, I had to make sure it didn’t seem like I did everything alone. But before I could explain— 

“So, you really did do it all by yourself, huh?” 

Brother Gilliam’s voice cut in. He was smiling, but his eyes weren’t. 

“If that’s the case, I think you could’ve at least left one Guardian intact. Don’t you think, Rufus?” 

“Ah… umm… Well, see, the Guardians looked so strong that I… I didn’t have any leeway to hold back…?” 

I was sweating bullets. Brother Gilliam stepped closer, still smiling. But his narrowed eyes were honestly kind of scary. 

But what was done was done. So in that case, I’d have to bet on a possible future. 

“Brother Gilliam! There’s a chance that more Guardians are still somewhere in this facility. After all, we even found an Airship still intact!” 

“………That’s true. Alright, then. Our first priority will be thoroughly investigating the Airship.” 

I did it! Victory is mine! 

Having successfully dodged Brother Gilliam’s interrogation, I joined him and the others as we made our way toward the Airship. 

“Brother Gilliam, let’s have lunch first. We may not be able to see the sun, but it’s already a good time for a meal.” 

As the Airship came into full view, Brother Leonard checked his pocket watch. 

Now that he mentioned it, I was getting hungry. Without sunlight, it was easy to lose track of time. 

“Oh, you’re right! It’s already that late? Wow, time really flew.” 

“…Brother Gilliam, the thing on your arm—don’t tell me, is that a watch?” 

“Oh? Leonard, you’re interested in this wristwatch? Well, you see, Rufus—” 

“Brother Gilliam! More importantly, let’s eat! I’m starving!” 

Wait a second, didn’t I explicitly tell him to keep that a secret? 

Don’t tell me… he’s already gone around bragging about it to everyone?! 

The survey team members were busy preparing lunch—but none of them would meet my eyes. 

“Hmm, looks pretty useful. And it doesn’t seem like it’d get in the way, either. Right, Rufus?” 

“Uh… um… Brother Leonard, would you like one too? I still have a few left inside Tora-chan.” 

“Wait, you still have more!?” 

“There aren’t any left for Brother Gilliam, though.” 

I declared it firmly. And Brother Gilliam’s face fell in disappointment. 

Why the hell was I the one feeling guilty here? Something about this was just wrong. 

Before lunch was fully prepared, I called out Tora-chan and handed Brother Leonard a wristwatch. Since he was always so active, I picked a model known for its durability. 

…Maybe I should start wearing one myself, too?

…No, I’d better not. If His Majesty the King found out, it could cause all sorts of problems. 

Even if Brother Gilliam and Brother Leonard get caught wearing their wristwatches, I plan to feign complete ignorance. 

As we gathered for lunch, we discussed our next steps. 

“In the afternoon, we’ll begin investigating the Airship. Leonard, I need you to stay on alert in the surrounding area. There’s a chance more Guardians might appear. If that happens, at least leave one of them—” 

“I’ll do my best.” 

Brother Leonard cut Brother Gilliam off before he could finish. So strong. No matter how much his older brother asked, he clearly had no intention of holding back against enemies that threatened our safety. 

As expected of Brother Leonard. So cool. 

“What about me?”

“Rufus, I want you to assist me with the investigation.” 

“But I don’t think I’ll be of much help?” 

Brother Gilliam gave me a face like, “Huh?” Actually, not just him—everyone was looking at me the same way. 

Even Balt and Ray. 

W-What the heck, guys? So unfair…