I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 139: In Other Words, Jealousy

Episode 139: In Other Words, Jealousy 

It was decided that this “Guardian Manufacturing Factory” would be sealed. Even so, a thorough investigation of the interior was necessary. 

If the defense systems were still active, we could be facing an overwhelming number of attacking Guardians. However, there were no signs of such activity so far. 

With Moguran and Tetsujin in combat mode, we proceeded deeper into the facility. Ahead, we found what appeared to be a control room. And beyond that, rows of fully assembled Guardians lined up neatly. Some had collapsed, suggesting that a large-scale tremor had occurred at some point. 

In the front, Brother Gilliam and Brother Leonard were cautiously inspecting the Guardians. 

“They don’t seem to be moving.” 

“That appears to be the case. If all of these suddenly activated, I wouldn’t be able to handle them.”

“In that case, we’ll just have to rely on Rufus.” 

Based on yesterday’s battle with a Guardian, Brother Leonard seemed to have determined that fighting multiple at once would be difficult. 

He had a clear and realistic understanding of his own abilities. Perhaps that was why he was considered the strongest on this continent. Knowing when to retreat was also a form of strength. 

I cautiously approached the Guardians as well. There was no sign of movement at all. 

“Why aren’t they moving?” 

“Ma.”

“Oh, I see. They don’t have magic crystals as power sources. No wonder they’re inactive.” 

“Is that so?” 

“Yes, it appears that way.” 

Brother Gilliam and the others seemed satisfied with that explanation and turned their attention to other objects in the room. Tools were scattered across the floor, as if people had fled in a hurry. 

A tablet-like device had also been left behind. But it wouldn’t turn on—probably because its magic crystal had run out. 

“I wonder if we could learn something about this place if we got this magic tool working?” 

“Brother Gilliam, I think it would be best to leave it alone. If this place isn’t dangerous, it would be better to seal it as it is.” 

“You’re right, Rufus.” 

He looked quite disappointed. But without extracting a magic crystal from Tora-chan, there was nothing to be done. He would have to give up. I had no intention of providing a crystal. 

That aside, it seemed like the defense systems weren’t functioning. Maybe because this facility was underground, they weren’t needed? 

If this facility was connected to the terminal above, then simply reinforcing the terminal’s defenses would have been enough. 

That would explain why the terminal’s defense system was still operational. It had likely been designed to function no matter the circumstances. 

When I explained this to Brother Gilliam and the others, they seemed to accept the reasoning. It also made sense that the Guardians weren’t attacking. 

“Where does Rufus get all this wisdom from? A seven-year-old shouldn’t be able to think of these things,” 

Brother Gilliam said, sounding both impressed and bewildered. 

“That’s not true! It’s because, um, I always watch your back, Brother Gilliam!” 

“Is that so? That’s a little embarrassing.” 

Brother Gilliam blushed slightly. I felt a pang of guilt. But it wasn’t entirely a lie—I really did look up to him as a respectable older brother. 

As I was thinking that, I caught sight of Brother Leonard looking somewhat dejected. Wait… was he— 

“Of course, I watch your back too, Brother Leonard! Moguran and Tetsujin’s fighting styles are modeled after your movements.” 

“Really? Now that you mention it… I guess I do see some similarities…” 

Phew, that was close. I never expected him to get jealous. Just how much do both of them like me? Well, I like my brothers too, though. 

After completing our inspection, the decision was made to seal the facility. The research team reluctantly exited the ruins. 

“I feel bad for Duke Flute, but we can’t let this become public knowledge. We’re sealing it. Miss Flare, please relay my regards as well.” 

“Of course. His Highness the First Prince’s will shall be carried out.”

“Still, we’ve discovered three Airships. That alone is an incredible find.” 

Brother Gilliam was right. That is, if we could figure out how to operate them and successfully transport them out of here. 

It wouldn’t be an easy task. But if the kingdom could gain possession of functioning Airships, it would provide a significant advantage over other nations. The country would surely spare no effort in making it happen.

That would bring the royal family and the Flute Ducal House even closer, along with a steady flow of wealth. And with wealth comes honor. The Duke of Flute probably wouldn’t be able to stop laughing. 

“Well then, Brother Gilliam, I’ll proceed with sealing this place.” 

“I’m counting on you.” 

“Moguran, bury this entire area with earth and make sure it’s packed so tightly that it can never be dug up again.” 

“Leave it to me~” 

Once Moguran hardened the ground completely, the only one who could possibly break through it would be Lagios. This should ensure its safety for quite some time. Even the Demons wouldn’t be able to interfere so easily. 

“Brother Gilliam, do you think this was what the Demons were after?” 

“Most likely. The ancient people and the Demons once fought here. After the battle, the ancient people abandoned this site, which had been devastated by war. Over time, it was buried beneath the earth.” 

“And then, the surviving Demons who knew about this place attacked the Flute Ducal House because they were in the way of reclaiming and using this facility.” 

“That sounds about right.” 

Brother Gilliam agreed. But he still had a look on his face that suggested there was more to the story. Was there something he couldn’t say here? I’d have to ask him once we got back to the inn.