I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 140: In Other Words, That Look of Scheming

Episode 140: In Other Words, That Look of Scheming 

After completing our investigation of the second ancient ruin, we returned to the site where the others were still examining the ruin containing the Airships. 

It didn’t take long for the excitement in the researchers’ eyes to turn into disappointment. 

“That’s unfortunate. However, I believe it was the right decision.” 

“I agree with Gilliam-sama’s judgment. We will abide by it… though it is still disappointing.” 

They looked truly disheartened. They had probably wanted to see a fully intact Guardian up close. But now, all they had to study were scattered parts. 

Well, to be honest, Guardians shouldn’t exist in this era anyway. Sorry, but it’s for the best. 

After that, we spent the rest of the day helping with the investigation of the Airships. 

Thanks to the efforts of the research team, we were able to pinpoint what seemed to be the power source of the Airships. And there, sitting in place, was a massive magic crystal. 

We tried all sorts of methods to get it working. But nothing seemed to do the trick. It wasn’t surprising, though. We had no idea how to charge the magic crystal with energy. 

“Even you can’t figure it out, Rufus?” 

“I once asked Tora-chan if there was a way to store energy in a magic crystal. But apparently, such a thing doesn’t exist.” 

“I see. Then we’ll have to start by figuring that out.” 

Brother Gilliam and I discussed the matter in the carriage on the way back to the inn. We did have plenty of smaller, pre-charged magic crystals. But none even close to the size of this one. 

Separating the power source from the rest of the equipment probably meant that even in the era of ultra-ancient civilizations, that enormous magic crystal was something special. 

How did they infuse energy into it? Since it couldn’t be moved, there had to be some kind of charging method. 

Maybe the ancient people had a unique skill only they possessed? If that were the case, we were completely stuck. 

Upon arriving at the inn, we found Duke Flute already waiting for us. He must have been eager to hear the results of the investigation. Unfortunately, we had some bad news to deliver. 

While resting from our exhausting day, evening quickly arrived. Duke Flute had prepared his prized wine. It made it even harder to break the news. What would Brother Gilliam do? There was no choice but to tell him. 

After raising our glasses in a toast, Brother Gilliam wasted no time and got straight to the point. He preferred to get unpleasant matters over with quickly—just as expected from someone who finished his work a month ahead of schedule. 

“Duke Flute, we’ve decided to seal off the second ancient ruin.” 

“W-What!? May I ask the reason?” 

Well, that was the obvious reaction. Duke Flute turned pale. But Brother Gilliam carefully explained the circumstances. Gradually, the duke’s color returned. And he seemed to accept our decision. 

“So that’s what you found… Understood. As the head of the Flute Ducal House, I will follow the will of His Highness, Crown Prince Gilliam. Thank you for your efforts.” 

“The second ruin is a loss, but the Airships still belong to the Flute Ducal House. If we can get them operational, they’ll be incredibly valuable.” 

“Thank you. I will offer my full cooperation.” 

Duke Flute bowed his head, while Brother Gilliam smiled—his expression practically saying, “Just as planned.” 

Well, of course. With the duke’s financial support secured, the investigation would proceed smoothly. 

“Brother Gilliam, my work here is done. So I will be returning to the royal capital.” 

“Eh?! Ah—” 

A small, surprised sound escaped before she could stop it. Flare-chan blushed bright red and lowered her gaze, shrinking slightly. 

Brother Gilliam, Brother Leonard, and even Duke Flute watched over her with warm smiles. 

They weren’t that deeply involved yet… but maybe for Flare-chan, things were different. 

But, well… to be blunt, I had other fiancée candidates too. I couldn’t just disregard them. That was one of the burdens of being a prince. 

Of course, if I were to plead with my mother that I *absolutely* wanted to be with Flare-chan, she might make an exception. But for now, I was keeping that ace up my sleeve.

“As Rufus said, our work here is done. We’ve already stayed much longer than planned. And any further delay would only inconvenience the Flute Ducal House.” 

“Hmm, that’s true. It’s hard to part ways after reuniting with my brothers, but it can’t be helped.” 

“Huh? Brother Gilliam, you’re not returning with us?” 

“Of course not. Rather, why would you think I was?” 

Brother Gilliam flashed a bright smile. 

But… we already knew what was inside the ancient ruins, and the excavation team had everything they needed, right? I didn’t see why he needed to stay. 

Feeling unsure if I was missing something, I glanced over at Brother Leonard—who returned my look with a strained smile. 

Yeah, figures. I guess I’ll just smile wryly too. 

If Mother scolds him for this, that’s on him.