I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 141: In Other Words, We're Going to Crush Them

Episode 141: In Other Words, We’re Going to Crush Them 

After dinner, we gathered in the guest room. The only ones present were me, Brother Gilliam, Brother Leonard, Balt, Ray, and a few guards. 

“Now then, there’s something I need to tell you two,” 

Brother Gilliam said, suddenly looking serious. It seemed like he was also signaling to the knights in the room to “pretend you didn’t hear this.” 

I instinctively straightened my back. Could it be that the real reason Brother Gilliam came here wasn’t for the ruins investigation, but for this instead? 

“Earlier, we talked about how the Demons were targeting the Flute Ducal House, right?” 

“Yes. We thought their aim was the Airship or the Guardian.” 

“That’s not entirely wrong. But there’s another reason why the Flute Ducal House was targeted.” 

Brother Gilliam looked at us as if asking, “Do you understand?” I exchanged glances with Brother Leonard before nodding toward Brother Gilliam. 

Brother Leonard spoke up. 

“Was some country trying to divide the royal family and the ducal house?” 

“That’s certainly one reason. But there are also nobles within the kingdom who want that outcome.” 

His tone was clear and firm. It seemed Brother Gilliam had obtained solid information and was confident about it. 

I was shocked. I never imagined there were nobles within the Kingdom of Eladoria plotting such things. 

“…Who exactly are they?” 

Brother Leonard’s voice was low and cold. It wasn’t just a little intimidating—it was downright terrifying. The atmosphere grew heavy. But Brother Gilliam shook his head. 

“I can’t say yet. But I intend to crush them. Once I’ve gathered undeniable proof, I want you both to cooperate.” 

“…Understood.” 

“Of course.” 

Brother Leonard rubbed the wrinkle forming between his brows. Maybe he had some suspicions. In contrast, I had absolutely no clue. 

I had always neglected politics and noble affairs. And now it was coming back to bite me. 

…It looks like I’ll need to gather intelligence to survive from now on. I want a secret information network that only I know about. But how do I set that up? Maybe I need ninjas or something? 

Wait a minute—this might be the perfect opportunity to put my summoning skill to full use. 

“What’s with that grin, Rufus?” 

“You’re not thinking up something weird again, are you? Spit it out. Right now.” 

“Brother Leonard, ‘something weird’ again? That’s rude!” 

We continued our back-and-forth banter as the night went on. But I kept Brother Gilliam’s words close to my heart. I couldn’t afford to be careless. 

Right now, the most dangerous thing might be a honey trap. What if my future spouse was secretly plotting to push me toward the throne? That’s not impossible. I should be careful not to fall for such traps. No matter how cute the girl is, I can’t just follow her blindly. 

—

The next day. 

By the afternoon, Brother Leonard and I were heading back to the royal capital. In the end, we couldn’t convince Brother Gilliam to come with us. Flare-chan, however, was returning with us to the territory’s capital. 

Duke Flute chose to remain in the city of Liberia. He probably couldn’t leave Brother Gilliam behind. 

Besides, there were still things to take care of—matters concerning the mines, ancient ruins, and more. 

The journey back was uneventful. After saying goodbye to a lonely-looking Flare-chan in the territory’s capital, we safely returned to the royal capital. 

Parting with Flare-chan was sad. But I reassured myself that this was for the best. Right now, I was just the third prince of the royal family. I couldn’t act on my own whims. 

“…Official duties are tough, huh?” 

“So you’ve finally realized how hard my work is, Rufus. This time, you carried out your role well. That will surely earn you a good reputation.” 

“Wait… Does that mean I’ll be given official duties more freely from now on?” 

Brother Leonard turned away, avoiding my gaze. 

Ah, I see how it is. He’s probably thinking, “Great, my workload is going to decrease. Lucky me.” 

Sigh… As expected of Brother Leonard. Consistent as ever. 

“Brother Leonard, do you have any suspicions about the noble in question?” 

“………As sharp as ever, Rufus. It’s just a possibility, but I suspect my fiancée’s family.”

“No way…” 

“I’m planning to investigate it from here on. Of course, I’ll be cautious.” 

His face was sharper. It was more resolute than usual. If he were always like this, he’d be incredibly reliable. But in front of me, he always acts so soft. Why is that? 

This matter was something only Brother Leonard could handle. It wasn’t a problem I could solve. And yet… 

“Brother Leonard, if you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll turn everything into a wasteland if I have to.” 

“Thank you, Rufus! But please don’t do that!” 

With a bright smile, Brother Leonard leaned forward and grabbed my shoulders tightly. Ouch. It was just a figure of speech. But I didn’t expect such a strong rejection. Does he actually think I’d go through with it? 

“Don’t worry. Rest assured. That would be the absolute last resort.” 

“Why do I still not feel reassured after hearing that…?” 

As he sat back down, Brother Leonard smoothed out the crease between his brows. It seemed I had just given him a whole new problem to worry about. That wasn’t my intention at all.