I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 19: In Other Words, It's Embarrassing

Episode 19: In Other Words, It’s Embarrassing  

I was trying to avert my eyes from the shocking sight of a whistling bear. But as I watched Lala drawing, the commotion outside the door grew louder.  

Did something happen? I’m inside the room, and I haven’t been causing a ruckus in the hallway this time.  

Just as I was thinking that, the door to the room swung open without so much as a knock.  

The only person who could get away with something like this in this country is His Majesty the King. In other words, that means my father has arrived. Looking toward the door, I see my mother standing behind him as well.  

Ah-ha, I see now. As expected, my mother must have told His Majesty the King what she witnessed in this room. And upon hearing it, His Majesty rushed over in a panic. No wonder things were noisy outside the door.  

I suppose making my mother faint and turning part of the table into ashes was a bit too much, even if it was unintentional. What should I do? Am I about to get scolded really badly?  

“Rufus, I heard everything. It seems you’ve summoned yet another magical creature. Which one is it this time? Ah, seriously, why does this keep happening? No one told me Summoning Skills were such a troublesome ability!”  

“Oh? Rufus, hasn’t their number increased since earlier?”  

“Ah, you noticed? As expected of you, Mother. You have a keen eye.”  

“Rufus.”  

“Yes.”  

His Majesty the King glared at me.  

Sensing the tension, my adorable fluffy companions stepped between me and His Majesty. They were shielding me. Big or small, they were quite an intimidating sight. Especially Beartolt. Maybe I should have told it to stay small.  

“Whoa, whoa. Easy there. I’m just here for a peaceful discussion, alright? Rufus, please calm everyone down. Especially that yellow bear, tell it to stop flexing its claws in and out.”  

“Understood. Beartolt, not yet.”  

“No, that’s not what I meant.”  

His Majesty placed a hand on his forehead and shook his head dramatically. His guards escorted him to the table. They remained on high alert. Not that it was necessary.  

Wait, am I not very trusted?  

“Rufus, why is part of the table scorched?”  

“That’s because Cayenne the Salamander miscalculated the firepower. But His Majesty is fine with lizards, right?”  

“Ah, yes, I’m fine with them.”  

“This is Cayenne.”  

“It is an honor to meet you, Sire.”  

“Oh, ah, yes. I look forward to working with you.”  

His Majesty’s face stiffened. He probably never imagined a palm-sized lizard could turn a table to ash.  

If Cayenne has the same traits as Lagios, it could probably grow larger on command. But if I did that, Mother and Lala would likely faint. And I definitely don’t want to risk an embarrassing moment like accidentally exposing Mother’s underwear.  

“Rufus, what kind of magical creature is this cute red bird?”  

“This is Ochun, a Firebird. Since Lala seemed afraid of the Salamander, I summoned a different magical creature instead.”  

“I see.”  

Though she said that, her eyes clearly asked, “Why didn’t you just summon this one in the first place?”  

But come on, Salamanders are cool and cute!  

Ochun chirped a greeting to Mother.  

Mother looked like she wanted to take Ochun home, but hey, that’s mine! If she wants a pet, she should get a birdcage and adopt a wild bird herself.  

Maybe I should suggest that? It might even start a trend of keeping pets in this world.  

“Um, Rufus, could you introduce this bear magical creature as well?”  

“This is Beartolt, an Art Bear. It helps create illustrations of magical creatures for a magical creature encyclopedia. Look at this drawing—amazing, right?”  

Saying that, I showed the picture Beartolt had just drawn to His Majesty and Mother.  

The two of them studied it. They were humming in contemplation.  

“It certainly looks just like the real thing. But couldn’t you have drawn it yourselves?”  

“Well, none of us have any artistic talent…”  

“Oh? Rufus, did you try drawing too? Let me see.”

Ugh, I want to refuse. I absolutely want to refuse. But after making Mother faint earlier, it’s incredibly difficult to do so.  

Resigning myself to my fate, I handed over the drawing I had made earlier to Mother. His Majesty the King peeked at it from the side. He was desperately holding back laughter. Please, just laugh, Father. That way, I can at least turn this into a funny story.  

“It’s quite a unique and charming drawing. I think it’s nice, but… it might not be the best choice for a magical creature encyclopedia.”  

Mother furrowed her brows, narrowed her eyes, and placed a hand on her cheek as she spoke. Then, she handed the paper to her personal attendant.  

Mother, what exactly are you planning to do with that drawing?! You’re not seriously thinking of framing it and hanging it in your room, right?  

But at this point, there was no way I could take it back. And thus, another piece of my dark history was born. I really shouldn’t have drawn it, but it was too late for regrets. Tohoho…  

“A magical creature that can draw like a court painter… At this point, anything seems possible.”  

“With enough imagination, Summoning Skills can accomplish just about anything. Even Beartolt, aside from drawing, could probably use its claws for attacks.”  

“Just don’t try testing that on me. *Sigh*… It’s only been two days since your Skill Inheritance Ceremony, and you’ve already caused this much chaos.”  

“Well, of course. After all, I am your son, Father.”  

I flashed my most confident smile as I said that. And His Majesty let out yet another deep sigh.  

If I asked Brother Gilliam and Brother Leonard, they would definitely say I take after Father. Even Mother was giving me a wry smile, so there was no doubt about it.  

“Oh, right! There was something I needed to tell His Majesty the King.”  

“I have a really bad feeling about this… but go ahead, I’m listening.”