I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 29: In Other Words, Birds of a Feather

Episode 29: In Other Words, Birds of a Feather  

With Mother’s arrival effectively silencing Brother Gilliam, we moved to the royal family’s private salon.  

Among the many salons in the royal castle, this one had relatively modest decorations.  

The long, amber-colored table was paired with matching chairs. While the sofas were of a subdued hue. It made it a comfortable place to sit and relax. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the flowers swaying in the courtyard breeze.  

Personally, it was one of my favorite salons.  

No need to be overly formal here.  

It looked like we’d be having lunch in this room today. The chefs were already bringing in dish after dish.  

While I played around with Lagios and the others on the sofa, Mother and Brother Gilliam took their seats first.  

“Gilliam, I know full well how much you love antiques. But I’ve told you before—keep that passion confined to your own room. How many times must I remind you?”  

“But Mother, it’s the Mukube Vase! Do you realize just how—”  

“Gilliam.”  

“…My apologies.”  

Mother shot him a glare.  

Terrifying.  

Absolute victory in mere seconds.  

As expected of Mother—I definitely wouldn’t want her as an enemy.  

Just as I took my seat, Brother Leonard entered the salon.  

It seemed he had also been summoned by Mother.  

“So, you’re here too, Brother. I was suddenly called by Mother and wondered if something had happened… Did something happen?”  

“Oh, Leonard. Just a word of advice—you should tread carefully too.”  

“…Huh?”  

Brother Leonard looked confused.  

Well, it made sense.  

He was at risk of becoming “Brother Gilliam 2.0”.  

If he ever saw me pull a legendary weapon out of Tora-chan, he’d probably go into a frenzy.  

Maybe it’d be best to have Mother around beforehand, just in case.  

“Rufus, I hear that Tora-chan contains quite a variety of items?”  

“Yes. There are numerous artifacts from the mythological era inside. Brother Gilliam has been helping me examine them, but, well… as you just saw…”  

“Gilliam, just submit an inventory list to His Majesty as he requested.”  

“But—! …Understood.”  

Brother Gilliam attempted to protest. But a single sharp glare from Mother made him surrender instantly.  

That was way too fast.  

Anyone else would’ve missed it.  

But without such measures, Brother Gilliam would probably ignore all his other duties and bury himself in examining Tora-chan’s contents.  

And if that happened, I’d be stuck pulling all-nighters with him.  

“Leonard, the same goes for you. Only hand over an inventory list to Rufus.”  

“But—! …Understood.”  

Brother Leonard also tried to object. It was only to be instantly defeated by Mother’s piercing gaze.  

Again, way too fast.  

Anyone else would’ve missed it.  

Wait a second…  

Why does this feel so familiar?  

Didn’t I just see this exact scene moments ago?  

It seemed Mother had anticipated this situation and called Brother Leonard here in advance.  

As expected of Mother. She knows exactly what she’s doing.  

“Mother, what should we do with the items inside Tora-chan?”  

“It’s too soon to say. Once everything has been identified, His Majesty will likely issue further instructions. Until then, do not take anything out.”  

“Understood.”  

“But—!”  

“But—!” 

Both of my brothers let out pained cries.  

But Mother remained merciless.  

Reality was harsh.  

“That means the Mukube Vase, the Holy Sword Excalibur, and everything else should remain inside Tora-chan.”  

My brothers’ eyes filled with tears.  

What should I do?  

My normally reliable older brothers were starting to look completely useless.  

But if I stepped in to defend them, I’d just get caught up in the mess myself.  

I had no choice but to stay silent.  

I’m sorry, Big Brothers  

I really wish I could help you… but I can’t.  

Thus, our sorrowful lunch ended quietly.  

Right before leaving, I made sure to retrieve the Holy Sword Excalibur from Brother Leonard’s trembling hands.  

The way his hands shook was truly something to behold.  

Was it that painful for him…?  

—

In the afternoon, it was time to study.  

I still had my duties as a Guild Master. But I was at an age where studying was still expected.  

Though, to be honest, I only really needed lessons on history and economics.  

Thanks to my past life’s memories, I had no need for language, mathematics, or even chemistry and physics.

“Prince Rufus is quite the outstanding student.”  

“Not at all. It’s only because you’re such a great teacher. By the way, Professor, there’s something I’d like to ask—would that be alright?”  

“Of course. If it’s something within my knowledge, I’d be happy to answer.”  

There was something that had been on my mind during class.  

Specifically, about the era around 1,200 years ago.  

Tora-chan contained artifacts from even before that time.  

Just how advanced was civilization back then?  

Depending on the answer, this discovery could bring about a revolution in the present day.  

If that ancient era had been more advanced than our current one, it would probably be safer to pretend I never saw anything and just seal everything away.  

“What kind of era was it 1,200 years ago?”  

“Oh? Prince Rufus, are you also interested in ultra-ancient civilizations? Many people are fascinated by that time period. Of course, I’m one of them. To put it simply, it was an age where civilization was far more advanced than it is now. That much is evident from the records that have survived to this day.”  

Oh. My. God.  

The moment he mentioned “ultra-ancient civilizations”, I had a *really* bad feeling about this…