I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 3: In Other Words, a Decorative Guild Master

Episode 3: In Other Words, a Decorative Guild Master

The servant bowed and left the room. Of course, I wasn’t left completely alone. My two escort knights, Balt and Ray, were standing nearby. So there was no problem. 

If I have escort knights, isn’t it unnecessary to have a servant guide me around? Or so I thought, but apparently, escort knights and servants have their respective roles. Breaking those roles would deprive them of their jobs. Since their livelihood depends on this, I decided to drop the matter. I’m the third prince, after all. Following the rules quietly is my duty.

“Balt.”

“Yes, sir!”

Balt knocked on the door. Being a prince means I’m not even allowed to knock on doors myself. How inconvenient. 

The door immediately opened. It seemed they were already aware of our arrival and had been waiting just behind the door. That’s how quick they were.

Most likely, when I asked the servant to guide me, someone had already sent word to the Summoning Guild. After all, they couldn’t keep the prince waiting. Ugh, this is exhausting. I would have waited—forever if I had to—until the door opened.

“Welcome, Prince Rufus. I am Selvus Tian, the former Guild Master of the Summoning Guild. I look forward to working with you.”

The man before me bowed deeply. He was wearing a monocle and a sharp burgundy tailcoat that gave off butler vibes. His slicked-back hair and demeanor exuded the aura of a polished gentleman. Honestly, if you said his name quickly, it would almost sound like “Sebastian.”

This is awkward. Really awkward. Why? Because I had just taken his position. Should I crack a joke to ease the tension?

“I’m Rufus. I look forward to working with you.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Please, call me Selvus. Also, there’s no need for formalities…”

As he said this, the man who glanced up at me was not “Sebastian”, but Selvus. Even though I’m just a child, I suppose being addressed formally by a royal is a lot of pressure. 

To outsiders, it might look disrespectful. I guess he has a point.

“Got it, Selvus. By the way, is there a Vice Guild Master for the Summoning Guild?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“I see. Then, as the Guild Master, I hereby appoint you as Vice Guild Master.”

“Yes, sir! I humbly accept the position.”

Selvus bowed deeply. Perfect. It seemed he had anticipated this outcome, as he didn’t appear surprised.

I’ll just be a decorative figurehead for the Summoning Guild. I’ll sit at the top but leave the actual decisions to others. Some might call this delegating—or just shirking responsibility.

“Well then, Selvus. Give me a tour.”

“As you wish.”

Selvus’ expression seemed noticeably softer now. Maybe he felt relieved knowing I wasn’t the kind of prince who’d issue absurd orders.

Makes sense. To those outside the royal family, my personality is probably just a matter of rumors.

The Summoning Guild wasn’t in a particularly large room. It was about the size of a typical elementary school classroom. Since there were only three people in the guild, it felt spacious.

Inside, the third guild member was waiting. 

She was a girl with shocking pink hair cut neatly at shoulder length and deep crimson eyes. Her face leaned more toward cute than beautiful. She looked about ten years old, though she was probably an adult. 

That would make her at least fifteen. But she certainly didn’t look it. People in this world really seem youthful. My mother included. It’s quite the mystery—maybe it’s because of magic?

When the girl saw me, she stood up so quickly it almost made a “whoosh” sound. Clearly, she was nervous. She probably hadn’t expected me to inherit the Summoning Skill.

After all, it’s apparently an ultra-rare skill.

“I’m L-Lala. Nice to meet you.”

She stuttered. Definitely stuttered. But Lala pretended nothing had happened. She quickly bowed again at an incredible speed.

Hmm, I guess I need to start by easing Lala’s nerves. It also seems she doesn’t intend to raise her head until I say so. What should I do? This is going to be awkward.

“Lala, you can raise your head now. I’m Rufus, the new Guild Master of the Summoning Guild. Nice to meet you. And standing next to me is Selvus, who was just appointed Vice Guild Master. As for you, Lala… maybe you could be my secretary?”

I threw out a lighthearted joke, and she finally raised her head. Progress! ……..Wait, this girl’s proportions are surprisingly noticeable! Isn’t this kind of thing usually reserved for exaggerated fictional characters? Is everything okay in this world?

To hide my flustered thoughts, I took a seat on the sofa. I motioned for everyone else to do the same. First, I needed to learn what exactly the Summoning Skill was all about.

“Secretary…?” 

Lala tilted her head slightly. Her soft hair swayed gently with the motion. She’s got quite the curly texture… looks like it would be pleasant to touch—wait, no! Maybe she didn’t realize it was a joke? She seems like a serious girl. I should probably avoid saying weird things.

“Ah, well, I thought having a title might help with motivation. Anyway, could you tell me what the Summoning Skill is all about?”

I glanced back and forth between the two. Lala fidgeted nervously, while Selvus gave a firm nod.

I’m not sure about Lala—making her a secretary might not be the best idea yet. Worst-case scenario, someone might think I’m assigning her for improper reasons. Sure, I noticed her appearance, but I had absolutely no ulterior motives! After all, I’m just a seven-year-old.