I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 73: In Other Words, I'm the Cause

Episode 73: In Other Words, I’m the Cause 

Under my instructions, Balt left the Summoning Guild. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the results. In the meantime, it’s the perfect opportunity for my usual fluff time. Would it be a problem if I fluffed Tia and Aqua? I feel like both would have a really nice texture. 

Oh, has Beartolt’s fur gotten smoother? Is it because it ate something delicious? If that’s the case, giving it its favorite foods might improve its condition even more. Maybe something like honey. 

While using Beartolt as a pillow and fluffing its belly, Lagios seemed to notice something. 

“Beartolt, did you… gain weight?” 

“Bear!?” 

Beartolt was extremely shocked and grabbed at its own belly. Then, it froze. 

So, you gained weight, huh, Beartolt? But magical creatures don’t get fat, right? Unless I imagine them that way… 

…………..Sorry, Beartolt. That belly is probably my fault. 

“Beartolt.” 

“Bear!” 

With that shout, Beartolt left me in Lagios’ care and started doing squats in front of the sofa. Sorry, Beartolt. That’s not what I meant… not at all. 

I wanted to stop it. But if it realized I was the cause, it might get mad. That fear held me back. 

Next time I summon it, I’ll make sure to call a slim version of Beartolt. I must not think about how a chubby belly would feel nicer. 

While I was wrestling with those thoughts, Balt returned. 

“Rufus-sama, His Majesty the King requests your presence.” 

“Got it. I’ll go right away. That’s all for today’s work. You’re free for the rest of the day.” 

“Understood.” 

“Take care on your way.” 

Selvus and Lala bowed their heads. The sun was beginning to set outside the window. Ending early should be fine. After all, I’m the one who sets the rules at this Summoning Guild. 

That being said, those two are probably going to practice their Summoning Skills. They’re both very diligent. 

With Balt and Ray as escorts, I headed to the King’s office. Taking too many people would attract attention. So I only carried Lagios with me. 

Beartolt looked like it wanted to come along. But I hope it feels reassured knowing that next time I summon it, it’ll be slim. 

“Your Majesty, it’s Rufus.” 

Balt knocked on the door, and I called out from the other side. The door opened immediately. Inside was His Majesty, buried in paperwork. 

Though it didn’t seem as bad as the inventory list sent by Brother Gilliam, it still looked like a lot of work. 

“Sorry to summon you. I wanted to hear directly from you. You all are dismissed until called.” 

“Understood!” 

With that, the guards and clerks who were organizing the documents left the office. Balt and Ray, who were already aware of the situation, remained behind me. 

“I heard the story from Balt. Now, I want to hear exactly what kind of items were found.” 

“Understood. As I mentioned before, there were daily necessities, ornaments, and clothing used by the ancients. Additionally, there were many magical potions that I’d never heard of before.” 

“Daily necessities aside, we should be cautious about the magical potions. Was there anything else?” 

Hmm, should I be honest about everything? Well, he did take the trouble to call me here and even clear the room for privacy. I might as well tell him everything. 

“There were also many magical tools used by the ancients.” 

“Magical tools…! So, they were there after all. Were they in perfect condition?” 

“Yes, they were. I even tried using them myself.” 

“Hey!” 

His Majesty glared at me. Lagios had been quietly sitting next to me. Instantly after that, it glared back at him. As expected of my reliable partner. Even His Majesty seemed taken aback by Lagios’ reaction. 

“No one saw you using them, right?” 

“Well, Balt and Ray saw it, as did some of the Summoning Guild staff.” 

Balt and Ray had expressions that clearly showed they realized it really was a magical tool. Well, we had been throwing around words like “magic crystal” and such. They must have had some idea. But since I hadn’t said anything, they weren’t completely sure. 

“I see. Well, it’s not worth silencing anyone over. After all, many magical tools have been found in ancient ruins. None of them have ever worked, though.” 

“That seems to be the case. I was curious, so I tried taking one apart, but……….. I ended up breaking it.” 

“What!?” 

His Majesty the King leaned forward in shock. Oh no, I should probably smooth this over before my mother hears about it. Panicking, I quickly summoned Tora-chan. 

“It’s fine. There are still plenty of them left. Tora-chan, can you bring out the Wind Box?” 

“Understood.” 

Without delay, Tora-chan spat it out onto the table. It was exactly the same Wind Box I had broken earlier. His Majesty froze for a moment when he saw it but quickly regained his composure. 

He started touching the square box, examining it from every angle. 

Could it be that Father is interested in magical tools? If that’s the case, it might be best to give it to him as a gift. You know, as a kind of bribe. This way, His Majesty the King will be on my side. 

“There are still more of them. So if you’d like one, you’re welcome to it.” 

“Really!?” 

His Majesty’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Those eyes looked just like Brother Gilliam’s……… or rather, Brother Gilliam’s eyes look just like His Majesty’s. It’s a bit confusing.