I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 79: In Other Words, the Preparations Are Complete

Episode 79: In Other Words, the Preparations Are Complete 

Alright, I can’t just say thanks and leave. If I owe Brother Gilliam a favor, it might come back to bite me later. 

Although he didn’t say it out loud, he’s definitely interested in magic tools. It would be best to give him one as a thank-you gift……… but there are a few issues with that. 

First, if Mother finds out, it’ll be bad. I need to give him something that won’t cause trouble even if she sees it. In that case… 

“I have a small thank-you gift for my helpful brother.” 

After saying that, I summoned Tora-chan. I think I saw Brother Gilliam’s eyes sparkle. I tried my best to ignore it as I took out a wristwatch. 

I’m used to seeing this. But since being reincarnated, I haven’t come across anything like it. 

The only clocks I’ve seen here are massive ones like clock towers. And they’ve just recently developed pocket watches that can fit in your pocket. It’s probably going to be a while before they can make something as small as this wristwatch. 

That alone should be enough for Brother Gilliam to recognize how amazing this watch is. 

“Is this… a clock?” 

“Yes, it’s a wristwatch. You use it by wrapping this band around your wrist like this.” 

I adjusted the size and put it on Brother Gilliam’s wrist. I’m not sure if it’s made of stainless steel or titanium, but the metal band definitely stands out. 

But in the end, it’s just a watch. At first glance, no one would think it’s an ancient artifact. They’d probably assume it’s a newly developed, compact clock. This should keep me out of trouble with Mother. 

And this wristwatch has another advantage. 

“Are you sure it’s okay to give me something this incredible? This is a magic tool, right?” 

“Yes, it’s definitely a magic tool. As you can see, it’s a compact clock. So it’s filled with tiny gears. If you open it up, all the gears might pop out.” 

“I-I see…” 

Brother Gilliam swallowed nervously. I bet he imagined opening it up and the insides exploding everywhere. 

That’s the other advantage—discouraging him from trying to take it apart. 

“So please handle it with care. This seems to be the last one left.” 

“I-I understand.” 

Of course, that’s only half true. While there isn’t another one exactly like the one I gave him, I do have other kinds of watches. 

But if I don’t say this, he might think, “It’s fine if one breaks.” And he might decide to take it apart—just like when I disassembled that Wind Box. 

With this, my debt to Brother Gilliam is cleared. I left the Feather Palace. 

It’s about time for lunch. After that, I’ll visit Mother. I want to hear about the people in the Flute Duchy from her, especially anyone I should watch out for. 

At lunch, it was just me and Mother. Everyone else must be busy. I bet Brother Gilliam didn’t come to the dining room because he couldn’t hide that smug grin on his face. Can’t blame him. What a calm and smart decision. 

“Mother, I received a paper from Brother Leonard with an outline of the inspection in the Flute Duchy. I also learned about the key figures from Brother Gilliam. But I’d like to hear from you as well.” 

“Oh my, how diligent of you. Alright, I’ll tell you what I know.” 

Perfect. This is about all the preparation I can do. At the very least, I shouldn’t embarrass myself as a member of the royal family. Now I just need to be careful not to say or do anything unnecessary. 

— 

The day to depart for the Flute Duchy has finally arrived. There’s only one carriage, and I’m the only one riding in it. Brother Leonard is riding on horseback. 

I’ve never ridden a horse before. I wonder if it feels nice? Is it like riding a motorcycle and feeling the wind rush by? That would be pretty cool. 

As expected, the carriage I’m riding in is extremely extravagant. Just one look and anyone would know that someone important is inside. Of course, it’s also very comfortable and well-protected. 

There’s also one supply wagon accompanying us. It feels like we’re carrying fewer supplies than I expected. Since we’ll be stopping by towns along the way, I guess that won’t be a problem? I’m a bit worried. After all, this isn’t just my first mission—it’s also my first trip. It’s only natural to feel this way, right? 

“Both of you, make sure to fulfill your duties.” 

“Take care and have a safe journey.” 

Since His Majesty the King was busy, Brother Gilliam and Mother came to see us off. Even so, it was exceptional treatment. And I could see the tension on the faces of the knights accompanying us. 

Brother Leonard, however, stood tall and proud. He was completely unfazed. 

“I will do my utmost to bring no shame to the royal family’s name.” 

“I’ll do my best not to drag Brother Leonard down.” 

“Oh my, Rufus, you sound quite timid.” 

“Hehe, but maybe that’s just the right attitude to have.” 

Brother Gilliam teased me, and Mother laughed. Even though they said that, they were probably thinking, “Just don’t cause any trouble.” 

Of course, I fully intend to behave. My reputation as the “Troublemaker Prince” only applies within the palace. I’ll prove that to them.