I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 87: In Other Words, It's a Bit Embarrassing

Episode 87: In Other Words, It’s a Bit Embarrassing 

“I am Rufus. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

When I spoke politely, Captain Gazelle’s deep blue eyes widened slightly. 

Was it a mistake to speak formally, even outside the castle? Should I have spoken the same way I do with Brother Leonard? But Brother Gilliam always uses polite language, right? Then it should be fine. 

“I apologize for any discomfort during your journey. We would appreciate your patience just a little longer. The Duke of Flute is awaiting your arrival. This way, please.” 

From here, the knights of House Flute led the way. This was to show the connection between us royals and the Duke’s household in front of the citizens. We had agreed to this beforehand. 

To announce our arrival, the carriage proceeded slowly. As expected of a place where a former king once resided, the streets were paved with cobblestones. The carriage shook less, making the ride quite comfortable. 

I could see a large castle ahead. Of course, it was smaller than the castle in the royal capital. But the ruggedly stacked stone structure made it look like a fortress. So cool. It felt like we were at the front lines of a battle… even though we definitely weren’t. 

“It’s such a sturdy-looking castle. It must be tough to conquer this place.” 

“Do you really think so? With my power, I could bring it down in one breath…” 

“Maybe you could, Lagios. But it’s impossible with human strength.” 

“But you possess that power, do you not?” 

“I’m not doing it, okay?” 

Oh, right. It was me who controlled Lagios. 

In other words, I could become the “King of Destruction”. Not that I would, though. I have no interest in that. My only concern is how to have fun with my fluffy friends. 

At the open castle gates, one side displayed the royal crest. And the other showed the Flute family’s crest. In between hung a banner with the words “Warm Welcome” written on it. 

What’s this? This is kind of embarrassing. Even if the future of House Flute is at stake, isn’t this a bit too blatant? Look, even Brother Leonard is smiling awkwardly. 

“They seem pretty excited, huh?” 

“Indeed. It is quite splendid.”

“Y-Yeah, I suppose so.” 

But Moguran and Lagios seemed to be enjoying it. Well, I guess they would be. Since their master (me) was being warmly welcomed, they didn’t find anything wrong with it. 

The carriage arrived at the gates of the royal residence. A long line of servants stood waiting there. There were quite a lot of them. It must cost a fortune to employ so many people. Maintaining the dignity of House Flute must be challenging. 

I saw Brother Leonard dismount his horse. Following his lead, I stepped out of the carriage. Behind me, Lagios and Moguran lined up and disembarked in turn. It felt just like a role-playing game. Kind of fun. 

“Prince Leonard, Prince Rufus, welcome to House Flute. We’ve been expecting you.” 

With those words, the Duke of Flute bowed his head. His wife and Flare-chan bowed as well. 

They looked exactly like the sketches Brother Gilliam had shown me. It seemed the artist who drew them had incredible skills. At this level, photographs weren’t even necessary. 

Ah, but the colors weren’t depicted. It was merely a lifelike pencil sketch. The coloring details were described in the notes, alongside height, weight, and other measurements. 

Yeah, I definitely shouldn’t have looked at that. I need to forget the unnecessary parts quickly. 

“It’s been a while since the King’s birthday party, Duke of Flute. We’ll be in your care for a while.” 

“It’s good to see you again, Duke of Flute. I look forward to your hospitality.” 

I greeted him alongside Brother Leonard. Of course, I’d met the four great dukes and their wives before. But I’d never met their children. 

They must have been present at the Skill Inheritance Ceremony. But things got chaotic because I ended up inheriting a rare Summoning Skill. There was no time for formal introductions then. 

That means Flare-chan is one step ahead of everyone else. I bet that’s part of their strategy, too. 

“It may not be as grand as the royal capital, but we will do our utmost to provide you with the best hospitality. Flare, greet our guests.” 

“I am Flare Flute. Welcome to our home.” 

She must have practiced a lot. Her smile was stiff, but her curtsy was beautifully executed. Her crimson twin-drill curls swayed gently. 

Seeing that, the Duke of Flute nodded in satisfaction. His eyes were completely those of a doting parent. 

If I were a girl, His Majesty the King would probably be looking at me with the same doting eyes as the Duke of Flute. 

In that case, whoever marries Flare-chan is going to have a tough time. They likely won’t let her marry just anyone. 

At that moment, my eyes met Flare-chan’s amber ones. 

“I’m Rufus Eladoria. Nice to meet you.” 

I greeted her casually, trying to ease her tension a bit. Since Brother Leonard didn’t introduce himself to Flare-chan, they must have met before.