I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 92: In Other Words, This and That Are Separate

Episode 92: In Other Words, This and That Are Separate 

*Knock, knock.* There was a knock on the door. Wondering who it could be, I glanced at Balt. He immediately went to the door. Without waiting for my permission, the door opened. It was Brother Leonard. 

“Hey, Rufus. How have you been?” 

“What’s up? Of course, I’m doing well.” 

“Well, I was worried you might be feeling down after what happened earlier.” 

“There’s no way. I know my abilities well enough.” 

Brother Leonard furrowed his eyebrows in concern. It seemed he came to cheer me up. But honestly, there was no need to worry. I wasn’t bothered by it at all. More importantly… 

“Miss Flare seems to be interested in you, Brother Leonard.” 

“You think so too, Rufus? That’s troublesome.” 

Brother Leonard scratched his cheek with his index finger. He looked troubled. I don’t see the problem, even with the age difference. As I was thinking that, Brother Leonard let out a big sigh. 

“This visit was also meant to introduce you and Miss Flare to each other.” 

“Does that mean she’s a potential fiancée for me?” 

“Well, yeah.” 

“In that case, I don’t see any problem.” 

A prince and a noble’s daughter. If it’s a political marriage, it shouldn’t matter what the other person thinks. 

As I thought about this, Brother Leonard sighed again and slowly shook his head. 

“Actually, Mother secretly asked me to observe your interactions with Miss Flare.” 

“Why would she…?” 

“It seems Mother wants to decide your fiancée not for political reasons but based on compatibility.” 

Ah, that explains Brother Leonard’s repeated sighs. It must be difficult to report back to Mother,  especially if he has to say, “She seems more interested in me than in Rufus.” 

“Was it okay to tell me that?” 

“I didn’t plan on it. But given how things turned out, I thought it’d be better to let you know. Also, to motivate you, Rufus.” 

Brother Leonard glanced at me as he said this. I shook my head in response. 

“I understand how you feel, Brother Leonard, but I don’t plan to do anything. I’ve already decided not to cause any trouble during this visit.” 

“It’s already too late……………” 

“That’s that, and this is this!” 

I accidentally raised my voice. But it’s still just one out. I should still be okay. 

Next to me, Lagios and the others were subtly shaking their heads. Ugh… 

“Alright. I won’t force you, Rufus. But remember that Miss Flare… no, the Flute Ducal House has its own circumstances.” 

With that, Brother Leonard left the room. Circumstances, huh? It’s not like I intend to disregard the Flute Ducal House, but did I come off as displeased? 

“Hey, do I look upset?” 

“Not at all.” 

“Not really.” 

“If anything, you look like you’re wondering what’s for dinner.” 

“No way. I’m not Tia, you know…” 

*Growl*... My stomach growled. 

Stop it. Don’t look at me like that. 

By the way, that evening’s dinner was a grand welcoming party attended by the nobles residing in the Flute Ducal Territory. Naturally, I was surrounded by girls and boys of the same age. 

Being a noble’s child is truly tough. Repeating the same kind of greetings over and over again as a royal child is exhausting too. 

—

The next morning. 

This morning, we were scheduled to tour the capital of the territory. In the afternoon, we would inspect the surrounding area and then move on to another town within the Flute Ducal Territory. It was quite a hectic schedule. 

It would be better to extend the inspection period, but that would likely place a considerable burden on the hosts. 

We rode in the carriage of the Flute Ducal House to move around the capital of the territory. Inside the carriage were me, Brother Leonard, Duke Flute, and Flare-chan. Of course, Lagios and the others were not out because the curtains of the carriage were wide open. 

Through those windows, I could see the citizens gathering to catch a glimpse of us. As part of our royal duties, Brother Leonard and I responded with smiles and waves. Each time we waved, loud cheers erupted. It felt like we were idols or something. 

“Come on, Rufus, smile, smile.” 

“I know, but… it’s my first time in this kind of situation.” 

“You’ll get used to it soon enough. You’ll have more opportunities like this from now on.” 

Brother Leonard smiled. But why? I didn’t feel happy about it at all! 

Being a celebrity must be tough. I only realized this hardship after experiencing it myself. I never want to be famous—definitely not. 

We continued circling the capital. We were stopped in front of large buildings and entered the shops. It seemed we were visiting the most prominent stores in the capital to give them a mark of prestige. They were probably on good terms with the Flute Ducal House. 

Use whatever is useful. Merchants are resourceful no matter where you go.