I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 93: In Other Words, Brother Leonard Is Handsome

Episode 93: In Other Words, Brother Leonard Is Handsome 

We were having lunch at the most prestigious restaurant in the territorial capital. It seems that even Duke Flute and his family come here to dine from time to time. 

From the private room we were shown to, we could see the entire capital. That’s right—this building’s top floor is taller than Duke Flute’s mansion. 

“The whole city is visible at a glance. What an amazing view.” 

“I’m glad to see that it pleases you, Prince Rufus.” 

Seeing me excited, Duke Flute visibly sighed in relief. 

It’s hard work pretending to be an innocent child. Well, the view really is spectacular, though. 

“There don’t seem to be many tall buildings around here.” 

“You’re quite observant. This place also serves as a watchtower in case of emergencies. To ensure clear visibility from here, the construction of tall buildings is prohibited.” 

“That’s because monsters or enemies might attack, right?” 

“Exactly.” 

Duke Flute nodded with a satisfied expression. Although this territory is quite far from the frontier, it seems they still need to be prepared. Perhaps monsters occasionally come down from the surrounding mountains. 

After regaining our energy with lunch, we went outside the city in the afternoon as planned. We were heading to a town near the mines. Although the mines in Duke Flute’s territory are said to be drying up, they apparently want to demonstrate that they’re still operational to buy some time. 

We proceeded along a mountain path. The mountains on both sides were steep and uninviting for climbing. Although the road was well maintained, stepping just a little off the path would lead straight into the forest. 

According to prior information, the monsters around here aren’t very strong. However, creatures like Goblins and Kobolds, which become much more dangerous when gathered in groups, are said to inhabit the area. It made me feel a bit uneasy. 

“Do you regularly hunt the monsters around here to keep their numbers in check?” 

“Yes, of course. Recently, their numbers seem to have decreased. And it’s not uncommon for our hunting parties to return without any kills at all.” 

“No kills…?” 

Hearing this, Brother Leonard skillfully raised one eyebrow. It seemed his instincts were picking up on something. 

Oh no, Brother Leonard, please don’t go raising any weird flags… 

“Is there something bothering you?” 

Duke Flute asked nervously. He was already on edge because of the bandits that appeared on the highway connecting to the royal capital. Understandably, he was wary of a second crisis. 

“Sending hunting parties to such a wide area and finding nothing is strange. It would make more sense if someone were deliberately hiding the monsters.” 

“Are you suggesting there might be a Goblin settlement? But for that, a higher-ranking Goblin species would be essential. There are no such monsters in my territory.” 

Duke Flute gave a strained smile, but Brother Leonard still looked troubled. 

“That may be true, but…” 

In this world, monsters remain the same species from birth until death. They don’t evolve into different species. A Goblin child remains a Goblin forever. 

High-ranking Goblins are entirely different creatures from regular Goblins. 

Therefore, unless someone intentionally brought a high-ranking Goblin here, a Goblin settlement wouldn’t form. Could it be……….. 

“Brother Leonard, do you think it has something to do with those bandits?” 

“It’s not directly related, but it might be connected to whoever is behind them.” 

Hearing this, Duke Flute’s face turned pale. He was definitely thinking about the mastermind behind the scenes. 

Who could it be? I was curious. But Brother Leonard wasn’t going to tell me. If he were planning to share that information, he would have done so long ago. He probably doesn’t want to involve me. 

Meanwhile, Flare-chan didn’t seem to understand what was going on. She just furrowed her brows with a worried expression. 

If I were Flare-chan’s lover, I’d gently wrap my arm around her shoulders. Too bad I’m not. 

“Excuse me for a moment.” 

With that, Duke Flute stopped the carriage. He was probably going to give some instructions to the guards protecting our convoy. 

Brother Leonard is kind, too. He probably chose not to take action to preserve Duke Flute’s dignity. He’s really such a cool guy. Well, he is actually handsome, too. 

“Brother Leonard, do you sense any monsters nearby?” 

“No, nothing. Just so you know, the range in which I can sense monsters and such isn’t that wide.” 

“How wide is it?” 

“About half the size of the capital.” 

“That’s plenty wide!” 

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Half the capital? That’s pretty vast. Although it’s not enough to cover all the surrounding mountains, at least it means our convoy won’t be ambushed by Goblins. 

Brother Leonard would notice them before that could happen. I felt a little more at ease. Even if a flag for a Goblin attack on the carriage had been raised, we’d be fine. Brother Leonard would take them down effortlessly—just like the protagonist of a light novel. 

Before long, Duke Flute finished giving his orders and returned. And the carriage set off again. It seemed the ominous flag had been completely broken. Good, good.