I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 96: In Other Words, I Might Have Delivered the Final Blow

Episode 96: In Other Words, I Might Have Delivered the Final Blow 

Brother Leonard looked down, murmuring, “Hmm…” I wanted to question him right away about what he was thinking, but I decided to wait until he spoke up on his own. 

I waited….. but he showed no sign of talking. I guess I have no choice but to ask. 

“Brother Leonard, did something come to mind?” 

“No? Not at all.” 

…………He’s a terrible liar. His voice wavered, and he avoided eye contact. There’s no doubt about it—he’s hiding something. Fine then. If that’s how he wants to play, I have my own ways. 

I flashed a charming smile. 

“Duke Flute, what exactly are you hiding?” 

“Well, uh… I’m not hiding anything…” 

Even as he said that, Duke Flute deliberately avoided eye contact. Flare-chan narrowed her eyes and stared at him intensely. 

It seems they don’t want us to know about something. Which means there must be a mastermind behind this Goblin attack. And judging by their reactions, they must have some idea who it is. 

“Lagios, what was that presence halfway up the mountain?” 

“It was most likely a Demon.” 

“A Demon! So there were survivors?” 

“It seems that way. Though that might’ve been the last one.” 

Lagios said something terrifyingly calmly. 

In other words, Lagios might have delivered the final blow. 

Even after Lagios mentioned the Demon, the two of them just whistled and acted oblivious. 

Both of them were off-key. It was painfully obvious they had never whistled before. The sheer awkwardness of it made me decide not to press the issue any further. 

My image of them…… my perception of them is crumbling. 

While I stared out the window at the distant scenery, the carriage arrived at the mining city of Liberia. 

There was some talk about returning to the capital instead of going to Liberia. But since it would get dark if we turned back now, we decided to press onward. 

“So this is the mining city of Liberia. Duke Flute, is that white smoke rising everywhere because they’re processing the ore into ingots?” 

“You’re well-informed. That’s exactly right. We process the ore here and then sell it. There’s plenty of fuel in this area, so losing one or two mountains is no big deal.” 

Guh! Duke Flute probably meant to reassure me. But it felt like a punch from reality that I was trying to pretend didn’t exist. 

Brother Leonard was sitting in front of me. He narrowed his eyes sharply again. Ugh, he almost forgot about it, too… 

“Father, as you mentioned earlier, it seems the city wasn’t damaged much.” 

“Yes, that’s right. Which means there’s no issue with tonight’s lodgings either.” 

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Flare-chan smoothly changed the subject. Nice save, Flare-chan. If she hadn’t stepped in, Brother Leonard’s anger would’ve escalated. 

Just as Flare-chan said, there were no signs of injuries or damaged buildings. In fact, there weren’t even any traces of the Goblins being defeated. The city was just wrapped in a slightly tense atmosphere. 

The carriage stopped in front of an especially large building. It had multiple windows and terraces, so it was likely an inn. Noticing our arrival, the manager-looking person and several servants came out and lined up in a row. 

“Welcome to our establishment.” 

“Welcome to our establishment.” 

Following the manager’s lead, the servants all spoke in unison and bowed deeply. They kept their heads lowered. 

I should get out of the carriage quickly so they can lift their heads. I hurried to step out, but Brother Leonard stopped me. 

“Rufus, royalty must always carry themselves with dignity. If not, their authority will diminish.” 

Brother Leonard whispered this to me. 

I nodded in understanding. Right now, Brother Leonard was also my mentor. I need to make sure I can properly put what I learn into practice. 

Taking a deep breath, I calmed my excitement. I felt guilty. But I knew I had to get used to it. After all, even with all my flaws, I’m still royalty. 

Duke Flute and Brother Leonard exited the carriage first. I followed them and then escorted Flare-chan out. Everything should be fine now. 

Brother Leonard glanced at me and nodded in satisfaction. 

“Thank you for coming to meet us. We appreciate your hospitality. You may raise your heads.” 

At Brother Leonard’s words, everyone present finally lifted their heads. Being royalty is such a hassle. 

With that, everyone finally started moving again. Without saying much, I was guided to the room where I would be staying tonight. 

After confirming that the door was closed, I slouched on the sofa. In the room, there was only me, Brother Leonard, and a few guards. It included Balt and Ray. 

“Going outside is pretty exhausting, huh?” 

“So, Rufus, you’ve finally realized how tough it is to be royalty?” 

“I’ve known that for a while. But now, I understand just how tough it really is.” 

“Yeah. It must be even more challenging for the king.” 

“…I think I’ll be extra nice to Brother Gilliam from now on.” 

“…Me too.” 

I’m sure we both have the same look on our faces right now. 

“I’ve got to do my best to lessen Brother Gilliam’s burden, even just a little.” 

“Hmm… But rather than trying too hard, wouldn’t it be better for you to just stay out of trouble? That would probably help him more.” 

“!?” 

“I’m just kidding, just kidding.” 

Brother Leonard laughed. 

Th-That… didn’t sound like a joke at all!