I've Inherited the Summoning Skill, So I'm Going to Try to Master It! - Episode 99: In Other Words, It’s Just a Facade

Episode 99: In Other Words, It’s Just a Facade 

Come to think of it, something was bothering me during dinner. I should ask Brother Leonard about it. 

“Brother, Duke Flute kept giving me these meaningful smiles. Do you have any idea why?” 

“Hmm, let’s see……. Maybe, like me, he thinks Rufus isn’t just an ordinary child?” 

“That’s ridiculous.” 

“No, I’m not joking. I really think that’s what he believes. I think so too, after all.” 

Uh-oh. I didn’t mean to come off as particularly clever. I just asked about something that caught my attention. 

Of course, I did plan things out so that this mess would be resolved peacefully. But it wasn’t about showing off my abilities or anything. 

“Brother Leonard, I’m just a regular child. I only spoke up because I thought Miss Flare would be sad if the Flute Ducal House were to disappear.” 

“Oh? So you’ve already become close with Miss Flare?” 

“Uh, well… sort of?” 

Flare-chan seems to like strong people. After seeing Lagios’ strength, she must’ve assumed that I, who can control him, am even stronger. 

But that’s just a facade. In reality, I don’t have any power at all. 

Once she realizes that, she’ll probably lose interest pretty quickly. Knowing that outcome, I don’t have the courage to take things any further. 

“I see… Well, let’s consider that one goal accomplished.” 

“A goal?” 

“Yes. To make Miss Flare a candidate for your fiancée.” 

“Oh, in that case, I don’t think there’ll be any problems.” 

Brother Leonard resumed writing. He’s probably going to report that, too. 

Well then, what happens next? It seems tomorrow’s mine visit will proceed as planned for now. 

After the mine visit, we’re supposed to return to the royal capital. But is it really okay to just leave without doing anything after all that trouble? On the other hand, we can’t just extend our stay on a whim. It’s a tricky situation. 

In any case, there’s nothing more I can do. I’ll just go with the flow and see where it takes me—like a leaf floating down the river. Wherever it leads, I’ll end up somewhere eventually. Just keep moving forward, and you’ll find out. 

“Isn’t that just because you don’t feel like thinking about it?” 

“You could say that.” 

Tia’s sharp remark cut through my mumbling. 

“Young Master, you should have a bit more awareness of your role as the future lord…” 

Right after Tia’s comment, Cayenne started lecturing me. It seems Cayenne wants me to become a respectable lord. But I’ve already decided—I’m not going to be a lord. 

—

The next day.

The mine visit went ahead as planned. Fortunately, the damage to Liberia was minimal. 

Just as we discussed yesterday, Moguran and Tetsujin were with me. They were in their adult human sizes because walking through the mine tunnels would be tough in their plush toy forms. 

By the way, Flare-chan wasn’t with us. Apparently, she’s busy preparing for a tea party scheduled after the mine visit. She’s putting a lot of effort into it because children of the local nobility will be attending. Good luck to her. 

“Rufus, just to be sure… Everything’s okay, right?” 

“It’s fine. As long as I don’t give the order, they won’t flatten any mountains. Probably.” 

“That’s……. not reassuring at all. I’m begging you—please don’t cause any trouble.” 

“It’s alright. We’ll follow the Director’s orders.” 

“Ma!” 

Moguran adjusted its yellow helmet, and Tetsujin’s eyes flashed brightly. They both seemed ready to go. 

Duke Flute was watching them with the same uneasy expression as Brother Leonard. 

The faces of the officials guiding us looked tense. It’s probably because they’re responsible for showing around some incredibly important people today. Surely, it’s not because they’re intimidated by my cute Moguran and Tetsujin. 

We were taken to a mine that connects directly from Liberia. It’s said that this mine alone used to bring prosperity to the surrounding towns and villages. But now, the output has dropped to just one-tenth of its peak. 

They’re looking for other mining sites. But nothing on the same scale has been found. Since it costs money to search for mines, it’s like a slow stranglehold on the finances of Duke Flute’s territory. 

“This way, please.” 

“Oh, the lights are on properly,” 

Brother Leonard said cheerfully. Indeed, lamps were evenly spaced along the walls. They brightly illuminated the area. Just the fuel costs for these must be quite substantial.  

“The deeper areas are still dark. But since people pass through here frequently, we keep this section well-lit.”

“I see. So, they’re being considerate of the workers’ safety,” 

Brother Leonard nodded, seemingly impressed. He’s probably taking note of the positive aspects to include in his report.  

Maybe I should also try to find something positive to mention.  

Just as I was thinking that, Tetsujin reacted. Its eyes started blinking and flashing. Since the surroundings were a bit dim, it was particularly noticeable.  

“Tetsujin, what’s wrong?”  

“Ma. Ma.”  

“Huh? There’s a vein of ore continuing in that direction?”  

Tetsujin pointed toward the earthen wall beside the passage. It looked like an ordinary wall. It showed no signs that there might be a mineral vein behind it.  

Hearing Tetsujin’s words and my interpretation, Duke Flute and the accompanying officials perked up with excitement.  

“Prince Rufus, is what you just said true?”  

“A new mineral vein in that direction? And at such a shallow level?”  

As they eagerly leaned in, I instinctively stepped back. In an instant, Tetsujin and Moguran moved in front of me. They were blocking their approach as if to protect me.