Chapter 1: Skill – Brainwashing
Having concluded my life as a corporate slave, I found myself reincarnated in another world, retaining the memories of my past life.
The Kingdom of Reese, a great nation located in the east of the Almirra continent.
In the northeastern part of this kingdom lies a small baronial house in the remote outskirts, which serves as the birthplace of my second life. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, I grew up receiving the love of my parents in this rural setting.
My childhood was spent frolicking in the fields and forests. After that, I entered my teenage years, where I learned the knowledge necessary to become the next lord and dedicated myself to sword training. Now, I was about to celebrate my fifteenth birthday.
In this world, turning fifteen holds special significance.
First and foremost, the age of adulthood is fifteen. Upon reaching this age, one is treated as a fully-fledged adult, allowed to drink alcohol and even marry.
Moreover, it is also the age when one receives a skill from the gods.
All races born in this world (including elves, dwarves, and others) are granted one skill by the gods upon their fifteenth birthday.
These skills vary widely; for instance, my father possesses the skill of Hunter. He can see the footprints of animals glowing and has reached the level of mastery when it comes to archery, but only when targeting animals.
My mother has the skill of Chef. As the name suggests, it enhances the deliciousness of her cooking. Her dishes are exquisite, and she originally ran a diner in the Royal Capital. My father fell in love with her cooking and pursued her relentlessly until they were united.
Even now, as a noble, my mother continues to work in the kitchen, and the dishes she prepares from the game my father hunts are indescribably delicious.
“It’s finally here, Hugh.”
“Yes, Father.”
That day, I was heading to the church in the most prosperous village within our territory, accompanied by my father. We were there to pray to the gods and receive our skills.
As I sat in the carriage, feeling anxious, my father smiled and patted my back to reassure me.
“Don’t be so tense. This Pnosis Territory is, as you can see, a backwater. And our House Pnosis is a poor noble family in the most remote countryside. No matter what useless skill you receive, it won’t be a problem!”
“…Father, doesn’t saying that make you a bit sad?”
“Even if it’s sad, it’s the truth, so there’s no helping it. In fact, it would be more troublesome if you were to receive an unusually excellent skill. It’s better to have something moderate, something just right.”
“Even if you say that…”
I had looked into it, and the skills granted by the gods are completely random. There are cases where someone who has never seen the sea receives the skill to breathe underwater, or a sickly person who can barely move is granted the skill of Spearmanship.
My father, too, had no experience in hunting before receiving the Hunter skill; he had never even touched a bow.
So, even if he said to aim for moderation, all I could do was pray for a “safe skill” to come my way.
“…By the way, are there any skills that would be particularly troublesome to receive?”
“Hmm? Well… If the skill is too powerful, it can draw unwanted attention. If the royal family or high nobility takes notice, it could be disastrous. In the worst-case scenario, execution or assassination could occur.”
“E-execution…!?”
As I gulped, my father laughed again and patted my back heartily.
“You’ll be fine unless it’s an extraordinary skill. Unless it’s something that would make the royal family feel threatened. Well, I can’t imagine my son receiving such a skill!”
“Y-yeah, that’s true…”
I responded with a forced smile to my father’s hearty laughter. It was indeed unlikely for the son of such a father to receive a remarkable skill…
Having the memories of my past life, I couldn’t help but view myself as special.
I couldn’t shake the thought that I might end up wielding a powerful skill and rising to greatness, just like in the reincarnation novels I had read.
…What a ridiculous notion. I don’t need a cheat skill. I am already sufficiently blessed.
Born as the only son of a weak noble family far removed from the political strife of the Royal Capital, I was raised with abundant love from my parents. Surrounded by nature, this land is perfect for a leisurely life, and I had decided to live a slow, carefree life here.
So please, dear god, grant me a safe skill!
As we approached the church, I continued to pray fervently in the carriage. My father sighed, saying, “You don’t need to pray that much…” but for me, this was a matter of great importance that would affect my future. Even knowing that the skills were random, I couldn’t help but pray.
Eventually, our carriage came to a stop in front of the church. My father remained inside the carriage while I was ushered by the old priest, who awaited me, into the chapel. The old priest led me further into a small room known as the Divine Blessing Chamber, where I would receive my skill.
“Now then, I will take my leave here.”
The old priest departed from the Divine Blessing Chamber, leaving me alone. In this cramped little room, akin to a toilet stall, I knelt as instructed, placing my hands together and resting them on my forehead.
It seemed that no incantation was necessary.
I simply needed to pray to the gods.
Please grant me a skill.
“I shall bestow upon you a skill.”
The voice of the god echoed from nowhere. It was as if it was speaking directly into my mind.
Please let it be a safe skill!
“The name of the skill I bestow upon you is… — Brainwashing.”
…Huh?
What did the god just say? Brainwashing?
“This skill allows you to manipulate those who make eye contact with you at your will.”
Manipulate at my will?
Brainwashing…!?
Isn’t that the kind of thing you see in doujinshi, where you alter a girl’s common sense to do lewd things or create a harem?
No way! If it gets out that I have such power, it would be a disaster!
I could control royalty and nobility at will, right? If it were to be discovered that I possessed such a skill, I’d be executed, wouldn’t I!?
Wait, hold on! I don’t want this! I don’t need such a cheat skill! I’d be fine with a skill like “My fingertips become slightly warm” or “I no longer sweat from my armpits”!
“You have now awakened to the skill of Brainwashing.”
Hey, god, listen to me!?
“May your life be filled with happiness.”
Just now, my misfortune was confirmed, though!? …Hey! God—!?
…The voice of the god faded away.
No way…?
“St-status…”
I hesitantly checked my skill. The skills I received could be confirmed by stating them as status…
A translucent panel appeared before my eyes.
It read:
Hugh Pnosis
Skill: Brainwashing Lv.1 … Manipulate those who make eye contact with you (maximum target number: 1)