Chapter 3: The First Brainwashing
As soon as I returned to the mansion with my father in the carriage, I locked myself in my room.
For now, it’s best to avoid seeing my father and mother. There’s no doubt the topic would turn to the Skill I’ve acquired, and the chances of me accidentally spilling something are extremely high.
I absolutely must keep the fact that I’ve received the Brainwashing Skill a secret.
…That’s why I need to know.
What kind of power does the Brainwashing Skill truly possess?
“Master, how are you feeling?”
A gentle voice accompanied by three soft knocks came from the other side of the door.
…Perfect. He’s an ideal target to test the Brainwashing Skill.
“Come in.”
As I prompted, the door slowly opened, and the owner of the voice stepped into the room.
“I’ve brought you a drink, Master.”
“Thank you, Cervus.”
The one who bowed respectfully was Cervus, the butler who has served House Pnosis since my grandfather’s time. He recently celebrated his 58th birthday, making him a relatively elderly man in this world. He would be more than suitable as my first subject for brainwashing.
Our House Pnosis is a backwater poor noble family. We don’t have the financial means to hire young and cute maids. What a shame for me!
“Cervus, could you spare a moment to talk?”
“Of course. If this old body can be of any assistance, I would be delighted.”
Cervus placed a pitcher of water on the table and sat down across from me on the sofa.
“Master, what would you like to discuss?”
“Well, it’s about the Skill… Brainwashing.”
The moment our eyes met, I activated the Skill.
…So this is how the Skill is activated.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed the words “Under Brainwashing” floating above Cervus’s head. This is likely a text visible only to me while the Skill is active.
“I apologize for the surprise, Cervus. Just to confirm, are you currently in a brainwashed state?”
“Yes. I am currently under brainwashing.”
Cervus replied in a flat, emotionless tone. There was no sign of him acting or teasing me.
“Will you obey any command I give you?”
“Yes. I will execute any command from Master Hugh.”
“Stand up, spin three times, and bark like a dog.”
Cervus stood up from the sofa, spun around three times to the right, and then exclaimed, “Woof!”
…What am I making this old man do?
“You can sit down now, Cervus…”
I felt a wave of depression wash over me as I witnessed the unbearable sight. I should choose my commands a bit more carefully.
That said, it seems the power of the Brainwashing Skill is indeed real. It’s hard to believe that Cervus would follow such a ridiculous command if he were in his right mind. Even if he did comply, he would surely struggle to hide his hesitation or embarrassment.
But I sensed none of that from Cervus. No matter the command, even if I told him to take his own life, he would likely carry it out without a second thought.
…That’s frightening.
I instinctively covered my mouth with my hand. If the Brainwashing Skill were to go out of control, I couldn’t predict what kind of disaster might occur. Right now, I essentially hold Cervus’s life in my hands.
What a troublesome Skill I’ve been granted, truly…
“Cervus. We were just discussing stories from my father’s youth. Understood?”
“Yes. I was discussing stories from Master Hugh and Lord’s youth.”
“Good, Brainwash Release. —Thank you, Cervus. It was a meaningful time.”
“Not at all. If it’s stories from Lord’s youth, I can share them anytime. It might be interesting to include Lady next time.”
“That sounds good. I’ll count on you again.”
“Yes. Then, Master, I shall take my leave.”
Cervus stood up from the sofa, bowed, and exited the room. He didn’t seem to show any signs of suspicion or confusion… Perhaps saying we were discussing my father’s past worked in my favor.
The Brainwashing Skill is truly something else. Judging by Cervus’s reaction, its effectiveness could be described as absolute obedience. It’s the kind of thing you often see in erotic doujinshi, where you can toy with girls at will. With this, I could have any girl at my mercy.
…Well, it’s not like there are any beautiful and cute girls around me.
If I had to say, my mother is an exceptional beauty, even from my perspective as her son. Despite being in her forties, she could easily pass for someone in their twenties. In my previous life, she would have been called a “beautiful witch.”
However, I’m not so perverted or insane as to think about brainwashing my own mother for lewd purposes.
I stood in front of the mirror to check my appearance.
I inherited my black hair and refined features from my mother. My physique is gradually resembling my father’s, becoming sturdier. I still have room to grow taller.
I possess looks that are incomparable to my previous life, and despite being a backwater poor noble, I hold the status of the heir to a baronial house. While I may not have my pick of the litter, I won’t struggle to find a bride.
…Yeah, I don’t need the Brainwashing Skill, right!?
In my previous life, as a gloomy, overworked virgin, I might have gone wild with the Brainwashing Skill. But the current me is blessed with both looks and status.
I have a sense of composure.
Having the Brainwashing Skill is like carrying a bomb; it only brings trouble.
I need to think of a way to keep this Skill hidden… I pondered, but no good ideas came to mind. Before I knew it, it was time for dinner.
I want to avoid seeing my father and mother too often to prevent my Skill from being discovered, but not showing my face at the dinner table would only raise suspicion.
It’s crucial to avoid appearing suspicious.
I entered the dining hall, trying to act nonchalant, and as I took my seat at the table, my father, sitting at the head, spoke.
“Hugh. Tomorrow, we depart for the Royal Capital. You will take the entrance exam for the Royal Academy.”
“…………………………What?”