Chapter 1: My Gift is [Village Building]

“Luke Albert-sama, your gift is…let’s see, [Village Building].”

At the priest’s announcement, the whole crowd gathered in the largest cathedral in the Albert territory went silent.

Both sons of Lord Albert, the lord of the territory, were set to receive their gifts today, so it was no surprise that people from within the territory and even people from outside of it were most interested in witnessing this important ceremony.

“[Village Building]…? W-what kind of Gift is that though!?”

I unconsciously raised my voice and asked so.

Yes, I was none other than Luke Albert.
I was born as the eldest son of Lord Albert and thus was always expected to inherit the territory from my father.

So, for me, receiving a gift today was the thing to seal the deal.

“I-I’m afraid I don’t know; I’ve never heard of such a Gift before…but it doesn’t sound like a Gift suited for combat, that much I can say.”

The priest, with some hesitation, replied so.

“No, no…”

Not everyone could receive a Gift.
It was something that the gods bestowed on only a select few at the age of twelve.

And among those Gifts, those that could be used for combat were the most wanted.
Especially in the times we were living where the power of the royal family has declined, and lords were fighting for each other’s territories.

And because they were expected to lead troops in battle, a lord or someone who belonged to the family of a lord would want such battle-oriented Gifts the most.

My father was blessed with the Gift called [Master Swordsmanship].

My father, who had both this high-ranking [Swordsmanship] Gift and the courage to cut through enemy frontlines himself, was now well-known throughout the country.

He was originally just a viscount, but in just one lifetime, he was able to expand his territory to the point that his domain could rival those of other, higher-ranking lords.
It would be no exaggeration to say that his Gift played a vital role in that.

Because one’s heritage greatly influenced the Gift they could receive, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if I was blessed with the same Gift as my father.
And given that my mother possessed [Swordsmanship] herself, it was said my chances of getting [Master Swordsmanship] as a Gift was roughly 80%.

I then fearfully looked at my father.

Until just a