Reborn as the Hero's Daughter

Chapter 15: Gift of God

The baptism ceremony is held at the local church, where a magic formation is used to identify each individual’s gifts. Since there once was a problem of privacy, the gift can only be known by the specific individual. However, it is basic to identify gifts at three years old. Gifted children would report to their respective parents with glee.

The highest priest in the local church will make a speech on future choices available. In the village church, Maria is the highest priest, thus she will make the speech. I was listening to the speech with the village children in the square in front of the church.

“With the help of this magic circle, if you are blessed by god, you would be able to recognize your individual gifts.” (Maria)

Gifts are at most only present in one out of a hundred people. Among this small group of children, there would at most have only one gifted child. Still, this ritual is performed to expand the potential of the children, and to confirm the strength of those who are gifted.

Judging from the size of the magic circle, there are about five candidates here today. There are only a few children this year. With this number, there is little possibility that gifted children will be found. Sure enough, there seem to be no children in the first few groups who are gifted. And finally it’s my turn – no, it’s me and Michelle’s turn.

Maria forced a frilly dress with ribbons on me. This is just one of the reasons why I will never mention my past as Reid. The hem of my dress rustled as I step forward to face the magic circle.

My gifts in my previous life were Thread Manipulation and Covert Tactics. I do not know whether these gifts are inherited, but I was good at avoiding attention. Besides, although I can feel the flow of magic power from half a year old, it would be useless if I have no element affinity.

When I entered the magic formation, Maria starts chanting magic. Three words appeared in my mind in response to the magic. Those are; Thread Manipulation, Covert Tactics, and Interference Magic.

There are several magic systems in this world. There are elemental based magic including four major attributes like Maxwell, or holy magic based on faith like Maria. Other spiritual attribute magic includes necromancy, and the priest who killed me used Devil summoning magic.

The interference magic that I had is magic that mainly manipulates matter. It is a magic that can strengthen the power of weapons temporarily and can also strengthen armor.

Of course, it’s magic, after all, there are certain spells that completely break common sense, but only a few of those who have actual talent could reach that realm. I seem to be able to manipulate magic better than an ordinary person, but it will take considerable training to reach that level.

Compared to my previous life, the number of gifts I possess increased by one… is this perhaps what the god meant by [service]? When I looked at Michelle-chan, her eyes were sparkling.

“Did you get something, Michelle-chan?” (Nicole) “Yeah, Marksmanship!” (Michelle)

Without considering the risks of saying so, she blurted the name of her gift. Come to think of it, she threw a stone accurately at the kobold in the previous encounter. That accuracy may be due to her gift.

“Well, you should not tell your father about your gift.” (Nicole) “Huh? Why?” (Michelle) “The gift of Marksmanship is too strong.” (Nicole)

Her stone-throwing was good. Marksmanship probably involves all acts of launching a projectile. In other words, other than stone-throwing, her gift would also apply to the use of bows and crossbows, including castle-destroying ballista.

It is a gift for attacking enemies from long distances. If such things are made known, the country will not let her go. If so, she will never be able to obtain a normal childhood.

There is no doubt the country will force her to train until the extent of vomiting blood. Of course, it is not possible to hide it forever, but it would be best for her to be able to continue leading a normal life with her parents.

“Let’s keep it as a secret!” (Nicole) “Yes, I promise!” (Michelle) “Yeah, promise!” (Nicole)

Michelle and I made a pinky promise. Because it is something done by a three-year-old, it may not be reliable, but at least it will gain me some time. Meanwhile, I’ll make Maria and Lyell do something to protect her.

At dinner, Maria asked me about my gifts. I have inherited the gifts from my previous life, having three gifts. In a sense, it can be said to be out of the norm. Particularly, these two people know me in my previous life. There is a possibility that they will know my actual identity based on the combination of Thread Manipulation and Covert Tactics.

As such, I cannot tell them about these two gifts. The problem is the gift of Interference Magic. This magic has many qualities, and it is common in the magic system. Therefore, even if I tell them, it will not be too risky. Rather, they would provide optimal education and protect me.

“Hey, Nicole… did you get any gifts?” (Lyell) “You, I told you to stay silent!” (Maria)

Maria reproaches Lyell unusually sharply. There is a narrow chance of getting a gift. However, being the daughter of the heroes, there is naturally a high expectation. That’s why Maria reproached Lyell, thinking that I did not have a gift.

“Yup, Interference Magic.” (Nicole) “Oh, that’s good, Nicole.” (Lyell) “Interference Magic huh? I do not know much about it, but Maxwell is familiar with it.” (Maria) “He is also the leader of the country of the elves, I don’t want to go and stay in the northern part for long.” (Lyell) “Would you rather I visit with Nicole?” (Maria) “That magic addict? If he found an excellent disciple in Nicole, you may not be able to come back.” (Lyell)

If I remember Maxwell correctly, it is entirely possible. However, there are things that I have to say.

“Besides that, regarding Michelle-chan …” (Nicole) “Well, what happened to her?” (Lyell) “She got the gift of marksmanship. It’s amazing, is it not?” (Nicole)

I told them that as innocently as I could. Her parents will definitely give in to those in power. But if these two protect her, there should be no one who would try to separate her from her parents. Because any one of the heroes is able to match the strength of an army.

“Marksmanship…… that is amazing.” (Lyell) “It’s a skill that can unilaterally attack from a long distance, the nobles definitely won’t stay silent if they know this.” (Maria) “It would be cruel to separate her from her parents at this age.” (Lyell) “What will you do, hide it?” (Maria) “……Yes, but it will be known eventually. By then, she should be able to defend herself.” (Lyell) “Well…” (Maria) “Oh, Nicole also said that she wanted me to teach her swordsmanship, let’s train them together.” (Lyell) “I suppose that should be fine.” (Maria)

Maria also knows that Michelle and I are on good terms. It would be more encouraging to train alongside friends rather than do it alone. Thus, I began my physical training under the guidance of Lyell.