Chapter 1: Identity
Chapter 1: Identity
Please, collect!
Fire!
Blazing Fire!
The flames consumed everything in their path.
A figure darted frantically through the inferno, desperately struggling, their mouth emitting pitiful screams and wails.
In the end, everything turned to ashes.
"Huff..."
Carl suddenly jolted awake in his bed, his breath rapid and beads of sweat covering his forehead, with a lingering fear in his eyes.
The scene from a few days ago replayed in his dream once more.
He took a moment to calm himself, wiping away the cold sweat from his brow. With a rustling sound, he changed into a formal outfit and stood before the dressing mirror.
His naturally curly black hair fell to his shoulders, and his brown eyes still held a hint of the confusion from just waking up. The left side of his face bore severe burn scars, which marred his once handsome features, making it difficult to look at.
Today, he had business to attend to, so he put on a rather expensive formal attire.
The blended fabric of his long coat, a mix of silk and wool, provided a smooth and textured feel, accentuating his muscular physique beneath.
Carl Bergman, born in the Swick region of the Gando Kingdom, currently resided in the South District of Signo City, working as a District Inspector...
His grandfather had served under Marquis Lawrence in many campaigns, earning the title of Baron for his bravery, which was then inherited by his father.
A fire a few days ago took his father's life and left Carl with severe burns and psychological trauma.
And then...
His body was possessed by a transmigrator from another world.
Indeed,
The current Carl was a transmigrator, unfamiliar yet familiar with this world and even his own identity.
"It's over."
"It's all in the past!"
Muttering to himself in front of the mirror, Carl composed himself and walked towards the door, turning the handle to open his bedroom door.
Living Room.
His eyes took in the worn, medieval European-style decor.
A cabinet with intricate carvings stood on the left side of the room, its drawers adorned with antique bronze handles that matched the door knobs, likely from the same manufacturer.
Wooden floors, sturdy wooden furniture, an extinguished oil lamp, and the scent of vanilla and lemon filled the air.
In the corner, a pile of linen cloth served as a temporary home for flour and black bread.
...
"Honorable Baron Carl," Jenny said with a smile, carrying a plate of bread and a glass of milk as she walked out of the kitchen. She slowly knelt before him:
"You're awake, please have breakfast."
Jenny was a young girl in her teens, with skin as smooth as milk and a unique, crisp voice.
However, she seemed unaware that her words were inappropriate.
"Jenny!" Landlady Mary's voice rang out behind her, filled with anger:
"Don't joke about such things."
"Yes, ma'am."
Jenny's smile faded:
"Carl, I'm sorry."
"It's alright," Carl shook his head:
"You go ahead and eat, I'll head to the church first."
He wasn't a baron, not yet, at least. Inheriting his father's title required some formalities.
Inheriting the title meant his father's passing, which wasn't a cause for celebration.
"To the church."
"Three pence."
"Here you go."
"Sir, please take a seat!"
Carl boarded the carriage, his thoughts in motion.
Three pence was enough for an average citizen to enjoy a decent lunch, and the church wasn't far away.
Seems like being a carriage driver was a decent profession.
Out of habit from his previous life, and unfamiliar with this new world, he scrutinized his surroundings.
His gaze moved from the driver to the horse.
The horse pulling the carriage was a Dovetail Pony, known for its gentle temperament and steady pace, making it a favorite among noble ladies.
Of course,
It also came with a hefty price tag.
In addition to the horse, the meticulously designed carriage also cost a pretty penny.
Calculating the costs, he realized that becoming a carriage driver would require a significant investment, and it didn't seem like a desirable job after all.
"Hmm... I'm about to become a baron, and the income of a city inspector isn't bad either. I don't need to be as frugal as I was in my past life."
"Even without a barony, the title of baron is enough for me to live a decent life."
"It's just a shame that this place isn't as convenient as modern society, and there's no sign of technological advancement. It's more like medieval Europe."
"On the contrary, the Church's power is more secular, and even the inheritance of titles has to go through them. It's absurd..."
"It's not necessarily absurd!"
Recalling the strange scenes from his memories, Karl shook his head slightly. This world was far from simple.
The carriage stopped at a distance from the church as a sign of respect for the great Dawn Lord.
The church occupied a vast area, its architecture solemn. Devout believers gathered in the square, praying fervently.
The most striking feature was the spire towers, adorned with wheat sheaves, symbolizing a portion of the Dawn Lord's authority.
Abundance!
"Oh, great Dawn Lord..."
Karl slightly bent his body and passed by an approaching person, entering through a side door to Father Vic's office.
"Father."
He took a step forward and spoke respectfully, "I'm here to complete the baron title transfer procedures."
"Carl Bergman?"
"Yes, it's me."
Father Vic's features were deep-set, and his solemn expression, combined with the black ceremonial robe, exuded an invisible aura of authority.
Looking at Karl, he spoke slowly, "Your father died defending against the Fire Thieves and protecting the civilians. He possessed noble qualities of bravery and justice."
"Yes," Karl nodded, his voice low, "I am proud of him."
"However..." Father Vic's tone shifted, "After consulting with several priests, we have decided that his title cannot be inherited."
"Hmm?"
Karl was taken aback, then collected himself, "I'm not questioning the priests' decision, but my father's bravery and fearlessness earned him the admiration of the city lord."
"The nobility's spirit requires not only bravery and justice but also piety." Father Vic clasped his hands, "Unfortunately, we did not witness his devotion to the Dawn Lord."
"No!" Karl spoke firmly, "Before every meal, my father would lead me in prayer, and during the Sacred Festival, he abstained from meat, alcohol, and other indulgences."
"His piety is beyond question!"
Whether it was true or not, he had to say these words.
The baron title was of utmost importance to him. Without it, he would be just a commoner.
Even his position as an inspector might become unstable.
In this era, commoners held a slightly higher status than serfs, and in his eyes, their living conditions were dire.
The thought made Karl's heart sink.
"Father, is there some misunderstanding?"
"Misunderstanding? There's no misunderstanding!"
Father Vic shook his head, his expression solemn. He asked, "Karl, what month is it now?"
"Nine..." Karl paused, "The Month of Abundance."
"Indeed." Father Vic sighed, "In the Month of Abundance, even the serfs in the city offer black bread. Yet, your father has been in Signo City for years and has never offered anything."
Karl opened his mouth slightly.
While they hadn't sent gifts to the church, they had never missed paying the tithe on time.
However, this argument might not hold much weight with Father Vic.
His gaze lingered on the exquisite and expensive-looking bracelet on the priest's wrist, and Karl silently bowed his head, deep in thought.
(End of Chapter)
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