Chapter 5: Gaining Relationship Points (1)
[Your relationship with Javier Asrahan has increased by +2.]
[Current relationship with Javier Asrahan: -29.]
[You’ve earned 36 RP for slightly improving your relationship with a key character.]
[Current RP: 36.]
[You can now use your RP to unlock talent skills.]
‘What is this?’
Messages continued to float in front of Lloyd’s eyes.
It all felt oddly familiar.
‘Now that I think about it, I saw something like this when I first came here.’
It was when Javier had woken him up for the first time. At that time, something about RP points had appeared in front of him, but he had brushed it off as part of a weird dream.
‘Guess it wasn’t just a dream after all.’
Now, it seemed like this wasn’t just some random occurrence. It was real, and undeniably strange.
What were “talent skills” and RP?
‘Relationship points? Improving relations with key characters?’
Lloyd’s eyes moved quickly, scanning the messages that floated before him. The information wasn’t too difficult to understand.
‘So, Javier’s favorability toward me increased, our relationship slightly improved, and I earned some RP points, which I can use to unlock skills?’
Lloyd stopped walking and turned to look at Javier.
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
“What were you just thinking about?”
“I beg your pardon, my lord?”
“Were you mentally cursing me out or judging me? Something like, ‘Oh, that jerk isn’t as trashy as I thought?’”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, come on, you did.”
“I assure you, I did not.”
“Really? You always thought I was complete trash, right?”
“Yes.”
Javier replied without hesitation.
“There are no purely evil people in this world. Even the worst of individuals might have some sliver of decency hidden deep inside them. That’s what I believe.”
“…That’s actually kind of comforting.”
Once again, Lloyd couldn’t help but marvel at Javier’s ability to shoot out stone-cold, straightforward truths. He did it with such precision, as if it were second nature—hitting Lloyd right in the bones.
“Tch, let’s head home.”
Lloyd resumed walking, heading back to the Baron’s mansion.
Once there, he dismissed Javier to his quarters and locked himself in his room. It was time to seriously explore these messages.
Activating the skill interface was simpler than expected.
“Skill window.”
He said it just to test it out.
[Opening the skill window.]
“Whoa, it really worked.”
Ever since Lloyd had entered this novel-like world, his life had felt like a story. But reality, it seemed, was even stranger than fiction. With growing excitement, Lloyd examined the skills menu that appeared before him.
[Available Talent Skills for Activation]
[Detected: Knowledge in land surveying and spatial recognition.]
[…Detected: Knowledge in soil mechanics.]
[…Detected: Knowledge in hydraulics.]
[These can be combined to activate the “Basic Surveying” skill.]
[Required RP for activation = 15.]
‘What?’
Surveying—this was fundamental to civil engineering.
Before any structure could be built, understanding the terrain and spatial dimensions was essential. It was the first step in any construction project.
‘And now I can unlock surveying as a skill?’
It seemed that the types of skills he could unlock were largely dependent on the knowledge and abilities he already possessed. As more messages appeared, Lloyd became certain of this.
[Detected: Knowledge of material mechanics. Detected: Knowledge of statics for dealing with stationary objects.]
[…Detected: Knowledge in structural engineering.]
[…Detected: Knowledge in water and sewer systems.]
[…Detected: Knowledge in designing steel structures and reinforced concrete.]
[…Detected: Expertise with CAD software.]
[These can be combined to activate the “Basic Design” skill.]
[Required RP for activation = 20.]
“…”
Surveying and design, the basics of civil engineering. These were subjects he had studied extensively in school.
Lloyd clenched his fist without realizing it.
‘This is huge.’
He was just getting started in construction, aiming to pay off the barony’s debts and eventually tackle large-scale civil engineering projects.
And the most essential components for that? Precise surveying and meticulous design.
‘But there’s no modern equipment here. Forget GPS, even basic tools were lacking. And designing? Not even a chance.’
He had to hand-draw the design for the *ondol* room, something that made him long for the convenience of CAD software back in Korea.
But now, these abilities could be unlocked as skills.
Without hesitation, Lloyd made his decision.
‘I’ll unlock both basic surveying and basic design.’
He invested 15 RP into the “Basic Surveying” skill.
The response was immediate.
[The Basic Surveying skill has been unlocked.]
[Skill: Basic Surveying]
[Consumes a small amount of mana. You can calculate the exact terrain, area, and height differences of land by visual observation. Additionally, you can assess the properties of soil and water in the terrain.]
[Maximum area for a single survey: 100㎡.]
‘Is this real?’
Lloyd rubbed his eyes. He could now survey an area of 100 square meters, measuring the land’s characteristics with his eyes alone. He could even analyze the soil and water properties. It was almost too good to be true.
‘I should test it out.’
He opened the window of his bedroom.
Luckily, his room was on the second floor, offering a clear view of the mansion’s courtyard. He looked down at the area and activated the skill.
“Basic Surveying.”
[Surveying initiated.]
A message rang out, and his vision shifted, as though he were seeing the world through augmented reality. A 10-meter-by-10-meter section of land became a grid of numbers and data points.
“Whoa.”
It felt like he had unlocked a 3D map, complete with all the detailed information he needed.
Encouraged, Lloyd invested another 20 RP to unlock the “Basic Design” skill.
[The Basic Design skill has been unlocked.]
[Skill: Basic Design]
[Consumes a small amount of mana. You can project 3D representations of design plans, including points, lines, and surfaces. The system will automatically detect and correct any physical errors in the design.]
[Maximum volume for a single structure: 1,000㎥.]
‘Let’s give this one a try too.’
Immediately, Lloyd used the skill, and in front of him appeared a virtual black space where he could manipulate points, lines, and surfaces at will. He could even import the terrain data he had just surveyed into the design!
It was like using CAD, but in a futuristic 3D hologram form, without any limitations.
‘This is insane!’
He was beyond impressed. It felt like he had ascended to the level of a god of construction.
‘Though the surveying and design areas are a bit limited for now.’
Those limitations would be resolved later, as the skills could be upgraded.
Still, Lloyd felt a twinge of disappointment.
‘It would’ve been even better if I had skills related to heavy machinery or construction equipment.’
With those, he might have been able to build his own equipment. But sadly, that wasn’t within his expertise. He was a civil engineer, not a mechanical engineer.
With a slight sigh, Lloyd continued to explore the skill menu. That’s when something caught his eye.
‘What’s this?’
[Fantasy Creature Random Draw]
[Use RP to summon a fantasy creature.]
[Powerful and unique creatures will serve their master with absolute loyalty and provide various abilities.]
…Was this a gacha system? Like those in mobile games?
‘This world has everything, doesn’t it?’
Lloyd was tempted to try it, but there was a problem. He didn’t have enough RP.
[1 Draw = 50 RP]
‘Tch, I’m short.’
He had used up most of his RP unlocking two skills, leaving him with just 1 RP.
‘Looks like I’ll need to collect more RP.’
And he already knew how to do that: improve his relationships with key characters. That was the way to earn RP.
Fortunately, there was no shortage of opportunities, especially during this time.
‘Right, now’s the perfect time for it.’
Lloyd suddenly remembered the storyline from the early chapters of *Knight of Blood and Iron*. This was the part where Javier was still living in the baron’s household.
At this point in the story, Baron Frontera was frequently harassed by debt collectors.
Maybe today was one of those days.
He called for a servant and discreetly asked a question.
The servant nodded in confirmation.
“Yes, young master. As a matter of fact, some visitors arrived to see the baron earlier today.”
As expected.
The timing was perfect.
Lloyd smiled.
‘What a stroke of luck.’
He had just the plan in mind to earn more RP.
Leaving his room, Lloyd headed straight for the baron’s office.
* * * *
“…So what are you going to do about it?!”
As he neared the office, Lloyd could hear agitated voices even from the hallway.
Was it because the mansion’s walls were old and thin, or were the people inside just being extra loud?
Lloyd opened the door and quickly realized it was the latter.
“Baron, how much longer are you going to delay this? You’re already five days overdue!”
“That’s right! Keep stalling like this, and we won’t sit by quietly!”
The two debt collectors were standing in the office, arms crossed and chins held high.
One was a portly man with a protruding belly, the other was gaunt and pale like he was sickly. Both had their hands on their hips, radiating arrogance.
And the baron?
He was slumped in his chair, sighing
deeply. His shoulders sagged as if he were weighed down by guilt.
‘Can’t blame him.’
The two men currently visiting the barony were infamous loan sharks. Ruthless and unrelenting, they never gave up on collecting their debts. Even if their debtor died, they’d sell the corpse to recoup their money.
‘They’ll meet their end soon enough, though. Javier beheads them later on.’
But that was a future event, happening a year from now after the baron’s tragic suicide.
‘How did it even come to this, borrowing from scum like them?’
Lloyd clicked his tongue.
He stepped forward, his voice low and firm.
“No matter what, Baron Frontera is still the lord of this land. If you’ve come as visitors, shouldn’t you at least show some respect?”
It was only then that the two loan sharks seemed to notice Lloyd’s presence. The baron, too, lifted his head, startled.
“Lloyd?”
The baron’s voice was filled with surprise.
Lloyd gave him a slight nod.
The portly loan shark looked confused and interjected.
“And who might you be?”
“I am the eldest son of this house.”
“The eldest son?”
“That’s correct.”
“Ohh, you’re the one with the infamous reputation for… eccentric behavior?”
“Yes, I’m somewhat well-known, aren’t I?”
“So, is this your idea of respecting your elders, barging into a conversation uninvited?”
“I’m merely protecting the honor of the noble Frontera family.”
“Well, that’s going to be a problem.”
“Why is that?”
“Because it looks like this family’s title won’t be around for much longer.”
“Whether that happens or not remains to be seen.”
Lloyd smiled and took a step closer to the loan sharks.
“In the meantime, though, let’s see your invitation.”
“…What?”
The portly man’s brow furrowed.
Lloyd chuckled and continued.
“Your invitation. Do you not have one?”
“What’s this nonsense about an invitation—?”
“Royal Nobility Act, Article 3, Clause 6. ‘All nobles of the kingdom, regardless of rank or title, have the right and honor to protect their own status and rights. No one may trespass without invitation.’”
“What the—”
“In simple terms, visiting a noble household without an invitation constitutes trespassing under the law of the kingdom.”
“Are you accusing us of trespassing?”
“Ah, so you do understand.”
Lloyd clapped his hands.
Nobody really enforced such laws in reality, but the law still existed.
He remembered a cathartic scene from the early chapters of *Knight of Blood and Iron*. It happened after the suicide of Baron Frontera and his wife. During their funeral, these same two loan sharks had shown up, demanding that even their corpses be sold to repay the debt. At that moment, Javier had drawn his sword, citing this very law, and cut them both down.
Javier had faced trial afterward but was cleared of all charges because the law was real, and the loan sharks had trespassed without an invitation.
‘We’re not quite at that point yet, so I can’t kill them here… but I can certainly drive them out.’
“So, I suggest you leave now. And next time, come back after learning some proper manners.”
“You think you can get away with this?”
“Let’s wait and see, shall we?”
The two loan sharks snarled at Lloyd, but he merely scoffed. They stormed out of the office, and Lloyd watched them go with a smirk on his face.
Only then did the baron speak up, his voice bewildered.
“Just… what did you do?”
When Lloyd turned to face him, he saw the baron’s face had gone pale.
Understandable.
‘He probably thinks I’ve just made things worse.’
After all, Lloyd had provoked the very people he should have been trying to placate.
But instead of explaining, Lloyd reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pouch. He placed it on the baron’s desk with a clink.
“Don’t worry.”
“What’s this?”
“This should be more than enough to cover the interest for this month. Use it to settle things for now. It should buy us some peace for the time being.”
“And this… where did it come from?”
It was the deposit from the *ondol* contracts he had secured earlier.
But Lloyd didn’t bother explaining.
There was someone else far more trustworthy in the baron’s eyes.
“If you’re curious, ask Sir Asrahan. He’ll explain.”
Lloyd gave the baron a polite bow, then quickly left the office before the baron could stop him.
“Phew.”
Once outside, he let out the breath he had been holding.
Shaking his head to clear the lingering tension, Lloyd didn’t head for his bedroom.
Instead, he made his way to the mansion’s backyard training ground.
The training grounds were empty, bathed in the soft light of the moon.
He paced for a while, waiting.
After about an hour, he finally felt it.
‘The reaction should be coming any moment now.’
As if on cue, it arrived.
**Ding Dong!**
[Your relationship with Baron Arcos Frontera has increased by +6.]
[Current relationship with Baron Arcos Frontera: -14.]
[You’ve earned 60 RP for improving your relationship with a key character.]
[Current RP: 61.]
‘Got it.’
Lloyd clenched his fist in triumph.
Just as he had anticipated, the baron had likely called for Javier and learned everything about Lloyd’s recent activities from him.
‘Everything went according to plan.’
If Lloyd had explained things himself, it would have lacked impact.
Given his notorious history, no one would believe that he had suddenly turned over a new leaf.
‘Well done, Javier.’
Javier’s objective and factual explanation would have lent credibility to Lloyd’s actions.
Thanks to that, Lloyd now had a whopping 61 RP.
Waiting in the empty training grounds had been worth it.
Finally, it was time for his first fantasy creature summon.
