Chapter 29. A Noble’s Request (4)
Clang, clang!
The moment they returned to the mansion, Aren got to work repairing.
The lord had already prepared all the materials in pristine condition.
He ran his hand across a plank of Hardwood.
It had a heavy, dense grain.
Once polished, the color would shine beautifully.
[Solid Wood]
Grade: C
Description: A rare wood that only grows in specific regions.
Hardwood is known for its low heat conductivity and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for fine furniture.
However, it’s so tough that only a skilled craftsman can handle it properly.
Requirements: Level 20+, Strength 20+, Dexterity 50+
‘If Dad saw this, he’d be running off with it already—saying his hands are itching.’
His father, a carpenter, would’ve been ecstatic to see this kind of wood.
Back then, whenever a rare piece came in, he’d stay up all night dreaming of what to make from it.
‘Why couldn’t I understand him back then? Now my hands itch the same way…’
Blood runs deep.
Maybe he really did take after his carpenter father—Aren could feel the same restless urge in his fingertips.
‘Alright, let’s start. Hinges first.’
He began by removing the wardrobe doors.
The old hinges were loose, the screw holes worn out from age.
Aren picked up a sharp chisel and carefully cleaned out the holes.
He fitted small pieces of hardwood in, brushed on glue from the Carpenter’s Guild, and sealed it tight.
“That should hold the screws steady again.”
Next came the broken corner.
Aren trimmed the damaged section with his carving knife, cut a matching piece of hardwood, and fitted it perfectly.
‘Good. Fits nicely.’
The wood was tough—hard enough to test his patience.
But with his improved dexterity and skill boosts, he managed to cut it cleanly.
Once the glue dried, Aren picked up his carving knife again.
“What are you doing now, Chief?” Alfredo asked curiously.
“What else? Trimming it down to match the surface. Even if I cut it perfectly, it’ll always be off by a hair.”
Aren lifted the knife, focusing his energy.
The wood was firm, so he had to move slower than usual.
A single slip could ruin everything.
‘I can’t allow that.’
In Aren’s dictionary, there was no such thing as “defective work.”
He drew in a deep breath and began to shave the wood—slow, precise, steady.
Scrape—scrape—
“Whoa…”
Watching him, both Regrian and the butler were awestruck.
With every stroke of the blade, the surface smoothed beautifully.
It was mesmerizing.
“Remarkable… truly a unique way to repair a wardrobe.”
“Indeed. I thought outsiders used their powers for everything, but this…”
Aren was different.
He didn’t rely on his abilities—he repaired with his own two hands.
None of them had ever seen an outsider like this.
Then—
Achoo!
The butler sneezed.
Regrian flinched, worried it might break Aren’s concentration.
But—
Scrape—scrape—
Aren didn’t even blink.
He moved as if he hadn’t heard a thing, his knife unwavering.
“Ah…”
Regrian exhaled in awe.
He wanted to scold himself for ever being disappointed in Aren earlier.
Look at him.
No matter what, he stayed calm—walking his own path without faltering.
‘Every outsider before him was a fake.’
Aren was the real thing.
He didn’t rely on power—he built mastery through pure skill and patience.
“He’s a craftsman,” Regrian murmured.
Ding!
[Regrian Lurian’s Affection has greatly increased.]
[Sugarze’s favorability has greatly increased.]
[They are deeply moved by your decision to repair the wardrobe without using powers.]
[Dexterity +2]
‘Let’s turn off these pop-ups. They’re distracting.’
Ignoring the notifications, Aren focused again.
After some time, he switched tools.
From his bag, he pulled out a gold sandpaper.
“Sandpaper No. 120.”
Its coarseness shifted instantly to the grade he wanted.
Shhhk—shhhk—
He sanded away, first with 120 grit, then 240, finishing with 400 for a smooth polish.
Running his fingers along the surface—no roughness. Perfectly smooth.
“Incredible…”
Every stroke of his sandpaper brought a new sheen to the surface.
Watching someone refine wood with such care—it wasn’t repair; it was art.
Ding!
[You’ve perfected the wood’s surface through delicate sanding.]
[Dexterity +1]
Aren smiled faintly. His craftsmanship stat seemed to rise unusually fast—he didn’t mind.
Soon, the wood revealed its rich, deep tone—a mark of true hardwood.
‘Almost done here. Next part…’
Enhanced by his title, Aren’s perception sharpened.
He spotted faint scratches invisible to others.
‘Can’t leave those.’
Hours passed as he fixed every tiny flaw.
Finally, he lifted the door, reattached the hinges, and opened it—smooth motion.
Closing it, it shut perfectly with a satisfying click.
“Done!”
Ding!
[You have flawlessly repaired Regrian’s cherished wardrobe.]
[You completed an A-grade restoration without using skills.]
[Repair Rate: 96%]
[Strength +2, Vitality +2, Dexterity +10]
[Level Up!]
[Skill Level Up: Hand of the Star → Lv. 3]
[Unique Title Condition Fulfilled — “Novice Artisan”]
[Novice Artisan]
Grade: S (Unique)
Effects:
Dexterity +20
Crafting efficiency +10%
Product and building durability +10%
Reduced difficulty when working with special wood
+10% EXP gain for woodworking skills
‘A new title, huh?’
An S-grade unique title—excellent.
‘Reduced difficulty for special woods… so hardwood counts?’
He tested it.
Shhk—shhk—
‘Definitely easier. Used to take ten strength, now only eight.’
The effect was real.
‘Nice reward.’
He looked proudly at the finished wardrobe.
The joy swelling in his chest was unlike any he’d felt hunting monsters.
Even if the repair rate was 96%, visually it was flawless.
“Let’s see the stats.”
[Lerian’s Precious Wardrobe]
Grade: A
Description: A wedding gift for Regrian’s wife, Legrian Lurian.
Made from rare hardwood.
Durability: 3,044,500 / 3,150,000
Options:
Durability +30%
Storage Capacity +50%
Restores 1 durability every 100 seconds
Increases stored clothes’ defense by 15% for 24 hours
Clothes never fade, wear, or burn
Hidden Option: Clothes stored long-term gain +10~15% elemental resistance
“Wow…”
“This isn’t repair—it’s restoration!”
Regrian’s eyes trembled slightly.
“It feels like I’ve finally gotten back my wife’s treasure.”
The workmanship was perfect—no trace of damage or patching.
“You’d only notice the fix if you already knew it was broken.”
“Exactly! I never thought you’d fix it this perfectly. You’re amazing!”
Ding!
[Regrian Lurian is deeply impressed by your craftsmanship.]
[Quest ‘The Lord’s Secret Request’ completed.]
[30 Gold obtained.]
[Unique Title Acquired — “Benefactor of Legrian.”]
[Benefactor of Regrian]
Grade: A (Unique)
Effects:
Nobles’ affection slightly increases
Immigrant arrival rate +10%
Unlocks “special quests” when noble affection is high
10% discount at Regrian’s domain shops
Local villagers’ affection slightly increases
Another successful quest.
And the gold—bonus reward. Not bad at all.
‘And… another quest done.’
[Quest Cleared: “Special Lumber Harvesting.”]
[Blueprint Acquired: Lumber Mill.]
“Ha! Amazing! Look at these stats! It’s brand new!”
“We’re saved, my lord!”
“We don’t have to use the wardrobe as your coffin now!”
They hugged each other in relief.
Then Alfredo asked curiously:
“Chief, why’d you leave this little scratch here?”
“It’s a living mark. Erase it, and it’ll look fake. The request was to hide, not replace.”
“Ah, understood.”
Satisfied, Aren checked the last reward.
[Lumber Mill Blueprint]
Grade: C
Use: Allows construction of a lumber mill.
Condition: Carpenter only.
‘I’ll use it back home later.’
“You saved my life! Anything you want—ask away!”
Ding!
[You may request one favor from Regrian.]
[Warning: Excessive requests may lower his affection.]
A rare opportunity—one chance to ask a noble for anything.
‘Minsoo did say there are people targeting my village…’
A thought struck him.
“Then… may I make one request?”
“Of course! What is it?”
“Well, I’d like you to—”
Regrian’s eyes widened in surprise.
He expected gold or equipment—not that request.
‘This outsider’s interesting!’
“Of course! You saved my life. I’ll make it happen!”
“Thank you.”
Aren smiled.
His village was his home—he’d never let anyone take it.
‘Let’s see what happens when someone tries to mess with my territory.’
Later…
“This way, sir. The carriage is ready.”
As Aren walked down the corridor, something caught his eye—a portrait.
“Who is this?”
“Ah! That’s Lord and Lady Lerrian, painted years ago.”
“I see.”
They both looked closer—and froze.
“Oh my god…”
“Wha—”
Instead of the elegant, delicate noblewoman they expected, Lady Lerrian was… formidable.
Her shoulders were broad enough to intimidate even knights.
Her forearms bore hard, sculpted muscle—earned from wielding a sword, not embroidery needles.
She wore not a soft gown but a fitted ceremonial uniform that couldn’t quite conceal her strength.
Beside her, Regrian stood smiling awkwardly as she posed with one hand on her hip, radiating the aura of a lioness.
‘So that’s why he was so dramatic about nearly dying… he really almost did!’
Regrion hadn’t been exaggerating.
He truly had been on the brink of death.
For real.
