After thinking for a moment, I finally made my decision. "I'll take the Search skill book." I proclaimed as I held out my pouch of gold coins.

The witch's smile widened as she took the coins. "Wise choice." she replied.

I took the book, tucked it securely into my cloak, and hastily I left the witch's lair.

Returning to the estate, I wasted no time in using the skill book. The power surged through me as I absorbed its powerful essence. Now, I have the power to the find anything my heart desires. And with it, I could locate the Skill Steal book, and perhaps even uncover other secrets that might help me.

After absorbing the unique skill book, I eagerly put it to the test. I closed my eyes and focused, reaching out with my mind to activate the Search unique skill.

However, without the Mana Control skill, I found it difficult to regulate the flow of mana. Mana wildly surged out of me, spreading far beyond what I intended. I could feel the strain as my radar encompassed the entire empire.

Despite the overwhelming effort, I found a faint glimmer of success. The Skill Steal unique skill book—it existed within the empire's borders! Frustratingly, I can’t pinpoint its exact location. My lack of Mana Control rendered my search imprecise. The best I could manage was a vague sense of direction.

Just as when the search had drained me, leaving me breathless, I collapsed on the floor and cursed my lack of control.

"God damn it!" I grunted as sweat dripped on my forehead from the exertion.

Despite my exhaustion from expending too much mana, I couldn’t waste time. Pushing through the fatigue, I stood up and sprinted to the library. I had to act quickly before I lost the faint trace of the book’s location.

Bursting into the library, I grabbed a compass and a map from the nearest shelf. I spread the map out on a large table, my hands shaking from the strain. I panted, trying to steady myself, and began my calculations.

Using the faint directional sense I gained from the Search skill, I aligned the compass with the map, carefully marking out potential areas. My fingers moved swiftly, tracing lines and noting coordinates despite my fatigue.

“West…” I tiredly muttered to myself, drawing a final line on the map. “In the capital of the Empire.”

I circled the area on the map, narrowing it down significantly. The Skill Steal unique skill book was somewhere in the vicinity of the capital.

Collapsing on a nearby chair, I allowed myself to rest for a moment. After that, I realized, that getting to the capital was no small feat.

If I waited for the story to progress naturally, I'd be stuck here for another three years. By then, I'd face the entrance exams for the Empire Academy, which required passing practical tests in magic and swordsmanship. However, passing them would be impossible due to my curses.

Asking the Duke for another favor was out of the question. He was strict and unyielding, and he’d already granted me one significant request. The thought of facing his wrath made my stomach churn. In a flashback of the original novel, young Lucas was severely beaten and berated so often that he developed a deep-seated inferiority complex and trauma.

I couldn't let that future become mine.

Yet, the more I pondered, the more my options dwindled. Sneaking out was a possibility, but the logistics of traveling to the capital alone as a nine-year-old is ridiculous.

With no better plan coming to mind, I decided to stick with my existing strategy: proving my worth to the Duke. It was fortunate that I had already mentioned integrating myself with the commoners to help them. If I could genuinely make a difference in their lives, perhaps the Duke would see value in sending me to the capital sooner rather than later.

I had to play the long game of gaining the Duke's trust and demonstrating my usefulness. If I could fully convince him of my potential, he might eventually support my endeavors.

A year had passed, and I’m now ten years old. My efforts in Lesbon Town had not gone unnoticed. I had proposed to the Duke the construction of sewage and water systems, aiming to prevent the spread of diseases caused by improper waste management and unclean water. The Duke, ever practical and focused on the welfare of his territory, since it enhanced the family’s prestige. He was genuinely impressed by the tangible results of my proposals.

The construction had been a significant undertaking. I had spent countless hours with the town's engineers, overseeing the planning and implementation of the sewage and water systems. The process had been arduous, but seeing the impact it had on the town was worth every effort. Clean water flowed through new pipes, and waste was efficiently carried away, reducing the risk of disease.

The townspeople began to see me not just as the Duke's son, but as someone genuinely invested in their well-being. My popularity soared, and I often found myself surrounded by grateful citizens. Their respect and admiration were a stark contrast to the original Lucas known in the novel.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

All of this were planned to prove my worth to the Duke and gaining his trust. The more indispensable I became, the more likely he would be to grant me the freedom I needed.

A month after the construction of the sewage and water systems, I was summoned to the Duke's office. I felt a pang of confusion, unsure why I was being called. Pushing aside my uncertainty, I decided to greet him formally and without questions.

I entered his office, bowing my head slightly. "Father, you called for me?"

The Duke looked up from his papers with a serious expression. "Yes, Lucas. I have important news. Your fiancée will be visiting us a week from now."

I blinked, taken aback. Fiancée? I didn't remember reading anything about this in the novel. This event probably happened off-screen.

"My fiancée?" I asked in surprise as I struggled to keep my voice steady.

"Yes." he confirmed. "Her name is Diana Milton, the third and youngest daughter of Duke Kris Milton. As you already know, it is a tradition of the Empire for aristocrats your age to be engaged and married at sixteen. This alliance will strengthen our family's ties and influence."

I managed to maintain a calm exterior in front of Asturias. Though, this was an unexpected development.

"You need to prepare yourself and make sure you leave a good impression. This union is crucial for our family." The Duke continued.

"Yes, Father." I replied as I later left his office.

Back in my room, I allowed myself a moment to process the news. Diana Milton—Lucas’ fiancée. This was a significant deviation from the story I knew, and it added a new layer of complexity to my situation. I couldn't afford to be distracted by this engagement, but I also couldn't ignore it.

I tried to recall everything I could about Diana Milton from the novel. However, remembering it only painted a grim flashback. In the original novel, Lucas abused and physically harassed her, actions that casted him as a villain in the story. Eventually, the hero saved Diana from Lucas's clutches, an act that had deepened the hero and Diana’s love for each other. Lucas’ atrocities also grew the hero’s hatred for him, ultimately leading to a duel, and finally, Lucas’ death.

Funny enough, the whole situation had a twisted irony to it, almost like an NTR subplot if you looked at it from Lucas’ perspective.

As I planned for my encounter with Diana, a sudden realization struck me. Diana is from the capital! Soon after, an idea began to take shape in my mind.

If I could find a way to visit her in the capital, it might provide the perfect opportunity to acquire the Skill Steal unique skill book. However, empire tradition dictated that the woman engaged was to visit the man’s home and stay for three days to get to know him better. But I was willing to take risks. If I could convince the Duke to let me accompany Diana back to the capital, it could be the break I needed.

I then sat on my bed, considering the best way to approach this.

It wouldn't be wise to ask the Duke immediately. Timing was everything. I needed to wait for the right moment.

The visit with Diana would be my chance. If I could make a good impression on her and perhaps even find a way to demonstrate my usefulness in the capital, I might be able to sway the Duke. For now, I needed to focus on making Diana’s stay here as pleasant as possible.

Winning her trust and favor was paramount. If she saw me as an ally rather than an enemy, it would not only help my immediate situation but also strengthen my case when the time came to propose my visit to the capital.

One week later, at the Belmont estate, Emma and I stood waiting for Diana Milton’s arrival. The day was bright as the sun casted long shadows across the gravel path leading to the entrance.

Now is the time for my plan to set into motion.

The sound of hooves and the creak of wheels signaled her arrival. As her carriage came to a halt, I straightened my posture, preparing to greet her. The carriage door opened, and Diana stepped out, her beauty striking me even more than I anticipated. She was exactly as described in the novel—blonde hair cascading in waves, striking red eyes, and fair, flawless skin. For a moment, I was caught off guard by her presence, but I quickly refocused.

Inside, I was a 20-year-old man. Acting on such thoughts would not only be inappropriate but dangerous. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand.

“Lady Diana,” I greeted. “Welcome to the Belmont estate.”

She responded with a graceful nod and a polite smile. “Thank you, Lord Lucas. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I kept a serious and flat expression, perfectly mimicking the original Lucas from the novel.

“Please, allow us to show you around, my Lady.” Emma enthusiastically announced.

Emma and I led her through the grand halls and manicured gardens of the estate. Emma pointed out various points of interest, while I maintained a stern and emotionless demeanor, ensuring there was no hint of my true intentions.

Since we were both given a background of our personalities and what we look like through paintings before our first meeting, I needed to appear like the cold and distant Lucas she would have expected.

I had to be careful. Any slip in my act could raise suspicions.

The rest of the day passed in a similar fashion, with polite conversation and formalities. I could tell Diana was assessing me, perhaps trying to understand the man she was betrothed to.

As evening approached, I escorted her to her chambers.

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask Emma or myself.” I said.

“Thank you, Lord Lucas. I appreciate your hospitality.” she replied.

I gave a curt nod, left her at the door, and retreated to my own room. The day only consisted of tours and formal talks. It was a blessing that nothing wrong happened and the day had been somewhat fruitful.