The next day, I arranged for Diana and me to meet alone in the garden. The morning sun bathed the flowers in a soft, golden light, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming roses. We sat at a small table, sipping tea using delicate porcelain cups.

"Emma," I called, turning to my maid, "Leave us.”

Emma hesitated for a moment, but bowed and retreated, leaving us alone. This was a crucial moment and I need to handle it carefully.

"Lady Diana, I think it's best if we're honest with each other. I don't have romantic feelings for you and I suspect you feel the same way." I straightforwardly began.

Diana's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't seem surprised. She placed her teacup down gently with a calm expression.

"You're correct, Lord Lucas. I don't have romantic feelings for you either." she replied as I smirked.

"Good, you’re smarter than I thought.” I arrogantly acted, even though I didn’t like my tone.

“As you know, I despise this tradition. I find it stupid and disgusting. From my perspective, marriage should be about love, not politics." I persuasively continued as she studied me for a moment.

"I agree. But our families expect us to go through with it." Diana protested with a serious tone.

"That's why we should continue this facade until marriage, so our families don't suspect anything. Once we're married, we can quietly arrange for a peaceful divorce. No attachments, no complications." I suggested as her expression softened with a hint of relief.

"And what happens after that?"

"You'll be free to marry the man of your dreams. In the meantime, we can be allies helping each other." I replied.

She then leaned back on her chair and smiled faintly. "You’ve thought this through."

"It is the best way to ensure we both get what we want without causing a scandal." I proudly commented. “And if we team up we can both make our families more influential and powerful without the need for marriage.”

“I see…” she muttered, considering my proposal.

“So… do we have a deal?” I asked with a devious smile.

After that, she made her decision. "I accept your proposal. Let's maintain this facade and work together, Lord Lucas."

"Thank you. This will make things much easier for both of us." I said, grinning.

After that, I leaned in slightly and lowered my voice to a more conspiratorial tone. "Also, I need your help with something."

She then looked at me with curiosity. "And what might that be?"

"I need to convince my father, to let me go to the capital with you for a day."

Her suspicion was evident in her eyes. "Why do you want to go to the capital?"

I then met her gaze evenly with a stern expression. "That's something I need to keep to myself. Please don't pry into my business."

Diana studied me for a moment, clearly weighing her options. "And what will I get in return for this favor?"

"I'll offer you anything you need. Money, food, resources—anything that would make this alliance beneficial for us." I replied.

“I'll think about what I want in exchange for this favor. But, for now, I'll agree to help you."

“Just remember, Lord Lucas, alliances are built on trust and mutual benefit. Don’t break that trust." she strictly added.

"You have my word." I assured her.

Later that night, I found myself reflecting on the events of the morning. Diana Milton had surprised me. Contrary to her background information and the novel's portrayal, she wasn't just a sweet and naive girl. Her maturity and intelligence were evident, making me realize she might be hiding her true self beneath a facade. The novel described her as sweet and innocent, but maybe that was only around the hero, the man she truly loved. It made sense since women often act sweet and naive in front of the people they care for deeply.

She was truly a cunning fox. A shrewd personality masked under the guise of innocence. If she was capable of such a deception, it wouldn't be a stretch to think that she might had planned the original Lucas's downfall in the novel.

Did she despise him from the start? Was she the mastermind behind his death? But I knew one thing for certain, I couldn't afford to underestimate her. Diana Milton was more than she seemed.

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I was beginning to reconsider my one star review on the novel. The story is becoming more intricate and complex the more I spend my time on this world.

The next day, Diana and I stood before Duke Asturias in his office. The stakes were high, but I was desperate to get the Steal Skill unique skill book.

"Father, I have a request." I began, keeping my voice steady. “I know it is shameless of me to ask for multiple favors, but I have never asked requests that aren’t beneficial for the family.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

The Duke looked up from his papers with a stern face. "What is it, Lucas?"

"I would like to accompany Diana to the capital and visit the Public Aristocratic Library to borrow books about magic." I respectfully said with hints of lies.

Diana also stepped in with a calm and supportive demeanor. "Your Grace, it will be a great advantage for us if we learn magic early, before the Empire Academy’s entrance exam. Moreover, spending time together in the capital will help us understand each other better."

To my surprise, the Duke's stern face softened. "I see no reason to deny this request. You have my permission."

I blinked, taken aback by his immediate agreement. This was not the Duke Asturias I remembered from the novel. He was strict, unyielding, and harsh.

Something had changed.

"Thank you, Father," I said as I bowed my head slightly.

As we left the office, I reflected on the Duke's response. He was different. He was more accommodating.

Did my efforts to prove my worth truly changed his opinion of me?

Once we were outside, Diana turned to me with amusement in her eyes. "That was easier than I expected."

"Yes… it was.” I muttered.

Hours passed as Diana and I traveled towards the capital of the Empire, Norby City.

When we finally arrived, the grandeur of Norby City took my breath away. The city's layout was proof to its strategic importance. Its three circular walls providing a formidable defense against any potential attack from the Demon Kingdom.

We first passed through the Low Area between the outer and middle walls where the slum people live. It was a harsh and gritty existence, showing the vast inequalities within the Empire.

As we moved into the Middle Area, the atmosphere shifted. This region, between the inner and middle walls were filled with merchants and commoners. Market stalls lined up on the streets and vendors calling out their wares. It was vibrant and energetic.

Finally, we approached the High Area, the heart of Norby City inside the inner walls. This was where the aristocrats and the imperial family resided. Wide, clean streets, grandiose buildings, and an air of refined elegance. It was a world apart from the chaos and hustle of the outer regions.

As we pulled up in front of the Milton mansion, I quickly turned to Diana. "I'll be back once I find what I'm looking for," I said as I went down the carriage.

With that, I set off, making my way through the High Area. I began using my Search unique skill in short bursts, carefully managing my mana to avoid the extreme drain I had experienced before. It was a delicate balance, like sending out short pulses of radar, but it allowed me to track down the skill book more efficiently.

The elegant streets and grand buildings of the High Area were different from the bustling chaos of the Middle Area. Here, everything was pristine and orderly, showing the wealth and power of the ruling class. But I had no time to admire the scenery. My focus was on finding the book.

As I wandered, I sent out another pulse of my Search skill. The familiar tug in my mind guided me as I followed the direction it indicated. The closer I got, the stronger the signal became. Eventually, I found myself standing in front of a grand building—the Public Aristocratic Library.

It’s a coincidence that I lied to Duke Asturias about visiting the Aristocratic Library. What an irony.

Unique skill books generally spawn in random locations when their previous users died or get passed on to another individual at birth. It was fortunate that Duke Asturias had written a letter of permission for me to access the aristocratic library.

As I approached the library's grand entrance, the guards immediately stopped me. "State your business." one of them demanded.

I calmly handed over the letter bearing the Duke's seal. "I have permission from Duke Asturias to enter." I calmly said replied.

The guard's eyes widened as he examined the letter. He glanced at his companion, and they both exchanged nervous looks before stepping aside. "Of course, young master. Please, go right in."

I then stepped through the doors and entered. Inside the library was vast, its shelves filled with countless books, and its air was thick with the scent of aged paper and ink.

Activating my Search unique skill, I sent out a short pulse. I was beginning to feel the drain on my mana, but I still moved methodically through the aisles. I followed the faint trail of the skill book's presence with each pulse bringing me closer.

Once I pinpointed the location of the skill book on top of a very high shelf on the third floor, I glanced around to make sure no one was watching. It made sense that no one has ever found it until now; the book was hidden in plain sight, but out of reach.

I surveyed the area and saw no ladder in sight. Typical. But with the strength and agility I'd gained from the souls I'd consumed, this was just a minor obstacle. I then focused on the top of the bookshelf and leaped.

My enhanced strength propelled me upwards, and I managed to grab the edge of the high shelf. With a firm grip, I pulled myself up and reached for the Skill Steal unique skill book.

Clutching the book to my chest, I descended with as much grace as possible and landing silently on the floor. I quickly ducked into a quiet corner of the library, hidden from view by towering shelves of dusty volumes.

Without wasting another moment, I opened the book and began the process of absorbing the skill. The power flowed into me, merging with my own, and I felt a new strength within.

As the absorption completed, I felt more powerful.

The Skill Steal is now mine!

Just when I was about to celebrate, I remembered my promise to the Duke about borrowing books on magic. I couldn't afford to raise any suspicion, so I quickly scanned the shelves for something suitable. My eyes landed on a few beginner magic books about mana control and fire magic—perfect for maintaining my cover.

I picked the books from the shelves and I tucked them under my arm. Soon after, I made my way to the library exit, maintaining a neutral expression. The guards glanced at the books in my hand, but said nothing.

Upon arriving at the Milton mansion, I found Diana waiting for me in the entrance hall and saw the books I carried.

"Successful day at the library, I see." she remarked as I kept my expression neutral.

"Yes. I found some useful texts on mana control and fire magic. They should prove beneficial."

Diana gave a small, mischievous smile. "Good to hear. I trust you had no trouble finding what you needed?"

"None at all," I coldly replied.