A week has passed since my father implemented the tax write-off. Initially, the headlines were filled with praise for him, but now it seems that the focus has shifted to me. It appears that someone has leaked the fact that I was the one who created the tax law.
"Count's 4-Year-Old Child Revealed as Unprecedented Child Prodigy" I read with a slight chuckle "It seems that they also discovered my talent for magic. Do you have any idea who leaked the information, Andrew?"
"If I had to take a guess Master Lucas it was probably the count," Andrew responded respectfully
"I thought that too. It seems like he feels guilty that he got all the praise," I replied with a small smile as this was a decent reputation boost. "Well, I should probably talk to him about this over breakfast. Let's get going, Andrew."
Entering the dining room I was greeted by an aroma of delicious food and Both my parents sitting down waiting for me
"Morning Father, morning Mother," I greeted them with a cheerful smile.
"Morning, my little sunshine. It seems the secret is out that we have a genius in the family," my mom teased.
"It seems so," I replied.
As I sat down, I couldn't help but notice my mom staring intently at me. "Is something the matter mother?" I asked with a confused gaze directed at her
"We've been receiving marriage offers for you, Lucas," my mother said, her expression serious.
"Some nobles see you as a future pillar of the kingdom and want to form alliances with us." my father added.
"We've received offers from counts, viscounts, and barons. Duke Vigar has also requested to meet you when your father goes to negotiate a deal next month." my mother continued "Of course son, we will never force you to marry and we believe you should find love at your own accord"
'An arranged marriage, huh?' I thought silently, considering the possible benefits. 'If I were to agree to an arranged marriage with Duke Vigar's daughter, his support would basically be guaranteed. However, an arranged marriage is a powerful tool that would require me to support the Duchy just as much as they support me. Alternatively, I could use other methods such an economic deal or trade agreements to create an alliance, rather than relying solely on an arranged marriage.'
"It seems like I'm getting a lot of attention. It wouldn't be a problem if I thought it over, right?" I asked flattered.
"Of course not, sweetheart," my mother replied in a caring tone.
"Also, one more thing. Who leaked the information?" I inquired.
My father quickly answered, "It was your mother. She kept pestering me to give you some credit, as it wouldn't be fair."
"I didn't know it would attract the attention of a duke, okay?" my mother said in an angry tone.
Father quickly shifted his gaze from my mother to me
"Lucas, it seems like you're interested in starting sword training," my father said.
"Yes, Father. I asked Gustav to teach me," I replied eagerly.
My father's expression turned to a worried one. "Lucas, I understand that you want to try everything, but please take things slow. While Gustav may have agreed, as your father, I have decided not to allow him to teach you. Honestly, you're way too young to start any physical training, let alone sword training. You'll have to wait until your seventh birthday."
"Alright, Father," I replied with a sense of disappointment, but not without understanding. I already knew hand-to-hand combat, I just needed my body to catch up to speed with my mind. I could afford the delay.
After finishing my breakfast and saying goodbye to both of my parents, I went straight to Mr. Beckett's class.
The friendly instructor greeted me warmly. "Hello, Master Lucas.I was informed by your father to begin teaching you mana so you don't make any mistakes." I nodded along as Mr. Beckett explained the basics, which I already knew from my father.
"Master Lucas your core is like a heart that will keep producing but if you strain it too much it will start to experience significant side effects. This can cause various symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and lightheadedness. Of course, moderation is key as the core in your body needs to be repeatedly used to be able to get stronger, kinda like a muscle." Mr.Beckett explained in a serious tone.
"Depleting your mana core every once in a while isn't detrimental but repeatedly emptying could cause side effects like the previously mentioned, the reversal of these effects is possible through a healer or by simply resting your mana core."
After class, I went to my room and decided to continue my mana training. I was determined to teleport successfully for the first time. "Alright, let's see if this works," I said to myself as I focused my gaze on a pencil lying on my bed. I channeled my mana through my body, letting it release into the air. I stared intensely at the pencil, imagining myself in its position, and suddenly...
"Poof!"
I landed on my bed and the pencil was in the place where I was standing. "YES!" I couldn't hide my excitement as I celebrated my first successful teleportation.
Although the mental strain and mana draining were intense, I knew that with practice, I could significantly reduce the side effects and make this a powerful ability. As I laid on my bed I let my eyes shut and go into a deep slumber.