In the small courtyard, watching Leslie lost in thought, Owen didn't disturb her and was about to turn and leave.
Just then, Leslie smiled gracefully, her entire aura seemed to have transformed, and she snapped out of her contemplation.
Owen felt a slight tremor in his heart as the system's notification sounded in his ears.
"Congratulations, host, on completing the task. You have acquired the skill [Absolute Copy], and received 2000 fate points."
Hearing the system's prompt, Owen swallowed in surprise. Leslie's favorability towards him had increased to 50?!
Just moments ago, her favorability was about to drop to zero.
How could it rise so quickly?
Was it because of their cooperation?
That might be part of the reason, but it shouldn't be enough to boost her favorability to such an extent!
Owen's eyes shifted as he thought, could it be because of my last words? Soon, he shook his head slightly and focused his attention on the skill Absolute Copy.
Absolute Copy: Allows the complete duplication of any item-type object on the target character. Currently limited to small items such as keys, tokens, etc. Absolute Copy is an absolute 1:1 duplication and has a certain failure rate. If the target character's tier is too high, not only will it fail, but the target may also notice something amiss. Furthermore, the copy and the original cannot exist simultaneously in the host's possession.
After reading this, Owen felt a tinge of excitement.
Although this skill had a chance of failure and could be detected by the target, in this magical world, there were many powerful small items and magical storage rings!
According to the description of Absolute Copy, if successfully duplicated, it would be equivalent to getting something from nothing, obtaining the other party's small items, or even their magical storage rings, with all the contents inside!
If used correctly, this skill was simply divine!
"You came all this way and haven't had a proper meal. It's getting late, let's have dinner together," Leslie called out to Owen from behind.
After speaking, she took the initiative to walk ahead and lead the way.
Owen followed her, sizing her up.
Her figure was excellent, with perfect curves, even though some of it was concealed by a hazy long dress, it still stirred one's imagination.
However, Owen's attention was not on her figure but on the small items she carried, preparing to test [Absolute Copy] on her.
Currently, Leslie's level was a secret, so Owen hesitated as he was about to make his move.
According to the skill's description, the higher the target's level, the more likely they would notice the attempt.
If he used the skill and got caught, it would definitely draw Leslie's attention, and that would be disastrous.
However, after struggling internally for a while, Owen gritted his teeth and decided to give it a try!
After all, he would eventually marry her, and they would be the closest of companions.
Even if he was discovered, it shouldn't matter too much, right?
Immediately, Owen focused his mind and activated Absolute Copy.
A faint, barely noticeable soft light emanated from his eyes, like two weak beams of light, gradually focusing on the necklace around Leslie's swan-like neck.
From this necklace, Owen sensed a faint mana fluctuation, indicating it was some kind of magical artifact.
As Owen watched with a mixture of tension and anticipation, the light in his eyes suddenly dispersed and disappeared. Copy failed!
Owen blinked, somewhat expecting the first attempt to fail.
Fortunately, Leslie didn't notice anything; she continued walking ahead, her expression and aura remaining calm.
Owen breathed a sigh of relief and then tried the copy skill again!
Copy failed!
Copy failed!
He tried three times in a row, all without success! And still, Leslie showed no reaction!
A bead of cold sweat appeared on Owen's forehead.
How high is this woman's level now?
Why did the copy skill fail so quickly?
Considering Leslie's terrifying strength, Owen decided to hold off on using the copy skill on her for now.
The more he tried, the more likely he would be discovered.
It was better to honestly improve his own strength for the time being.
Once his tier increased, copying her items would be a natural progression.
...
Under Leslie's guidance, Owen soon arrived at a dining hall.
At this moment, the dining hall was already filled with steaming, delicious dishes.
As soon as they entered, the rich aroma of luxurious ingredients wafted through the air.
Each dish was made from extravagant ingredients, with each one costing as much as a commoner's monthly living expenses.
No wonder it's the Duke's residence, truly extravagant!
Owen remarked to himself and then noticed Duke Charles sitting at the head of the marble long table in the center of the dining hall, seemingly having waited for some time.
Seeing Owen being brought to the dining hall by Leslie, Duke Charles was quite surprised.
He knew Leslie's personality very well; if she hadn't accepted someone, there was no way she would bring them to the dining hall, let alone have a meal with them.
It seemed Leslie had a good impression of Owen!
How did Owen manage that?
Duke Charles's curiosity was piqued.
"Everyone, take a seat. Today is just a simple family dinner, Owen, you don't need to be restrained," Duke Charles said with a slight smile.
The maids in the dining hall immediately stepped forward, bowing as they pulled out the chairs for Owen and Leslie.
They sat down on either side of Duke Charles.
Although Owen had never been served by maids before, he had seen such things, so he appeared composed.
He glanced at Leslie. Since entering the dining hall, she had been cold and silent, picking up her knife and fork to eat the food brought by the maids, like a dispassionate diner.
Duke Charles was not surprised by Leslie's behavior; he simply smiled and focused his attention on Owen.
"Owen, since you and Leslie will be married in the future, you'll be part of the family. I see your background is somewhat unclear. Where do you come from, and how did you arrive in the imperial capital?"
Looking at Duke Charles, Owen felt like he was meeting his future father-in-law for the first time. It was clear he was being questioned about his origins.
Owen seemed to remember something and sighed, "Your Grace, I am originally from the imperial capital. Unfortunately, my parents passed away when I was young. After several years of wandering, I met my mentor, who took me to Middle Earth. I studied there for a few years and decided to come back to the imperial capital for some experience, so I returned here temporarily."
Upon hearing that Owen's parents were deceased, Duke Charles discreetly glanced at Leslie before being drawn to Owen's mention of "Middle Earth" and "mentor."
The continent was vast, divided into many regions and islands. Middle Earth was an extremely mysterious place.
Even Duke Charles had only heard rumors about it, tales of its mana being several times more concentrated than anywhere else.
The mages there were exceptionally powerful and had built numerous sky cities.
However, their immense power also made the mages of Middle Earth incredibly arrogant, looking down on everyone else.
Other mages who tried to interact with them often found themselves rebuffed.
Owen's mentor was from Middle Earth?! No wonder he was so extraordinarily gifted and formidable in battle!
Duke Charles had previously conducted some investigations into Owen, and based on his findings, Owen's story was likely true.
This realization excited Duke Charles even more.
He had initially just hoped to find a wealthy son-in-law, but Owen's background was far more impressive.
Thus, Duke Charles became even more enthusiastic and amiable, showing genuine concern for Owen's current situation and offering his unwavering support if Owen needed any assistance.
Owen, who currently lacked nothing, continued eating while casually responding to Duke Charles.
"Your Grace, Princess Marry has arrived and wishes to meet Mr. Owen."
Halfway through their meal, a maid suddenly hurried in, bowed to the three of them, and announced.
Princess Marry has arrived?
The three of them were taken aback.
Immediately, both Duke Charles and Leslie's gazes fell on Owen.