There lived in Toscana a young man whose name was Fred. He had devoured many books, but one remained unread: the 'Don Quixote'. His curiosity was piqued, and he was determined to read it someday in the future.

His prized possession was a first edition of the 'Don Quixote', a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations. Two hundred years had passed since it was first published in AD 1605. Fred's father, Antonio de Mattei, had bequeathed it to Fred along with a letter written before his passing. Unfortunately, the letter was partially destroyed in a fire. Apart from mentioning 'Don Quixote', the letter also advised Fred to guard some treasures given to him and to never lose them -- because they would greatly contribute to his happiness, though the subsequent words were lost, leaving Fred unsure of what exactly the letter referred to.  Nevertheless, Fred believed his father was referring to the two volumes of 'Don Quixote'.

Apart from teaching Fred literacy skills , Antonio de Mattei, Fred's late father, also imparted valuable lessons of Christian wisdom to him. Fred lived with his younger sister Ciara and brother Francesco. Also, his dog, Enzo. Additionally, their loyal butler continued to faithfully serve the household.

Living in the same town was Ruggero Amalfi, who was a friend of a relative of the de Mattei family. He was a man who boasted himself to be a 'man of culture.' This Ruggero coveted Fred's 'Don Quixote'. While the book itself was a prized possession, it was not the book itself that captivated his attention, what captivated his attention was a hidden map within its pages. The map contained the secrets to a huge legendary treasure, promising a life of luxury without the need for working or learning again. He was determined to acquire it, by any means, including deception and violence. 

Fred's family used to be well off, enjoying days filled with play and leisure. He and his siblings, Ciara and Francesco, enjoyed the pleasures of their comfortable life.  However, as time passed, their fortunes faded. As the family's financial stability began to decline, they also faced increasing hardship.  Fred decided to alter his lifestyle, focusing more on studies and work and less on play. He believed that through hard work, he could restore his family's well-being and stability. 

Feeling sleepy, Fred thought about going to bed, his body longing for rest after the long hours of study. But as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, images of his siblings filled his mind.

A protective love surged within him. He couldn’t let exhaustion win. He straightened in his chair, inhaling deeply, willing his tired mind to focus. And so, with renewed resolve, he turned another page, the weight of his love for his siblings pushing him forward.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by a noise—a faint rustling coming from the window. Fred glanced up just in time to see a shadowy figure slip into the room. Ruggero Amalfi, the self-proclaimed 'man of culture' had entered stealthily, his eyes scanning the room with predatory intent.

(To be continued)