Keep the Book hidden

A task easier said than done. The following days are spent pilfering supplies where they won't be missed. Just enough to build up a little stash - Alchemical solutions, runic bindings, arcane containers. You will need the whole smorgasbord if you wish to keep the book off the radar of any of the powerful mages at the academy. Veiling it from the other scholars of your caliber is easy enough. But someone like Madame Velasco? Even with all your precautions, you doubt you can keep it a secret from her forever. Misuse of arcanum is, inherently, something that every mage worth their spells indulges in - But one has to be crafty about it. The empire is brutal in its crackdowns on unsanctioned magic. And even though you are of noble birth, that wouldn't save you from a royal purifier's blade.

No, there is no room for mistakes. You and Lana agree on that immediately. Thankfully you are both of skill enough to have your own quarters, instead of having to share a dormitory with other mages. That, combined with you being a known recluse when it came to study, makes it somewhat managable at first. Lana takes care of some of the more menial tasks. The simple bindings, regular maintenance of your protective measures - Nothing too serious and always without physical contact to the tome.
You have the unpleasant privilege of having to procure a celestium-anchor. The metal, said to stem from old god wars, has a peculiar property, able to chain magic in an inescapable vortex, creating a pull that prevents unwanted arcanum leaking out. This thing alone would safeguard you against most detection measures in an instant. The problem is, as valuable as the metal is, it is also quite rare and anchors like this are highly coveted. So, thievery it will have to be. Breaking into the academy's treasury does sound like fun, but is not exactly a secretive affair. There's imps and other familiars all over that place, keeping an eye out for intruders.

You will have to acquire one in a less conspicuous way. Lana points out something important to you one of these days: "We could just try to find someone that wants to help us, you know? Not everyone wants to be the one handling this sort of magic themselves. Some people, myself included, are more than happy with the scraps whilst someone else does the dangerous part." You contemplate her words for a while. There is truth to that. Velasco is off the table. The woman is too disciplined to go for something so bold. But a few of the other mages, especially those not actively mentoring anyone, might be open for such an offer. And if push comes to shove? If you keep it on you for a while, the Tome might get you out of a sticky situation. If someone is not open to negotiation, they can always be **** - A good first exercise, albeit a risky one.

There's an immediate choice both you and Lana land on: Mistress Tagaera.
Tagaera Stoutforge the Second; Of a noble line of dwarven blacksmiths, disowned for her collaboration with the academy. It landed her an incredibly important position, becoming the academy's armourer and sole supplier of forged arcane items. She never really felt at home here. She misses the mountains and her people, the matte bronze of her hair lacking the shine of her creations. She is not appreciated by the academy or the empire, despite her distinguished service. She loathes her superiors and many of her colleagues. There is little love lost here. But she is stubborn and does not trust easily. Not to mention that she is one of the more likely candidates to resist the book's power.

You could always look around for someone else, or set Lana on that task.