The sounds of wheels against the pavement rang throughout the Royal Capital, the grand chariot adorned by two powerful steeds that pulled the fancy noble vehicle forward. The chariot stopped at the grand gates of the Ashbourne estate, the two guards at the gates flinching in surprise and awe as a butler jumped from the side of the vehicle, bowing respectfully as they opened the door for the Vincent family to step out.

The air shifted in a violent burst of malevolence, the pressure immense as three regal figures made their entrance into the cold night air of the Royal Capital, the Vincent family had finally arrived.

"So this is the Ashbourne estate, huh?" A soft melodious voice spoke, the words escaping the lips of a beautiful woman as she stepped out of the carriage. She had long blonde hair, her eyes shone like emeralds as they surveyed the surrounding area, dressed in a regal white and sapphire dress that complimented her beauty.

"I can’t believe we’re actually doing this..." She sighed, disappointed as her shoulders slumped, visible distressed etched onto her features as she wanted to turn around and run away from this accursed place.

"Oh quiet down Marion, we’re not here to play around." Her mother spoke up, visibly displeased by her daughters antics. "Do try to be on your best behavior, it is of the utmost importance that we leave this place in good terms, and with future allies to support us." She said, adjusting her posture as she turned her gaze to the man beside her.

"This must be our escort," The man spoke in an authoritive tone, his eyes stern and sharp as he he watched a maid approach them, her steps graceful with the passage of time as she moved, her features old and delicate, but her presence fierce and powerful.

"Greetings," Margret spoke with a humble bow, "Welcome to the Ashbourne estate, allow me to serve as your escort." She spoke, her voice calm and focused, though she was panicking internally. The Vincent family was here, and they arrived a bit earlier than expected.

She just hoped that Loraine wouldn’t poison the food with her cooking skills, a grim expression settling on her face at the thought of it. But she quickly shook it off, turning her attention back to the Vincent family as she raised her head.

"Of course, it would be a pleasure." The man spoke, receiving a nod from Margret as she turned around and began to lead them towards into the Ashbourne mansion, the grand doors swinging open in a powerful entrance.

"This way," Margret spoke, guiding them towards the Grand Hall as she moved.

Marion’s eyes however were focused elsewhere, taking in the sightings of the great figures who have emerged from the Ashbourne family, historical figures with unimaginable power who’ve had a great influenced over the kingdom and it’s adventurers.

’I’ve also heard a rumor that the eldest daughter of the Ashbourne family had apparently died, her Talent was apparently so powerful, that her body couldn’t handle it and it spiraled out of control, resulting in her demise.’ She thought back, closing her eyes as she began to reminisce.

She remembered the day where the eldest daughter’s awakening ceremony was held, a bright magical phenomenom appearing in the sky as if the gods themselves had descended and decreed her as royalty, a Legendary Talent being bestowed upon her.

The Talent was apparently one of the strongest ever recorded in the kingdom’s history, even if it resulted in her death, though the body was never revealed to the public, and a private ceremony was held to mourn her death.

’It’s a good thing the Ashbourne family didn’t have her as a powerhouse, it would’ve totally flipped the political hierarchy we’ve operated on.’ She thought with a small shudder down her spine, not even wanting to imagine what that could’ve been like.

They’ve arrived at the Grand Hall, in front of a giant staircase as the Ashbourne family made their appearance, standing at the top of the staircase. Kain looked down at the Vincent family’s head, their eyes locking in a silent fierce duel of dominance as they simply stared at each other for a moment, before breaking the silence with a playful chuckle.

"Leon, welcome! You’re finally here!" Kain said as he spread his arms, beginning to descend the stairs with his wife beside him, with little Lilith tagging behind them, hiding behind her parents as she was afraid of the strangers that had entered their home.

"It’s a pleasure," Leon spoke, a hearty chuckle escaping his lips. "You all look great! And here I thought I’d find you drenched in the blood of monsters, you guys have been consistent with these Dungeon cleans lately." Leon said, the two men walking up to each other as they shook hands.

’Oh...?’ Marion thought with a surprised look on her face, noticing young Lilith hiding behind her mother as she crouched down on her knees, trying to get the little girl’s attention. ’I’ve heard they had a young daughter, but I’ve never once seen her before.’ She thought with an awed expression.

The two girls briefly locked eyes for a moment, Lilith’s black and blue heterochromia gaze meeting Marion’s emerald eyes, before quickly hiding behind her mother once more, way too shy to interact with the blonde haired maiden.

"Hehe~" Marion chuckled, finding Lilith to be adorable. "You don’t have to be shy, what’s your name?" She asked in a cutesy tone, trying to make herself sound more child-like as she tilted her head to the side.

"...." Lilith remained quiet for a moment, not sure how to respond. Her mother, noticing quickly ordered her to say her name, as it was rude to not reveal your name to a guest.

"Go on Lilith, don’t be rude." Her mother commanded, forcing the young girl to come out of her hiding spot and stand beside her mother, teddy bear clutched to her chest as she struggled to speak.

She didn’t like speaking to strangers, in-fact it was normal for children her age to not like talking to strangers, but she did not want to tell her mother that as it would just get her in trouble.

"Lilith..." She answered in a soft voice, almost as soft as a whisper as she spoke. "My name’s Lilith."

Marion smiled warmly upon hearing her name, finding it to be really adorable. She found it odd that Lilith was the only member in her family to have two different eye colors, though it only served to make her more cute, that added with her shy personality was a deadly combination that could melt even the most cold hearts imaginable.

"Nice to meet you Lilith, I’m Marion." Marion introduced herself to the little girl, a warm smile etched on her face. "Let’s get along, okay?" She asked in a friendly tone.

"Okay..." Lilith said, still sounding somewhat unsure of what to think of this new person.

"Oh please, will you get up already, a fine lady such as yourself shouldn’t be kneeling on the floor~" A voice came from upstairs, it was Valmont Ashbourne, dressed in the finest of attires money could buy as he descended down the stairs with the stride befitting a king.

"Oh gods..." Marion rolled her eyes, standing up from the ground with an annoyed sigh, she was hoping she wouldn’t get to see him at all today, but fate wouldn’t grant her that wish.

’I was hoping he’d get caught in a Dungeon raid and die in a ditch somewhere, but I guess that’s not possible when you’re as strong as him.’ She thought with a sigh, remembering that even this douchebag possessed a Legendary Talent, and Legendary Talents were in a league of their very own, far surpassing any Talent that came before by a wide margin.

"I’m happy to see you, milady~" Vincent said in a charming tone, grabbing her hand as he pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. "You look absolutely stunning today~" He added with a wink, trying his best to charm the girl, but it only seem to disgust her instead.

Her face contorted with disgust as his lips brushed against her knuckles, a wave of revulsion hitting her with the force of a tidal wave as she felt unpleasant shivers all over her body, visibly disgusted.

"Don’t start getting all romantic with me, playboy," Marion said, removing her hand from his as she brushed it off with her other hand. "And you look...okay I guess." Marion said, trying her best to compliment the controversial heir to the Ashbourne legacy.

She had heard that Valmont was not only a playboy, but a fierce one at that, visiting brothels and paying women to come have fun with him whenever he was bored.

In-fact, almost everyone had some bad history tied to them, it was why the Ashbourne family was the least respected noble family in all the estate, all except for little Lillith as she was obviously still a child.

"Now then, shall we head over to the dining hall?"