A few minutes earlier...

The two families sat down at the dining table, completely opposite of each other. The air was thick with an underlying tension, as two powerhouses from different families sat across from each other, eyes stern and focused as they remained silent for a moment.

’....’ Marion remained quiet, though her eyes scanned the room, taking in the awkward atmosphere. She could tell that both families were tense, the Ashbourne family which the other nobles despised, and the Vincent family who have fallen from their former glory.

’This is so humiliating....’ Marion thought with a sigh, a grim expression settling on her face. Her hands clutched on her knees as she tried her best to stay calm, as today was a very important day for her.

They had arrived to arrange a marriage between herself and Valmont, in order to establish a truce or bond between the two families, signifying their unity. It was utterly shameful, and equally as humiliating as their family had been one of the most recognized families in the Royal Capital, but the Vincent family was after one thing that the Ashbourne family could always provide.

Power, and as terrible as the Ashbourne family’s reputation was, their power more than made up for the brunt of it all.

So they had no choice but to marry off their daughter if they wanted to have a chance of establishing a bond between the two families that would signify their unity. By marrying off their children, they would form an alliance.

"Alright, since we’ve settled down, I suppose it is time that we begin discussing the details on Valmont and Marion’s engagement." Kain spoke up, his voice a heavy weight that settled around the room with great authority.

Kain glanced over at Margret, the head maid standing by his families side as she listened to the words of lord of the mansion. "Go see if the food has already been prepared or not," Kain whispered to Margret.

"Of course, sir," Margret said with a bow, excusing herself before departing the room, her movements quick and rushed as she moved with utmost haste.

"Now then...."

The two families began to discuss the formalities on Marion’s and Valmont’s engagement, indulging in deals and compromises between each other as Marion didn’t even bother listening to their nonsense, resting her face on her palm as her gaze drifted to Valmont, contempt radiating from her gaze.

’It’s no use listening to what these bastards have to say, my fate was already sealed the moment I got here. I can’t believe I’m engaged to Valmont of all people...’ She thought with a sigh, glancing at her Status Window as she opened up her system, taking a gander at her stats.

She had been gifted with a powerful Rare Talent, [Ice Manipulation], the power to create, control, and manipulate frozen elements with a flick of her wirst, freezing hordes of enemies solid, annihilating her enemies with cold temperatures and powerful ice crystals, capable of shattering giant boulders with ease.

"But instead, I’m forced to keep my face pretty and play the damsel...." She sighed, noting how pathetic she felt with her level being stuck at 1 for gods know how long. She was envious of how others could fight and use their gifts, battling fierce beasts that could shred adventureres with impossible movements and strength, and building a reputation for themselves in this nightmare of a world.

Sure, it was dangerous. Pretty reckless too, but when you’ve lived your whole life inside of a cage that forces you to stay pretty, it becomes pretty tiring at some point.

The sounds of the discussion began to reach its conclusion as Marion blinked in surprise, witnessing the two men of opposite families shake hands, having come upon an agreement.

"Very well then, as long as the Vincent family is willing to support us with our finances, then the Ashbournes will be more than happy to lend you our power." Kain said with a stern smile, though his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"We’ll be counting on you to help restore us to our proper position, even if your family does it in....unconventional ways." He said, before pulling his hand away.

"Now that we’ve gotten the important things out of the way, let’s enjoy our evening shall we?" Kain spoke, a smile forming on his face. He turned his eyes to Valmont, placing his hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

"While we wait for our food to arrive, why don’t you tell them about your latest Dungeon expedition?" Kain asked.

Valmont blinked in surprise, distracted from his perverted observations as he was struck back to reality by the sound of his father’s voice. Upon hearing that he wanted him to tell them about his latest Dungeon expedition, a fierce grin bloomed on Valmont’s lips as he glanced over at Marion, the two briefly locking eyes for a moment.

"Ah~Why not~" Valmont spoke in a gentle tone, befitting that of a playboy that made Marion roll her eyes as she didn’t even want to look at him. "The Dungeon was a tough one I will admit, harboring near the peak of A-Rank as we tackled it." He began.

"The exteriors were cold, the monsters were fierce and brutal! Powerful beasts that tore my comrades to shreds were everywhere, we were really beginning to think that the Dungeon might’ve been S-Rank." He spoke, adding some dramatic flair to his story in order to get Marion’s attention and perhaps earn her interest, but she didn’t seem fazed in the slightest.

"Our numbers were wearing thin, and the Boss was even tougher than all the monsters we’ve fought on the dozens of previous floors. But of course, this monster was no match for me!" Valmont said, his tone suddenly switching to a prideful and arrogant one as he began to boast about his Talent.

"The beast was giant, ugly, and truly disgusting! But I, Valmont Ashbourne, used my Legendary Tier Talent, [Holy Spear King]! To defeat the beast in a single strike! Blood and guts flew everywhere, and the treasure we’ve received was even more astounding!" He spoke with honor and pride, a boisterous laughter escaping his lips.

Cheers and applause of pride and astonishment ringed throughout the table, as both families were utterly impressed upon hearing this news.

"My my~I’m proud of you son, you’re doing well in strengthening our family’s name," The mistress of the Ashbourne family spoke, a pleased smile stretching across her lips.

"Absolutely marvelous! Truly impressive indeed!" Leon commended, finding the news to be quite amazing.

’Yes...see how they clap in astonishment of my glory!’ Valmont said to himself inwardly, allowing the praise to get to his head as he bathed in the glory of his accomplishment, a dark chuckle escaping his lips as his eyes hungrily roamed over Marion’s, taking in every curve and swell to detail.

’You can act as tough as you please, but the moment you become mine I’ll enjoy every moment breaking that shell you’ve built around yourself~Just you wait, Marion~" He finished with a small chuckle, a chill running Marion’s spine as she noticed the way he was looking at her, a bad feeling settling over her.

’What the hell....’ Marion thought with a gulp, breaking a nervous sweat. She feeling she received from Valmont was so intense, it bordered on killing intent, the overwhelming force of his gaze enough to drain the oxygen from her lungs and leave her breathless.

Her hands began to tremble on her knees, feeling incredibly uncomfortable as she couldn’t meet his gaze.

’Filthy...pervert...’ Marion thought inwardly, gritting her teeth as she could already tell what that monster was thinking, and it disgusted her to no end. The Ashbourne’s playboy and secret weapon was going to be her husband in the future, just the thought alone already made her want to puke, she hated every single second of this!

"So Marion~ What do you-!?" Valmont was about to ask, wanting her to bask in the awesomeness of his tale as he tried to win her over once more with his charming attitude, before being interrupted by the sounds of approaching footsteps.

The first thing that hit them with the force of a tidal wave was the utterly delicious smell coming form the tray’s of food, everyone in the room instinctively blinking as their noses already registered the mouth watering aroma as the table immediately grew tense.

’What the hell smells so good!?’ Everyone collectively thought at the table, eyes glued to the entry as Loraine and the chefs walked in through the doorway, carrying dishes served on platters and trays of food behind them, the aroma emanating from all of them so intense it felt almost lethal.

"My dearest apologies for the delay," Margret apologized with a bow, lowering her head gracefully as she showed her respects. "Our chefs have been working their hardest to prepare the best of the best for you, we hope you’ll enjoy what we’ve cooked for you."