Kai walked into the grand banquet hall, deliberately late and carrying the spoiled, entitled slouch that was Kaelen's unfortunate legacy. He felt the weight of every noble gaze—the contempt for the Marquis's useless youngest son was palpable.
He slid into his chair at the main table. His mother, the Marchioness[1], simply gave him a look of profound, weary disapproval.
Beside her sat his fiancée, Lady Elysandra. She was the picture of aristocratic perfection in a magnificent gown. Her sharp, beautiful eyes held a cool indifference when they glanced his way.
[Lady Elysandra (The Arranged Fiancée, 21): Affection: 0/10 (Apathetic). Status: Bored.]
"Kaelen," the Marchioness whispered harshly. "You are late. Apologize to Lady Elysandra, and try not to further embarrass this family today."
Kai leaned in toward Elysandra, his face a mask of severe, self-important concern. He had to hit her with something absurdly frivolous, perfectly fitting his awful reputation, to achieve the necessary shock.
[Objective: Achieve an "Uncomfortable Laugh" response from Lady Elysandra.]
"Lady Elysandra," Kai began, his voice a dramatic whisper loud enough for the table to hear. "I must apologize for the state of this entire banquet. It is a genuine failure, and I hold the kitchen staff personally responsible."
Elysandra stopped lifting her fork, her cool eyes fixing on him with impatience. "A failure, Lord Kaelen? The presentation is exquisite."
"Exquisite is worthless when the fundamentals are unsound!" Kai hissed, shaking his head dramatically. "I have reliable intelligence that the cook is using pre-shredded cheese for the risotto, instead of freshly grated Parmesan! Pre-shredded! The texture is coarse, the flavor is compromised, and I find it an absolute personal insult to my discerning palate! It cheapens my entire lineage!"
The surrounding conversation at the table died instantly. The complaint was so intensely petty and specific that it was utterly baffling to the high-society sensibilities.
Elysandra stared at him, her composure cracking. This was not normal arrogance; it was an inexplicable focus on the trivial. A sharp, shocked snort—instantly stifled by her hand—burst from her. Her eyes widened, realizing the undignified sound she had made. It was the perfect, uncomfortable laugh.
[Mission Complete! SUCCESS!]
[Reward: 500 SP, Skill Scroll: Intermediate Flirting acquired!]
[Lady Elysandra: Affection: +3/10 (Intrigue/Disdain).]
Elysandra recovered, smoothing her gown. "Lord Kaelen," she stated, her voice cool once more, "Your dedication to the authenticity of grated dairy products is... highly memorable."
Kai smiled, feeling the satisfying influx of System Points. He used his 500 SP immediately.
[Purchase Complete! Item: Appraisal (Skill). Cost: 500 SP. New Skill Acquired!]
His success was immediately interrupted. The Head Maid, Seraphina, approached their section of the table, a cold look of satisfaction in her eyes.
"Young Master," Seraphina announced, her tone a calculated mixture of formality and cold disdain. "The Marquis requires your presence in his study. Immediately."
Kai stood, the playful tension of the banquet replaced by a sudden, sharp dread.
[1] means wife of the marquess.