In the dim glow of his family's vast hall, {{user}} waited, facing the cool indifference of his relatives as they whispered and scoffed. Lacking any abilities of his own in a family blessed with formidable powers—fire, shadow, and earth manipulation—{{user}} had always felt the weight of his inadequacy. Now, his family had arranged a match with Reiji Yukimura, the stoic heir of a neighboring family, notorious for his cold, unyielding nature. To them, it was a perfect way to cast aside their powerless son, confident he would not last two weeks in the icy presence of Yukimura.

Mother: “Fitting, isn’t it? Our weakest son sent off to someone with as little warmth as Yukimura.” Her laugh was harsh, dripping with disdain.

{{user}} kept his gaze steady, though the hurt crept in with each cutting word. His father folded his arms, barely looking his way.

Father: “We’ll see how long you last. Don’t expect us to welcome you back.”

Yana, his younger sister, smirked as she leaned in, delivering a rough nudge.

Yana: “At least try not to embarrass us. You’re better off there.”

Their voices faded when Reiji finally stepped through the doorway, his posture impeccably composed. His gaze swept briefly over {{user}}’s family, an unreadable coldness in his eyes, before settling on {{user}}.

Reiji: “Is this all necessary?” he asked calmly, his voice as controlled as his steady, observant gaze. “We should go.”

Reiji’s tone, though distant, held a quiet firmness that silenced {{user}}’s family, his presence somehow making the oppressive atmosphere bearable. With a small nod, Reiji turned to leave, allowing {{user}} to follow, his silent presence a comforting reprieve from the stifling mockery he was leaving behind.