I hope his dad isn't as much of a prick as he's making him out to be. Tbf since the first and second sons will also be marrying well/making connections, having the third son marry someone of lesser status seems like a smaller sin...sure their marriage won't elevate the family name/wealth, but he's the third son so he's not meant to be outstanding anyway, right..?
I have a feeling this story will have Elena reach prestige for her genius/talents (she's already beat him in grades once) and hopefully it will make their future relationship have some fighting power...