Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 196: Chen Xing, Explain Yourself

Chapter 196: Chen Xing, Explain Yourself

Grim woke to the sound of quiet movement in his chamber.

As his eyes adjusted to the morning light, he saw a young woman arranging fresh clothes on the dresser.

She was perhaps twenty years old, with auburn hair neatly braided and pulled back to reveal bright green eyes. Her uniform was simple maid uniform for household staff, but it was well-maintained and fitted properly.

When she noticed him stirring, she turned and offered a respectful curtsy.

"Good morning, my lord," she said with a warm smile that seemed genuine rather than merely dutiful. "I hope I didn’t wake you. I was just preparing your morning attire and ensuring your chamber was properly arranged for the day."

Grim sat up, studying the unfamiliar face. "I don’t believe we’ve met. What’s your name?"

"Violet, my lord," she replied, her voice carrying a note of pride that went beyond simple job satisfaction. "I’m new to your service. Sera hired me just yesterday evening when word of your return spread through the city."

"New staff?" Grim asked, genuinely surprised. The Ambrose household has finally begun to flourish.

"Yes, my lord. With your appointment as Imperial Defender and the obvious restoration of the manor, Sera felt it appropriate to expand the household staff to match your elevated station." Violet’s eyes brightened with genuine enthusiasm that couldn’t be feigned. "I must say, my lord, I’m deeply proud to work for the Ambrose family."

Something in her tone caught Grim’s attention—there was personal investment there, not just professional courtesy. "You speak as if you have a personal connection to the house."

"In a way, I do," Violet said, her smile becoming more personal and less formal. "My grandfather served House Ambrose for thirty years before... before the troubles began. He was here during your father’s youth."

She paused, her expression becoming more solemn. "He often told me stories about the family’s honor and nobility, about how House Ambrose was known for treating their staff with respect and fairness. When I heard through the servants’ networks that you were rebuilding, that the family was rising again, I knew I had to apply for service."

"Your grandfather’s name?" Grim asked, curious now.

"Thomas Brightwater, my lord. He was an under-steward in your father’s time, responsible for managing the household accounts and coordinating with the kitchen staff."

"Thomas Brightwater," Grim repeated.

Grim said softly. "I’m honored to have his granddaughter in our service, Violet. I hope you’ll find working here as rewarding as your grandfather did."

"I’m certain I will, my lord. Grandfather always said that House Ambrose inspired loyalty not through fear or mere payment, but through genuine respect for those who served faithfully."

Violet gestured toward the clothes she had laid out—formal but comfortable. "Sera asked me to inform you that breakfast will be ready whenever you’re prepared to take it, and that you have correspondence waiting in your study that arrived during the night."

"Correspondence that arrived during the night?" Grim frowned. "That suggests either urgent business or someone who wanted to ensure their message was waiting when I woke."

"I couldn’t say, my lord. Sera received it from a messenger who insisted it be placed directly on your desk without delay."

After Violet departed, Grim dressed quickly and made his way to the study. Sure enough, several letters waited on his desk, but one in particular caught his attention. The seal was familiar—Chen Xing’s mark—but this wasn’t addressed to him.

Curious, he opened the letter and began reading. His expression grew increasingly dark as he processed the contents.

Grim was still staring at the letter in disbelief when Chen Xing himself entered the study, his expression was neutral.

"Good morning, Lord Ambrose," Chen Xing said pleasantly. "I trust you slept well?"

"Chen Xing," Grim said, his voice dangerously quiet as he held up the letter. "What exactly is this?"

"Correspondence, my lord. Specifically, correspondence designed to address a pressing matter regarding your future."

"My future?" Grim’s voice rose slightly. "You sent letters to noble families offering me up like a prize bull!"

Chen Xing remained completely unperturbed. "I followed your instructions to the letter, my lord. You asked me to make the noble ladies lose interest in pursuing you romantically. This letter accomplishes that goal perfectly."

"How does offering me for marriage make them lose interest?"

"Simple psychology," Chen Xing explained with the patience of a teacher addressing a slow student. "By making it clear that you’re actively seeking matrimonial arrangements through formal channels, you’ve removed the excitement of pursuit. Noble ladies, particularly young ones, prefer the thrill of conquest to arranged convenience."

Grim stared at him. "That’s... actually clever. And manipulative."

"Thank you, my lord. However, there is another consideration we must address." Chen Xing moved to the window, gazing out at the city. "You are now of age, with a restored position and growing influence. Most nobles your age have already begun expanding their family lines."

"Most nobles also have multiple wives to ensure numerous prominent children," Chen Xing continued. "House Ambrose cannot remain a single bloodline forever. The family name requires continuation, and political alliances through marriage remain one of the most effective tools of statecraft."

"So you’re saying I actually do need to consider marriage?"

"I’m saying you need to consider the strategic implications of remaining unmarried while your enemies multiply and your house remains vulnerable to extinction." Chen Xing turned back to face him. "A single heir is a liability. Multiple heirs from advantageous marriages represent security and expanded influence."

Grim set the letter down, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders once again. "Let me guess—you already have candidates in mind?"

"Several, actually. But that discussion can wait for another day." Chen Xing’s expression brightened. "Today, we have more immediate matters to address. The sect construction is complete."

"Complete?" Grim looked up with sudden interest.

"Finished this morning. The builders worked through the night to complete the final details. Would you like to inspect your new facility?"

The prospect of seeing his vision realized pushed thoughts of marriage arrangements temporarily aside. "Yes. Let’s go immediately."

"Excellent. I think you’ll find the results... impressive."

As they prepared to leave, Grim couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly his life was becoming complicated again.

But there was something exciting about seeing his plans come to fruition. The sect represented more than just a training facility; it was the foundation of his vision for gaining unchallenged power in the Empire.

"Chen Xing," he said as they left the manor, "when we return, we’ll need to discuss recruitment for the sect. I have specific criteria for the type of students we’ll accept."

"Of course, my lord. Though I should mention that word of your new facility has already generated considerable interest among the noble families. Many see it as an opportunity to advance their children’s magical education."

"Let them be interested," Grim replied. "But ability will matter more than pedigree in my sect."

"A refreshing philosophy," Chen Xing observed. "Though potentially controversial among the established noble houses."

"Good," Grim said with a slight smile. "It’s time this empire learned that real power comes from merit, not just birthright."

As they made their way through the capital toward the sect grounds, Grim found himself looking forward to this next phase of his plans.

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