Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 198: Caius van Ambrose

Chapter 198: Caius van Ambrose

Grim made his way back to his chambers after the sect inspection, his mind still processing the implications of what they had discovered in the underground chamber.

He settled into the chair by his window, looking out over the restored gardens of the Ambrose estate. For a moment, he simply enjoyed the peace of his ancestral home.

"Now we can speak freely," he said quietly, ensuring no servants were within earshot.

[Indeed,] the voice replied, its familiar presence settling into his consciousness like an old companion. [Your sect is quite impressive. Though I suspect you built more than you realize.]

"Before we discuss the sect, I have a question that’s been bothering me," Grim said, his tone carrying an edge of accusation. "Where were you during my time in the Sea Realms? You’ve been a constant presence in my mind since childhood, offering guidance and knowledge. Yet the moment I encountered real supernatural forces, you went completely silent."

A sensation like thoughtful consideration rippled through his mind before the voice responded.

[You needed to grow. To face those trials and make those connections without my influence clouding your judgment.]

"That’s not an answer," Grim pressed. "You disappeared the moment I entered that portal. Why?"

[Because the Dragon Kings would have sensed my presence,] the voice admitted with what felt like reluctant honesty. [My nature would have... complicated your negotiations with them. They needed to see you as purely human, not as someone carrying the essence of something else entirely.]

"Something else? What exactly are you?"

Grim sat in silence for a long moment. He had suspected, of course—the resemblance in that white void space, the knowledge of family techniques, the deep understanding of their bloodline’s abilities.

"Caius," he said finally. "You’ve been with me since birth?"

[Since the moment you drew your first breath. I bound my spirit to you, to guide and protect you when the time came.]

"And the Dragon Kings couldn’t know?"

[They remember me as I was—powerful, ambitious, perhaps too willing to sacrifice for what I believed was the greater good. Had they known my spirit still influenced events, they would have seen you as my puppet rather than your own man. You needed to earn their respect and contracts based on your own merits.]

Grim absorbed this revelation, understanding now why the voice had been silent during such a crucial period. "The contracts I accepted—you approve?"

[They are more balanced than what I had,] Caius replied with what felt like satisfaction. [Less invasive, more respectful of your human nature. You have avoided some of my mistakes.]

"Speaking of which," Grim said, leaning back in his chair, "let’s discuss current matters. The sect, for instance. What did you mean when you said I built more than I realize?"

[The underground chamber resonated with that ancient scale for a reason. That chamber will serve purposes you haven’t yet imagined.]

"Such as?"

[When the time comes, it will allow you transverse yo other realms as long as you have the correct key. The scale you have will allow you to go to abother realm. To see something that will want to see you.]

"Something?" Grim asked.

[Ao Guang told you of three contracts that made the Celestial Mist Sword Dao. That will lead you to one of them. That one loved me. She would have gave me anything so I used her for my son Cassius.]

A brief pause before he continued. [She will want to meet you. Bu bring the scale to the underground chamber she likely felt you mana. But, you need to produce stronger mana if you want to see her. I’d say you’d need at least six mana hearts before she’ll open the portal for you.]

"What about the marriage arrangements Chen Xing is orchestrating? Do you have opinions on political alliances?" Grim changed the subject.

[Marriage is indeed a tool of statecraft,] Caius replied pragmatically. [But choose carefully. Your eventual wife will need to understand and accept the supernatural aspects of your life. Not all women are okay with being the First Wife.]

"Any specific recommendations?"

[Princess Liona shows genuine affection and has already been exposed to supernatural events through your shared experiences. Lady Huangyan possesses the strength and martial understanding to be a true partner rather than just an ornament. Avoid Mira Luminaris entirely—she seeks power for its own sake and would betray you the moment it became advantageous.]

"I had already reached that conclusion about Mira," Grim said. "Though I’m curious about your assessment of the Princess."

[Royal blood carries its own protections and authorities. A marriage alliance with the imperial family would provide significant political security while you build your power base. But ensure it’s based on genuine affection rather than mere convenience—you’ll need someone who truly supports you when the real challenges begin.]

"Real challenges?"

[What you’ve accomplished so far is merely preparation,] Caius said, his tone becoming more serious. [Malaxis still moves in the shadows, your family’s enemies remain powerful, and forces beyond this realm are taking notice of your activities. The sect will attract attention from entities that most humans never encounter.]

"Which brings me to my primary concern," Grim said, his voice hardening. "Revenge against those who destroyed our family. I have plans for Julius and his allies, but I want your perspective on the best approach."

[Tell me your thoughts first.]

"Take them out one at a time," Grim said, his tone becoming cold and calculating. "Start with the weaker allies, remove their support structure, isolate Julius until he’s completely alone. When I finally move against him directly, he’ll have no one left to call upon."

[And Julius himself?]

"Dies slowly," Grim replied without hesitation. "He orchestrated the destruction of everything our family built. He deserves to suffer for what he did."

[I understand the desire for revenge,] Caius said carefully. [I felt the same burning need after witnessing our family’s fall. But remember—revenge that destroys you in the process is hollow victory. Make sure your methods don’t compromise the power and position you’re building.]

"Meaning?"

[Be strategic about it. Use your growing influence to isolate them politically and economically first. Let them destroy themselves through desperation rather than giving them opportunities to portray you as the aggressor. When you finally move against Julius directly, ensure it’s seen as justice rather than mere vengeance.]

"And if that’s not satisfying enough?"

[Then ensure he lives long enough to fully comprehend what he’s lost before death claims him. There are fates worse than quick execution—complete destruction of everything he values, everyone he cares about, every legacy he hoped to leave behind.]

Grim smiled coldly. "Now you’re speaking my language."

[Remember, though—the true enemy is Malaxis. Julius was merely his tool, perhaps unwittingly. Don’t let personal revenge distract you from the larger threat.]

"I can handle multiple priorities," Grim said confidently. "The sect will provide training and resources for dealing with supernatural threats. My political maneuvering will eliminate domestic enemies. And my growing powers will eventually allow me to face Malaxis directly."

[Ambitious plans. They will require careful execution and considerable patience.]

"I’ve learned patience," Grim replied.

[Good. Now, about your meeting with the Empress tomorrow—]

"How did you know about that?"

[I know many things, young lord. Chen Xing sent a message while you were at the sect. She wants a formal report on your activities in Port Velmira.]

"And what should I tell her?"

[The truth. Or at least, as much truth as she can handle. Empress Alexia is more aware of supernatural matters than most realize.]

"How ready?"

[That remains to be seen. But approach it carefully—she could become either your greatest ally or your most dangerous enemy, depending on how she reacts to revelations about your true nature.]

As the sun set over the capital, Grim found himself grateful for this conversation. Having Caius’s guidance available again felt like reclaiming a piece of his heritage that had been missing during his time in the dragon realms.

The plans ahead were complex and dangerous, but for the first time since returning to the human world, he felt truly prepared for what was coming.

Tomorrow’s meeting with the Empress would be the first real test of how much truth the human political establishment could handle.

"I always thought you were an ancestor of mine. You had to much information. But knowing your Caius changes everything." Grim said to himself.