Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 200: Hello, Son

Chapter 200: Hello, Son

The Ambrose Manor bustled with activity as servants made final preparations for the most significant event in the family’s recent history.

A week had passed since Grim’s meeting with Empress Alexia, and today marked both the grand opening of his sect and his eighteenth birthday celebration.

Grim stood in his chambers, adjusting the formal robes that Chen Xing had commissioned for the occasion. The deep blue fabric was embroidered with silver thread in patterns that subtly evoked his imperial authority.

A sharp knock interrupted his preparations. "Enter," he called, knowing who it would be.

Chen Xing stepped into the room, his expression carrying the focused intensity that preceded major public events. "The carriages are beginning to arrive. Delegates from the Great Nation of Colere, ambassadors from the smaller nations, and virtually every noble family of significance within the Empire."

"I’m still angry with you about those marriage letters," Grim said, giving Chen Xing a pointed look as he fastened his sword belt.

"And I remain convinced it was the correct strategy," Chen Xing replied without a hint of remorse. "Though we can debate tactics later. Right now, we need to hurry—you’re the guest of honor, and your absence is becoming noticeable."

Grim moved to the window and looked out at the impressive procession of carriages making their way toward his sect. The facility itself was visible in the distance, its pagoda-style tower rising majestically against the afternoon sky.

Banners in Ambrose colors flew from every level, while crowds of people streamed through the main courtyard.

"The response exceeded even our optimistic projections," Chen Xing continued, following his gaze. "Word of the sect has spread far beyond the Empire’s borders. Your family’s restoration has captured attention across multiple nations."

"And what exactly are you planning to say in this grand speech of yours?" Grim asked, turning away from the window.

"The truth, carefully presented," Chen Xing replied with a slight smile. "Lord Grim van Ambrose, Imperial Defender of the Southern Shores, has established a prestigious educational institution dedicated to advanced magical training. His personal achievements, his family’s distinguished history, and his vision for the future of magical education in the Empire."

"No mention of the supernatural?"

"Not directly. Though those with the knowledge to read between the lines will understand that this sect serves purposes beyond conventional education."

They made their way through the manor and into the waiting carriage. The ride to the sect grounds was relatively short, but Grim could see the crowds growing denser as they approached. Citizens lined the roads, many calling out congratulations and expressions of support for House Ambrose’s return to prominence.

"Decades," Grim murmured, watching the faces of people who remembered his family’s fall from grace. "It’s been years since anyone looked at an Ambrose with respect rather than pity."

"And now they see strength returning to an ancient bloodline," Chen Xing observed. "The timing couldn’t be better—your achievements coincide with growing concerns about security and the need for capable leadership."

The sect itself was magnificent in the afternoon light. The main courtyard had been transformed for the celebration, with raised platforms for viewing. Imperial banners hung alongside Ambrose family colors, while representatives from various nations mingled with local nobility.

As their carriage approached the main entrance, Grim could see the diversity of the crowd. Formal diplomatic delegations stood near groups of curious scholars, while military officers examined the sect’s architecture with professional interest.

Several individuals wore robes that marked them as practicing mages, their presence suggesting that word of the sect’s potential had reached the magical community.

"The Empress?" Grim asked, scanning the crowd.

"Will arrive shortly, along with Princess Liona and the senior members of the imperial court," Chen Xing replied. "Protocol demands that you greet the international delegates first, then the imperial party."

Their carriage stopped near a temporary pavilion that had been erected for receiving important guests. Chen Xing stepped out first, immediately moving to coordinate with the various officials managing the event’s logistics.

"Lord Ambrose," one of the coordinators approached with a slight bow, "if you’re ready, we can begin with the formal presentations."

Grim nodded, mentally preparing himself for what would likely be several hours of ceremonial interactions. The importance of making a positive impression on international observers couldn’t be understated—his sect’s reputation would influence not just recruitment but also political relationships across multiple nations.

As he moved toward the receiving area, he caught sight of familiar faces in the crowd.

Lady Huangyan stood with a small group of martial artists.

"The delegate from Colere wishes to speak with you personally," Chen Xing murmured as they walked. "Apparently, their royal academy has expressed interest in potential collaboration."

"Collaboration or competition?" Grim asked.

"Both, most likely. They want to assess whether your sect represents an opportunity or a threat to their own magical education programs."

The receiving area was elegantly arranged, with comfortable seating and refreshments suitable for diplomatic discussion. Grim had barely taken his position when the first delegation approached.

"Lord Ambrose," the lead delegate said with a respectful bow, "I am Master Ruo Han of the Colere Royal Academy. We bring greetings and congratulations on your remarkable achievements."

"Master Han," Grim replied, "the Empire is honored by Colere’s presence at our celebration."

The conversation that followed was diplomatic, with both sides probing for information while maintaining polite facades.

Master Han was particularly interested in the sect’s curriculum and the qualifications of its instructors, while Grim provided just enough detail to demonstrate competence without revealing sensitive information.

Similar exchanges followed with representatives from smaller nations, each interaction adding to the growing international recognition of the sect’s significance. By the time the imperial party arrived, Grim had already established his institution’s credibility with multiple foreign observers.

A magnificent carriage accompanied by the Imperial Guard, with banners announcing her presence to the assembled crowd.

Chen Xing moved to the central platform as the Empress and Princess Liona took her place among the honored guests. The crowd gradually quieted as he prepared to deliver his speech, the anticipation palpable among hundreds of observers.

"Citizens of the Empire, honored guests from allied nations, distinguished members of the magical community," Chen Xing began, his voice carrying clearly across the courtyard. "Today we celebrate not just the opening of a new educational institution, but the restoration of one of our Empire’s most distinguished bloodlines."

He gestured toward Grim, who stood at the edge of the platform. "Lord Grim van Ambrose represents the finest traditions of imperial service—courage in the face of adversity, dedication to the Empire’s welfare, and the wisdom to build for the future rather than merely react to present challenges."

The speech continued, carefully crafted to highlight Grim’s achievements while positioning the sect as a valuable addition to the Empire’s resources. Chen Xing was masterful in his presentation, weaving together themes of tradition and innovation, individual excellence and collective benefit.

"The Celestial Sect," Chen Xing announced, using the sect’s formal name for the first time publicly, "will serve students from across the Empire and beyond, united by their commitment to excellence and their desire to master abilities that can serve the greater good."

As the applause built, Grim prepared to step forward and address the crowd himself. This was the moment he would officially claim his place as both educator and leader, announcing his family’s return to prominence before witnesses from multiple nations.

But before he could move toward the platform, a hand fell on Chen Xing’s shoulder.

"Magnificent speech, old friend," a familiar voice said, though it carried undertones that made Grim’s blood run cold. "And congratulations to both of you on this remarkable achievement."

The crowd’s attention shifted to the figure who had appeared seemingly from nowhere—a man in travel-worn but expensive clothing, with dark hair and features that bore an unmistakable resemblance to Grim himself.

Chen Xing’s face went white as he turned to see who had approached him. Several people in the crowd began to murmur, recognition dawning among those old enough to remember.

"Rowan van Ambrose," the man announced to the gathering, his voice carrying across the courtyard with unnatural clarity. "I apologize for my tardiness—family obligations kept me away longer than expected."

Grim felt the world tilt around him. The figure standing on the platform was unmistakably his father, barely aged from his memories of twelve years ago. His smile was too cold, the eyes held malice that his father had never possessed, and there was an aura of barely contained power that made the air itself feel heavy.

From the crowd came scattered gasps of recognition and confusion. Empress Alexia’s expression had gone carefully blank, while Princess Liona stared with obvious shock. Only a few individuals in the gathering—Chen Xing, Archmage Marcus, Chancellor Levenheart—seemed to understand the true significance of this appearance.

"Father?" Grim whispered, though something deep inside him already knew this wasn’t a reunion he should celebrate.

The figure wearing his father’s face turned toward him, and for just a moment, Grim saw something ancient and malevolent looking out through familiar eyes.

"Hello, son," Rowan said, his smile never wavering. "We have so much to discuss."

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