Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 204: Complications

Chapter 204: Complications

The morning light streamed through the tall windows of Grim’s chambers as he stood before the ornate mirror, adjusting his tobes that had been specially commissioned for tonight’s celebration.

The deep midnight blue fabric was embroidered with silver threads. Tonight was not just his eighteenth birthday celebration—it was the most important political event House Ambrose had hosted in decades.

Violet moved around the chamber quickly ensuring every detail of his appearance was perfect. Her auburn hair was pinned back more formally than usual, and she wore the finest servant’s attire the household could provide.

As the newest member of his staff, she took obvious pride in being selected to attend to him during such a significant occasion.

"The silver clasps or the jade ones, my lord?" she asked, holding up two different options for securing his outer robe.

"Silver," Grim replied, watching her nimble fingers work to fasten the ornate clasps. "They complement the embroidery better."

"An excellent choice," Violet agreed, stepping back to survey her work. "You look every inch the noble lord, if I may say so."

Grim studied his reflection, noting how the formal attire emphasized the changes that had occurred since his return from the dragon realms.

His bearing was more confident, his presence more commanding, and there was something in his eyes that looked different than before he entered the Sea Realms.

[Tonight changes everything,] Caius observed from within his consciousness. [The choice you make will shape not just your personal future, but the political landscape of the entire Empire.]

"I understand the stakes," Grim murmured quietly, knowing Violet would assume he was speaking to himself.

[Do you? Marriage among nobility is warfare by other means. Every family arriving tonight has calculated what alliance with House Ambrose could provide them. Your bride won’t just be your companion—she’ll be a political statement about your priorities and loyalties.]

Having finished with his robes and now fixing his belt. She went to grab his sword.

"DON’T TOUCH THAT SWORD!" Grim yelled out as he appeared in front of her. "If you touch this sword, you won’t have hands anymore and there will be nothing I can do about it."

"I’m sorry my Lord." As she bowed her head and quivered for a moment.

"Lift your head up," Grim said as he put his swords on his belt. "I’m not going to beat you for trying to help me."

"Of course my Lord."

Grim stopped and paused for a moment.

"My Lord," Violet asked.

"Just reviewing the evening’s schedule," Grim replied, forcing himself to focus on immediate concerns. "Remind me—when are the international delegations expected to arrive?"

"Master Chen Xing indicated that the representatives from the Great Nation of Colere should arrive by mid-afternoon," Violet said, consulting a small notebook where she had recorded various details. "The delegates from the smaller allied nations will arrive throughout the day, with the most significant guests scheduled for the early evening."

A sharp knock at the door interrupted their conversation. "Enter," Grim called.

Chen Xing stepped into the chamber, his arms full of documents. He wore formal robes in deep black, marking his status as chief advisor to House Ambrose.

"The final guest confirmations," Chen Xing announced, setting the papers on Grim’s desk. "Seventy-three noble families have confirmed attendance, including representatives from all fifteen of the major houses. Additionally, we have delegates from six foreign nations, three merchant guild consortia, and several independent parties of... particular interest."

"Particular interest?" Grim asked, moving to examine the guest list.

"The supernatural delegations," Chen Xing replied, lowering his voice slightly. "Word of your abilities has spread beyond purely human circles. We have representatives from groups that most people consider mythical."

Grim scanned the list, noting several names that seemed unusual. "Húwáng? And what nation does he represent?"

"Not a nation in the conventional sense," Chen Xing explained carefully. "The Húli jīng are... fox spirits, for lack of a better term. They maintain their own territories and political structures separate from human kingdoms. Húwáng is essentially their king, and his attendance tonight represents unprecedented diplomatic recognition."

"And he’s bringing a daughter?"

"Ruxi, according to the delegation request. Described as being of marriageable age and possessing significant magical abilities." Chen Xing paused, clearly choosing his words carefully. "The political implications of such an alliance would be... complex."

[Interesting,] Caius mused. [A union between dragon-blessed and fox magic could produce remarkable offspring. Though it would certainly complicate your relationship with purely human nobility.]

"What other supernatural delegations should I expect?" Grim asked.

"A representative from the Mountain Clan Dwarves, though they’re attending more for trade discussion than marriage negotiations. And..." Chen Xing hesitated. "There are rumors that other entities may attend uninvited. The increased magical activity around your sect has attracted attention from groups that don’t typically interact with human society."

"Security arrangements?"

"Comprehensive, my lord. Archmage Marcus has provided additional ward specialists. And as you requested Shen Lao will be in attendance in white robes."

Violet had been listening to this exchange with obvious fascination, her eyes wide at the casual discussion of fox spirits. Grim made a mental note to ensure her discretion—servants often heard far more than their employers realized.

"The venue preparations?" Grim asked, moving to the window that overlooked the manor’s main grounds.

"Complete," Chen Xing replied with evident satisfaction. "The great hall has been expanded using temporary pavilions to accommodate the guest count. The gardens have been illuminated with floating lanterns. The kitchen staff has been supplemented with specialists capable of preparing dishes suitable for... varied dietary requirements."

Through the window, Grim could see the extensive preparations taking place. Servants moved between the manor and newly erected pavilions, carrying furniture, decorations, and supplies. The entire estate had been transformed into something resembling a small festival ground.

"And the ladies who are... actively seeking my consideration?"

Chen Xing consulted another document. "Princess Liona will arrive with the imperial party this evening. Lady Lianna Levenhart is already en route from the eastern provinces. Mira Luminaris..." He paused, his expression growing more cautious. "Miss Luminaris has requested a private audience before the general celebration begins."

"Absolutely not," Grim said immediately. "Any private meetings can wait until after the formal introductions."

"Understood. There are also several daughters of minor noble houses who have expressed interest, though their political value is limited. The international candidates, however..."

"Present more complex opportunities," Grim finished. "What do we know about their backgrounds and motivations?"

"Ruxi appears to be genuinely available for marriage, though the political ramifications of such an alliance would extend far beyond the Empire’s borders. The fox spirits have ancient territories that overlap with several human kingdoms, and formal recognition through marriage could establish either more room for allies or enemies."

Chen Xing moved to the window, pointing toward a section of the grounds where several elaborately decorated carriages had already arrived.

"Some delegations have come specifically to assess your worthiness as a potential ally, regardless of marriage prospects. Some will expect a duel from you... noteworthy among circles that don’t typically concern themselves with human politics."

"Wonderful," Grim muttered. "As if the political calculations weren’t complex enough."

[Remember,] Caius advised, [power attracts power. The stronger you become, the more your alliances matter to entities beyond the human realm. Choose carefully—some doors, once opened, cannot be closed again.]