Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 209: Private Conversation

Chapter 209: Private Conversation

Terras collapsed to his knees, blood streaming between his fingers as he tried to stem the bleeding. Several guests rushed to assist him, while others stared at Grim with mixtures of fear and admiration.

"Perhaps Lord Terras should seek medical attention," Grim observed with cold indifference. "And perhaps he should consider whether attending future Ambrose celebrations aligns with his... health interests."

"Grim," Princess Liona had appeared at his side, her voice carrying both concern and something that might have been approval. "That was... decisive."

"It was necessary," Grim replied, his anger beginning to cool as he watched Terras being helped toward the exit by his supporters. "Some people only understand one language."

"Indeed they do," came a familiar voice. Grim turned to see Malaxis approaching with an expression of paternal pride that felt deeply wrong. "I’m proud of you, son. A man who won’t defend his household doesn’t deserve to lead it."

The approval made Grim’s stomach turn, but he forced himself to respond appropriately for the audience watching them. "Thank you, father. Though I regret the necessity of violence during what should have been a peaceful celebration."

"Sometimes violence is the only response that carries meaning," Malaxis replied, his eyes holding malevolent satisfaction. "Lord Terras has now learned that House Ambrose demands respect. The lesson will not be forgotten by others."

Around them, the hall buzzed with excited conversation as guests processed the dramatic turn of events. Some expressed shock at the sudden violence, others nodded approval at Grim’s defense of his staff, and still others began to discuss about what this display meant for their own interactions with House Ambrose.

"My lord," Violet approached hesitantly, her face pale but her voice steady, "thank you for... for defending me."

"You’re under my protection," Grim replied firmly. "Anyone who threatens my people threatens me personally. That will never be tolerated."

"The girl was quite brave," Malaxis observed with apparent approval. "Standing her ground against a lord of the realm shows admirable character. You chose your staff well."

The praise from his father’s face felt like poison, but Grim managed to nod acknowledgment while fighting down his revulsion.

Chen Xing appeared beside them, having ensured Terras was properly escorted from the premises. "The immediate situation has been resolved," he reported quietly. "Lord Terras has departed for medical attention, and his supporters have gone with him."

"Good," Grim said. "Now perhaps we can return to the celebration’s intended purpose."

"Indeed," Malaxis agreed with enthusiasm that seemed genuinely paternal. "Tonight is about your future, not settling accounts with fools. Though I must say, your technique with the blade has improved considerably. Your training has clearly been worthwhile."

[He’s fishing for information about your abilities,] Caius warned silently. [Be careful how much you reveal.]

"I’ve had excellent instructors," Grim replied neutrally, glancing toward where Shen Lao stood observing the aftermath of the confrontation.

"I’m sure you have," Malaxis said with a smile that held too much knowledge. "We’ll have to discuss your recent educational experiences in detail."

Before Grim could respond, Ambassador Lín approached with diplomatic concern. "Lord Ambrose, I hope this unfortunate incident won’t cast a shadow over the evening’s festivities?"

"Not at all, Ambassador," Grim replied with renewed composure. "Lord Terras chose to forget his manners. I simply reminded him of proper behavior in a civilized household."

"Quite understandable," Lín agreed, though his eyes held the calculating assessment of someone filing away information about Grim’s willingness to use violence. "Colere appreciates decisive leadership."

As other guests began approaching to offer their perspectives on the incident, Grim realized that his action had accomplished more than simply defending Violet. He had demonstrated to every person present that House Ambrose would not tolerate disrespect in any form, and that he possessed both the sbility and willingness to enforce that standard.

"The political implications are quite favorable," Chen Xing murmured quietly. "Several families have already indicated they view your response as appropriate and necessary."

"And the others?"

"Are reconsidering whether they want to risk your displeasure," Chen Xing replied with satisfaction. "Fear can be as effective as affection in securing cooperation."

Near the hall’s entrance, Lady Ruxi watched the proceedings with golden eyes that held predatory appreciation. "Impressive," she commented to her father in their native tongue, though her words carried clearly to Grim’s enhanced hearing. "The boy has teeth."

"Indeed he does," Húwáng replied in the same language. "The question is whether he has the wisdom to know when to use them."

Princess Liona remained at Grim’s side, her presence a statement of imperial support that was not lost on the other guests. "You handled that well," she said quietly. "Though I suspect Lord Terras will bear grudges."

"Let him," Grim replied with cold confidence. "He can plot his revenge from whatever hole he crawls into to lick his wounds. But he’ll think twice before disrespecting my household again."

As the evening progressed, the incident with Terras became a defining moment that colored all subsequent interactions. Guests approached Grim with notably increased deference, and conversations carried undertones of respect that hadn’t been present earlier.

The marriage candidates, in particular, seemed to reassess their strategies. Some appeared intimidated by his demonstration of violence, while others showed increased interest in allying themselves with someone capable of such decisive action.

But it was Malaxis’s reaction that troubled Grim most. The entity wearing his father’s face had shown unmistakable approval of the violence, suggesting that psychological manipulation might not be his only agenda for the evening.

As conversations resumed around them, Grim made a decision that had been building since Malaxis’s arrival. He stepped closer him, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper.

"Father, might I have a private word with you? There are... family matters we should discuss."

Malaxis’s eyes gleamed with what might have been anticipation. "Of course, my son. Family should always come first."

Grim gestured toward a smaller side chamber off the main hall, a space typically used for private conferences during large gatherings. As they moved away from the crowd, he could feel curious eyes following their departure, but no one would dare interrupt what appeared to be a father-son conversation.

The chamber was elegant but intimate, with comfortable seating and enough privacy for confidential discussions. Once the door closed behind them, the sounds of the celebration became muted background noise.

"Now then," Malaxis said, settling into one of the chairs with the casual confidence of someone entirely comfortable in any environment, "what did you wish to discuss?"

"Let’s dispense with the pretenses," Grim said, remaining standing and positioning himself near the door. "I want to know what you want."

Malaxis’s smile widened, taking on an edge that would have been impossible on the real Rowan’s face. "Straight to the point. I appreciate directness."

"Tell me, what do you think I hope to accomplish tonight?"

"Undermining my alliances by making me doubt everyone around me." Grim’s hand moved instinctively toward his sword hilt. "The question is why now, why here?"

"Because this is where the game becomes interesting," Malaxis replied with genuine enthusiasm. "You’ve grown so much stronger since our last encounter. The willingness to use violence and how strong you are."

Grim decided to test something he’d been considering since the confrontation with Terras. Without warning, he reached out and grasped Malaxis’s wrist, immediately channeling mana through the contact point using the overflow technique Yongrun had taught him.