Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 219: First Wife

Chapter 219: First Wife

What about it?"

"I understand you’re considering various candidates for your primary wife," the Duke said carefully. "I wanted to propose an additional arrangement that might benefit both our houses."

Grim gestured for him to continue.

"My daughter, Celeste, is eighteen and has received an excellent education in household management, mathematics, and political theory," Ravencrest explained. "I would be honored to offer her as a secondary wife—someone to manage domestic affairs and provide additional heirs for House Ambrose."

The proposal was straightforward and politically logical. Secondary wives were common among high nobility, serving practical purposes while allowing the primary wife to focus on political and social responsibilities.

"She’s intelligent, well-trained, and understands that her role would be primarily administrative and reproductive," the Duke continued. "No political ambitions or expectations of romantic attachment. Simply dedicated service to strengthening your bloodline."

The offer was generous and would create valuable political ties, but something about it felt wrong to Grim. Not morally wrong—such arrangements were normal—but personally unsatisfying.

"I appreciate the offer, Your Grace," he said finally, "but I’ve decided to focus on selecting a single wife for now. Perhaps in the future, as House Ambrose’s needs evolve, such arrangements might be reconsidered."

"Of course," Ravencrest replied, though his disappointment was obvious. "The offer remains open should circumstances change."

After the Duke departed, Grim had brief meetings with several smaller officials—trade representatives seeking favorable agreements, minor nobles requesting audience for various petitions, and diplomatic functionaries managing routine imperial business.

Each interaction reinforced his growing sense that his demonstration of strength had enhanced rather than damaged his political position.

As the afternoon progressed, his final appointment arrived: Lord Húwáng and Ruxi, entering the meeting room.

"Lord Ambrose," Húwáng said with a bow that conveyed both respect and amusement. "I trust your day has been enlightening."

"Educational," Grim replied, noting how Ruxi’s presence immediately seemed to clarify his thoughts while soothing the constant pulse of dark mana.

"I imagine so," Húwáng agreed. "Word of your conversation with Ambassador Lín has spread among the delegations. The revelation about Jin Wei’s family connection has been particularly illuminating for many."

"Political truth has a way of surfacing," Grim observed.

"Indeed it does," Ruxi said, moving closer to Grim. "And it seems that truth has served you well today."

"The Empress was understanding once the full context became clear," Grim acknowledged.

"More than understanding, from what I hear," Húwáng said with approval. "She recognized decisive leadership when she saw it. That bodes well for your future prospects."

The fox spirit lord moved to examine the books on Grim’s shelves while Ruxi settled into the chair closest to him, her golden eyes holding his attention with magnetic intensity.

"You’ve had quite a day," she observed. "Political validation, imperial approval, noble support. You must be feeling quite satisfied."

"I’m feeling... clear," Grim replied, surprised by his own honesty. "For the first time in months, everything seems to be falling into place."

"That’s because you’re finally acting by your true nature," Ruxi said with conviction. "No more second-guessing, no more unnecessary restraint. Just pure, decisive action."

Her words resonated with something deep in his consciousness, a sense of rightness that had nothing to do with the dark mana’s influence and everything to do with genuine personal conviction.

"Father," Ruxi said without taking her eyes off Grim, "perhaps you could give us a few moments to speak privately?"

"Of course," Húwáng replied with paternal understanding. "I have some correspondence to review. I’ll be in the garden when you’re ready."

After the fox spirit lord departed, Ruxi moved even closer, her presence overwhelming Grim’s senses in ways that felt overwhelming.

"You’ve been thinking," she observed with intimate knowledge. "About choices, about the future, about what kind of man you want to become."

"Have I been that obvious?"

"To me, yes," she replied with a smile that made his pulse quicken. "We understand each other, Grim. We see the world the same way—as a place where strength and intelligence should be rewarded, where the bold should shape reality rather than accepting limitations imposed by others."

Her hand found his, and the contact sent waves of energy through his system that had nothing to do with influence and everything to do with genuine attraction and compatibility.

"I know you’re considering your marriage options," she continued, her voice taking on intimate warmth. "Weighing political advantages, family connections, diplomatic benefits."

"Among other factors," he admitted.

"What if I told you that you could have all of those advantages," Ruxi said, leaning closer until he could feel her breath against his skin, "plus something more? A partner who truly understands you, who can help you achieve your full potential without trying to constrain or change you?"

The promise in her words, combined with her proximity and the genuine connection he felt with her, made his decision feel inevitable.

"What if I told you," he replied, his voice carrying conviction that surprised him, "that I’ve already made my choice?"

"Have you?"

Instead of answering with words, Grim leaned forward and kissed her, the action feeling like the culmination of every interaction they’d shared since their first meeting. Her response was immediate and passionate. She kissed him back without hesitation and for several heartbeats, the rest of the world ceased to exist.

When they separated, Ruxi’s golden eyes held satisfaction and something deeper—genuine affection that seemed to match his own growing feelings.

"So," she said with breathless satisfaction, "I take it you’ve decided on your wife?"

"I have," Grim confirmed, surprised by how right the decision felt. "Though I should probably speak to your father formally."

"Father will be delighted," Ruxi replied with confidence. "He’s been hoping for this alliance since the moment he met you."

"And you?"

"I’ve been hoping for this since I first saw you," she admitted with intimate honesty. "You’re everything I’ve been looking for—strong enough to match me, intelligent enough to challenge me, ambitious enough to build something truly magnificent together."

As they discussed the practical arrangements for their engagement, Grim felt a sense of completion that had been missing. Not just political satisfaction, but genuine happiness.

For the first time since meeting Karma, he felt like he was happy.

[Are you certain this is your choice?] Caius asked quietly. [Not the corruption’s influence, but truly your decision?]

"I’m certain," Grim replied silently, and for the first time in weeks, he was completely honest with his great-grandfather’s spirit. "She understands me in ways the others don’t. This feels right."

[Then I pray you find happiness together,] Caius said with resignation that carried genuine affection. [Even if I fear what that happiness might cost.]

As evening approached and Ruxi departed to inform her father of their decision, Grim found himself reviewing the day’s events with satisfaction with his choices.

Political validation, imperial support, and personal fulfillment—all achieved through decisive action and honest self-assessment.

For the first time since the dark mana had entered his system, he felt like himself again. Stronger perhaps, more confident certainly, but fundamentally still the man he had always been.

The corruption had given him power, but the choices he was making felt entirely his own.

After she left Grim picked up the book and read some more. His hand stopped when he saw the author’s name and title. "Truth of the Empire. By the Frist Emperor....."