Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 226: Magistrate

Chapter 226: Magistrate

The Imperial Magistrate’s office was a somber place, filled with heavy wooden furniture and shelves lined with legal texts that represented centuries of imperial law.

Magistrate Holven sat behind his imposing desk, reviewing a formal complaint that had arrived that morning with obvious displeasure.

"This is highly irregular, Lord Ambrose," he said, adjusting his spectacles as he studied the documents. "Magnus Richfield has filed a formal complaint alleging intimidation, blackmail, and interference with legitimate business operations."

Grim sat across from the magistrate with perfect composure, his expression carrying the kind of calm confidence that came from knowing exactly how this conversation would unfold.

"Has he?" Grim asked with mild interest. "What kind of evidence has Mr. Richfield provided to support these allegations?"

"That’s precisely the problem," Holven replied with growing frustration. "His complaint is remarkably vague on specifics. He claims you’ve threatened him and interfered with his business relationships, but he provides no documentation, no witnesses, and no clear timeline of events."

"How unfortunate," Grim observed. "Though I suppose it’s difficult to document crimes that never occurred."

The magistrate leaned back in his chair, his expression suggesting he was already reaching conclusions about the complaint’s merit.

"Indeed. However, Mr. Richfield has demanded a formal investigation into your recent activities. He claims you’ve been systematically targeting associates of House Luminaris through illegal means."

"Interesting," Grim said thoughtfully. "And has Mr. Richfield explained why he believes I would target House Luminaris associates specifically?"

"He has not," Holven admitted. "Though he did mention something about a rumor campaign and political retaliation."

The conversation was interrupted by a knock at the magistrate’s door. A clerk entered carrying an additional folder of documents, which he placed on Holven’s desk with obvious urgency.

"What’s this?" the magistrate asked.

"Additional information regarding Mr. Richfield’s complaint," the clerk replied. "It arrived this morning from the Imperial Trade Commission."

Holven opened the folder, and his expression grew increasingly grim as he reviewed its contents. After several minutes of reading, he looked up at Grim with something approaching admiration.

"It seems Mr. Richfield’s business practices have attracted attention from multiple sources," he said carefully. "The Trade Commission has documentation suggesting irregularities in his import licenses, questions about the provenance of certain high-value items, and concerns about tax obligations that may not have been properly fulfilled."

"How concerning," Grim replied with apparent sympathy.

"Indeed," Holven agreed. "It also appears that several noble houses have filed reports about missing jewelry and artifacts that bear striking resemblances to items currently in Mr. Richfield’s inventory."

The magistrate closed the folder and studied Grim with the expression of someone who understood exactly what had transpired.

"Lord Ambrose," he said finally, "while I cannot officially condone certain investigative methods. I must note that bringing criminal activity to the attention of appropriate authorities is considered a civic duty."

"I’m always happy to support imperial law enforcement," Grim replied innocently.

"I’m certain you are," Holven said with dry amusement. "I suspect Mr. Richfield will be withdrawing his complaint shortly, as he’ll be rather busy addressing these other matters."

An hour later, Grim met with Magnus Richfield in the same private dining room where he had spoken with Soren Blackwell. The luxury goods trader looked considerably less confident than he had during his meeting with Lady Mei.

"Lord Ambrose," Richfield said, rising from his seat with obvious nervousness. "Thank you for agreeing to meet despite our... recent difficulties."

"Of course," Grim replied, settling into his chair with predatory grace. "Though I must admit the surprise at your request. I understood you were seeking legal remedies for our disagreements."

Richfield’s face flushed with embarrassment. "About that... I may have acted hastily. Upon reflection, I believe there may have been misunderstandings about the nature of our previous conversations."

"Misunderstandings?" Grim asked with deceptive mildness.

"Yes," Richfield said quickly. "I now realize that you were simply conducting legitimate business inquiries. My response was... excessive."

"I see," Grim observed. "And what changed your perspective so dramatically?"

The trader’s hands trembled slightly as he reached for his wine glass. "I’ve received some information that suggests my business practices are about to be under investigation. Certain irregularities that I wasn’t previously aware of."

"How unfortunate," Grim said with apparent sympathy. "The luxury goods trade can be remarkably complex from a legal perspective."

"Indeed," Richfield agreed desperately. "Which is why I wanted to discuss how we might resolve our differences amicably."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Complete termination of all contracts with House Luminaris," Richfield said immediately. "No further business relationships, no communication, no services of any kind."

"A significant change from your previous position," Grim noted.

"Yes, well," Richfield stammered, "I’ve come to understand that my association with House Luminaris may not align with my best interests."

"And in exchange for this accommodation?"

"I was hoping you might be willing to... clarify... certain misunderstandings with the Trade Commission," Richfield said hopefully. "Perhaps explain that any irregularities in my documentation were honest mistakes rather than deliberate violations."

Grim leaned back in his chair, studying the man across from him with the expression of someone considering a business proposition.

"Mr. Richfield," he said finally, "I appreciate your willingness to reconsider your associations. However, I think it’s important that we both understand the broader implications of this situation."

"What do you mean?"

"You attempted to use imperial law enforcement as a weapon against House Ambrose," Grim explained with a chilling calm. "You filed false complaints, made unsubstantiated allegations, and tried to manipulate the legal system for your personal advantage."

Richfield’s face had gone pale. "I... that wasn’t my intention..."

"Wasn’t it?" Grim asked quietly. "Because from where I sit, it appears you believed you could threaten me with legal action while simultaneously conducting illegal business operations. That suggests either remarkable stupidity or remarkable arrogance."

"Lord Ambrose, please—"

"The Trade Commission will proceed with their investigation," Grim continued inexorably. "The noble houses will pursue recovery of their stolen property. And you will face the consequences of your choices."

"But I’m willing to cooperate!" Richfield protested desperately.

"You’re willing to cooperate now," Grim corrected. "After you’ve been caught. After your threats failed. After you realized that your position was untenable."

The luxury goods trader sat in stunned silence, clearly understanding that his attempt at cooperation had come too late.

"Consider this a lesson," Grim said, standing to leave. "When someone offers reasonable terms for cooperation, accept them immediately. When you choose to escalate instead, you accept responsibility for the consequences."

"Please," Richfield said desperately. "I have a family—"

"You should have considered them before you decided to threaten House Ambrose," Grim replied with cold finality. "Your family’s welfare was your responsibility, not mine."

As Grim departed from the meeting, he felt a satisfaction from his meeting. Richfield’s public downfall would serve as a clear message to anyone else considering resistance to his campaign against House Luminaris.

[You’ve just destroyed a man’s life,] Caius observed quietly as Grim walked through the capital streets.

"I’ve allowed a man to face the consequences of his own criminal behavior," Grim replied silently. "His downfall is self-inflicted."

[And the timing of those consequences? The sudden discovery of evidence that’s been overlooked for years?]

"Sometimes justice requires assistance to function properly," Grim said.

[Yes, he was most likely bringing someone. As long as you hold the biggest stick you wont have a problem.]

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That evening, he sought out Shen Lao in his quarters, finding the ancient scholar reviewing contract documents by lamplight.

"Lord Ambrose," Shen Lao said, looking up from his work. "I wasn’t expecting to see you this evening."

"I wanted to discuss our arrangements," Grim replied, settling into the chair across from the dragon’s desk. "I believe it’s time to formalize our agreement."

"Oh?" Shen Lao asked with obvious interest. "Has something changed?"

"Recent events have clarified my priorities," Grim said carefully. "I need the security and power that our contract would provide, and I need it soon."

The dragon studied him with ancient eyes that seemed to perceive layers of meaning beyond Grim’s words.

"Very well," he said finally. "Lin arrived safely, I assume?"

"She did," Grim confirmed. "And she’s been invaluable in helping me clear up some trash."

"I’m pleased to hear it," Shen Lao said with paternal satisfaction.

"Indeed," Grim agreed. "Which brings me to my request. I’d like to complete our contract tomorrow, if you’re agreeable."

"Tomorrow?" Shen Lao asked with surprise. "That’s quite sudden."

"As I said, recent events have clarified my priorities," Grim repeated.

The dragon leaned back in his chair, studying Grim with the expression of someone making important calculations.

"Very well," he said finally. "Tomorrow morning, we’ll formalize our agreement. But I want you to understand—once this contract is signed, there will be no going back. You’ll be bound to certain obligations, just as I’ll be bound to provide certain services."

"I understand," Grim said with conviction. "And I’m prepared for those obligations."

"We shall see," Shen Lao replied with mysterious amusement. "We shall see indeed."