Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 102: The Gift

Two days had passed since Grim’s conversation with the voice. Within the royal wing, Empress Alexia walked the familiar path to her daughter’s chambers, nodding to the guards who stood at attention as she passed.

Princess Liona’s rooms were a reflection of her character. Books lined several walls, interspersed with maps. The princess herself sat at her desk, writing in a journal when her mother entered. She rose immediately, offering a formal curtsy.

"Mother," she greeted, straightening. "I wasn’t expecting you until this evening."

"The agricultural council concluded early," Alexia replied, embracing her daughter briefly. Her eyes scanned the room, noting a small lacquered box on the desk. "What’s this?"

Liona’s expression brightened subtly. "A gift. It arrived three days ago."

Alexia raised an eyebrow, moving toward the desk. "May I?"

"Of course."

The Empress opened the box carefully. Inside, nestled on dark velvet, was a remarkable necklace. A silver pendant in the shape of a crescent moon, inlaid with tiny sapphires and pearls that caught the light. The piece was not ostentatiously large or gaudy, but its quality was immediately apparent to Alexia—this was the work of a master jeweler, likely costing a small fortune.

"It’s beautiful," she said, lifting it gently. "Who sent it?"

A slight smile played at Liona’s lips. "There was no name attached, only a note wishing me a happy birthday."

"And yet you seem to know the sender."

"I have a strong suspicion," Liona admitted. "It matches the silver hairpin I got 12 years ago..." She paused, her smile widening slightly. "It’s the only gift that actually made it to my door. And he remembered my birthday."

Alexia studied her daughter thoughtfully. "Lord Ambrose."

It wasn’t a question, but Liona nodded regardless. "He’s rather different from the other nobles, isn’t he?"

"Indeed," Alexia agreed, carefully returning the necklace to its box. "Different, and increasingly influential. His performance in the tournament, despite his disadvantage, was most impressive."

"And his exposure of House Draykar’s treason," Liona added.

"Yes." The Empress’s expression revealed nothing of her thoughts. "He’s accomplished much in a very short time."

Liona picked up the necklace, examining it more closely. "The craftsmanship is remarkable. Most gifts I receive are gaudy displays of wealth, chosen to impress rather than please."

"And this pleases you?" Alexia asked, watching her daughter carefully.

"It shows attentiveness," Liona replied. "A quality I find... intriguing in a noble."

Alexia smiled slightly. "I look forward to seeing Lord Ambrose at court in three days’ time. Perhaps you could wear your new gift for the occasion."

Liona met her mother’s gaze, understanding the subtle permission being granted. "I believe I shall."

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Miles away, in the northern part of the capital. Grim sat across from Lord Orvannis. Maps and documents were spread between them, the remnants of a detailed discussion that had stretched across the past two hours.

"Then we’re agreed," Grim said, signing the final document with a flourish. "House Ambrose and House Orvannis, formally allied for mutual benefit and protection."

"Agreed," Orvannis replied, adding his own signature. "Though I must say, Lord Ambrose, when you approached me at the tournament, I didn’t expect events to unfold quite so... dramatically."

Grim smiled thinly. "Opportunity often presents itself unexpectedly."

"Indeed." Orvannis leaned back in his chair, studying his young ally with shrewd eyes. "House Ambrose now controls significant assets, has the imperial champion in its service, and enjoys the Empress’s favor. Most impressive for a house considered defunct mere weeks ago."

"The work has only begun," Grim replied. "Which brings me to my next question. Do you have any promising warriors among your retainers who might be interested in employment with House Ambrose? I find myself in need of skilled guards—ones with both loyalty and competence."

Orvannis considered this. "Several, actually. My third son trained a group of swordsmen who’ve recently completed their service to my house. Five men and three women, all skilled, all disciplined. I could arrange introductions, if you wish."

"I would appreciate that," Grim said. "Send them to my estate tomorrow morning. My knight will evaluate their abilities."

"Ah yes, Lady Huangyan," Orvannis remarked.

A servant appeared at the door, bowing deeply. "My lord, Lady Mei has arrived for her appointment.

"Show her in," Grim directed, rising from his seat.

She bowed precisely. "Lord Ambrose, Lord Orvannis. I hope I’m not interrupting."

"Not at all," Orvannis assured her. "We’ve concluded our business. The study is yours." With a final nod to Grim, he departed, closing the door behind him.

Mei took the seat opposite Grim. "I trust you’ve recovered from your exertions at the tournament?"

"Sufficiently," Grim replied. "Your information regarding Julius’s meetings was most helpful. Have there been further developments?"

"Several." Mei removed a thin folder from her sleeve, placing it on the table between them. "Lord Luminaris has been gathering support among the merchant guild leadership, particularly those with interests in the western provinces. He’s also made inquiries about certain properties neighboring your newly acquired Draykar estates."

Grim nodded, unsurprised. "He’s preparing for conflict, then."

"It appears so." Mei’s voice remained neutral, but her eyes were sharp. "There’s also been increased activity around his family archives. Multiple scholars and mages have visited his estate in the past two days."

This caught Grim’s attention. "What kind of mages?"

"I’m still looking into that at the moment."

"I have another task for you, Lady Mei," Grim said after a moment of contemplation. "I need you to locate a skilled blacksmith."

Mei nodded, making a note. "There are several in the capital who might qualify. Any specific requirements?"

"They must be discreet, independent of guild politics, and willing to work exclusively for House Ambrose for a considerable period."

"Understood. And the other task you mentioned in your message?"

Grim leaned forward slightly. "I need a team of six warriors, each possessing at least three mana hearts. They must be willing to undergo thorough inspection and background verification before employment."

Mei’s eyebrows rose fractionally—the closest she ever came to showing surprise. "Three mana hearts is... substantial. May I ask what purpose such exceptional individuals would serve?"

"Protection and specialized services," Grim replied vaguely. "They’ll be well compensated for both their skills and their discretion."

"Finding six such individuals will not be easy," Mei cautioned. "Warriors with multiple mana hearts typically serve noble houses already, or hold military commissions. Those who don’t often have... complicated histories."

"I’m not opposed to complicated histories, provided their loyalty can be secured," Grim said. "Set whatever price you deem appropriate for this search. Results matter more than cost."

Mei studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. I’ll begin immediately. I’ll keep you informed of any developments regarding Lord Luminaris. And I’ll begin the search for your blacksmith and warriors immediately."

After she departed, Grim remained at the desk in deep thought.