Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 103: House Ambrose

Three days passed swiftly, filled with meetings, plans, and steady recovery. By the morning of the imperial court session, Grim had regained much of his strength.

He stood before the mirror in his chambers, examining his reflection. Most nobles would attend court in ornate garments of rich colors, adorned with gold thread and gemstones—visual representations of their wealth and status. Grim had chosen a different path.

His outer robes were pure white, crisp and immaculate, falling to just below his knees. Beneath them, he wore a fitted black tunic and trousers, creating a stark contrast. The only ornamentation was the Ambrose family crest embroidered on the back of the white robe—a silver crescent moon partially encircling a mist-wreathed mountain. Echo hung at his side, its unadorned scabbard belying the blade’s true nature.

"An unusual choice, my lord," Sera observed as she entered with a final message from Chen Xing regarding the day’s arrangements.

"The Ambrose colors have always been red and blue," Grim replied. "Today is a new day. The new colors I have on are in memory of my grandfather. These will be the new colors and crest starting today."

"It will certainly make an impression," she acknowledged, handing him the message. "The carriage is ready whenever you are."

Grim nodded, scanning Chen Xing’s precise handwriting. All arrangements were in place. Huangyan would accompany him as his knight, while Chen Xing would remain at the manor to oversee the arrival of Orvannis’s soldiers.

[You’re playing a dangerous game today,] the voice commented as Grim descended to the entrance hall.

"Every game with worthwhile stakes is dangerous," Grim murmured.

[True enough. But court appearances have ended poorly for House Ambrose in the past.]

"History doesn’t always repeat itself."

[No,] the voice agreed. [Sometimes it merely rhymes.]

Huangyan waited by the door, dressed in formal armor of black lacquer with silver accents—colors that complemented Grim’s own attire.

"You look recovered, my lord," she observed.

"Sufficiently," Grim replied. "Have you reviewed the court protocols?"

"Thoroughly. I’m to stand three paces behind you unless otherwise instructed, speak only when directly addressed, and maintain vigilance without appearing threatening."

Grim nodded in approval. "Let’s not keep the Empress waiting."

---

The imperial palace dominated the center of the capital, its white marble towers and golden domes visible from nearly every corner of the city. Grim’s carriage joined the procession of noble conveyances approaching the main gates, each bearing family crests and colors.

Guards directed the flow of arrivals, their expressions neutral despite the occasional raised eyebrow at the simple elegance of the Ambrose carriage compared to the ostentatious displays of other houses.

Within the Grand Hall, hundreds of nobles, marquesses, counts, barons, and imperial officials had already gathered, their conversations creating a constant murmur that echoed off the vaulted ceilings. Gold and silver chandeliers cast warm light over the assembly, illuminating the intricate mosaic floor depicting the founding of the Empire.

As Grim entered with Huangyan three paces behind, a subtle but noticeable shift rippled through the crowd. Conversations paused momentarily as heads turned to observe the newest arrival. The stark white and black of his attire stood out sharply among the jewel tones and gold brocade favored by most houses and officials.

"Bold choice," a familiar voice commented from his left. Lord Orvannis approached, nodding in greeting. "Most would attempt to blend in after such a rapid ascension."

"Blending in has never been a strength of mine," Grim replied with a slight smile.

"Clearly." Orvannis glanced toward the other side of the hall, where Julius Luminaris stood conversing with several guild masters. "Your presence has been the primary topic of speculation this morning. Many are curious how the Empress will receive you after the tournament and the Draykar affair."

"I imagine we’ll all find out soon enough."

Orvannis nodded. "Indeed. Ah, and here comes Chancellor Levenhart. I believe the proceedings are about to begin." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

The Chancellor, resplendent in his ceremonial robes, moved to the center of the hall, raising his staff to signal for silence. The murmur of conversation died away as attention turned to the dais at the far end of the chamber.

"Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Alexia Celestis," Levenhart announced, his voice carrying easily through the hall. "And Her Highness, Princess Liona Celestis."

The assembled nobles, marquesses, counts, barons, and officials bowed deeply as the Empress entered, followed by her daughter. Alexia wore a midnight blue dress with gold embroidery and the imperial crown set with sapphires. Princess Liona’s dress was simpler but no less elegant, in shades of silver and pale blue.

Around her neck, clearly visible against the blue fabric, hung a silver crescent moon pendant studded with sapphires and pearls.

Grim’s expression remained neutral, though he noted with satisfaction that the necklace complemented her attire perfectly. Several nearby nobles followed his gaze, making the connection immediately. Whispers spread through the assembly like ripples in a pond.

The Empress took her seat on the imperial throne, with Liona occupying a smaller seat to her right. Chancellor Levenhart began the formal proceedings, announcing various matters of state and recognizing noble achievements.

Finally, after nearly an hour of routine court business, Levenhart called, "Lord Grim Van Ambrose, approach the throne."

A hush fell over the assembly as Grim moved forward, stopped short of the throne and offered a bow.

"Your Majesty," he acknowledged.

"Lord Ambrose," the Empress replied, her voice carrying easily through the silent hall. "We have observed your recent accomplishments. Your performance in the imperial tournament demonstrated exceptional skill. Your exposure of House Draykar’s treason has helped secure the Empire against treachery."

Grim inclined his head respectfully. "I merely did what duty demanded, Your Majesty."

"Indeed." The Empress’s expression remained composed. "House Ambrose has a long history of service to the Empire. It pleases us to see that tradition revived."

From his peripheral vision, Grim could see Julius Luminaris watching the exchange with barely concealed tension. The older man’s fingers gripped his ceremonial sword hilt with unnecessary force.

"As recognition of your service," the Empress continued, "and acknowledgment of House Ambrose’s restored status, we grant you the title of Imperial Defender of the Southern Shores, with all attendant responsibilities and privileges."

Murmurs swept through the court. The title was prestigious—far more so than most had anticipated. It granted Grim authority over coastal defenses in the southern provinces, territories that included the very shipping lanes previously controlled by House Draykar.

Grim bowed again, deeper this time. "I am honored by Your Majesty’s trust. House Ambrose remains, as always, in service to the Empire."

"We have no doubt," the Empress replied. A subtle warmth entered her tone as she added, "You have demonstrated a keen eye for detail and quality, Lord Ambrose. Such attentiveness serves well in matters of both state and... personal relations."

Princess Liona’s hand moved to touch the silver necklace briefly—a gesture not lost on the observant nobles and upper class. The implication was clear. The Empress was acknowledging Grim’s gift to her daughter and, by extension, indicating royal favor toward any potential connection between them.

"Your Majesty honors me with such recognition," Grim responded carefully.

"Honor is earned, Lord Ambrose," the Empress said. "As you have demonstrated. We look forward to your contributions and to seeing more of House Ambrose at court."

With a final nod of dismissal, the Empress turned her attention to the next matter of business. Grim returned to his position, aware of the countless eyes following his every move.

"Quite the elevation," Orvannis murmured when Grim rejoined him. "Imperial Defender of the Southern Shores is no ceremonial title. It carries genuine authority—and resources."

"And responsibilities," Grim added.

"Indeed. It places you in regular proximity to the imperial inner circle."

Grim nodded, his gaze briefly meeting that of Julius Luminaris across the hall. The older man’s face had gone rigid with suppressed fury. Beside him, Max appeared equally displeased, though Mira’s expression remained unreadable.

"I’m surprised Lord Luminaris hasn’t burst a blood vessel," Huangyan commented quietly.

"The day is still young," Grim replied.

The remainder of the court session proceeded without direct interaction between Grim and the Luminaris family, though the tension remained palpable. When the Empress finally rose to signal the conclusion of formal business, nobles and officials began to circulate for the social portion of the gathering.

Grim found himself approached by a steady stream of nobles, marquesses, counts, and even a few barons, many of whom had shown little interest in House Ambrose mere weeks ago. Now they offered congratulations, inquired after his health following the tournament, and subtly probed for information about his plans for the southern territories.

His white robes marking him out among the colorful crowd became a symbol of his uniqueness, his refusal to simply blend in with the established order.

Eventually, the crowd parted briefly, and Grim found himself face to face with Princess Liona, who had descended from the dais to mingle with the court.

"Lord Ambrose," she greeted him with a formal nod. "Your recovery appears complete. I’m glad to see it."

"Your Highness," Grim replied, bowing. "Thank you for your concern."

Her fingers touched the silver crescent at her throat. "I’ve received many compliments on this piece today. The craftsmanship is truly exceptional."

"I’m pleased it meets with your approval," Grim said carefully, aware of the listeners around them.

"The timing...," she continued, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "One might almost think you had insider knowledge of palace schedules."

"One never knows when information might prove useful, Your Highness."

A slight smile curved her lips. "Indeed, Lord Ambrose. I look forward to seeing how you apply such... attentiveness... in your new roles."

With that, she moved on, leaving Grim to field renewed interest from the nobles and officials who had witnessed the exchange.

The court session concluded late in the afternoon. As Grim prepared to depart, Chancellor Levenhart approached him with a formal scroll bearing the imperial seal.

"Your official appointment, Lord Ambrose," he explained, handing over the document. "You’ll find the details of your responsibilities outlined within."

"I’ll be prepared," Grim assured him.

As his carriage departed the palace grounds, Grim unrolled the scroll, scanning its contents. The powers granted to him as Imperial Defender were substantial—authority over coastal garrisons, inspection rights for all vessels in southern waters, and a budget for expanding defenses.

[Quite the prize for a few weeks’ work,] the voice observed. [Though I note the irony of a member of House Ambrose being granted authority over waters where many of your family died.]

"Perhaps not irony," Grim replied quietly. "Perhaps justice."

[Or perhaps a test. The Empress gives with one hand while measuring your reactions with the other.]

"Undoubtedly."