Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 104: You Want To Do What???

The morning sun cast long shadows across the training grounds of the Ambrose estate. Eight figures stood in precise formation. Grim and Huangyan approached from the manor, their footsteps silent on the gravel path.

"Five men, three women," Chen Xing announced, falling into step beside them. "All trained under Orvannis’s third son."

Grim nodded, studying the assembled warriors as they drew closer. Each stood at attention. Their armor was well-maintained but showed signs of use—these were not ceremonial guards but experienced soldiers.

"Lady Huangyan will conduct the evaluations," Grim announced as they reached the formation. "I want to see not just their martial skills, but their adaptability and judgment."

Huangyan stepped forward, her amber eyes scanning the line. "I’ll test them in pairs first, then individually."

For the next two hours, the training grounds echoed with the clash of steel and the measured instructions of Huangyan’s testing regimen. She paired warriors seemingly at random, observing not just their combat techniques but how they adapted when forced to fight unfamiliar opponents.

During a brief pause, she approached Grim. "The woman on the left end—Kali. She has exceptional reflexes and thinks three moves ahead. The man next to her adapts well but lacks creativity."

"And the others?"

"Competent, but not exceptional. The tall one—Johnny—has strong fundamentals but telegraphs his intentions." She gestured to a shorter, stockier woman. "Vera there is the most experienced. She’s seen real combat, not just tournament matches."

Grim observed as Huangyan called for individual demonstrations. Each warrior performed a series of forms before engaging her in sparring. Her assessment proved accurate.

"Kali, Vera, and Johnny," Grim decided after the evaluations concluded. "The others fought well, but these three show the most promise."

The selected warriors stepped forward, while the others accepted their dismissal with grace. Chen Xing handed each selected candidate a contract outlining their terms of service.

"Your loyalty is to House Ambrose above all," Grim addressed them. "You’ll work closely with Lady Huangyan in developing our security protocols. Questions?"

Kira raised her hand. "My lord, will we be stationed exclusively at the estate or might we travel to your other holdings?"

"Both," Grim replied. "Your duties will vary as House Ambrose expands. Flexibility is essential."

As the new guards departed to receive their assignments, Lady Mei arrived.

"Lord Ambrose," she greeted with a precise bow. "I bring preliminary findings on the blacksmiths."

They moved to the estate’s sitting room, where Sera had prepared tea. Chen Xing and Huangyan joined them.

"I’ve identified three candidates who meet your criteria," Mei began, producing a leather folio.

She opened to the first document. "Master Aldrich Forgewright. Previously worked for House Drakmor before their fall twenty years ago. Exceptional skill with enchantment integration, though he’s developed a reputation for... independence."

"By independence, you mean?" Grim asked.

"He refuses commissions that don’t interest him. Money alone isn’t sufficient motivation." Mei’s mouth quirked slightly. "He’s currently living as a hermit in the mountains, crafting weapons for pleasure rather than profit."

"Interesting. The second?" freeweɓnøvel.com

"Mistress Bella Cleanrott. Current Blacksmith guild master’s daughter, Specializes in rare material manipulation." Mei turned to another page. "Her prices are... substantial, but her discretion is absolute."

"And the third?"

"Master Korin Silverscale. Half-dragon heritage gives him unique insight into fire manipulation during forging. He works exclusively at night, claims the dragon blood makes daylight forging painful." Mei hesitated. "His work is unmatched for weapons requiring elemental enchantments, but his temperament can be... volatile."

Grim considered the options. "Arrange meetings with all three."

"It will require travel," Mei cautioned. "Aldrich won’t come to the capital, Lyanna is currently in the eastern provinces, and Korin works from a forge in the mining district."

"Then I’ll travel to them." Grim set down his tea.

Chen Xing made notes, while Huangyan studied the documents with interest. "When will you make these trips, my lord?"

"After addressing another matter." Grim stood, moving to the window that overlooked the eastern part of the estate grounds. In the distance, the Draykar estate’s towers were visible.

"I’ve decided to demolish the entire Draykar estate," he announced, watching his advisors’ reactions.

Chen Xing paused his writing. "The entire estate, my lord? The main house alone is worth—"

"I’m aware of its value," Grim interrupted. "Both monetary and symbolic. That’s precisely why it must go."

He turned back to face them. "House Draykar’s wealth flows to House Ambrose, but their legacy dies with them. We don’t need their buildings, their furniture, their art collections. We need the land, the location, and the message that House Ambrose builds its own foundations."

Huangyan nodded slowly. "It sends a clear statement to other houses. You’re not just absorbing Draykar’s assets—you’re erasing their presence entirely."

"Exactly." Grim’s voice carried quiet intensity. "Every stone of the Draykar estate will be broken down, cleared away, and replaced with something entirely new. We’ll use Draykar’s wealth to fund this transformation, turning their resources into Ambrose’s strength."

Lady Mei’s eyes gleamed with approval. "Julius Luminaris will understand the symbolism immediately. You’re not just defeating your enemies—you’re obliterating their memory."

Grim moved to the desk, pulling out architectural plans Chen Xing had prepared. "Start with the servants’ quarters—offer the staff positions elsewhere or generous severance. I want no one harmed in this process."

"And the artifacts? The library?" Chen Xing asked. "Some of the items might be valuable for research or trade."

"Catalog everything," Grim decided. "Sell what we don’t need, archive any documents that might prove useful. But the buildings themselves—every last one—will be reduced to rubble."

"When do you want this to begin?" Chen Xing asked.

"Immediately. Hire demolition crews, arrange for the materials to be properly disposed of or recycled. I want the foundation cleared within the month."

Sera had been quietly listening, but now she spoke up. "And what will be built in its place, my lord?"

Grim smiled for the first time that morning. "Something worthy of House Ambrose. Perhaps a new training complex for our forces, or a center for research. We have time to decide—but first, we destroy what came before."

As his advisors departed to execute his commands, Grim remained at the window, gazing toward the Draykar estate. The voice in his mind stirred.

[Bold move,] it commented. [Though destructive acts can sometimes precede creative ones.]

"Sometimes the old must be completely swept away before the new can take root," Grim replied quietly.

[Indeed. Though I wonder if you fully grasp how many enemies you’re creating with each bold move.]