Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 114: You let your wife do what to you?

Grim had left the Silverscale to prepare for departure, promising to return the following day with both transportation suitable for Naia’s condition and documentation releasing them from Julius Luminaris’s control.

"You’re certain the contract can be challenged?" Huangyan asked as they rode. "Lord Luminaris is known for crafting airtight agreements."

"Even the most carefully worded contract has vulnerabilities when its terms are fundamentally predatory," Grim replied.

By late afternoon, they had reached the Ambrose estate. Chen Xing awaited their return, already briefed via messenger about the situation with the half-dragon blacksmith.

"I’ve arranged a meeting with the Imperial Magistrate," Chen Xing reported as Grim dismounted. "He’ll review the loan documentation privately."

"Good. And Lady Mei?"

"She’s gathered the information you requested regarding Lord Luminaris’s financial manager. She awaits you in the study."

Within the hour, Grim sat at his desk reviewing copies of Korin’s loan agreement that Chen Xing had obtained through connections with Lady Mei. Every financial contract required registration.

Lady Mei stood by the window.

"Soren Blackwell," she began. "Lord Luminaris’s financial manager for the past eighteen years. Handles all significant loans and investments for House Luminaris. He has a respectable public reputation and is very meticulous."

"Any vulnerabilities?" Grim asked, not looking up from the contract documents.

"First, his son recently failed the Imperial Academy entrance examinations, despite Blackwell’s substantial donations to ensure his acceptance. His standing among his peers has suffered as a result."

"Anything else?"

A faint smile touched Lady Mei’s lips. "His bedroom preferences are... peculiar. Specifically, he enjoys being dominated by his wife in ways that would severely undermine his standing if made public. My sources report his wife likes to bend Soren over—"

"The general nature is sufficient," Grim interrupted, finally looking up from the documents. "I need leverage, not graphic details."

"Of course, my lord." Lady Mei’s voice had a hint of amusement. "The point is it would ruin him professionally if word got out."

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The Imperial Magistrate arrived right on time. Magistrate Holven was an overly fat man, with a shaved head.

"The contract has three big problems, Lord Ambrose," he explained after looking it over carefully.

"First, the interest rates are too high with no upper limit. Imperial law says even long-term loans need to have a maximum interest rate, but this one doesn’t.

Second, they’re claiming rights to property that shouldn’t be connected to the loan. It’s like if you borrowed money to buy a house, but the lender also claimed they could take your horse and wagon if you couldn’t pay - even though those had nothing to do with the original loan.

Third, and this is the worst part, they forced Korin to take on his father’s debt even though Korin never signed the original agreement. That goes against imperial laws designed to protect children from their parents’ debts.

Any of these problems could get parts of the contract thrown out by a judge. The entire contract might even be canceled, but that would mean going to court. Knowing who started this contract, tells me it would take awhile before that happens.

"Which we don’t have," Grim noted. "What are my alternatives?"

Holven adjusted his spectacles thoughtfully. "A negotiated settlement is your most expedient option. Present these issues to Blackwell directly—he’s knowledgeable enough to recognize the implications. Offer reasonable terms to satisfy the legitimate portions of the debt while making clear you’re prepared to challenge the remainder through official channels if necessary."

"And unofficially?" Grim asked.

A small smile crossed the magistrate’s face. "Unofficially, Lord Ambrose, financial managers like Blackwell fear scrutiny above all else. The mere suggestion that you might invite imperial auditors to examine his broader portfolio would likely prove... persuasive."

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Soren Blackwell’s private offices occupied the third floor of a discreet building in the financial district.

When Grim arrived for their appointment, Blackwell greeted him politely, though his expression suggested mild confusion about the purpose of the meeting.

"Lord Ambrose," he greeted, rising from behind an immaculate desk. "This is an unexpected honor. I understood you wished to discuss a financial matter?"

"Indeed," Grim replied, taking the offered seat. "Specifically, the debt obligation of Korin Silverscale to House Luminaris."

If Blackwell was surprised by this topic, he concealed it expertly. "Ah, the dragon-smith’s contract. An unusual arrangement, I admit, but within my purview. Are you interested in commissioning work from him? I can certainly discuss the approval process—"

"I’m interested in settling his debt," Grim interrupted calmly. "And dissolving the contract entirely."

This did elicit a reaction—a slight widening of the eyes, quickly controlled. "I... see. While Lord Luminaris occasionally permits third-party settlements, the Silverscale arrangement is somewhat special. I’m not certain Lord Luminaris would—"

"I’m not asking permission," Grim said, his voice remaining perfectly even. "I’m informing you of my intention to resolve this matter today."

The financial manager’s demeanor cooled noticeably. "With respect, my lord, that decision isn’t yours to make. The contract specifies—"

"The contract contains at least three provisions that violate imperial law," Grim stated, placing Holven’s detailed analysis on the desk. "Including unlawful interest that has artificially extended this loans by years."

Blackwell glanced at the documents, his professional mask slipping momentarily as he recognized the imperial magistrate’s seal. "These... interpretations are contestable. Lord Luminaris’s legal advisors—"

"Would require months or even years to avoid settling this," Grim finished for him. "During which time all associated House Luminaris loans would be subject to comprehensive audit. A time-consuming process for everyone involved."

The implication hung in the air between them. A full imperial audit would extend far beyond Korin’s debt, potentially exposing numerous other questionable arrangements—and raising uncomfortable questions about Blackwell’s own management.

"Perhaps," Blackwell conceded carefully, "there is room for discussion regarding an equitable settlement."

"My thoughts exactly," Grim replied. "I propose payment of the original principal plus the normal interest—approximately thirty-thousand crowns total. In exchange, House Luminaris relinquishes all claims against Korin Silverscale, his property, and his future work."

Blackwell’s fingers tapped nervously on his desk. "The adjusted balance stands at forty-five thousand. Even acknowledging potential... irregularities... in the interest calculations, a reduction of this magnitude is excessive."

"Is it?" Grim asked quietly. "I wonder what Lord Luminaris would consider more excessive—accepting a reasonable settlement or explaining to imperial auditors why his financial manager has implemented similar terms in dozens of other contracts while simultaneously engaging in activities that might call his judgment into question."

The tapping fingers abruptly stilled. "What exactly are you implying, Lord Ambrose?"

"Nothing beyond the scope of our business discussion," Grim replied innocently. "I understand congratulations might be premature regarding your son’s academic progress."

Blackwell’s face paled slightly. "You seem remarkably well-informed about my personal affairs."

"I make it my business to understand those I negotiate with," Grim said. "Just as I understand that certain... domestic arrangements... might prove embarrassing if they became topics of conversation in financial circles. I believe your wife has rather specialized tastes in the bedroom with you as the primary recipient of her..."