Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 118: It’s Beginning to Flood

"Well then, I should begin my preparations immediately," Lianna announced, rising from her seat. "If you’ll excuse me, I have arrangements to make. Princess, always a pleasure. Water Boy... try not to drown anyone before I return."

Once they were alone again, Liona let out a soft laugh. "I should have expected complications. News of travel seems to spread through court like wildfire."

"Lianna follows her own agenda," Grim said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"An agenda that seems primarily concerned with whom you spend your time with," Liona replied, her gaze direct and unabashed. "The ruins appear secondary to her interests."

The frankness of her statement caught Grim off guard, but he found himself appreciating her honesty.

"Nothing you can’t handle," Liona added with surprising confidence. "Mother will assign at least two Obsidian Knights for my protection."

"Then it seems our southern expedition grows more interesting by the moment," Grim acknowledged with a wry smile.

Liona touched the crescent pendant at her throat—a gesture Grim had noticed occurred when she was particularly pleased. "I’m looking forward to it, Grim. More than you know."

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After the princess’s departure, Chen Xing found Grim in his study reviewing charts.

"I take it we’re to have royal accompaniment for the journey?" he inquired.

"The princess and Lianna both," Grim confirmed. "Along with Obsidian Knights and whatever entourage Lianna deems necessary to match royal company."

Chen Xing winced slightly. "Lord Luminaris will certainly take notice."

"As will everyone else at court," Grim agreed.

"A useful misdirection," Chen Xing acknowledged. "Though the personal complications may prove challenging. Both women have made their interests rather clear."

Grim turned back to the coastal maps, but the slight tension in his jaw revealed more about his thoughts on the matter than he intended.

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Dawn broke over the Ambrose estate as final preparations for the southern journey neared completion. Six horses had been readied for Grim’s personal party, alongside a modest carriage bearing the imperial crest.

"The princess will be riding in the carriage with an attendant," Huangyan said. "Obsidian Knights will be on each side of the carriage."

"And Lianna’s arrangements?" he inquired.

"Less elaborate than I expected," Huangyan replied with mild surprise. "Her own horse, one attendant, and some provisions. She’s taking this seriously."

The sound of approaching horses announced Liona’s arrival.

Behind her rode two imposing figures in distinctive black armor trimmed with silver—the Obsidian Knights, elite guards sworn directly to the Empress herself. Even Huangyan regarded them with professional respect.

"Grim," Liona greeted him with a smile that reached her eyes. "I hope we haven’t kept you waiting."

"Your timing is perfect," Grim replied.

"May I present Terran and Sora of the Obsidian Guard," she continued, gesturing to the armored figures behind her. "Mother insisted on their accompaniment, though I told her your protection would be more than sufficient."

The two knights inclined their heads—a courtesy rather than subservience. Their authority came directly from the Empress, placing them outside the normal chain of command regarding the princess’s safety.

Terran spoke, his deep voice carrying. "We’re briefed on the coastal situations, Lord Ambrose. Our presence won’t interfere with your plans."

The conversation halted at the arrival of a second party.

"Starting without me?" she called out, her smile sharp and bright. "Tsk, tsk, Water Boy. And here I made a special effort to be punctual."

"Lianna," Grim acknowledged, a familiar rhythm settling between them. "I was beginning to wonder if you’d changed your mind."

"And miss the chance to see what has our princess so captivated?" Lianna dismounted in one smooth motion. "Not likely." She turned to Liona with a respectful nod that held a hint of challenge. "Princess, you look surprisingly ready for adventure." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

"The ruins require focus, not finery," Liona replied. "I assume you’re similarly prepared for the journey’s demands?"

"I’ve faced far worse than rough roads and simple inns," Lianna replied with a knowing look toward Grim. "Our Water Boy can attest to my resilience."

Before the exchange could develop further, Grim stepped between them.

"The morning grows warmer while we stand here," he said. "We should be on our way if we hope to reach the hill country by nightfall."

Huangyan organized the expanded traveling party with quickly.

As they set out under the morning sun, Grim felt the weight of two very different women’s gazes upon him, each with their own intentions for the journey ahead.

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By midday, they had passed beyond the immediate vicinity of the capital into the agricultural regions that provided the Empire’s stable food supply. Carefully maintained fields stretched to the horizon, interrupted occasionally by small villages.

"The productivity of imperial agriculture is impressive," Liona observed as they rode in the carriage.

"Most nobles see only the harvest, not the work," Grim agreed.

Lianna started to speak. "Those dark clouds to the south concern me. We may face rain before we reach the hill country."

"All the more reason to continue without delay," Grim replied. "The road becomes treacherous when wet."

"Tell me about the coastal ruins we’ll be seeing," Grim asked.

Before Liona could answer, Lianna butted in. "Yes, princess do tell us what has you so interested in old stones."

The conversation paused as they approached a fork in the road. Grim signaled toward the southern path that would lead them into increasingly rough terrain.

"We’ll need to maintain a steady pace if we hope to reach suitable shelter before nightfall."

Lianna smiled, a competitive gleam in her eyes. "I do enjoy a challenge."

"As do I," Liona echoed, her quiet determination no less potent for its lack of showmanship.

As they pressed onward, the first distant rumble of thunder echoed in the distance.

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By nightfall, they reached a roadside inn just as the heavens opened. Rain pounded against the weathered roof as they settled around the common room’s fire, exhausted but dry.

"Not quite the imperial accommodations you’re accustomed to," Grim said to Liona as thunder shook the windows.

"I find it rather charming," she replied, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames.

Lianna snorted softly. "Ask her again after three more nights of this."

The storm persisted through the next two days of travel, turning roads to mud and testing both patience and resolve. They rode in near-constant dampness.

On the third day, as they crested a final hill, the landscape changed dramatically. Roads and towns were beginning to flood.