Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 135: This is Useless

Liona made her way toward her mother’s private chambers. The weight of uncertainty regarding Grim’s fate pressed heavily on her mind.

The guards at the entrance to the Empress’s chambers bowed deeply as she approached.

"Her Imperial Majesty is expecting you, Princess," the senior guard announced, opening the ornate door.

The Empress was seated at a writing desk near the windows. She looked up as Liona entered.

"Daughter," she said simply, setting aside her brush.

Liona took a seat on a chair in front of her mother’s desk.

"Events in Port Velmira took an unexpected turn," Liona replied.

"So I gather from Terran’s preliminary report." The Empress studied her daughter intensely. "Though his account was necessarily brief. I would hear the full story from you."

Liona took a deep breath and began recounting the events—the strange weather patterns, the flooding of villages, the attack by the Jiaolong. She described the ruins and the glowing water that had swallowed Grim.

The Empress listened without interruption, her face remaining impassive.

"And you’re certain he entered this... portal... willingly?" the Empress asked when Liona had finished.

"Yes. He seemed compelled, almost as if he recognized something in those waters that the rest of us couldn’t see." Liona hesitated before adding, "Mother, the Jiaolong spoke directly to Grim’s mind. It knew his family name."

Something flickered across the Empress’s face—so quickly that Liona might have missed it had she not been watching closely.

"You knew," Liona said softly. "You knew something like this might happen. What aren’t you telling me?" Liona pressed. "

The Empress rose and moved to the window.

"I am concerned, not surprised. The timing is... problematic. Lord Ambrose’s appointment to oversee the southern territories was meant to strengthen our position there, not leave it vacant."

"Is that all you’re worried about? Politics?" Liona felt her frustration rising. "A noble has disappeared and your concern is territorial security?"

"My concern is for the Empire as a whole," the Empress replied. "Which includes Lord Ambrose’s fate. There are things happening you don’t know about yet."

"Then show me," Liona challenged. "I’m not a child anymore, Mother."

The Empress studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Very well. Come with me."

Instead of heading toward the door, the Empress moved to a section of the wall that appeared no different from any other. She placed her palm against it and murmured words too soft for Liona to hear. The wall shimmered slightly, then a doorway appeared.

"This passage leads to the Sealed Archives," the Empress explained. "What you will see there is known only to the ruling monarch and their immediate successor—when that successor is deemed ready."

Liona followed her mother into the hidden passage, her mind racing with questions. The passage descended steeply, lit by crystals that lit up as they passed. After several minutes of walking, they reached another doorway.

The Empress placed her hand on the center of the door, and it swung open to reveal a circular chamber lined with shelves. Unlike the main imperial archives, this room contained perhaps a hundred volumes at most.

"These are the true histories," the Empress said. "Records kept by each ruler, detailing matters too sensitive for public knowledge."

She selected a slim volume bound in blue leather. "This was written by your great-grandfather, Emperor Theodore. It details his encounter with an envoy from what he called ’The Sea Realms.’"

Liona accepted the book, Opening it carefully. The pages described a diplomatic meeting with a being that could shift between human and dragon form.

"A shapeshifter?" Liona asked.

"Most dragons when they reach a certain age gain this power," the Empress replied.

She selected another volume, much older. "And this contains the first recorded treaty between our Empire and the water realm. The primary intermediary was Caius van Ambrose."

"Grim’s ancestor," Liona breathed.

"Yes," the Empress confirmed.

"Does Grim know this?"

"I doubt it. As soon as Caius’schuldren were born and they didnt have light affinity. It all went downhill for them." The Empress returned the treaty to its place. "Which is why his disappearance is concerning but not entirely unexpected."

"But will he return?" Liona asked, unable to hide her concern.

"That," the Empress said, "I cannot say with certainty."

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In another wing of the imperial palace, Lord Julius Luminaris sat reviewing documents when a soft knock interrupted his concentration.

"Enter," he called, not looking up from his work.

A slender man in nondescript clothing slipped into the room, bowing deeply before approaching the desk. Max, Julius’s most reliable informant, had a talent for becoming invisible in plain sight.

"My lord," Max murmured, "the Princess has returned to the capital."

Julius set down his brush. "Earlier than expected. What of Lord Ambrose?"

"Not with her, my lord. According to my source in the household staff, he remained in Port Velmira to continue investigating some ruins." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Julius leaned back. "Interesting. And unusual, given his responsibility to escort the Princess safely."

"There’s more, my lord. The Princess went directly to the Empress upon her return, and they spoke privately for over an hour before disappearing into the Empress’s inner chambers."

"A private audience immediately upon return suggests urgency. Perhaps Lord Ambrose’s continued absence in the south is not as straightforward as we’re meant to believe."

"Shall I attempt to learn more, my lord?"

"Yes, but carefully. Focus on the Obsidian Knights who accompanied the Princess. They may have seen something worth knowing."

After Max had departed, Julius sat in thoughtful silence. With Lord Ambrose occupied in Port Velmira, his oversight of the southern territories would be minimal at best. Yet the Empress had appointed Lord Raethel as temporary administrator rather than Julius himself—a clear sign she did not fully trust his intentions.

Perhaps a more direct approach was needed.

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Three days later, Julius was methodically examining documents spread across the large desk. Max worked silently nearby, reviewing ledgers and correspondence.

"Anything of interest?" Julius asked without looking up from the map he was studying.

"Financial records and administrative appointments" Max replied.

Julius frowned. He had hoped Ambrose’s private papers might reveal more about his activities in the south than the official reports.

"Check the bookshelves," Julius instructed.

Max scanned the extensive collection of books. "There are several books about cultivation, some historical pieces about the Ambrose line... ah, here’s something."

He carefully removed a leather-bound volume. "Records of Coastal Anomalies and Tidal Phenomena," he read from the spine. "It appears quite old."

Julius crossed the room to examine the book. He opened the book and it was all written in a language he didn’t recognize.

"This is useless," Julius murmured.

The sound of footsteps in the corridor outside gave them only seconds of warning before the door opened, revealing Chen Xing, Lord Ambrose’s administrative advisor.

"Lord Luminaris," Chen Xing said, "I wasn’t aware you were expected at the estate today."

Julius smoothly closed the book and returned it to the desk. "A somewhat impromptu visit, I confess. The Empress has tasked me with reviewing certain aspects of Lord Ambrose’s administrative systems while he completes his work in the south."

Chen Xing’s expression revealed nothing, but he saw the various documents spread across the desk and the book Julius had just set down.

"How... thorough of you, Lord Luminaris. However, I’m afraid many of Lord Ambrose’s personal records are organized according to his own system, which can be quite... idiosyncratic. Perhaps I might assist you in finding specific information? That would surely be more efficient than this general review."

The offer was polite but firm—Chen Xing was effectively putting an end to their unhindered access to Ambrose’s private papers.

"Most kind," Julius replied with a thin smile. "However, I’ve already gathered what I need for today."

Chen Xing inclined his head slightly. "I’m pleased you found the review informative. Shall I have these materials returned to their proper places, or did you wish to continue?"

It was a masterfully executed ejection.

"No need to trouble yourself further. We were just concluding our review." Julius gestured for Max to follow him. "Please convey my regards to Lord Ambrose when next you correspond with him."

"Of course, Lord Luminaris. I’m certain Lord Ambrose will be most interested to hear of your visit."

As they departed the Ambrose estate, Julius maintained a composed expression, but inwardly he was seething. Chen Xing had appeared at precisely the wrong moment.

"That was no coincidence," Julius muttered as they mounted their horses. "Someone informed Chen Xing of our presence in the study."

"The household staff, most likely," Max suggested. "They are remarkably loyal to the Ambrose family."

"What is our next move, father?"

Julius gazed thoughtfully at the Ambrose estate as they rode away. "Continue monitoring communications between the estate and Port Velmira."