Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 97: Execution of Lord Draykar

Grim’s carriage rolled through nearly empty streets. Most citizens were still asleep, but the day promised events that would be remembered in the Empire’s history. Grim sat across from Chen Xing, both men dressed in formal attire.

"Did you deliver the package?" Grim asked, his voice low despite the privacy afforded by the carriage.

Chen Xing nodded once. "Before dawn, as instructed. The execution will start at the furst morning bell," Chen Xing said, changing the subject. " Especially Julius."

"Of course he will," Grim replied. "He needs to maintain appearances, especially after yesterday’s trial. To miss the execution would suggest discord between himself and the Empress."

"And afterward, your match with Huangyan." Chen Xing studied his friend carefully. "Your mana—"

"Is almost depleted," Grim finished for him. "I’ve perhaps twenty-five percent of my normal capacity. Against Huangyan, that’s not enough."

"You could withdraw. Cite injury."

Grim’s expression hardened. "House Ambrose does not withdraw."

The carriage slowed as they approached the execution grounds, a circular plaza adjacent to the imperial palace. Already a crowd had gathered—nobles in their finery claiming the best viewing positions, commoners pressing against the barriers at the edges, and guards maintaining order with stern expressions.

As Grim and Chen Xing exited the carriage, whispers spread through the assembled nobles. Yesterday’s trial had elevated House Ambrose dramatically in the imperial hierarchy. The wealth of House Draykar now belonged to Grim—a fact that had undoubtedly kept many awake.

Lord Orvannis approached, offering a formal bow that acknowledged Grim’s new status. "Lord Ambrose, a momentous day for justice in the Empire."

"Indeed, Lord Orvannis." Grim returned the gesture with precisely the correct degree of formality. "Justice has been swift."

"And afterwards, the tournament final." Orvannis smiled thinly. "The Empire has not seen such entertainment in years."

They took their positions among the noble observers as the imperial procession arrived. Empress Alexia entered the plaza, accompanied by Princess Liona and the royal guards. The crowd bowed as one as she took her seat on a raised platform.

Grim noted that Princess Liona seemed particularly alert this morning, her gaze sweeping the assembled nobles with unusual interest. Their eyes met briefly, and he inclined his head in a respectful bow, which she acknowledged with the barest hint of a smile.

Lord Draykar was led out moments later. His fine clothes had been replaced with a simple white tunic. His hands were bound before him, his proud posture now stooped with defeat. The guards positioned him in the center of the plaza, where an executioner waited, blade gleaming in the morning sun.

Chancellor Levenhart stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. "Soren Draykar, former Lord of House Draykar, you have been found guilty of high treason against the Celestis Empire through collusion with agents of the Demon Lands. The sentence is death, to be carried out immediately. Do you have any final words?"

Draykar lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd until it found Grim. "I go to my death maintaining my innocence. Remember this day, for justice turns like a wheel. Those who orchestrate false charges may one day face the same."

His eyes never left Grim’s as he spoke. Grim met his gaze steadily, unflinching.

The executioner stepped forward. Draykar knelt of his own accord, placing his neck on the block. The sword rose, flashed in the sunlight, and fell.

A collective exhalation passed through the crowd. House Draykar was officially no more.

As the body was removed and the nobles began to disperse, Grim felt Julius approaching. He turned to face his enemy, noting the carefully controlled fury in the older man’s expression.

"A satisfying spectacle, Lord Ambrose?" Julius asked, his voice pitched for Grim’s ears alone.

"Justice is rarely satisfying, Lord Luminaris," Grim replied evenly. "Merely necessary."

"Indeed." Julius’s smile never reached his eyes. "I look forward to your match with Lady Huangyan. It promises to be... illuminating."

"I’m certain you’ll find it educational," Grim replied.

Julius inclined his head slightly. "Good luck, Lord Ambrose. You’ll need it." With that, he turned and departed, Mira following after casting a lingering glance at Grim.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The execution had only heightened interest in the day’s main event—the tournament final between the Lord Ambrose and tthe mysterious Huangyan.

Grim waited in the preparation chamber, seated cross-legged on the floor. His eyes were closed as he medicated.

The damage from his match with Max Luminaris remained. Against Huangyan at her full strength, his chances were slim.

[You could always yield,] the voice suggested. [There’s no shame in fighting another day.]

"There’s always shame in yielding," Grim replied aloud.

[Pride is a fool’s luxury.]

"It isn’t pride. It’s principle."

The voice went silent, sensing Grim’s resolve. A tournament official appeared at the doorway "Lord Ambrose, it’s time."

Grim rose, Echo in hand, and followed the official toward the arena entrance. The roar of the crowd grew louder with each step. In the distance, he could see Huangyan emerging from the opposite entrance, her slender form belying the deadly skill she possessed.

As they met in the center of the arena, Huangyan’s amber eyes assessed him up and down. "You’re still weakened," she observed, her voice carrying no judgment, merely stating fact.

"Weakened, but not defeated," Grim replied.

A slight smile curved her lips. "We shall see."

The official stepped between them. "Lady Huangyan, Lord Grim Van Ambrose, this final match will determine the champion of the Imperial Tournament."

Huangyan took her starting position, her blade still sheathed at her side. Grim mirrored her stance, Echo held loosely in his grip.

The official raised his hand. For a moment, they stood perfectly still, two predators measuring each other’s capabilities.

He dropped his hand and it began.

Huangyan moved first, drawing her blade with such speed that it seemed to simply appear in her hand. She closed the distance between them in an eyeblink, her first strike a testing blow aimed at Grim’s shoulder.

Grim parried, the impact jarring his arm. Huangyan’s strength was remarkable, her half-elven heritage granting her advantages over purely human opponents. He disengaged quickly, creating space to assess her style.

"Fire Heart: Phoenix Ascendant," Huangyan announced, her blade beginning to glow with orange-gold energy. The technique manifested as a series of rapid slashes, each building upon the previous, gaining momentum like a flame catching new fuel.

Grim recognized the tech ique from Yongrun. The Phoenix Ascendant would lead to increasingly powerful blows. If he allowed her to build momentum, victory would be impossible.

He countered with a simple parry, using the minimum necessary movement to deflect her blade. No flourish, no mana expenditure—just precise movements. The crowd murmured in confusion, expecting a more dramatic response.

As they exchanged blows, Grim felt a familiar pressure building behind his eyes. A memory, long buried, pushing to the surface of his consciousness. His grandfather’s voice, clear as though he stood beside him: "When mana fails, technique prevails."