Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 99: An Ambrose Doesn’t Yield

Grim awoke to familiar surroundings—his bedchamber in the Ambrose manor. Sunlight coming onto his bed through the window. His body ached, muscles protesting even the slightest movement. The mana exhaustion had taken its toll, leaving him feeling hollow, drained.

[You lost,] the voice observed, its tone neutral.

"Yes, I know," Grim replied aloud, his voice raspy from disuse. He wondered how long he had been unconscious. Hours? A day?

[Yet you seem... satisfied.]

"I ended it on my own terms." Grim pushed himself up against the pillows, wincing at the effort.

[I don’t understand,] the voice admitted, a rare concession. [You were defeated.]

Grim smiled thinly. "I knew exactly how much mana I had left, and with the exhaustion from the previous matches, I knew precisely which technique would deplete me entirely. I simply chose to use it when it would appear most impressive."

[But you still lost.]

"I did not yield," Grim countered. "I simply chose when the match would be over."

[That makes little sense. The rules state that unless you yield, die, or leave the ring, the match continues.]

A soft laugh escaped Grim’s lips. "Yes, that is true. But we were close enough to the edge that when I collapsed to one knee, I ’lost my balance’ and fell out of the arena."

Silence followed as the voice processed this information. [Clever,] it finally admitted. [You orchestrated your own defeat in a way that appeared honorable and impressive, rather than surrendering to a half-elf.]

"Exactly." Grim reached for the water pitcher beside his bed, pouring himself a glass with slightly shaking hands. "And in doing so, I gained far more than a tournament victory would have provided."

[The Empire saw you nearly defeat their new champion while severely weakened,] the voice acknowledged. [And now that champion serves House Ambrose.]

Grim drank deeply, the cool water soothing his parched throat. "Now, to the matter at hand. You owe me information."

The voice seemed to shift within his mind, uncomfortable with being reminded of their bargain. [Yes, I suppose I do. What would you have me reveal? Do you wish to learn your great-grandfather’s techniques, or would you prefer knowledge of another nature?]

Grim placed the empty glass on the bedside table, considering. His great-grandfather’s techniques were legendary, lost to time after the contents if the chest were burned. Yet there were other mysteries that demanded answers—the voice’s true nature, the full history of his family’s decline.

Before he could respond, the door to his chamber opened. Huangyan entered first, followed closely by Chen Xing. Both stopped short upon seeing him awake.

"My lord," Huangyan said, inclining her head slightly.

"How long was I unconscious?" Grim asked, glancing from her to Chen Xing.

"Two days," Chen Xing replied, moving to the window to draw back the curtains fully. "The healers said your mana channels were severely strained. Had you pushed any further, there might have been permanent damage."

Grim nodded. The risk had been calculated, necessary. "And the reaction to the tournament’s conclusion?"

A slight smile crossed Chen Xing’s face. "Exactly as you predicted. The noble houses are scrambling to reassess their relationships with House Ambrose. Lord Orvannis has already begun coordinating the transfer of Draykar’s assets to our control, and numerous social invitations have arrived—including one from the imperial palace."

"The Empress was impressed by your performance," Huangyan added. "As was Princess Liona."

Something in her tone caught Grim’s attention. "Why do you keep calling me Lord and bowing your head?"

Huangyan responded, "why that’s simple. I pledged my services to you after you passed out. Chen Xing handled the necessary documentation. I’ve been assigned quarters in the eastern wing.

Grim studied her for a moment. "Why did you choose House Ambrose, Lady Huangyan? There are many houses that would have welcomed the tournament champion."

Huangyan met his gaze directly, her amber eyes unreadable. "You fought with honor despite your disadvantage. You used skill and intelligence rather than raw power. These are qualities I respect." She paused briefly. "And I believe your path forward will be... interesting."

Chen Xing cleared his throat. "There’s also the matter of House Luminaris’s reaction. Julius has been unusually quiet since the tournament concluded, but reports indicate he has been to numerous meetings."

"He’s planning something," Grim concluded. "As expected. We’ll need to be vigilant."

"I’ve already increased security," Chen Xing assured him. "And with Lady Huangyan’s assistance, we’ve implemented new protocols for the entire estate."

Grim nodded in approval, then attempted to rise from his bed. His legs trembled beneath him, still weak from mana exhaustion, but he forced himself upright through sheer will.

"My lord, the healers recommended at least another day of rest," Huangyan said, moving forward as if to assist him, though stopping short of actual contact.

"I’ve rested enough," Grim replied. "We have much to accomplish, and Julius won’t wait for my complete recovery before making his next move."

Chen Xing exchanged a glance with Huangyan, then sighed in resignation. "At least allow us to help you dress. The household staff has prepared a meal in the small dining room when you’re ready."

As they moved to assist him, Grim felt the voice’s presence stir once more in his mind.

[You didn’t answer my question,] it reminded him. [What knowledge do you wish to receive?]

Grim ignored it for the moment, focusing on the immediate tasks before him. The voice’s information wouldn’t disappear—it could wait until he had privacy again. For now, consolidating his position after the tournament took priority.

As Chen Xing helped him put on a formal robe befitting his status, Grim caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. Despite the fatigue evident, there was something new in his eyes—a certainty, a purpose that hadn’t been there before.

"There’s also a message from Lady Mei," Chen Xing added, handing Grim a sealed envelope. "She reports that Lord Draykar’s execution has made quite the impression on the merchant guilds. They’re eager to establish relations with the new holder of his trading contracts." He paused. "And Sera has been organizing the household staff. We’ve received dozens of applications from servants seeking employment with House Ambrose. Your rising status has not gone unnoticed among the common folk either.