The small dining room of the Ambrose manor was small enough to seat just 8 people.
Grim sat at the head of the table, his movents still hampered by lingering exhaustion. Chen Xing took his place to the right, while Huangyan, after a mont’s hesitation, seated herself to the left. Sera entered shortly after, directing servants who carried platters of food.
"The healers recomnded light fare," she explained, as dishes of clear broth, stead fish, and tender vegetables were arranged before them. "To help restore your strength without overtaxing your system."
Grim nodded his thanks, realizing how hungry he was only when the aroma of the food reached him. As he ate, he broke the seal on Lady i’s envelope and unfolded the ssage inside.
Lord Ambrose,
Congratulations on your impressive showing at the tournant and acquisition of House Draykar’s assets. The rchant guilds are particularly interested in maintaining the southern trade routes previously managed by Draykar. I’ve taken the liberty of scheduling etings with Guild Masters Toren and Riva for next week, assuming your recovery proceeds as expected.
More pressing is information my network has gathered regarding Julius Luminaris. He has held three private etings in the past two days—one with Lord Fennick, one with the Chancellor, and most concerningly, one with the commander of the western garrison.
I recomnd we discuss this matter in person at your earliest convenience. I’ve included several docunts detailing Draykar’s trading contracts that require your imdiate attention.
Lady i
Grim refolded the letter, his expression thoughtful. Julius was moving quickly, trying to secure military and financial support.
"You seem concerned, my lord," Huangyan observed, her amber eyes sharp despite her deferential tone.
"Julius is gathering allies," Grim replied, setting the letter aside. "Faster than I thought he would."
Chen Xing nodded. "Lady i’s information is rarely incorrect. If Luminaris is courting the western garrison commander, he may be planning sothing more direct than political maneuvering."
Grim turned his attention to Huangyan. "There’s sothing I’ve been wondering, Lady Huangyan."
She looked up, eting his gaze directly. "Yes, my lord?"
"Why did you go easy on in the finals?" Grim asked bluntly. "You’re clearly much more skilled than I am, especially given my condition. It made no sense to hold back."
A flicker of surprise crossed her features, quickly replaced by her usual composed expression. The room grew quiet.
"I did not go easy on you, Lord Ambrose," she replied after a mont. "I fought with my full strength."
"I don’t believe that," Grim countered. "Your Phoenix’s Cage technique—I’ve seen it used before, by Master Yongrun during a demonstration. That Cage could be much hotter, if you trained under my great grandfather and Yongrun, you should be very, very strong.
Huangyan set down her utensils. "You mistake restraint for respect. Had I used the Phoenix’s Cage at full intensity in your weakened state, it would have caused severe, possibly permanent damage to you. Victory doesn’t require destruction."
"So it was rcy," Grim said, a slight edge to his voice.
"No," Huangyan replied firmly. "It was professional courtesy. One warrior recognizing another’s value beyond a single contest." She paused, then added with unexpected frankness, "Besides, what would the Empire think of if I’d crippled the man who exposed House Draykar’s treason? Politically, it would have been unwise."
Chen Xing coughed lightly, clearly suppressing amusent. "Lady Huangyan apparently understands imperial politics quite well."
Grim conceded the point with a slight nod. "Fair enough." He returned to his al, finding the simple food surprisingly restorative.
After a comfortable silence, he addressed Chen Xing. "Who should I et with first, given our current position? And what about these marriage proposals I’ve reportedly received?"
Chen Xing smiled wryly. "In terms of etings, I’d prioritize Lord Orvannis to finalize our alliance details, followed by Lady i for security concerns. The Empress has requested your presence at court in five days for a formal recognition of your house’s restored status."
"And the marriage proposals?" Grim prompted.
"Over one hundred at last count," Chen Xing replied, his smile widening at Grim’s barely concealed dismay. "From every notable family with an eligible daughter, and quite a few minor houses hoping to improve their standing. Several widows of significant wealth and influence as well."
"Including one from House Luminaris," Huangyan added quietly.
Grim nearly choked on his tea. "What?"
"Mira Luminaris," Chen Xing confird. "Her letter was particularly... interesting. Worded to suggest she might be willing to act against her father’s interests under certain conditions."
"A trap," Grim said imdiately.
"Almost certainly," Chen Xing agreed. "Though an intriguing one."
Huangyan studied Grim with renewed interest. "Do you plan to accept any of these proposals?"
"Marriage is a political tool," Grim replied. "To be employed strategically, not emotionally. At present, being flexible seems more valuable than securing any single alliance."
"A wise assessnt," Huangyan nodded.
Grim finished his al. "I’d like to review the Draykar contracts today. Arrange etings with Orvannis and Lady i in 3 days ti. And have soone sort those marriage proposals by political value—we’ll respond to the most useful ones with polite deferrals."
"And Mira Luminaris’s offer?" Chen Xing asked.
Grim’s expression hardened. "Send no response."
Grim felt strength gradually returning to his limbs. The exhaustion remained, but purpose burned stronger, giving him the energy to continue.
[You still haven’t told what knowledge you want,] the voice reminded him, breaking its silence. [Our bargain remains unfulfilled.]
"Later," Grim murmured, too quietly for the others to hear.
[Ti grows short,] the voice warned. [So opportunities present themselves only once.]
"Leave be, I need so ti alone." Grim said, rising from the table.
Chen Xing and Huangyan exchanged glances, then nodded and excused themselves. As the door closed behind them, Grim moved to the window, gazing out at the garden beyond.
"Now we can speak freely," he said to the voice.
[Matters of the realms, young lord. The boundaries between your world and others grow thinner by the day. Soon, choices will need to be made.]
"Realms?" Grim repeated, his interest piqued despite his wariness. "What realms?"
[The Celestial Realm. The Demon Realm. The Mortal Realm where you reside. The list goes on.]
Grim’s eyes narrowed. "You speak as though you’re not from this world."
A sensation like silent laughter rippled through his mind. [A discussion for another ti, perhaps.]
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