Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 239: High Court

Guards stood at the entrance—fox spirits with four tails each, wearing armor that seemed to be made from scales. They bowed respectfully to Ruxi while studying Grim with a professional assessment.

The interior of the palace was even more impressive than its exterior.

Walls displayed moving murals that told stories of fox spirit history in images that shifted and evolved as Grim watched.

"The artwork," he observed with obvious fascination. "It’s alive."

"Our artists weave magic into their creations," Ruxi explained with obvious pride. "These particular murals depict the founding of our realm and our people’s relationship with the natural world. They change based on the viewer’s perspective and understanding."

"What do they show you?"

"Stories of my ancestors and their achievements," she replied. "What do they show you?"

Grim studied the nearest mural, watching as the images shifted to display scenes of human and fox spirit—what appeared to be wedding ceremonies between individuals of different species.

"Possibilities," he said quietly. "And precedents."

"Good answer," Ruxi said with obvious approval.

The chamber they were in was a circular chamber with a domed ceiling that appeared to be made of captured starlight.

The floor was polished stone that reflected the celestial display above, creating the impression of standing in the void between worlds. Seating was arranged in concentric circles around a central raised platform where two thrones waited.

Fox spirits filled the outer rings of seating—dozens of individuals with varying numbers of tails in colors ranging from pristine white to deep red, silver-gray to pure black. Their collective attention focused on Grim with intensity that was both welcoming and evaluative.

"The court," Ruxi murmured as they approached the central platform. "Representatives of every major family and magical discipline in our realm."

At the center of the chamber, seated on the larger of the two thrones, was a figure who could only be the Fox King. Húwáng possessed eight magnificent tails in royal black with intricate orange patterns.

No longer using illusion magic, his power flowed freely. It was like standing in front of Yongrun with his aura around him. It didn’t matter where one stood in that chamber. You could feel his power all around your body.

The king’s appearance was striking. He is a tall, lean man with a muscular build. His black hair is streaked with vibrant orange highlights that seem to flicker like flames. His sharp amber eyes have fox-like pupils.

The biggest thing to note was that Húwáng had no fox ears on his head.

"Your Majesty," Ruxi said, bowing deeply as they approached the throne. "I present Lord Grim van Ambrose, heir to House Ambrose and founder of the Celestial Sect."

Grim bowed in response.

"Lord Ambrose," Húwáng said. "Welcome to the Húli jīng realm."

"Your Majesty honors me with this invitation," Grim replied formally. "I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about your people and mutual benefit."

"Mutual benefit," the king repeated thoughtfully. "An interesting phrase. What benefits do you believe our people might share?"

"Knowledge, Your Majesty," Grim replied without hesitation. "Your people possess magical techniques and philosophical wisdom that could enhance human understanding. Humans possess resources and political connections that could benefit the fox spirits."

"And personally?" Húwáng asked with subtle emphasis. "What benefits do you seek from closer relationships with our people?"

The question was clearly about his intentions regarding Ruxi, and Grim understood that his answer would be evaluated not only by the king but by the entire assembled court.

"Princess Ruxi has demonstrated intelligence, wisdom, and character that command my respect and admiration. I would like to explore whether our mutual regard could develop into something lasting and beneficial for both our houses."

"Honestly spoken," the king acknowledged. "Though I suspect the full truth is more complex than simple mutual regard."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Grim agreed. "I am attracted to Princess Ruxi as an individual, intrigued by her people, and aware of the political advantages that a successful alliance could provide. I see no contradiction between personal affection and practical arrangements."

Murmurs rippled through the assembled court at this direct acknowledgment of mixed motivations.

"At least he’s honest about the political implications," observed a voice from the outer rings of seating.

"Honesty about ulterior motives doesn’t eliminate the ulterior motives," countered another voice.

"Perhaps," Húwáng said, raising a hand to quiet the discussion, "we should focus on understanding rather than judgment. Lord Ambrose, tell us about your realm and your people’s ways."

For the next hour, Grim found himself describing human society, politics, and customs to an audience that listened with obvious fascination. The fox spirits asked probing questions about everything from imperial succession laws to cultivation techniques, displaying knowledge and insight that impressed him with their sophistication.

"Your people seem remarkably focused on hierarchy and control," observed an elderly fox spirit with seven tails. "How do you balance individual freedom with social order?"

"Imperfectly," Grim admitted. "Human society tends toward conflict and competition. We’ve developed systems of law and authority to manage these tendencies, but they require constant maintenance and occasional adjustment."

"And your personal position in these systems?" Húwáng asked.

"Complex," Grim replied honestly. "I hold significant rank and responsibility, but I’m also subject to imperial authority and political pressures. My recent actions have been focused on securing my family’s position and building that up to ensure our continued survival."

"By any means necessary?" the king asked quietly.

The question carried implications about his methods and character that Grim understood were being evaluated by the entire court.

"By effective means," he replied carefully. "I’ve learned that honorable intentions without proper power leads to noble failures. My family has experienced the consequences of such failures."

"And you believe power justifies questionable methods?"

"I believe powerlessness guarantees victimization," Grim countered. "The methods I’ve employed have been calculated to protect those who matter to me while achieving necessary goals."

"Interesting philosophy," Húwáng mused. "Though one that raises questions about where such calculations might lead."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Grim agreed. "Which is why I value counsel from those whose wisdom and perspective differ from my own."

The comment was clearly directed toward Ruxi, and the king’s expression showed he understood the implication.

"My daughter certainly possesses strong opinions about proper conduct," Húwáng said with obvious amusement. "I trust she’s shared some of them with you."

"She has," Grim confirmed. "And I’ve found her perspective valuable in ways I didn’t initially anticipate."

"Elaborate."

"Princess Ruxi understands the relationship between power and responsibility in ways that my own experiences hadn’t taught me," Grim explained. "She’s helped me recognize that true strength cannot be achieved if you cannot do what is necessary when the time comes."

"And have these insights changed your approach to problems?" the king asked.

"They’ve added options to my approach," Grim replied diplomatically. "Though I reserve the right to use whatever methods prove necessary. "

"A reasonable position," Húwáng acknowledged. "Though one that requires careful judgment."

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

The formal audience continued for another hour, with various court members asking questions about human politics, magical techniques, and Grim’s specific plans for the future. Throughout the discussion, he was struck by the fox spirits’ combination of sophisticated understanding and genuinely alien perspective on familiar problems.

"We will continue these discussions in less formal settings," Húwáng announced eventually. "Lord Ambrose, you will be our guest for as long as your schedule permits. I trust you’ll find our hospitality adequate and our company enlightening."

"I’m certain I will, Your Majesty," Grim replied with genuine gratitude.

As the formal audience concluded and the court began to disperse, Ruxi approached with obvious satisfaction about how the proceedings had developed.

"That went well," she said quietly. "Father was impressed by your directness and self-awareness."

"And the court?"

"Intrigued," she replied. "You’ve given them much to discuss and evaluate. The next few days will determine whether that discussion leads to acceptance or increased skepticism."

"And what determines the outcome?"

"Your behavior when you think no one important is watching," Ruxi said with a slight smile. "Fox spirits are excellent at observing subtleties that others miss."

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