Chapter 196: Chen Xing, Explain Yourself
Grim woke to the sound of quiet movement in his chamber.
As his eyes adjusted to the morning light, he saw a young woman arranging fresh clothes on the dresser.
She was perhaps twenty years old, with auburn hair neatly braided and pulled back to reveal bright green eyes. Her uniform was simple maid uniform for household staff, but it was well-maintained and fitted properly.
When she noticed him stirring, she turned and offered a respectful curtsy.
"Good morning, my lord," she said with a warm smile that seemed genuine rather than merely dutiful. "I hope I didn’t wake you. I was just preparing your morning attire and ensuring your chamber was properly arranged for the day."
Grim sat up, studying the unfamiliar face. "I don’t believe we’ve met. What’s your name?"
"Violet, my lord," she replied, her voice carrying a note of pride that went beyond simple job satisfaction. "I’m new to your service. Sera hired me just yesterday evening when word of your return spread through the city."
"New staff?" Grim asked, genuinely surprised. The Ambrose household has finally begun to flourish.
"Yes, my lord. With your appointment as Imperial Defender and the obvious restoration of the manor, Sera felt it appropriate to expand the household staff to match your elevated station." Violet’s eyes brightened with genuine enthusiasm that couldn’t be feigned. "I must say, my lord, I’m deeply proud to work for the Ambrose family."
Something in her tone caught Grim’s attention—there was personal investment there, not just professional courtesy. "You speak as if you have a personal connection to the house."
"In a way, I do," Violet said, her smile becoming more personal and less formal. "My grandfather served House Ambrose for thirty years before... before the troubles began. He was here during your father’s youth."