Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

The crowd’s murmur of recognition grew louder as Rowan van Ambrose made his appearance out of nowhere.

In the afternoon light, he looked exactly as Grim remembered from his childhood—tall, distinguished, with the same dark hair that marked the Ambrose bloodline.

There was no trace of the monstrous transformation Grim had witnessed twelve years ago, no hint of the supernatural entity that had possessed his father’s body.

"My friends," Rowan said, his voice carrying easily across the courtyard with a warmth that seemed genuine, "I cannot express how moved I am to return and find such a celebration in progress."

The crowd began to respond positively, many of them calling out greetings and expressions of joy. To them, this was a miraculous reunion—the lost patriarch of House Ambrose returning just as his son was restoring the family’s honor.

"I have been away too long," Rowan continued, his smile never wavering as he gestured toward the magnificent sect building behind them. "Traveling distant lands, seeking knowledge and resources that might help rebuild what our family lost. But it seems my son has accomplished far more in my absence than I ever dared hope."

Cheers erupted from the crowd. Many people were calling out "Welcome home, Lord Rowan!" and "The Ambrose line rises again!" The enthusiasm was infectious, spreading through the gathered nobles and foreign delegates alike.

Chen Xing stood frozen beside Rowan, his face pale but his expression carefully controlled. Grim could see Chen Xing struggling to maintain composure while processing the implications of this appearance.

"When I left the capital twelve years ago," Rowan said, his voice taking on a more emotional tone, "I feared that House Ambrose might never recover from the tragedies that had befallen us. But standing here today, seeing what my son has built, witnessing the support and respect he has earned—I realize that our family’s greatest days may still lie ahead."

The applause was thunderous now. Even the international delegates were clapping, caught up in what appeared to be a touching family reunion. Princess Liona’s eyes were bright with what might have been tears, though whether from joy or confusion, Grim couldn’t tell.

Only Empress Alexia remained unmoved. Archmage Marcus and Chancellor Levenheart were calm as well, but Grim could see the tension in their postures.