Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 245: Xùyán

Chapter 245: Xùyán

The gardens outside Pearl City were nothing like the formal palace grounds.

Wild paths wound through stands of silver-leafed trees, and streams meandered between moss-covered rocks without any apparent plan or purpose.

It was here that Ruxi had suggested they spend the afternoon, away from the constant observation of court life.

"I wanted to show you where I used to play as a child," she said, leading him down a path that seemed to shift slightly with each step. "These gardens grow themselves according to the seasons and the moods of those who visit them."

Grim followed, noting how the landscape seemed to respond to their presence. Flowers bloomed as they passed, and the stream’s babbling was soothing.

"It’s peaceful," he admitted. "I can see why you’d want to escape here."

"Father used to bring me here when court life became too overwhelming," Ruxi explained. "He said that understanding how to be alone with nature was essential for anyone who would eventually govern others."

They reached a clearing where a small waterfall cascaded into a natural pool. The water was so clear that Grim could see fish swimming around clearly.

"This is beautiful," he said, settling onto a smooth stone beside the pool.

"I’m glad you like it," a new voice said from behind them.

Grim turned to see another fox spirit approaching through the trees. This one was tall and lean, with six tails. His features were sharp and elegant, and his eyes held an intensity that immediately put Grim on guard.

"Xùyán," Ruxi said, and Grim caught a note of tension in her voice. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

"I often come here to think," Xùyán replied, his gaze fixed on Grim with obvious evaluation. "Though I admit I’m surprised to find you entertaining visitors."

The word ’visitors’ carried subtle contempt that wasn’t lost on anyone present.

"Lord Ambrose, this is Xùyán," Ruxi said formally. "Xùyán, Lord Grim van Ambrose."

"Ah, the famous human," Xùyán said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I’ve heard so much about you from the court. Tell me, Lord Ambrose, how are you finding our realm?"

"Serene," Grim replied carefully. "Your people have much to teach."

"How diplomatic," Xùyán observed. "Though I wonder how someone who built his reputation on conflict and domination truly feels about our ’soft’ ways."

The challenge was subtle but unmistakable. Grim felt his instincts urging him to respond with equal aggression, but Ruxi’s presence reminded him to control his temper.

"I’m learning that there are different forms of strength," he said instead.

"Indeed there are," Xùyán agreed, settling onto a rock across from them without invitation. "For instance, I’ve always believed that true strength comes from understanding one’s place in the natural order rather than attempting to impose one’s will upon it."

"An interesting perspective," Grim replied.

"Xùyán has always been philosophical," Ruxi interjected, clearly trying to defuse the growing tension. "He’s spent years studying our ancient texts and meditation practices."

"How fortunate for him," Grim said. "I imagine such studies provide valuable insights."

"They do," Xùyán confirmed. "For instance, they’ve taught me that some relationships are meant to endure, while others are merely temporary attractions that fade when novelty wears off."

The barb was directed clearly at Grim’s relationship with Ruxi, and this time the provocation was too obvious to ignore politely.

"And what determines which relationships endure?" Grim asked, his voice carrying a harder edge.

"Compatibility," Xùyán replied smoothly. "Shared values, common background, mutual understanding of obligations. Things that can’t be learned in a few weeks of cultural tourism."

"Xùyán," Ruxi said sharply. "That’s enough."

"I apologize if I’ve given offense," Xùyán said with exaggerated contrition. "I merely observe that some bonds are forged over lifetimes, while others are formed through convenience."

Grim stood slowly, his hand moving instinctively toward where his sword would normally rest. The motion wasn’t lost on Xùyán, whose eyes glittered with satisfaction at having provoked a reaction.

"Perhaps," Grim said quietly, "you’d care to elaborate on your observations?"

"Certainly," Xùyán replied, also rising to his feet. "I observe that Princess Ruxi has known me since childhood. We’ve shared experiences, challenges, and growth that cannot be replicated or replaced by political necessity."

"And I observe," Grim responded, "that Princess Ruxi is capable of making her own decisions about her relationships without requiring your approval or guidance."

"Of course she is," Xùyán agreed. "Though I wonder whether she’s had sufficient opportunity to consider all her options fully."

The implied suggestion that Grim was somehow pressuring or limiting Ruxi’s choices was the final provocation. Grim stepped forward, his expression shifting into something that made Xùyán’s smile falter slightly.

"Perhaps you’d like to discuss these observations somewhere more private?" Grim suggested.

"That won’t be necessary," Ruxi said firmly, moving between them. "Xùyán, you’re out of line. Grim, please don’t let him bait you into something foolish."

Xùyán studied the protective way Ruxi positioned herself and seemed to reach some internal conclusion.

"My apologies," he said with a bow that managed to convey mockery rather than respect. "I seem to have misread the situation. Please, continue enjoying your afternoon."

He departed through the trees, but not before giving Grim a look that promised their conversation was far from over.

"I’m sorry about that," Ruxi said once they were alone. "Xùyán can be... difficult when he feels his position is threatened."

"His position?"

"He’s been hoping for a marriage arrangement between us for years," she explained. "His family has significant influence, and the match would strengthen his family."

"And how do you feel about that possibility?"

"If I were interested in marrying Xùyán, I wouldn’t have invited you to our realm," Ruxi replied. "But he’s never accepted that my feelings don’t align with his expectations."

Grim settled back onto his stone, processing what had just occurred. "He’s going to be a problem, isn’t he?"

"Probably," Ruxi admitted. "Xùyán doesn’t handle rejection well, and your presence makes it impossible for him to maintain any illusions about my romantic interests."

"Should I be concerned about his influence with the council?"

"His family has connections, but not enough to override father’s authority," she assured him. "However, he could make your trial period more difficult if he chooses to cause problems."

"What kind of problems?"

"Xùyán is skilled at subtle manipulation and psychological pressure," Ruxi explained. "He’ll try to make you lose your temper publicly, or demonstrate your unfamiliarity with our customs, or generally make you appear unsuitable for alliance."

"And if I respond to his provocations?"

"Then you prove his point about human barbarism and hot tempers," she said. "Which is exactly what he’s hoping for."

Grim considered this challenge. Political maneuvering he understood, but the subtle social warfare Xùyán was likely to employ would be a challenge.

"Any suggestions for how to handle him?"

"Patience," Ruxi replied immediately. "Don’t give him the reactions he’s seeking. Stay focused on learning our ways and building relationships with others. Eventually, his behavior will reflect poorly on him rather than on you."

"And if patience proves insufficient?"

"The best strategy is to avoid giving him ammunition to use against you."

As they continued their walk through the gardens, Grim reflected on this new complication.

[Interesting character,] Caius observed. [He’s obviously intelligent and well-connected. Could prove to be a significant obstacle.]

"He’s also emotional about Ruxi," Grim replied silently. "That makes him predictable in some ways, even if it makes him more dangerous in others."

[How do you plan to handle him?] Caius asked.

"Carefully," Grim said. "And with more self-control than I showed today. I can’t afford to let him provoke me into confirming their worst assumptions about human nature."