Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 251: Interruption

Chapter 251: Interruption

The palace gardens provided a welcome escape from the political tensions that had dominated the past few days since Elder Míngzhì’s formal challenge.

Grim and Ruxi walked along the winding paths, discussing the implications of the upcoming evaluation while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

"Father believes the evaluation will ultimately work in your favor," Ruxi said as they approached a secluded pavilion overlooking a koi pond. "Your willingness to accept formal review impressed several neutral council members."

"I hope his assessment proves accurate," Grim replied. "Though I admit uncertainty about what criteria they’ll actually apply."

"The fox spirits value—" Ruxi began, but was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Princess Ruxi!" came Xùyán’s cheerful voice as he emerged from a side path with perfectly timed coincidence. "What a delightful surprise to encounter you here."

Grim noted the calculated nature of the "accidental" meeting, though Xùyán’s expression displayed nothing but pleased surprise at finding them together.

"Xùyán," Ruxi replied with obvious resignation. "I wasn’t aware you frequented this section of the gardens."

"Oh, I often come here to reflect," Xùyán said smoothly, settling onto a nearby bench without invitation. "This pavilion holds such wonderful memories from our childhood adventures."

"Does it?" Grim asked politely, recognizing the opening gambit of what would likely prove to be an extended exercise in psychological manipulation.

"Indeed," Xùyán confirmed with obvious nostalgia. "Ruxi and I spent countless hours here discussing philosophy, practicing magical techniques, and sharing dreams about our futures. Didn’t we, Ruxi?"

"We did spend time here as children," Ruxi admitted carefully, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

"Such innocent times," Xùyán continued with wistful affection. "I remember teaching you the water-dancing technique right here by this pond. You were so eager to master it, even though it took weeks of patient instruction."

"You taught Princess Ruxi magical techniques?" Grim asked, interested despite himself.

"Oh yes," Xùyán replied with casual pride. "Water-dancing, illusion-weaving, fire-shaping—all the fundamental arts that every fox spirit learns during adolescence. Of course, such instruction requires deep understanding of both the techniques and the student’s spiritual development."

The implication was clear: Xùyán possessed intimate knowledge of Ruxi’s magical education and development, while Grim remained an outsider learning basic customs.

"Xùyán was always skilled at instruction," Ruxi said diplomatically, clearly trying to minimize his claims while acknowledging their truth.

"I simply enjoyed sharing knowledge with someone so naturally gifted," Xùyán replied with warm regard. "Though I must admit, some of my fondest memories involve our midnight practice sessions when you were struggling with particularly challenging techniques."

"Midnight practice sessions?" Grim inquired, his tone remaining neutral despite the obvious provocation.

"Perfectly innocent, of course," Xùyán assured him with theatrical concern for any misunderstanding. "Though necessarily private, since advanced magical instruction requires complete concentration and freedom from distraction."

"I see," Grim said simply.

"Those were formative experiences for both of us," Xùyán continued, his gaze fixed on Ruxi with obvious affection. "Learning to synchronize our magical energies, developing trust through shared vulnerability, exploring the deeper mysteries of fox spirit spirituality together."

Each phrase was carefully chosen to emphasize the intimate nature of their shared history while remaining technically appropriate. Grim recognized the strategy—Xùyán was establishing claims to relationship depth that couldn’t be challenged or quickly replicated.

"How fortunate that Princess Ruxi had such dedicated instruction," Grim replied calmly.

"Oh, the dedication was entirely mutual," Xùyán said with a meaningful glance toward Ruxi. "Some bonds transcend simple teacher-student relationships and become... something more profound."

"Xùyán," Ruxi said with warning in her voice, "I think you’re overstating the significance of childhood friendships."

"Am I?" Xùyán asked with wounded innocence. "I suppose different people assign different meanings to shared experiences. Though I’ve always believed that true understanding develops through years of gradual discovery rather than weeks of intensive observation."

The barb was directed clearly at Grim’s recent arrival and rapid cultural immersion.

"Certainly," Grim agreed. "Though I’ve found that the quality of understanding matters more than simply its duration. Some insights can be gained quickly by those willing to listen and learn."

"Perhaps," Xùyán conceded with gracious dismissal. "Though I confess skepticism about whether outsiders can truly comprehend the subtle nuances of fox spirit culture. So many of our traditions depend on shared context that simply can’t be taught directly."

"Such as?" Grim asked.

"Oh, countless examples," Xùyán replied airily. "The significance of seasonal ceremonies, the proper protocols for spiritual communication, the intricate social relationships that govern court behavior. Even something as simple as the moon-viewing custom carries meanings that require generational understanding to appreciate fully."

"The moon-viewing custom?" Grim inquired, genuinely unfamiliar with the reference.

"You see?" Xùyán said with sympathetic regret. "It’s one of our most fundamental romantic traditions, yet completely unknown to those outside our culture. How can meaningful relationships develop without such shared foundations?"

Ruxi’s expression showed she was growing annoyed with Xùyán’s performance, but also that his claims about cultural knowledge were essentially accurate.

"Perhaps you could explain the tradition," Grim suggested. "I’m always eager to learn about fox spirit customs."

"Oh, it’s far too complex for casual explanation," Xùyán replied with false regret. "The symbolism, the proper timing, the spiritual significance—it requires extensive background knowledge to understand properly. Though I suppose simplified versions could be attempted for those genuinely interested in cultural education."

The condescension was barely concealed, but delivered with such apparent helpfulness that direct objection would seem churlish.

"I appreciate the offer," Grim said politely. "Though I suspect Princess Ruxi could provide excellent instruction when appropriate opportunities arise."

"Naturally," Xùyán agreed. "Though I hope she’ll remember to include all the essential details. Some aspects of the tradition are easily overlooked by those who haven’t practiced it extensively."

"I’m quite capable of explaining our customs accurately," Ruxi said with obvious irritation.

"Of course you are," Xùyán assured her with warm confidence. "I simply meant that some memories become clearer when shared with others who experienced them similarly. Don’t you remember how beautifully the moon-viewing ceremony concluded our coming-of-age celebrations? Such perfect synchronization of spiritual energies and emotional harmony."

The reference to shared ceremony clearly held special significance that Grim couldn’t access, and Xùyán’s satisfaction at his exclusion was barely concealed.

"That was a long time ago," Ruxi said firmly. "And childhood ceremonies shouldn’t be confused with adult relationships."

"Certainly not," Xùyán agreed with apparent innocence. "Though I’ve always believed that the foundations of understanding established during formative years provide the basis for all subsequent connections. Some bonds simply can’t be replicated or replaced through conscious effort."

"Perhaps we should continue our walk," Ruxi suggested, clearly eager to escape Xùyán’s increasingly pointed commentary.

"Of course," Xùyán said, rising gracefully from his seat. "I don’t want to intrude on your afternoon. Though I hope Lord Ambrose understands how fortunate he is to receive instruction from someone with such deep knowledge of our ways."

"I do indeed," Grim replied with genuine sincerity.

"Excellent," Xùyán said with satisfaction. "I look forward to observing how quickly you master the more subtle aspects of fox spirit culture. Some concepts take years to appreciate fully, but I’m certain your dedication will prove... adequate for basic comprehension."

With that carefully calibrated insult disguised as encouragement, Xùyán departed with grace, leaving Grim and Ruxi alone with the uncomfortable awareness that their private moment had been thoroughly infiltrated and disrupted.

"I apologize for that," Ruxi said with obvious frustration. "Xùyán has been increasingly intrusive since your arrival."

"He’s playing a sophisticated game," Grim observed with grudging respect for his opponent’s tactics. "Everything he said was technically appropriate while being psychologically provocative."

"He’s trying to make you feel like an outsider who can never truly understand our culture," Ruxi agreed. "It’s manipulative and unfair."

"But partially effective," Grim admitted. "He clearly possesses knowledge and shared experiences that I can’t match."

"Knowledge isn’t the same as wisdom," Ruxi said firmly. "And shared history doesn’t guarantee compatibility or genuine affection."

"Perhaps not," Grim agreed. "Though I suspect he’ll continue finding ways to emphasize the advantages his background provides."

As they resumed their walk through the gardens, Grim reflected on Xùyán’s strategy. The fox spirit was using cultural knowledge as a weapon.

The approach was subtle, persistent, and designed to erode confidence rather than provoke direct confrontation.

Dealing with such psychological warfare would require patience and strategic thinking rather than the direct methods Grim typically preferred.

"I’ll just have to put him in his place." Grim then to himself.