Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 237: False Campaign

The capital’s rumor mill had rarely operated with such efficiency or malicious intent.

Within days of Lord Ambrose’s departure, whispered conversations in every tavern, marketplace, and noble gathering carried increasingly elaborate stories about his character, his methods, and his true motivations.

"They say he uses dark magic to control his students," a merchant confided to his companion over breakfast at a popular inn. "That the sect is just a cover for building a private army."

"I heard he made a deal with demons," another voice added from a nearby table. "How else could someone so young acquire such power so quickly?"

The stories grew more elaborate with each telling, transforming legitimate concerns about his rapid rise into fantastic tales of supernatural corruption and hidden agendas.

In the merchant district, Julius Luminaris moved through his carefully planned campaign with methodical precision.

His approach was subtle—individual conversations rather than public pronouncements, private meetings rather than open accusations.

"Jacob," he said, approaching a well-dressed trader who had previously conducted business with House Ambrose. "I wanted to discuss some concerns about recent developments in the capital."

Jacob looked up from his account ledgers with obvious wariness. Political discussions were dangerous territory for merchants who depended on maintaining relationships with multiple noble houses.

"What kind of concerns, Lord Luminaris?"

"The kind that could affect trade and business relationships," Julius replied diplomatically. "I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about Lord Ambrose’s... methods."

"I’ve heard talk," Jacob admitted carefully. "Though I try to avoid political speculation."

"Wise policy," Julius agreed. "However, sometimes business interests require taking positions on matters that affect the broader economy."

He placed a leather purse on the table between them, its weight suggesting considerable contents.

"I’m prepared to offer exclusive trading contracts to merchants who share my concerns," Julius continued. "Contracts that would provide significant advantages."

Jacob studied the purse with obvious interest. "What kind of advantages?"

"Priority access to luxury goods, reduced tariffs on imported items, and guaranteed purchase agreements for your existing inventory," Julius explained. "All backed by House Luminaris’s reputation and resources."

"And what would be required in return?"

"Simply your willingness to share accurate information about any unusual activities you observe," Julius replied. "Business intelligence that helps us all make better decisions."

Jacob’s expression showed he understood exactly what was being proposed—payment for information about House Ambrose’s activities and associates.

"The terms are quite generous," he said eventually, reaching for the purse. "I believe we can reach mutually beneficial arrangements."

Similar conversations were taking place throughout the capital as Julius approached merchants, guards, servants, and others who had business relationships with House Ambrose.

At the headquarters of the city watch, Captain Thorne received an unexpected visitor who requested a private meeting to discuss "matters of mutual concern."

"Lord Luminaris," Thorne said, settling into his office chair with obvious caution. "This is... unexpected."

"I apologize for the informal approach," Julius replied, placing a significantly larger purse on the captain’s desk. "But I believe we have common interests in maintaining order and security in the capital."

"What kind of common interests?"

"The kind that require careful observation of individuals who might pose threats to Empire," Julius explained. "I’m sure you’ve noticed the unusual activities surrounding certain noble houses recently."

Thorne studied the purse without touching it. "I notice many things in my position. Most of them are none of my business."

"Of course," Julius agreed. "However, sometimes information about potential threats to public order becomes very much your business."

"What kind of information?"

"Reports about private armies being trained outside the city, rumors of foreign alliances that might compromise imperial interests, concerns about individuals who acquire power through questionable means," Julius said carefully.

"And you’re prepared to pay for such information?"

"I’m prepared to support conscientious public servants who take their duties seriously," Julius replied diplomatically. "The purse is simply a gesture of appreciation for your service to the Empire."

Thorne considered the offer for several minutes before reaching for the money.

"I’ll keep my eyes and ears open," he said finally. "If I observe anything that concerns me, I’ll certainly share that information with appropriate parties."

"Excellent," Julius said with satisfaction. "I’m certain we can work together effectively."

In the markets where House Ambrose purchased supplies for the Celestial Sect, similar conversations were producing similar results.

Shopkeepers and suppliers found themselves presented with alternative arrangements that were significantly more profitable than their existing contracts.

"The terms are quite attractive," admitted Elena, who had been providing food supplies to the sect. "Though I must ask—what exactly is expected in return?"

"Simply your cooperation in ensuring that we have accurate information about what’s going on," explained the well-dressed man who had approached her. "Business planning requires reliable data."

"And if Lord Ambrose discovers that I’m sharing such information?"

"Lord Ambrose is currently traveling," the man replied smoothly. "And by the time he returns, I suspect the business landscape will have changed significantly."

Elena studied him for a moment, noting that the payment terms were indeed substantially better than her current arrangements.

"I suppose there’s no harm in accepting better terms," she said finally, reaching for the money. "Business is business, after all."

Throughout the capital, Julius’s campaign was producing similar results. Servants, guards, suppliers, and associates of House Ambrose were being presented with opportunities that seemed too good to refuse.

"The money is certainly attractive," admitted Robert, a guard who had been providing security for Ambrose properties. "Though I must ask—what exactly am I agreeing to do?"

"Simply continue your current duties while occasionally providing updates about activities you observe," Julius’s representative explained. "Nothing that would compromise your existing obligations."

"And if I’m asked to do something that conflicts with my current position?"

"Then you’ll be compensated appropriately for any inconvenience," came the reply. "Our goal is cooperation, not conflict."

Robert accepted the offered payment with a smile. The additional income would solve several pressing financial problems, and the requirements seemed reasonable enough.

"I’m grateful for the opportunity," he said. "You can count on my cooperation."

By the end of the week, Julius had successfully approached dozens of individuals with business or professional relationships to House Ambrose. The majority had accepted his offers, creating a network of informants and allies throughout the capital.

What Julius didn’t know was that many of these individuals had been carefully selected and prepared for exactly this situation.

Chen Xing had anticipated that House Ambrose’s enemies would attempt to exploit Grim’s absence.

The merchants who accepted Julius’s contracts had been instructed to do so.

The guards who agreed to provide information had been authorized to share carefully selected intelligence.

The servants who accepted alternative employment had been briefed on what to report and what to conceal.

From Julius’s perspective, his campaign was remarkably successful. He had established connections throughout the capital and begun gathering intelligence about House Ambrose’s activities and vulnerabilities.

From Chen Xing’s perspective, Julius had obligingly identified himself as an active threat while simultaneously providing numerous ways to take his money.

"I heard he’s planning to overthrow the Empress," whispered a nobleman at a fashionable gathering. "That the sect is just the beginning of a broader conspiracy."

"They say he’s already made deals with foreign powers," added another voice. "That his marriage to the fox princess is part of some larger scheme."

The stories grew more elaborate and more damaging with each telling, creating an atmosphere of suspicion that would greet Lord Ambrose upon his return.

Julius observed these developments with growing satisfaction. His investment in building a network of informants and allies was already paying dividends.

However, he remained unaware that his most successful recruitments were actually controlled opposition, and that his campaign was providing his enemies with detailed information about his methods, resources, and intentions.

Read 𝓁atest chapters at fr(e)ewebnov𝒆l.com Only