At No Cost

The fierce siege during the day, the careful strategizing at night, and the in-depth discussion with Brendan about future strategy and relations with their allies had long since exhausted Karl's mind.

After Brendan left, a powerful wave of fatigue washed over him, making him want to find a corner and collapse into sleep immediately.

He looked around the command post, filled with the rugged style of the Sauron people and still carrying traces of Bragi's presence. He was just about to have his guards find a relatively clean side room where he could rest.

However, just as he stood up, before he could say anything, the command post's door was gently knocked on.

A guard hurried in and reported in a low voice, "My lord, Mr. Grimm, the leader of the Grimm caravan, is waiting outside to see you. He says he came all the way from the direction of Carnford overnight."

Karl's brows drew together almost imperceptibly, and helplessness welled up inside him.

It was just his luck that what he feared had come to pass. What he needed most right now was rest, not socializing.

But the Grimm caravan was an important source of supplies for Carnford. Especially now, with their provisions nearly exhausted, there was no way he could refuse to see its leader when the man had personally rushed over overnight.

"Let him in." Karl rubbed his swollen temples, then sat back down in the seat of honor and forced himself to stay alert.

Soon, the travel-worn Grimm entered under the escort of the guards.

The shrewd caravan leader had obviously hurried the entire way. His boots and the hem of his cloak were covered in mud, and clear fatigue marked his face, yet his eyes still glittered with their usual calculating light.

"My respected lord!