Morning light filtered through the mistlike frost on the carriage windows, spilling onto the thick fur carpet inside.
Louis opened his eyes, his hand brushing a warmed fleece quilt. The temperature inside the carriage remained steady, the fire burning evenly.
Outside, the wind and snow were bone-chilling, yet the carriage was as comfortable as a drawing room.
Red Tide craftsmen had custom-built this lord's carriage. A fireplace stood recessed in one corner, with copper pipes distributing steam heat evenly through the seats and bed.
Maps and battle boards hung on the walls, while several statistical reports from across the Northern Frontier stood on the bookshelf.
Louis sat up beneath the thick blanket, draped a fox-fur-lined coat over his shoulders, and slipped his feet into fur boots.
"It's been more than ten days since we set out," he said quietly.
The Frost Dragon Fief was close now. They would arrive today.
With a practiced wave of his hand, he activated the daily intelligence system.
A pale blue screen appeared silently inside the carriage, its lines of intelligence slowly unfolding:
``` [Daily Intelligence Update complete]
[1: Viscount Bolton, Earl Harlov, Viscount Himan, Marquis Klan, and Earl Holmes have accepted Sixth Prince Asta's financial support at the Frost Dragon Fief headquarters and confirmed that they will join his Northern Frontier New Council, attempting to restructure the resource allocation system and weaken Red Tide's influence.]
[2: Invoking his royal status in the Frost Dragon Fief, Asta has offered incentives to the barbarian chieftain Wu, proposing food, pastureland, and official recognition from the Empire in exchange for assistance. He has ordered Wu to launch raids against Red Tide within twenty days and encouraged him to attempt an assault on Red Tide City to cause destruction.]
[3: After discussing their response, the barbarian tribes have decided