The agent respectfully presented Carl with a piece of paper containing detailed information on the enemy's force composition, troop deployment, and supply status.
"...."
Carl read it silently, his gaze dark and unreadable. Then, without hesitation, he threw the paper into the brazier, watching it burn.
The agent hesitated for a moment instead of retreating immediately.
He trembled, not raising his head as he knelt, before speaking in a small voice.
"Master, may I ask you something?"
"Camilla was treated and left behind to recover."
"...Thank you."
At Carl's calm words, the agent let out a trembling sigh of relief, bowed his head in gratitude, then stepped back and quietly walked away.
Camilla was important to Carl—she was a precious person—but ultimately, she remained nothing more than a pawn on the board. Even Carl himself saw her that way.
But to the bloody ring finger, Camilla was almost like a princess.
When contact was lost, everyone's heart had sunk.
***
