Even the second-rate powers in the 'outside territory' have at least one or two powerful 'Martial Emperors'.
The Grimm Wolf Fortress, located on the frontier of this 'outside territory', may be considered a 'local tyrant'.
Yet, in the context of the entire 'outside territory', it can only be considered a third-rate power.
Moreover, it does not even match many of the third-rate powers in the central area of the 'outside territory'.
A second-grade alchemist is highly sought after, even by the second-rate powers in the 'outside territory'.
Therefore, very few second-grade alchemists would willingly serve under a third-rate power like the Grimm Wolf Fortress, after all, no one wants to languish instead of climbing.
If a second-grade alchemist was willing to join the Grimm Wolf Fortress, the fortress would have no reason to refuse, nor could it refuse.
"I've really been overthinking... I totally forgot about that!"