Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 38 Bradley Arrives in Red Tide Territory

Although it was springtime, the North was still bitterly cold, and even wearing a thick cloak could not ward off the chilling wind.

"My lord, we're almost there." A knight reined in his horse and whispered to the old man at the front of the procession.

Bradley nodded slightly, his expression unchanged, and continued to ride silently across the frozen ground.

The group traversed the desolate northern lands in silence.

It wasn't because he had no complaints about the mission, but out of respect for Bradley.

He was Duke Calvin's old butler, holding a high position and great power. Within the Calvin family, his status was even comparable to that of some collateral nobles.

Even if the knights had doubts, they dared not speak freely in his presence.

Along the way, they passed through several new territories, all of which were dilapidated and desolate.

Even Frostspear, where the Northern Governor's Office was located, was seen by these southerners as nothing more than a shabby military outpost.

No one expected Red Tide Territory to be any different.

The same goes for Bradley.

In his memory, Louis was just one of the Duke's twenty-odd sons, with mediocre talent, an honest personality, and even a bit boring.

He was neglected from a young age and a few months ago the Duke sent him to the harsh northern lands to fend for himself.

However, in a letter to the Duke, he wrote that the expanded territory was well-governed, developing well, and that a precious magic marrow mine had even been discovered.

Bradley was skeptical of the contents of the letter.

How could a young man under twenty years old manage to manage a piece of wasteland so well with almost no resources?

That's an exaggeration.

Moreover, magic marrow ore has always been an extremely scarce resource in the Ironblood Empire, which relies almost entirely on imports from the Emerald Federation.

In his pioneering territory, a large amount of magic marrow ore was discovered.
There is probably some exaggeration involved.

But in any case, he still came, without any complaints or slackening.

Because he was Bradley, the Calvin family's most loyal butler.

He wanted to see if this young lord could actually live up to everything he described in the letter.

If Louis shows promise, he will fully support him.

If Louis disappoints him, he will not hesitate to withdraw all support.

In the cold wind, the outline of the Red Tide Territory gradually emerged.

On a distant mountain road, Louis rode a black warhorse, wearing a thick wolf-skin cloak, his dark hair fluttering in the wind.

He bears a striking resemblance to the Duke, but is less imposing and more refined.

Standing at his feet was a lithe, wild wolf cub, exuding an untamed and untamed aura.

This scene subtly raised Bradley's opinion of Louis by a few points.

He was at least much better than the good-for-nothing young master he had imagined.

The knights were also somewhat surprised. They had expected to be greeted by a down-on-his-luck young master trapped in a barren fiefdom, but the other party was so calm and composed.

They even tamed a dire wolf.

Louis rode forward and respectfully bowed to Bradley: "Mr. Bradley, you must be tired from your journey. Welcome to Red Tide Territory."

Bradley returned the greeting with standard butler etiquette, his attitude neither warm nor faulty: "Young master, you are too kind. His Majesty the Duke sent me with some support, hoping to lend you a hand."

"I will always remember my father's care."

Bradley silently observed Louis, and his opinion of Louis began to change somewhat.

After all, maintaining such a composed aristocratic demeanor in this barren and cruel northern region is no easy feat.

Louis rode slowly forward, his gaze sweeping over the troops and supplies brought by Bradley, a slight thought flickering in his mind. Three elite knights, ten regular knights, and thirty apprentice knights.

Dozens of skilled craftsmen, doctors, and other talents.

Several carts of grain, wheat flour, dried meat, and pickled vegetables.

Seeds of cold-resistant crops, dozens of black-horned cattle, cold-weather sheep, and cold-resistant warhorses...

He didn't have high hopes for his father's support, after all, he, as the son, wasn't valued.

But now it seems that this batch of supplies has far exceeded expectations.

The old man did manage to get some gold coins, although it was just a drop in the ocean for the Calvin family.

Bradley said calmly, "Young master, these aren't many things, just consider it an opportunity for you."

He paused, then repeated the Duke's exact words:

"If you can govern the territory well, the family will invest more, but if you show any incompetence, the family will immediately withdraw all support."

Louis simply smiled and said, "I will cherish this opportunity."

While Louis was observing the funding, Bradley was also observing the Red Tide Territory.

Upon entering this land, it appeared no different from other northern territories: desolate, barren, and lifeless.

Bradley nodded to himself, just as he had expected.

But as the group ventured deeper into the area, his expression gradually became subtle.

The first thing that catches the eye is a vast expanse of thriving crops, as well as patches of wasteland being reclaimed.

The people worked with great enthusiasm, their sweat mixed with mud, but their faces showed no complaints, only hope.

This isn't right, how did they do that?
While most of the other newly developed territories in the North were still in the sowing stage, the crops in Red Tide Territory were already nearing harvest!
Even new reclamation work is underway simultaneously.

what does this mean?
This means that Louis was far ahead of other pioneering lords in agricultural management.

Bradley noticed the rows of semi-subterranean longhouses lining both sides of the road; these houses, though simple, were all new buildings.

Clearly, this was only recently completed.

In other words, the Red Tide Territory not only solved its survival problem, but also expanded its infrastructure in a short period of time.

This is even better than some territories that have been developing for many years.

As Bradley traveled, he saw more and more.

……

Each detail made Bradley's brow furrow deeper and deeper.

What truly alarmed him were the people he encountered along the way.

The way they looked at Louis revealed a genuine respect and affection!
It wasn't out of fear of the nobility or gratitude towards those who had bestowed favors, but rather a kind of almost devout faith.

"Is this kid a born ruler?"

Bradley felt a slight jolt and began to re-evaluate his unremarkable young master.

It could be said that Louis's control over the Red Tide Territory was even more thorough than the Duke's rule in the south.

In his letter, he claimed to be a good ruler, but now it seems that what he said was far from enough!
Everyone underestimated him, but it seems everyone misjudged him.

He may not be able to inherit the Calvin family business, but his future achievements will certainly be remarkable!

Thinking of this, Bradley's lips curled up slightly, and he felt somewhat pleased.

"At least I won't be bored in the North."

(End of this chapter)