Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 88 The Return Banquet
Several days earlier, after learning of Louis's impending return, the old butler Bradley had already begun arranging a dinner party.

This banquet was not just a celebration of the knights' victory.

All the people of the Red Tide Territory, whether free citizens, slaves, or soldiers, were invited to the event, which took place in the town square.

The food wasn't luxurious, but it had everything you'd expect.

Pickled fish, smoked meat, steamed vegetables...

There was also liquor made from rye, stored in large barrels, available for anyone to take.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "The lord is here!"

The laughter gradually subsided.

All eyes turned to the end of the square, and then everyone stood up.

The children sitting on the ground were gently lifted up by their parents, the soldiers instinctively stood up straight, and the slaves also put down their wine cups in unison.

In the firelight, Louis walked slowly towards them.

To his left and right, two rows of knights stood in orderly rows like a ceremonial guard, solemn and silent.

And Lord Louis Calvin, whom everyone looked up to, walked slowly towards them from the center, guarded by the knights.

He was dressed in a simple and smart black suit with red patterns, a gold chain draped over his shoulders, and a noble sword at his waist.

His expression remained calm and composed, yet he possessed an undeniable air of composure—a convincing "leader's aura."

Like a king returning in triumph.

Like the rising sun at dawn.

He slowly walked up the steps, stood in front of the crowd, and glanced down at his subjects.

"Thank you all for protecting Red Tide Territory during my absence. No one has backed down or given up."

This victory doesn't belong to me alone; it belongs to you all, to everyone who has given so much for this land.

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping across the square, where some people were weeping and others were standing tall.

"Winter is coming soon, and we still have many difficulties to overcome. But I promise you, I will never let the Red Tide Territory return to that cold and hungry era of the past."

I will use the spoils of this battle to bring real change to you. I'm back, and I will make Red Tide Territory a better place.

After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent for a moment, followed by a wave of applause, as if the excitement that had been suppressed for a long time was bursting out.

Louis slowly raised his hand, allowing the cheers below to gradually subside.

Then, speaking in a calm and unhurried tone, he said, "There are some people who are just slaves, but they have made indelible contributions to the development of the Red Tide Territory with their blood and sweat."

He paused, then said firmly, "I, Louis Calvin, hereby declare the following two hundred men freed from slavery, effective this day."

His words shocked the entire audience.

Then Bradley stepped forward, unfolded the list, and began to read out the names one by one: "Isaac, Marlene, Balson..."

Upon hearing his name, a middle-aged slave paused for a moment, then knelt down and burst into tears.

"Thank you... thank you, sir, for restoring my freedom!"

More and more names were read out, and more and more people knelt down and wept.

"Am I... really free?"

"I thought I would never wait for him in this lifetime..."

“I’ve been working hard to catch fish every day, knowing that one day it would be my turn… and today it really has.”

It's not unusual for the Red Tide Territory to release some slaves every month.

But when that moment actually happens to you, the shock is indescribable.

Most of the other slaves who weren't called on had dim eyes and silently lowered their heads. "Sigh... I wasn't called on this time either."

"It's alright. The Red Tide Territory releases people every month, so maybe it'll be our turn next time."

"There will be other opportunities... As long as we keep working hard, we will become free citizens one day."

But there was no resentment in their eyes; instead, they comforted each other, after all, the number of slaves in the Red Tide Territory was decreasing.

Moreover, being a slave here is much better than being a free person elsewhere.

Many of them were once free people from other territories, who were enslaved and then sold here.

They all knew very well how kind this land and its master were.

Some free citizens spontaneously applauded, and many had a look of satisfaction in their eyes.

“He worked in the fields with me,” a tall, thin middle-aged man said to the person next to him. “He’s quick and hardworking… I knew he could become a free man.”

“Yes,” someone else nodded, “we all came from slavery.”

Louis's gaze swept across the audience; many slaves were still kneeling, tears streaming down their faces.

His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly to every corner: "Your names will not be forgotten by the Red Tide. Today, those whose names are read aloud are examples for slaves."

But that doesn't mean it's over. As long as you're willing to give your all for this land, one day you too will gain your freedom.

He paused, then his tone turned solemn: "And now it's time to thank another group of people, the knights who fought, protected, and bled for the Red Tide Territory."

Whether you are charging into battle on the front lines or staying behind to defend Red Tide Territory, it is your loyalty and courage that have kept this land and the North safe and sound.

Your glory deserves to be remembered throughout the entire territory. I will now personally bestow upon you the honors and rewards that are rightfully yours.”

Then, with a soft drumbeat, Bradley unfurled the parchment and loudly proclaimed the name of the first knight.

"Seymour Bell, who participated in the main battle at Qingyu Ridge and killed seven enemies, step forward to receive your reward!"

Knight Seymour walked steadily up to the platform and knelt on one knee.

"For your courage and loyalty."

Louis personally pinned a Red Tide Territory badge, which had been made in advance by a craftsman, to his chest, poured him a glass of ale, and then read out his reward.

Seymour, his hands trembling, took the glass and drank it all in one gulp, his eyes reddening: "I am willing to serve the Red Tide Territory, I am willing to die for Lord Louis!"

Then came the second person, the third person...

The knights, whether distinguished in battle or for their defensive prowess, were called forward one by one.

Some people's hands trembled uncontrollably when they received the gleaming gold coin pouches, while others couldn't resist drawing out the exquisite longswords to examine them closely.

Several others were granted "mini-fiefs" or "manor management rights," accompanied by symbolic land grant decrees.

“You will be the steward of that land, governing it in my name,” Louis said.

Upon hearing this, the men immediately knelt down and kowtowed heavily.

"I swear I will never betray your trust, sir!"

Applause erupted one after another, surging across the square like a tide.

Will stood at the back of the crowd, his cheeks flushed red by the firelight.

He didn't move or clap; he just stared at the rows of knights who were being rewarded.

That was the position he longed for, the glory of his dreams.

“I will stand there too.” The boy clenched his fists, his eyes burning with a fierce light.

"No matter how much I pay... one day, I will also receive a reward from an adult."

(End of this chapter)