Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 89 The Cruel Rules of the Nobles

Louis raised his glass and shouted, "Let the feast begin!"

The square instantly erupted in cheers.

The braziers in the four corners burned brightly, and lanterns were hung high.

The musicians played the shepherd's flute and violin, the rhythm was light and lively, and the young waitresses danced to the beat of the drums.

The craft ale was foamy and thick, the aroma of red tide smoked fish was irresistible, the roasted lamb leg was juicy and dripping with oil when it was cut open, and the wild mushroom and deer bone soup was steaming in a large pot.

Soldiers raised their glasses and laughed, children chased and played...

Standing on the edge of the platform, Louis watched all of this quietly.

His gaze softened.

The territory he once silently guarded is slowly becoming prosperous.

Those trusting gazes, those smiling faces brimming with tears of joy at the glory.

All of this brought a slight warmth to Louis's heart.

He was certainly not without fatigue; after all, the greater the responsibility, the heavier the burden.

But on such a night, he still felt a real sense of accomplishment.

It's not the vanity of the aristocracy, but a more grounded sense of satisfaction.

Louis gripped his glass and murmured to himself, "Let's relax tonight."

…………

After the party, it's back to work the next day.

Louis sat up in bed and rubbed his temples.

This is a familiar semi-subterranean dwelling. Even though he is now a lord with a vast territory, he still prefers to live here.

I can sleep peacefully on my own turf.

He stretched and casually tapped on the "Daily Intelligence System," where a semi-transparent screen appeared before his eyes.

[Daily intelligence update complete]

[1: Near Eagle Rock at the eastern entrance of Qingfeng Canyon, signs of growth of Eagle Claw Vine have been discovered. This plant has remarkable effects on wound healing and could be developed into a battlefield herb.]

[2: Magical fluctuations have been detected at the southern end of Silvershadow Forest, and a small amount of magical marrow ore is buried nearby.]

[3: Small herds of snow goats roam the central part of the snowfield, suitable for captive breeding, and produce more milk in winter.]

[4: The Calvin family selected a group of over forty loyal and reliable civil servants and stewards to assist Louis in managing the land.]

[5: Duke Calvin allocated a batch of supplies to support Red Tide Territory, prioritizing the supply of food, cotton clothing, and winter medicine to prepare for the winter.]

[6: Duke Calvin assigned a group of knights to serve under Louis, including ten elite knights, thirty regular knights, and one hundred apprentice knights.]

[7: Duke Calvin upgrades the Louis family's resource access to level two, granting the family the right to act as agents in the North.]

"So much intelligence today, more resource-related intelligence." He glanced at the first three pieces of information and had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

Since he acquired that new territory of nearly a thousand kilometers, notifications of resource points in various places have been pushed up every now and then.

There are some herbs, some magical ores, and potential ranch resources, etc.

Although these new territories are not as wealthy as the Red Tide Territory, the system always manages to uncover some unexpected benefits.

These resources are important, but there are more pressing matters at hand, such as preparing winter supplies, restoring order after the war, resettling refugees, mobilizing troops, and dealing with the movements of the remaining Snow Oath forces.

"Let's talk about these resources after we've dealt with these immediate problems."

The next part of the intelligence report surprised Louis.

"The old man dropped a lot of gold coins... more than I expected."

It wasn't just a few bags of flour or a few horses; it was a whole system of support. The resources from the Calvin family weren't just material supplies, but more importantly, the accompanying civil servants and stewards.

More than forty people, all of whom were seasoned and capable individuals selected from within the family, loyal, reliable, and experienced.

Louis could send them to the Red Tide Territory and the four newly granted lands to manage government affairs, taxes, household registration, and grain requisition, thus building a decent "administrative framework."

This means that the Red Tide Territory is no longer a makeshift operation.

"Finally... the days of one Hilko being worth ten men are gone forever."

He said this, but in his heart he missed the alchemy apprentice who was outwardly respectful but secretly grumbled and cursed.

The knights who were conferred titles yesterday will join forces with these civil officials, forming a balance between civil and military roles, to officially take over this land that is on the verge of recovery.

"It finally looks like a territory."

Louis alone cannot manage such a large territory.

He had considered directing all the refugees to Red Tide Territory for concentrated development, but resources were too scarce, and without the logistics system of later generations, large-scale urbanization was impossible.

Now he also has the possibility of diverting and coordinating resources.

In addition, there was military support that came with them: ten elite knights, thirty regular knights, and one hundred apprentice knights.

With his existing knights, he already possessed the demeanor of a mature noble lord and military leader.

It could even be said that, by the standards of some senior viscounts, his foundation was by no means inferior.

The seventh piece of information left him speechless for a long time, pondering what it meant.

The "Calvin Family's Northern Agent" is not just a title, but a position of real power.

This means he can act in the North in the name of "House Calvin," like a leader who remotely exercises the family's will.

Of course, the Calvin family's influence in the North is somewhat small, so the actual power of this title is not that high.

Ultimately, it's because they lack strong military power or territory.

Only a few peripheral relatives control a few small fiefdoms in remote areas.

All of that combined isn't even as big as Louis's current territory.

The real value lies in the family's trading business, which they have operated in the North for many years.

Several grain stores, ironware shops, transport fleets, and several safe freight routes can all be mobilized.

This means he can use the family's name to buy on credit and negotiate lower prices;
They can also mobilize transportation and distribution of supplies, and prioritize their own territory;

They even used the "I represent the Calvin family" card during negotiations to gain more trust.

Although it wasn't some extraordinary method, it was enough for him to catch his breath.

"This is truly... a timely benefit." Louis put away the light screen and chuckled softly.

These resources and manpower are a godsend for Louis at this time.

His territory was too new, too large, too diverse, and too chaotic. Every matter urgently needed to be handled, and every piece of supplies could save lives.

Even if it's just temporary support, it can still keep us going.

Therefore, he was genuinely grateful to the Duke of Calvin.

Although this biological father almost ignored him when he was a child, and even kicked him to the North, which was practically a death sentence.

But now that he has survived and made great contributions, the support has poured in without hesitation.

People, money, reputation, and resources—they'll provide everything they need.

This is probably the cruel rule of the aristocracy.

They don't cultivate useless people, but as long as you prove yourself worthy, they will not hesitate to "invest" in you.

(End of this chapter)