Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 90 The Problem of Refugees
After reviewing the daily intelligence system, Louis gently waved his hand to put away the screen.

"Alright, get back to work." He rubbed his temples and got out of bed.

She washed up and changed clothes with her usual efficiency.

As dawn broke and the sunlight had not yet pierced through the morning mist, the office doors were already open.

As soon as he walked in, he saw Sif sitting at the table, flipping through a thick stack of official documents.

"Good morning, Little White," Louis greeted with a smile.

Sif paused, as if she hadn't expected him to say that, blinked, and then stood up to bow.

"Good morning, sir." Her voice was soft, but the tips of her ears were slightly red.

In fact, during the time Louis was away on campaign, she had considered running away.

It's not that I lack courage, it's just that the timing wasn't right. Besides... where could I go if I escaped?
Later, she simply stayed instead of leaving.

Then Sif realized that she was actually having wild thoughts at night.

Will he die on the battlefield?
What if he doesn't come back?
Upon learning of his triumphant return, Sif breathed a long sigh of relief.

However, this is something that can't be said out loud; it's too strange.

Sif simply lowered her head, pushed the organized documents over, and said in her usual tone, "I've already processed the documents you wanted to see."

His voice wasn't loud, but his movements were swift and efficient.

She didn't realize that her outstretched hand was trembling slightly.

Louis didn't notice Sif's slight unusual behavior.

His gaze fell on the stack of documents that was almost taller than a person, and he immediately sighed softly.

That was information he had instructed Sif to compile before returning to his territory, concerning the current situation of Red Tide Territory and the various regions newly incorporated into his domain.

He flipped through a few pages at random, and a headache immediately followed.

Bandits, food shortages, winter, well water pollution...

Every page is a problem.

He leaned back in his chair, remained silent for a moment, and finally decided to start with the refugees.

Because of this problem, the sooner we act, the more people we can save.

Snowpeak County suffered heavy losses in the war, with large areas of villages reduced to ashes. Even Red Tide Territory was repeatedly harassed by the Snowsworn, and it was only thanks to the knights and soldiers left behind by Louis that it was able to hold on.

Other territories, however, were not so lucky.

Months of fighting have left the entire county riddled with holes.

The fields were abandoned, the livestock were robbed, the warehouses were looted, and even the well water was poisoned by the enemy.

Countless people lost their homes and families, and could only barely survive on scraps of food, tree bark, and wild vegetables.

They were like shadows that had lost their form, wandering among the broken ruins.

"These are all problems, it's such a hassle." Louis sighed, rubbing his forehead as he flipped through the stack of documents.

Sif didn't speak, but silently turned a page of parchment.

She knew perfectly well that Louis was right.

Those struggling to survive in the ruins are like a pot of water that has been suppressed for too long.

It could boil over at any moment due to cold, hunger, or fear.

Louis slammed a piece of parchment on the table, his tone becoming more serious: "Other problems are fine, but the biggest fear is that an infectious disease will break out among them, which would be a completely irreparable problem."

He stopped complaining, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes gradually calming down, and took out a slightly rough but detailed map. "Alright, let's divide this nearly 1,000 square kilometers of land into four sub-regions, with different groups responsible for the affairs of the displaced people in their respective areas."

He bent down and marked on the map, roughly dividing the entire territory into four parts according to the locations of mountains, rivers, and abandoned villages.

“Let’s name them Azure Deer Territory, Ice Ridge Territory, Snowfield Territory, and Fir Territory respectively,” Louis casually rattled off four somewhat cheesy names.

“Then send out knights first,” he said. “Take them with rations and medicine, and go out to investigate. Find out where the refugees are, what their situation is, and... how many people are still alive.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, Sif paused, then continued taking notes rapidly.

“Then, set up reception points in various regions.” Louis said, circling several locations with his pen. “The signs should be clear, so let’s use the Red Tide Territory’s flag.”

He paused, then lowered his voice: "Let them know that there are still people in this world who care about them."

“Okay,” Sif replied softly as she took notes.

“That’s not enough.” Louis thought for a moment, then looked down and made a few more marks on the table.

"The outpost must be built as soon as possible. It needs simple huts, braziers, straw mats, and a clean water source."

He paused for a moment, then added, "It would be best if we could replicate the semi-subterranean houses of Red Tide Territory. That way, we can build them faster and they'll be much warmer. We can get the carpenters and stonemasons to a suitable location and start construction right away."

Sif quickly took notes, then asked, "So, do we need to prepare all the outposts?"

“Yes.” Louis nodded solemnly. “Prepare to winter standards. Dry rations, smoked fish, blankets… and medicine too, we can’t let the plague have any chance.”

As Sif listened to Louis's words, she pursed her lips gently, a strange feeling suddenly welling up inside her, like a sense of relief.

Louis straightened up, his tone as calm as ever: "In addition, refer to the early model of the Red Tide Territory, the work-for-food program. Those who are willing to work will be given food and temporary shelter."

He paused for a moment, then continued to give instructions: "Distribute these tasks: repairing sheds, digging wells, logging, fishing, hunting, clearing land and planting vegetables."

Those who are willing to work will be recorded, and those who are particularly diligent will be given priority in housing allocation.

Furthermore, those with special skills, such as medical expertise, farming skills, literacy, or blacksmithing and carpentry skills, should all be registered and recorded.

“What about the managers?” Sif asked.

“The family members are already on their way,” Louis said calmly. “They will join the knights of the fiefdoms to form the initial core of each stronghold.”

Louis tapped his fingers on the table and continued, "But ultimately it depends on the refugees themselves. We guide them to form groups, elect representatives, and have the representatives collect supplies and report issues in unison. This way, it will be both fast and stable."

He spoke naturally, as if he had already planned it all out.

Sif glanced at him discreetly.

Louis's brows furrowed slightly, and he looked somewhat tired, yet he remained focused.

It was quite different from his usual carefree and irresponsible demeanor.

This young nobleman from the southern border of the empire seems to...

It was more reliable than she thought.

Although she was somewhat unwilling, a little bit of admiration did emerge in her heart.

Maybe, but only a little bit.

At that moment, Louis looked up and met Sif's light-colored eyes.

The girl was taken aback, then quickly lowered her head, pretending to continue flipping through the documents at hand.

"...Why are you staring at me?" Louis asked instinctively. "Is there dust on your face?"

Sif's ear tips turned red instantly, and even her neck was tinged with a thin layer of pink.

(End of this chapter)