Free Web NovelMac patted the stone bricks in the corner, his voice filled with genuine pride.
"My Lord, to be honest, it doesn't look that 'noble'.
But it can block wind, keep out the cold, fend off bandits, withstand battles, and endure snow."
He pointed to the edge of the city gate: "I had people wrap the base of the wall with stone bricks three times; it's very solid. The city gate also has thick cold iron plating added; it won't deform even after a few impacts."
He then gestured towards the roof: "Those red tiles are mainly for decoration. From a distance, at least, people won't think this place is a livestock pen."
Listening to Mac's words and recalling his own blueprints, Louis almost burst out laughing.
Mac continued: "As for those wooden beams and carvings—heh, I had a few laborers carve them for three days and three nights. They don't mean much, but they add to the appearance."
He spoke lightly, but his voice couldn't hide a hint of smugness.
"You've done very well. I like this exterior very much," Louis praised directly.
Mac scratched his head and grinned. "Let's go, My Lord. I'll show you the real substance inside." With that, Mac led Louis inside.
As soon as he entered the castle, Louis immediately felt a wave of warmth wash over him, a stark contrast to the biting cold wind outside.
The air here was warm and pleasant, making one involuntarily relax.
The temperature inside the castle seemed to isolate the harsh cold of the North.
And all of this was due to the specially designed hot spring geothermal system.
Mac explained: "My Lord, this hot spring geothermal system you designed is truly amazing."
He pointed to the surrounding geothermal pipes and warm walls: "By introducing hot spring water to heat the underground pipes, this not only ensures the warmth of the entire castle but also provides hot water for every room.
In our North, this is simply a divine artifact. It can not only withstand the severe cold but also improve living comfort."
Mac's tone was full of admiration for Louis, and his eyes were filled with respect.
Upon hearing this, Louis couldn't help but feel a little proud.
Although he hadn't initially expected his design to be executed so successfully.
But seeing the castle now warm as spring, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
Next, Mac took Louis on a tour of the castle's first floor. He walked and introduced each room, his voice full of pride.
"First, this is our front hall." Mac walked ahead, pointing earnestly to the two flags hanging on the wall.
One was the Calvin Family crest, with elegant and ancient lines.
The other was the Red Tide Territory's red flag, simple and powerful, seeming to carry warmth.
Louis nodded; there was no unnecessary ostentation, which was exactly to his liking.
Then the two walked through the corridor and arrived at the supply warehouse piled high with wooden crates.
"This is where we store our winter lifeline," Mac patted a bag of grain, "dried food, stone bricks, timber—everything edible and burnable is here."
The air carried a faint scent of wheat, mixed with the smell of pine.
Next to the warehouse was the kitchen.
Stepping inside, warmth immediately enveloped them. Several cooks were busy around large pots.
Soup pots bubbled on the stone stove, and half a roasting wild boar leg was turning on the large rotisserie.
"I personally supervised this chimney system for three days and three nights," Mac puffed out his chest, "The ventilation is first-class; cooking doesn't choke you. Louis glanced around; it was indeed clean, tidy, and well-organized.
A kitchen that allows cooks to work with peace of mind is a good kitchen.
Finally, Mac led him to a heavy stone door: "This is the place I'm most proud of."
As the door opened, warm steam wafted out.
The stone brick floor still gleamed, and the air was humid, as if they had instantly stepped into another world.
The hot spring pool was steaming, and the sound of water gurgled.
"This part was specially designed for you," Mac's voice even held a hint of excitement, "Among the nobles of the North, you are the only one who can enjoy this kind of luxury."
Louis looked at the pools of hot water and suddenly felt a little tempted.
Outside, others were still wrapped in quilts against the cold wind;
And him? He could soak in a hot spring while drinking hot wine—simply delightful.
It was like when most people could only ride bicycles, but you were driving a Maybach.
Louis almost couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Mac wore an expression that seemed to say, "Only this kind of treatment can be worthy of the Red Tide Territory's Sun."
Louis took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to immediately jump into the hot spring.
"There will be plenty of opportunities later," he secretly comforted himself, then stepped forward and continued to follow Mac to the second floor.
The way up was a spiraling staircase.
The steps were constructed from thick logs and stones, feeling solid and sturdy underfoot.
Each step had just the right width, allowing even two knights in armor to pass steadily.
There was a handrail along the side, made of polished oak, warm and reliable to the touch.
"Reinforced, durable, and safe—this is how a main staircase should be," Mac patted the railing.
Of course, this was only the main staircase for the Lord and honored guests. According to him, in other corners, there were also vertical ladders specifically for emergency deployment, allowing soldiers to quickly move up and down and be sealed off directly in case of an attack.
There wasn't much to see on the second floor.
"It's all the living quarters for soldiers and servants," Mac casually introduced.
The dormitories were compactly arranged, with rooms lining both sides of the corridor.
Each room had a wooden bed, blankets, and a simple wardrobe.
Although the furnishings were simple, they were neat and orderly, sufficient to provide shelter from wind and rain and warmth for the night.
Louis casually pushed open a few doors and looked inside.
They were all much the same.
He didn't linger long on the second floor and continued up the main staircase.
The main hall on the third floor was an important reception area reserved for the Lord. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Noble visits, treaty signings, and official audiences all took place here.
The entire space had a very high ceiling, supported by thick oak beams.
There were still a few iron hooks on the beams, for hanging chandeliers at night, which would illuminate the entire room when lit.
On the wall, a Red Tide Territory flag hung high, with a scarlet ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) background and a golden sun in the center, symbolizing order and glory.
On the other side were several large oil paintings depicting the historical glory of the Calvin Family.
In the largest one, Louis's ancestor was seen fighting alongside the Iron-Blood Empire's first emperor on the battlefield, armored and on horseback, exuding heroic spirit.
"These were all specially commissioned by Bradley from the South," Mac introduced from the side, "They hired famous court painters."
Louis nodded, expressing satisfaction.
Using the Calvin Family's glory to borrow prestige was quite good.
It would also give him more confidence during future negotiations.
Passing through the main hall, Mac pushed open a heavy wooden door.
"This will be your office in the future. Of course, it's empty now and needs you to design it yourself later."
The room was still empty, and footsteps echoed clearly on the wooden floor.
A large table stood alone by the window, its surface clean and smooth, with only a blank document and a quill pen on it.
On the other side was an empty bookshelf, not yet filled, the scent of wood still lingering.
