Free Web NovelAfter Louis dealt with the spring grain issue, he thought it was time to address other problems.
The "winter disaster" predicted by the Daily Intelligence System always hung over him like an unsheathed sword.
Although the intelligence did not explicitly state what would happen, it only mentioned that "the evil nurtured by the Snowsworn is stirring."
Moreover, the intelligence also stated that this crisis would sweep across the entire Northern Territory this winter, no less severe than the Great Rebellion two years ago.
"If it really is something summoned by the Snowsworn, whether it's a beast or a monster, I must be fully prepared."
"Of course, if it's truly an evil god—" He looked up at the sky outside the window, "—then I'll just run away."
Of course, having received nine years of compulsory education, even when he came to this fantasy world, he didn't have much faith in gods.
If it was useful, he would worship it; if it wasn't, then it was fake.
And if it was harmful to him, then it was an evil monster that should be eliminated.
He was not overconfident; in fact, he had already prepared in his heart for the worst-case scenario.
For this moment, he needed to establish a defense line for the territory before the disaster struck, one that "could hide people and block monsters."
To cope with this potential catastrophe, he summoned Mac, the most experienced foreman in Red Tide Territory and the chief castle engineer of Red Tide Territory.
"We already have experience with rammed earth building structures, and I want to build two more in Red Tide Territory." Louis opened the map and pointed to five territories, "And the other five camps should each build at least one simple rammed earth building."
"Like Red Tide Castle?" Mac raised an eyebrow.
"A bit rougher," Louis said calmly. "Normally, they'll serve as granaries, supply warehouses, training grounds, and temporary shelters."
"But once a disaster strikes, the gates can be immediately closed, allowing the common people to hide inside. Staying for a month would be no problem."
Mac scratched his beard, his eyes shining with excitement: "You should have said this sooner! Do you know how efficient the Red Tide construction teams are now? To build a rough one, without decorations, it takes half a month per building!"
"That's your efficiency, what about the other territories?"
"That depends on their respective craftsmen's skills, but if you're willing to send a team from our side to direct, it might be even faster."
"Mac, I always feel that—we might face a great enemy this winter." Louis gazed north, where clouds rolled in the depths of Snowpeak Ridge, as if some invisible entity was awakening.
He turned his head to look at the old craftsman beside him, "Do you have any other suitable defensive measures for this place?"
"You've come to the right person." Mac's eyes lit up, and he immediately pulled out a roll of dusty coarse cloth blueprints from his waist, his face full of childlike excitement.
As he spread out the blueprints, his fingers flew, gesturing rapidly.
"The first thing: reverse-slope ramps with rolling log traps!"
He grabbed parchment and stacked it together, "We'll build the nearby mountain paths into zigzagging gentle slopes. When the enemy comes,
They want to charge? They'll have to slowly wind their way up. We'll set up ambushes at the turns."
Saying that, he pulled out a small wooden stick from his embrace and placed it on top of the 'mountain slope.'
"Then, spiked logs, rolling down the slope—" He made a strong pushing gesture, "—with a rumble, whoever dares to come up will lose their life!"
"A whole nest of barbarians comes, and a whole bunch rolls down." He spoke animatedly, even mimicking the sound of the logs crashing down.
Louis nodded, tapping his chin: "Good, this thing built on the ramp leading to the rammed earth building is just right—the harder the enemy climbs, the more miserably they die."
"There's something even better," Mac patted his knees and stood up, grinning. "Have you heard of vibration pillars?"
"Vibration pillars?" Louis raised an eyebrow.
"The permafrost in our Northern Territory is hard, but it vibrates faster than anything. I plan to bury some large hollow pillars under the snow outside, with copper bells hanging inside. When a large number of enemies move or beasts attack, the ground shakes, and the bells ring."
Mac tapped his boot, "We'll hear 'ding-a-ling' while inside the castle. No one will be sleeping then; we'll go straight to battle."
Louis's eyes also lit up: "No need for patrols, listening to the wind through the earth—this is true Northern Territory wisdom."
Mac proudly said: "That's right, I'm not bragging, but our Northern Territory craftsmen usually don't talk about it, but their minds are already full of these emergency gadgets."
Louis slowly nodded, a hint of coldness appearing in his eyes: "Good, then these items will be implemented as you said, as soon as possible."
Mac chuckled: "By then, our enemies won't even see a person before they see rolling logs, fall into pits, and be scared half to death by the sound of bells..."
No sooner had Mac finished speaking than the heavy wooden door opened with a creak, and a guard walked in.
"Lord, a team of men is outside requesting an audience." The guard bowed slightly. "The man leading them—claims to be Wei Lisi Kaerwen. Your brother."
"Willis?" Louis raised an ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) eyebrow, his tone mixed with a trace of unconcealed surprise.
He had already learned through the intelligence system that his two elder brothers had arrived in the Northern Territory.
But he hadn't expected Willis to come see him first.
"Let him in," he said calmly, but he didn't conceal the caution in his tone.
The guard acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Outside the Red Tide Territory's city gates, a cold wind gently brushed against his cloak as Wei Lisi Kaerwen sat steadily on his warhorse.
His gaze fell deeply on the distant castle, which resembled a giant circular rammed earth building.
That was not the "Northern Territory" he remembered.
He had passed through too much desolation in the Northern Territory.
Hungry people, collapsed houses, muddy roads—
But the Red Tide Territory that appeared before his eyes now was like an anomalous existence, deliberately carved by another force.
The semi-subterranean dwellings on both sides, though not grand, were neat and uniform, with dried herbs hanging on the window sills to repel insects and ward off cold.
A group of simply dressed but energetic children were playing around the well, while elders sat on high-backed wooden chairs in front of their doors, chatting.
Their eyes were gentle, without any fear.
Looking further into the distance, several patrolling knights wearing red and black capes were slowly patrolling, their warhorses steady, and their armor complete.
"Louis's territory is incredible..." Willis murmured.
He had traveled all the way from Snowpeak Ridge.
Along the way, he had seen too many lords who bore noble titles but whose domains were like cesspits.
They conscripted labor, wantonly killed commoners, had golden goblets and fine wine in their fortresses, but famine spread outside the city.
But now he saw with his own eyes a territory where the people lived peacefully in the snow.
"This guy—he actually transformed this barren land into this state within a year?"
He tightened his grip on the reins, his brows furrowed, but not in anger, but in deep admiration.
"I underestimated him before."
He looked at the castle, which seemed to be armored and entrenched in the snow, and gently exhaled a puff of white air.
"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I couldn't imagine that this came from a guy who was still considered 'family scraps' a year ago."
As he was still marveling, a young guard in a red and black uniform stepped forward.
His tone was respectful, neither servile nor overbearing: "Lord Kaerwen, the Lord requests your presence inside."
Willis nodded, said no more, but simply re-tied his cloak and spurred his horse forward.
As he delved deeper into the heart of Red Tide Territory, the scenes within the city surprised him more and more.
There were neat wooden fences along the streets to guide pedestrians, and the accumulated snow along the way was cleared regularly.
The residents walked on the streets without panic, instead carrying a sense of tranquility that was out of place with the Northern Territory's snowstorms, as if they were accustomed to the order and warmth of this place.
Red Tide Territory's castle was now in sight.
It was not as magnificent as the family's southern mansion, nor did it have tall towers or flying eaves, but its steady and robust construction was still astonishing.
The castle gate slowly opened, and a faint warm current wafted out.
His heart trembled.
A Northern Territory fortress, could it actually achieve such an indoor temperature?
Stepping into the main hall, he felt his clothes billow, sensing no trace of cold. Instead, there was a pleasant warmth. The floor was paved with clean wooden planks, and heated flues were set along the walls. A faint fragrance slowly drifted from a charcoal brazier nearby.
Several maids in Red Tide uniforms were busy, their movements orderly and unhurried, even having the leisure to nod and smile at him.
"No wonder even the Governor remembers him." frёeωebɳovel.com
He finally understood that what he was facing was no longer a family outcast, but a ruler who could truly create order and bring hope to the Northern Territory.
As he was examining the details of the hall, a faint sound of footsteps came from ahead.
Willis looked up.
The man wore a simple dark formal suit, walking steadily and unhurriedly.
He saw that familiar yet unfamiliar face, with clear eyes and a calm demeanor, yet carrying an undeniable solemnity and steadiness.
Completely different from the silent younger brother in his memory who always kept his eyes downcast.
"Willis," Louis said, his voice calm and low, "Welcome to Red Tide Territory."
Willis paused, then straightened his back and bowed slightly in greeting.
Louis was also looking at him.
His gaze was calm, but in his mind, he quickly reviewed the fragmented intelligence from his memory.
Welles Calvin, his mother was a commoner maid in the family, of marginal birth, always outside the core of power.
Steady and pragmatic, he distinguished himself in military examinations through self-study and hard work, one of the few family members who truly built his foundation on his own.
These pieces of information were few, but Willis, standing before him now, showed a noticeable change compared to the information in his memory.
That face still carried familiar contours, but there was a hint of weariness in his brows and eyes, clearly showing he had traveled a long and dusty road.
Louis narrowed his eyes slightly.
It seemed he had come prepared this time.
As for what he intended to do, that would depend on the upcoming conversation.
Willis bowed, a polite yet slightly constrained smile on his lips: "Long time no see, Louis."
"No, I should call you 'Lord County Governor' now."
Then, a hint of emotion unconsciously seeped into his tone: "Red Tide Territory is truly an admirable place. Along the way, I've seen many Northern Territory domains, big or small, but none can compare to this. You've done better than anyone."
Changing the subject, he lowered his voice, with a hint of probing: "I actually came this time to ask for a favor from you.
I am now also a pioneering lord in the Northern Territory. My fief is on the edge of Snowpeak County, and well, it's still within your jurisdiction."
Willis slightly raised his eyes, his expression somewhat complex. He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words.
Then his tone softened a bit: "To be honest, Louis, my territory—it's incredibly barren. The surrounding environment is harsh, and resources and manpower are scarce. It's just starting, and there are many difficulties. Could you lend a hand at this critical time and help me stabilize the initial situation? Whether it's resource allocation or any other support, I would be immensely grateful."
He spoke somewhat humbly, revealing the helplessness and restraint of a Northern Territory noble forced to bow before reality.
Louis raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling a bit surprised.
Willis's attitude was much more submissive than he had expected, without any challenge or feigned toughness.
This quietly relieved him.
At least he wasn't here to cause trouble today.
He smiled, his tone also softening: "Willis, don't be so polite, what 'asking for a favor'—we're family. Of course, I'll help with something like this."
He paused, his eyes becoming serious: "Your territory is just starting, and it is indeed very difficult. I will arrange for craftsmen and teams to go over in the next few days to help you set up the foundations. If you have any specific needs, just tell me anytime."
"Really—thank you, Louis." Willis visibly relaxed, all his defensiveness melting away, a trace of long-lost relief and gratitude showing in his eyes. "I'll remember this favor."
"No need for so many pleasantries," Louis waved his hand, a slight smile on his lips, "Everyone has it tough. If you can establish a territory, you're also helping me."
He stood up and patted Willis on the shoulder: "Work hard. Once things stabilize over there, I'll personally come to see it."
Willis nodded vigorously, his voice low: "Yes, good!"
In the time that followed, the two chatted about some childhood family matters.
Although few, those shared memories still made the atmosphere less constrained.
"Do you remember that time when we secretly rode horses in the backyard and got caught by the old stableman?" Willis chuckled, shaking his head with a hint of self-deprecation. "We were so naive then, thinking no one could find us if we hid behind the woodpile." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
Louis also smiled: "I remember. You fell pretty hard that day, and in the end, I was the one who got scolded."
The two exchanged glances, their laughter carrying a hint of complexity. It wasn't intimate, but at least there was a layer of long-lost familiarity.
As dusk fell, Willis had originally planned to return that same night.
Louis said very naturally: "Alright, don't bother. Stay tonight for a hot meal, and leave tomorrow."
Willis hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Then I'll impose."
The atmosphere at the dinner table was much more relaxed than before. Although they weren't exactly baring their souls, at least there was no longer any awkwardness.
Louis looked at this brother he hadn't interacted with for a long time, and a warmth grew in his heart.
After dinner, he leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes slightly, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
With new lords like Willis arriving successively, perhaps—he could take the opportunity to hold a meeting.
Gather all these pioneers enfeoffed in Snowpeak County and formally establish his authority as County Governor?
His eyes lit up slightly, and he tapped his fingertips gently on the tabletop a few times, already beginning to plan in his mind.
