Based on the location Vaerik selected, he successfully acquired 300 square kilometers of Northern land as his initial pioneering territory.
He named it—Crimson Tide Domain.
On one hand, it was because the Tudor family crest was crimson red;
On the other hand, it was to commemorate the homeland he could never return to.
In Duke Edmund's eyes, this land was just relatively more habitable than other areas in the North.
But in the eyes of Vaerik, who had the Daily Intelligence System, this was practically the Vatican of the North—the home of extreme luck!
First, the rivers within the territory would welcome fish migrations for spawning every spring and autumn, providing an extremely stable food source.
Fish meat is high in calories and protein, not only able to feed the residents but also provide energy for soldiers.
He could even anticipate the possibility of magical fish species like Northern Crystal Cod.
Second, the territory actually had geothermal vents, which were practically miraculous in the North.
Not only could they raise the temperature of the surrounding soil, allowing the cultivation of some cold-resistant crops, but they could also help people survive the harshest winter.
This food, combined with fish, was enough to feed his people, and there might even be surplus for sale.
In the North, food was the most expensive commodity.
Moreover, the geothermal vents also brought several small hot springs!
When the biting cold winds of the North made others shiver, he could be soaking in hot springs and drinking hot soup—just thinking about it was pleasing.
However, what truly made his heart race was the mineral resources of this territory.
There wasn't much to say about ordinary cold iron ore; it wasn't uncommon in the North and was a necessary material for forging weapons and armor.
But hidden at the edge of the territory was an undiscovered magical marrow vein!
Magical marrow was similar to sulfur in his previous life, a key material for making explosives, highly sought after by alchemists.
Of course, he didn't have the capital to mine it now, and his strength was still very weak, making it easy to be coveted.
One day he would use this to shock the entire world.
Magical gunpowder blasting knights—how exciting!
Rich food sources, warm geothermal energy, ore veins, magical marrow... this place was simply a heaven-sent land, nothing like what should appear in the North.
And his intuition told him that the potential of Crimson Tide Domain was far beyond this.
Seeing Vaerik holding the pioneering certificate, standing there dazed with a smile not yet fully withdrawn from his lips,
Duke Edmund couldn't help teasing: "Shall I keep you here for a meal?"
Only then did Vaerik snap out of his wild joy, coughing lightly to compose himself.
Before leaving, there was one more thing he hadn't done.
He raised his hand slightly, signaling his knights to bring in two boxes.
When the first box was opened, three live Northern Crystal Cod jumped into view, their silver-white scales emitting a faint glow in the firelight.
Duke Edmund's eyes suddenly brightened!
Northern Crystal Cod!
A rare item that even he, the governor of the North, found difficult to obtain, and this young man had brought three at once?!
Not only was the meat delicious, more importantly, the essence of their bones could enhance a knight's physique and blood energy, especially suitable for knights at a bottleneck period.
And his daughter happened to be stuck at the initial stage of elite knight. With the help of these Northern Crystal Cod, it would greatly increase her chances of success.
However, before he could speak, Vaerik smiled and said: "These three fish are my gift to the Duke."
Duke Edmund was slightly startled, then looked at the young man with complex emotions.
Such precious items, given away so easily?
Was this young man really so generous?
Even for himself, such precious resources were rare and hard to come by, let alone to casually give away.
But before the Duke could think further, Vaerik opened the second box—
Inside were another three Northern Crystal Cod.
This time Vaerik grinned: "These three are for trade."
"Cunning boy." Duke Edmund finally couldn't help but laugh, with some appreciation, "Tell me, what do you want?"
Vaerik spoke without hesitation: "I need people—slaves, soldiers, craftsmen, and knights."
Hearing this, Edmund fully confirmed one thing: this young man had not come to the North to while away his time waiting for death.
He truly wanted to pioneer, to establish his own power in this harsh land!
A smile flashed in Edmund's eyes: "How many do you want?"
"The more the better, of course, I won't let the Duke suffer a loss." Vaerik smiled slightly.
"Heh, asking for the moon. Get slaves from the slave market yourself. For soldiers, I can give you fifty."
"One hundred and fifty." Vaerik held up his fingers.
"Too greedy." Edmund shook his head, "At most one hundred and twenty. I happen to have a batch of new recruits not yet fully trained. Veterans are out of the question. Thirty craftsmen, any more and you'd think I'm running a charity."
Vaerik sighed and nodded: "Alright, what about knights? Preferably all formal knights."
Edmund sneered: "Formal knights? Dream on."
Vaerik continued to ask: "What about knight apprentices?"
The Duke's finger paused, his gaze thoughtful for a moment, and finally he spoke: "Ten knight apprentices, three formal knights, following your orders but loyal to the North."
Vaerik's lips curled up as he extended his hand: "Deal."
Edmund glanced at him, smiling as they shook hands: "Cunning boy, don't die too quickly."
After the bargaining, Vaerik successfully exchanged six Northern Crystal Cod for the talent he needed most.
All 120 soldiers were untrained, meaning Vaerik would have to establish his own training system.
Thirty craftsmen weren't many, but their role was irreplaceable, able to build houses, roads, and infrastructure.
Plus ten knight apprentices and three formal knights.
Vaerik looked at the list before him, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.
One hundred and twenty soldiers, though not strictly trained, were at least usable. With some polishing, they would be enough to form a qualified garrison.
Thirty craftsmen, though not many, were sufficient to build houses, roads, and basic infrastructure, laying the foundation for Crimson Tide Domain.
And ten knight apprentices and three formal knights greatly supplemented his knight team.
Vaerik thought that this deal was more successful than expected; Duke Edmund was much more generous than he had imagined.
In any case, he had obtained what he needed most.
After signing the labor contract, Edmund looked up at Vaerik, who was still standing there, and his lips curled slightly: "The transaction is complete. Why are you still here? Waiting for me to throw you a farewell banquet?"
Vaerik smiled and turned to leave.
However—"By the way," Edmund suddenly paused, saying meaningfully: "You'd better visit the slave market and buy some slaves to take back. Otherwise, with the current situation of your territory, relying solely on vagrants won't be enough."
Vaerik raised an eyebrow slightly. Even without the reminder, he would have gone to look.
After all, there were two talented individuals waiting for him at the slave market.
Edmund instructed the official standing beside him: "Take him there, and don't let those merchants fleece him like a fat sheep."
"Yes, my lord." The official bowed slightly, then made a "please" gesture to Vaerik.
Vaerik expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Duke."
The Duke waved his hand, signaling for them to leave.