After dozens of days of arduous journey, Vaerik finally arrived at the Crimson Tide Domain with his caravan.
However, what greeted his eyes was a desolate wilderness devoid of life.
"What a backwater place," a knight from the south muttered, looking at the scene before them.
Vaerik didn't respond, but dismounted and slowly surveyed the surroundings.
Barren, dilapidated, lifeless - the entire land was silent, with even weeds rarely seen. It was indeed a desolate place.
But Vaerik, with his intelligence system, was certain this land was a hidden gem with many resources.
Geothermal energy, minerals, fisheries, and vast tracts of arable land.
As long as someone was willing to develop it, this place would become a land of wealth.
"This place will eventually become the most prosperous territory in the Northern Province," Vaerik murmured, as if making a promise to himself.
So without wasting time, Vaerik began issuing pioneering orders.
"First set up temporary tents. We'll start building houses after confirming the residential area. We can start cutting timber to prepare."
"Search for water sources by the river, ensure everyone has enough drinking water and food supplies!"
"Clear a space to establish a simple training ground. The soldiers cannot neglect their training!"
As orders were issued one after another, soldiers and slaves quickly sprang into action.
The sounds of wood-cutting and shouting rose one after another, beginning to resonate across this long-silent land, infusing it with the first trace of vitality.
As the new lord of the Crimson Tide Domain, Vaerik needed to personally confirm the current state of the land before formulating his development plans.
So he spent these few days carefully inspecting the Crimson Tide Domain.
When Vaerik came to the southern side of the territory, he discovered water vapor slowly rising from places where the snow had melted.
He quickly stepped forward and crouched down, extending his palm to feel a touch of warmth.
"A geothermal vent?!" Vaerik's eyes flashed with delight.
The intelligence system had indicated there were geothermal resources here, and indeed it was true.
In the Northern Province environment, the presence of geothermal energy was undoubtedly an extremely valuable asset.
If properly developed, it could not only provide warmth for residents but also facilitate the upcoming spring plowing.
Even more exciting was his discovery of several hot springs nearby!
Hot springs and the Northern Province.
These two words together seemed somewhat incredible.
Thinking about soaking in hot springs in the future while other lords were shivering in the cold wind, Vaerik couldn't help but smile. That feeling would be doubly satisfying.
So he decided to place his manor near these hot springs.
Next, he came to the riverside. The ice was beginning to crack, and the water flowed slowly. Several birds perched on the riverbank, occasionally diving into the water to catch small fish that had not yet awakened.
The number of fish in the river wasn't abundant yet, but according to the intelligence system, when spring arrived, this would become a breeding ground for fish, providing a stable food source for the territory.
Just as he was contemplating how to maximize the use of these resources, a squad of scout knights dispatched by Vaerik hurriedly returned, bringing exciting intelligence.
They had discovered rich mineral deposits deep in the mountains.
"My lord, we found cold iron veins in the mountains to the northwest!"
"And we also discovered a mineral emitting dark red light deeper inside, suspected to be magical marrow ore."
Lambert gasped: "Magical marrow ore?! If it's true, that's a gold mine!"
"Hmm." Vaerik nodded calmly.
He had long known about this vein's existence through the intelligence system, so he wasn't too surprised.
The value of magical marrow ore needed no explanation, but given current conditions, mining it would still be too difficult.
But as long as this land could develop steadily, this vein would eventually become the most important foundation of the Crimson Tide Domain.
After this tour, Vaerik and his knights' confidence in this territory strengthened considerably.
The intelligence system was right; this was indeed a land full of hope.
However, compared to the potential value of this land, the current reality was extremely harsh.
When they entered the native settlement, they were greeted by a scene of complete desolation.
Standing water mixed with rotten mud on the ground, and the air was filled with a damp, putrid smell.
Simple wooden huts and mud-grass houses stood crookedly, as if they might collapse at any moment.
Most of the residents here were ragged elderly, women, and children.
They were thin and frail, wrapped in clothes barely pieced together from old rags, clearly inadequate to shield against the Northern chill.
"Was anyone managing this place before?" Vaerik frowned at the scene before him.
"The original administrator ran away long ago," a native replied.
Several thin children huddled behind doors, their cheeks reddened by the cold, hiding their frail bodies in the shadows, watching Vaerik's group.
Their eyes were timid, carrying vigilance and fear toward strangers.
Vaerik looked at this scene, feeling troubled. Having received compulsory education in his previous life, he couldn't bear to see children suffering like this.
He dismounted, took out some dry rations from his pocket, walked up, crouched down, and handed the food over: "Here, eat this."
But the children just watched him warily, none daring to move, as if afraid it was some kind of trap.
Yet the aroma of the dry rations was particularly tempting in the air, and the children swallowed.
"Eat," Vaerik said softly.
The children finally couldn't resist, grabbing the food from Vaerik's hand and wolfing it down, afraid the food would disappear the next second.
But Vaerik soon noticed that one small boy didn't immediately devour his portion like the other children.
Instead, he secretly hid his share inside his tattered clothes.
"Why aren't you eating?" Vaerik crouched down and asked.
The boy looked up, his dirty face showing fear.
He answered timidly in his childish voice: "I... I want to save it to eat with my mother."
Vaerik was stunned.
He suddenly remembered that the nobles in the south fed their dogs the best meat.
Yet here, a child had to carefully hide even a piece of dry ration.
This was absurd.
He suddenly felt a sense of responsibility, wanting to do something for the people of this land.
So Vaerik surveyed the surrounding natives suffering from hunger and cold, and announced loudly: "All who are willing to work can come to my quarters. I will give you food and shelter to help you survive!"
The natives looked at each other, their eyes full of numbness.
They had experienced too much hardship and no longer trusted anyone, but looking at the children who had just received food, they eventually nodded.
Let's give it a try, they thought. After all, nothing could be worse than their current situation.