Louis pressed his temples, trying to manage the flood of information about the territory constantly churning in his mind. He began drafting the future industrial development plan for Red Tide Territory based on the knowledge he had accumulated.
After all, it was unrealistic to support nearly a thousand people solely through windfalls like the daily intelligence system. Red Tide needed stable, long-term industries.
Once his thoughts were fully organized, he looked up at Silco.
"I'll speak. You write."
Silco, fighting off fatigue, instinctively nodded.
"Have one hundred fishermen head to the riverbank immediately," Louis said, pointing with his pen at the winding river on the map. "First, build a temporary dock and prepare fishing boats. This is the first step toward reviving the fishing industry.
"There aren't many fish right now, but when the water temperature rises, large schools will swim upstream to spawn. At that time, fishing will become one of Red Tide's primary food sources.
"In the future, we'll also need to establish aquaculture zones along the river. If we can successfully cultivate cold-water fish species, we won't have to rely solely on wild fishing. We can build a sustainable aquaculture industry."
"Understood," Silco replied, carefully writing each key point as Louis continued.
"In addition to fishing, we can't ignore agriculture and animal husbandry.
"We currently have over 400 farmers. The primary task is land reclamation." Louis's finger traced the hot and cold zones on the map. "We'll use hot spring water to thaw frozen ground, and irrigation systems should be laid in advance.
"The soil here isn't fertile, but with geothermal areas, that won't matter much. Our first crops will be rye and potatoes—both cold-resistant and suitable for this terrain."
"Alright."
"As for animal husbandry…" Louis paused, recalling the current livestock situation. "Our livestock numbers are far too low. The existing cattle, sheep, and reindeer aren't enough for large-scale farming. I'll arrange for people to head to Frost Halberd City to purchase more livestock.
"Also, a designated animal husbandry area will be established to develop this industry properly."
"Understood," Silco nodded again, even as his eyes blinked slowly from exhaustion.
Next, Louis drew a circle around a large forested area on the map.
"We have over fifty experienced hunters. Besides their daily hunting duties, they can survey the surrounding forest. They must prevent magical beasts from approaching and keep out unknown forces."
"Got it."
"Finally, those craftsmen we brought back from Frost Halberd City," Louis continued. "Tanners should prioritize winter clothing, blacksmiths should forge farming tools, and carpenters should build shelters.
"We'll also set up a workshop, bringing all craftsmen together to work collaboratively. Simultaneously, we'll begin training apprentices to build a complete production chain."
Louis spoke rapidly, each statement as though it had been rehearsed in his mind countless times.
Silco had never been fond of nobles. The ones he'd known were hypocritical and arrogant, hiding behind righteousness while treating their people like livestock. His impression of Louis at first had been that of a soft-hearted man—kind, but perhaps naive.
But now, that perception was beginning to change.
This lord not only had a kind heart—he also knew how to use the resources at hand.
He's actually quite capable.
Silco couldn't help but feel a trace of admiration.
And so, under Louis's direction, Red Tide Territory officially began its operations.
Bonfires lit up the night sky, smoke from cooking fires curled into the air, hunters sharpened weapons, fishermen repaired boats, and the rhythmic sound of hammers from the craftsmen echoed across the land.
This long-silent place… was awakening under Louis's leadership.
Spring arrived quietly, yet most of the Northern Region remained blanketed in snow, making cultivation nearly impossible.
But the land beneath Louis's feet was different.
The soil was soft and moist, exuding the vibrant breath of spring.
This transformation was thanks to Louis's decision, made a week prior, to guide hot spring water into the fields. The geothermal heat melted the frozen earth, softening land that had been sealed by winter's grasp.
Where once the land was barren and unsuited for farming, now life stirred.
"Is this really the Northern Region?" a farmer asked, picking up a handful of soil. Feeling its warm dampness, his voice was full of disbelief.
Others bent down to touch it, surprised expressions spreading.
"The hot water actually worked!"
"We can plant in early spring?! Here?!"
Voices of excitement rippled across the fields.
But Louis was keenly aware that hot spring water was only a temporary solution. It contained high salt levels, and repeated use could degrade the land into saline-alkali soil, rendering it uncultivable.
When the time was right, greenhouse farming would be the next phase.
Beside Louis stood a middle-aged man with mud-stained clothing and hay clinging to him. His name was Mick, Red Tide Territory's newly appointed agricultural officer.
Mick had once been a slave—quiet, unremarkable, and often overlooked.
If not for the daily intelligence system, Louis might never have realized that, hidden among the slaves, was a man with an innate talent for farming—a man with near-instinctive knowledge of soil, crops, and climate.
After recognizing his ability, Louis emancipated Mick and appointed him to oversee agriculture.
Mick could barely believe it. He didn't know how to express his gratitude, so he simply buried himself in his work.
Today was a key day: plowing and applying base fertilizer.
Mick scooped up some soil, gently crushed it between his fingers, and smiled in satisfaction. He looked up at Louis, wiping his hands on the hem of his shirt.
"My Lord, everything is ready."
"Then let's begin," Louis said, nodding.
"All hands, plow!" Mick shouted, his voice loud and clear.
The command was swiftly obeyed. Hundreds of farmers bent over, driving iron plows into the softened earth.
"So soft!"
"There's even warmth in the soil!"
Many who had previously farmed in the harsh Northern Region were stunned.
And it was all thanks to Louis's ingenuity.
The people's admiration for their Lord quietly deepened.
Louis observed the hardworking farmers. "Are the fertilizers ready?" he asked.
"They've been ready for days!" Mick waved a hand.
A dozen wooden pushcarts rumbled into the fields, each piled high with dark, pungent fertilizer that stung the nose.
This was the special base fertilizer that Louis had ordered as soon as he arrived in the territory. A blend of human and animal waste, straw, fish offal, and alchemical powder.
The manure and straw provided essential nutrients, fish offal offered rich organic content, and the alchemical powder—an alchemist's creation—dramatically increased soil fertility while preventing pest infestations.
Despite the overwhelming stench, no one complained.
Even Louis, standing amid the odor, showed no sign of disgust. Everyone understood: this foul-smelling mixture was the key to a future harvest.
With practiced efficiency, the farmers scattered the fertilizer across the plowed land. They then used hoes to mix it thoroughly into the soil, ensuring nutrients spread evenly.
"In four days, we can sow," Mick declared confidently as he stepped across the field.
Louis lingered a moment longer. Once everything was confirmed in order, he turned and left—not because of the smell, but because his daily intelligence system had just updated.
Three new and relatively important pieces of intelligence required his attention.