Based on the location selected by Louis, he successfully obtained 300 square kilometers of the Northern Territory as his initial pioneering land.
He named it — Red Tide Territory.
On one hand, it is because the Calvin Clan's emblem is crimson red;
On the other hand, it is to commemorate the homeland he can never return to again.
In the eyes of Duke Edmund, this land was just relatively more livable compared to other regions in the Northern Territory.
But in Louis's eyes, with his Daily Intelligence System, it was simply the Vatican of the Northern Territory — the homeland of the Emperor of Europe!
Firstly, the rivers in the territory would welcome fish migration and spawning every spring and autumn, providing a steady food source.
Fish meat, high in calories and protein, could not only sustain the residents but also supplement the soldiers' stamina.
One might even anticipate the presence of magic fish like the Northern Crystal Cod.
Moreover, there is actually geothermal discharge in the territory, which is practically a miracle in the Northern Territory.
Not only can it raise the surrounding soil temperature to grow some cold-resistant crops, but it can also help people survive the harshest of winters.
This food, combined with fish meat, is sufficient to feed his residents, with some leftovers for sale.
It is known that the most expensive thing in the Northern Territory is food.
Plus, the geothermal discharge has brought about some small hot springs!
When the cold winds of the Northern Territory cut through to the bone and others are shivering with cold, he can soak in the hot springs and drink hot soup; just thinking about it is delightful.
However, what truly made his heart race was the mineral resources of this territory.
Common Cold Iron Ore is nothing to talk about; it's not rare in the Northern Territory and is an essential material for forging weapons and armor.
But a hidden Magic Marrow Vein lay undiscovered on the edge of the territory!
Demon Marrow, similar to sulfur in his previous life, is a key material for making explosives and is highly sought after by alchemists.
Of course, he currently lacks the capital to mine it, and he is still very weak, easily coveted by others.
One day he will use this thing to shock the entire world.
Magic gunpowder blasting knights, how thrilling!
With rich food resources, warm geothermal energy, ore veins, and Demon Marrow... this place is simply a godsend, not something that should appear in the Northern Territory.
And his intuition told him that the potential of Red Tide Territory goes far beyond this.
Seeing Louis holding his pioneering certificate, still in a daze with a faint smile on his lips
Duke Edmund couldn't help but tease: "Shall I keep you for a meal?"
Only then did Louis snap out of his euphoria, lightly clear his throat, and compose himself.
He had one more thing to do before leaving.
He raised his hand, signaling his knights to bring in two chests.
When the first chest was opened, three live Northern Crystal Cod leaped into view, their silvery scales shimmering faintly under the firelight.
Duke Edmund's eyes suddenly lit up!
Northern Crystal Cod!
A rare item that even he, the Governor of the North, found hard to acquire, and this young man brought three at once?!
Not only is its meat delicious, but more importantly, its bone essence can enhance a knight's physique and vitality, especially suitable for knights at a bottleneck.
And it so happened that his daughter was stuck at the initial stage of being an Elite Knight, and with the help of this Northern Crystal Cod, her chances of success would undoubtedly increase significantly.
However, before he could speak, Louis smiled and said: "Consider these three fish as my gift to the Duke."
Duke Edmund was slightly stunned, then looked at the young man with a complex expression.
Such a precious thing, just giving it away?
Was this young man really that generous?
Even for himself, resources of such caliber are hard to come by, let alone given away casually.
But before the Duke could think further, Louis opened the second chest —
Inside were another three Northern Crystal Cod.
This time Louis grinned: "These three are for trade."
"Crafty youngster." Duke Edmund finally couldn't help but laugh, nodding in appreciation, "Speak, what do you want?"
Louis didn't hesitate to say: "I need people, slaves, soldiers, craftsmen, and knights."
When he heard this, Edmund was completely convinced of one thing: this young man was not here to muddle through and wait to die in the Northern Territory.
He really wanted to expand and establish his own power in this harsh land!
A hint of laughter flashed in Edmund's eyes: "How many do you want?"
"The more, the better. Of course, I won't let Duke suffer a loss." Louis slightly smiled.
"Ha, you drive a hard bargain. Slaves you can buy from the slave market yourself; I can give you fifty soldiers."
"One hundred and fifty." Louis held up a finger.
"Too greedy." Edmund shook his head, "At most, one hundred and twenty; I happen to have a batch of recruits who haven't finished training yet. Older soldiers are impossible to give you, thirty craftsmen, no more unless I open a charity."
Louis sighed, nodding, "Alright, what about knights? Preferably official knights."
Edmund snorted: "Official Knights? Dream on."
Louis then asked: "What about Apprentice Knights?"
The Duke's fingers paused, his gaze contemplative for a moment before he finally spoke: "Ten Apprentice Knights, three Official Knights, under your command but loyal to the Northern Territory."
Louis's lips curled up, extending his hand: "Deal."
Edmund glanced at him, smiling as he shook hands: "Crafty youngster, don't die too soon."
After bargaining, Louis successfully exchanged six Northern Crystal Cod for the talents he most needed.
Looking at the list in front of him, Louis's lips slightly curled.
120 soldiers, though not rigorously trained, were at least usable. With some honing, they could form a competent garrison.
30 craftsmen, although not many, were enough to build houses, roads, and basic infrastructure, laying the foundation for Red Tide Territory.
And 10 Apprentice Knights, 3 Official Knights, greatly bolstered his knight team.
Louis thought the deal was more successful than expected; Duke Edmund was more generous than he had imagined.
In any case, he had gotten what he needed most.
After signing the territory contract, Elmon glanced up at Louis still standing there, lips slightly curling: "The deal is done, why are you still here? Waiting for me to throw you a farewell banquet?"
Louis laughed, turned to leave.
"However," Edmund suddenly paused, speaking meaningfully, "you'd better check out the slave market and buy some slaves. Otherwise, given the current state of your territory, relying on refugees alone won't be enough."
Louis raised an eyebrow; even without the reminder, he would have gone.
After all, two talents were waiting for him at the slave market.
Edmund instructed the official standing by: "Take him over there and tell those profiteers not to slaughter him like a fat sheep."
"Yes, my lord." The official bowed slightly, then gestured to Louis to proceed.
Louis thanked him: "Thank you for your goodwill, Duke."
The Duke waved his hand as a gesture of farewell.