It has been a full month since Louis arrived at the Red Tide Territory.
At this moment, he stands on a temporarily constructed wooden platform, overlooking the crowd gathered below.
Twelve knights clad in iron armor are lined up on both sides, deliberately maintaining a uniform stance, making the Lord's figure appear even more imposing in the firelight.
"Woo!"
The sound of a horn cuts through the night sky, officially commencing the commendation ceremony of the Red Tide Territory.
Over thirty knights of the Red Tide Territory kneel on one knee.
They press their left fists to their chests, grip their knight's swords with their right hands, and recite the oath Louis had written in advance:
"We believe in the Dragon Ancestor, follow the Lord of the Red Tide!
Loyal to Louis Calvin, we pledge to defend the honor of the Red Tide with blood and sweat!"
The resounding oath echoes across the square.
Then the entire square erupts with deafening cheers, soldiers bang their shields, farmers raise hoes and wooden staffs, and even children shout excitedly.
Louis slightly raises his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet.
The clamor gradually subsides, and all eyes focus on the young lord.
Only then does Louis slowly speak: "We have been in the Red Tide Territory for a month now. A month ago, this place was still desolate and barren.
We faced challenges like poverty, hunger, snowstorms, and wild beast attacks."
He pauses, his gaze sweeping over the gathered citizens.
"But now, we have passed the first phase of the crisis, thanks to you.
It was you who built the first shelter from the cold, ensuring children and the elderly no longer slept outdoors in the snow.
It was you who caught the first river fish, filling the stomachs of brothers and sisters.
It was you who cultivated the first piece of farmland and sowed the first seeds, bringing hope to this barren land."
"All of this is because of you!" Louis declares passionately, "Your sweat has begun to rejuvenate this permafrost!"
In the crowd, most people clench their fists, eyes reddened with emotion.
They had never heard a lord credit the achievements to the common people; in the past, just not getting whipped was considered fortunate.
Louis' gaze sweeps across the square: "Of course, effort deserves reward. In the Red Tide Territory, no matter who you are, if you work hard enough and are loyal enough, you will get your due reward.
Next, I want to commend the heroes who have made outstanding contributions to the Red Tide Territory."
As his words fall, the entire square instantly becomes quiet, everyone holds their breath, eyes locked on the figure atop the platform.
"Agricultural Official Mike."
The stooped middle-aged man stumbles forward, his old mud-stained boots slipping on the wooden steps.
Yet when he looks up at the lord, his spine, unstraightened for decades, becomes erect.
"Mike, you have optimized the farming methods, rejuvenating this barren land."
Louis points to the farmland in the distance that is beginning to take shape.
"Therefore, I officially promote you to the position of Agricultural Director, granting you greater jurisdiction over farmland and awarding you an additional plot for experimental planting."
Tears slide down Mike's face: "Thank you, sir."
Excited applause bursts from the crowd, with many farmers cheering enthusiastically.
"Craftsman representative Mike."
An old man with skin darkened by the sun strides onto the stage, his face full of pride.
"Your talent in architectural design has made the houses in the Red Tide Territory more sturdy and better insulated, laying the foundation for the territory's development."
Louis points to the row of semi-subterranean collective dwellings surrounding the square.
"Therefore, I have decided to grant you the authority to lead the craftsman team and provide more financial support."
Mike trembles with excitement: "I will not disappoint your expectations!"
"Fishery Official Luke."
...
Next, more than a dozen people are called to the stage, with identities ranging from knights and craftsmen to hunters and farmers...
Most of these people come from humble origins, some even being slaves.
Louis steps forward and personally places special labor medals on each awardee.
Due to limited conditions, it's merely a wooden medal intricately carved by a carpenter at Louis' request.
Nonetheless, the awardees carefully hold them, fearing they might drop.
After the awards are presented, Louis shouts to the people below: "These individuals have contributed sweat and blood to the prosperity of the Red Tide Territory, making significant contributions. Let's thank them with applause!"
"Clap clap clap!"
Thunderous applause suddenly erupts, resounding throughout the square.
These honorees straighten their backs, their eyes filled with emotion and tears, their chest medals reflecting dazzling light from the bonfire.
They are just ordinary fishermen, hunters, craftsmen, and even lowly slaves.
Yet at this moment, they stand in the spotlight, receiving the highest commendation from the Red Tide Territory.
It's a feeling they've never experienced in their lifetime.
If Louis were to ask them to traverse a mountain of knives and a sea of flames now, they wouldn't hesitate.
"Of course, we also applaud those who have similarly made efforts."
As soon as his words fall, applause rises again, this time not just for those on the stage, but for everyone present.
Because each person is using their own way to make the Red Tide Territory stronger.
Then Louis' gaze gradually sweeps over the square, focusing on those wearing tattered clothes, still marked by the brand of slavery.
They lower their heads, eyes flickering with light, hearts filled with anxiety and anticipation.
"Today I will fulfill another promise."
The slaves' hearts suddenly quicken, the air seeming to freeze for an instant.
"Below individuals..."
Louis begins to announce a series of names, all slaves who have excelled in labor, construction, and development over the past month.
Those whose names are called display expressions of disbelief.
It wasn't until someone beside them nudged them that they realized and trembled as they walked onto the stage.
"Today, you officially gain your freedom."
Louis waves, and knights step forward to burn their slave certificates with a single fire.
They burst into tears, kneeling and kowtowing, thanking Louis' kindness in this way.
Meanwhile, the eyes of those not freed shone with complex emotions.
There is envy, regret, but most of all hope.
As long as they perform a little better, next time will surely be their turn.
"Loyalty and talent are more important than bloodline." Louis' voice resonates throughout the square.
"From today, the Red Tide Territory will establish a regular reward system, whereby anyone who contributes to the territory can receive appropriate rewards!"
This statement makes the square boil, every face glowing with the light of hope.
Changing classes is no longer an unattainable dream but a reality achievable through hard work!
"For the prosperity of the Red Tide Territory, cheers!" Louis raises his glass.
The strong liquor reflects the bonfire, catching a layer of firelight.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raises their glasses and erupts into deafening cheers.