Based on the location Louis selected, he successfully acquired 300 square kilometers of northern land as his initial pioneering domain.
He named it Red Tide Territory.
Firstly, the name honored the Calvin Family's emblem—crimson red. Secondly, it paid tribute to his lost homeland, a place he could no longer return to.
To Duke Edmund, the land was nothing more than a more habitable region in the unforgiving North. But to Louis, armed with his Daily Intelligence System, it was a Northern Vatican—nothing short of sacred, akin to the Emperor's birthplace in Europe.
The rivers within the territory welcomed large schools of migrating fish each spring and autumn, providing a remarkably stable source of food. Fish meat, rich in calories and protein, would not only feed the residents but also serve as vital energy for soldiers.
Even more exciting was the potential appearance of magical fish such as the Northern Crystal Cod.
Furthermore, the territory boasted geothermal vents—a rarity in the North. These vents could raise the surrounding soil's temperature, making it possible to cultivate cold-resistant crops. They also provided essential warmth to help people survive brutal winters. These crops, combined with the abundant fish meat, ensured sufficient food for the population, even allowing for surplus trade.
Food, after all, was the most precious commodity in the North.
One geothermal vent even created a natural hot spring. While the bitter northern winds howled across the land, Louis could picture himself soaking in warm water and sipping hot soup. The thought alone brought him immense satisfaction.
Yet, what truly thrilled him were the mineral resources hidden within his domain.
The Cold Iron ore was nothing extraordinary. It was widely distributed in the North and essential for forging weapons and armor.
But what made his heart pound was something else entirely: a Magic Marrow Mine Vein, still undiscovered and located at the edge of the territory.
Magic marrow, akin to sulfur in his previous life, was a critical material in explosive production and was highly sought after by alchemists. Unfortunately, Louis lacked the capital to exploit it at present. He remained weak and vulnerable, easily attracting the attention of those with ill intent.
But someday, he vowed, this magic marrow would shock the entire world.
Magical gunpowder and exploding knights—just the thought of it excited him.
With plentiful food, warm geothermal springs, rich mineral veins, and even rare magic materials, this place was a divine gift—unlike any other territory in the North.
And something in his gut told him that the Red Tide Territory's potential had only just begun to reveal itself.
As Louis stood there, clutching his pioneering certificate in a trance, a faint smile lingered on his lips.
Duke Edmund, observing this, couldn't help but tease, "What, should I keep you here for dinner?"
Louis snapped out of his reverie, cleared his throat, and composed himself. He still had one more task to complete before departing.
He raised his hand. His knights entered the hall, carrying two large chests.
When the first chest opened, three live Northern Crystal Cod sprang out, their silvery-white scales shimmering faintly under the firelight.
Duke Edmund's eyes widened in astonishment.
Northern Crystal Cod!
Even for the Governor of the North, acquiring one was difficult—yet this young man brought three?
Its flesh was not only delicious, but its bone essence could enhance a knight's physique and vitality, especially for those stuck at bottlenecks. Coincidentally, the Duke's daughter was currently stuck at the Elite Knight threshold. With the cod's help, her success rate would surely increase.
Before the Duke could speak, Louis smiled.
"These three fish are my meeting gift to Your Grace."
The Duke was momentarily stunned. He looked at the young man with complex eyes.
Such a precious offering, given so freely?
Even he didn't casually part with something of such value. Yet this youth showed remarkable generosity.
Before he could dwell on it further, Louis opened the second chest.
Inside lay another three Northern Crystal Cod.
This time, Louis grinned. "These three are for trade."
The Duke burst out laughing, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Sly boy. Tell me, what do you want?"
Without hesitation, Louis replied, "I need people—slaves, soldiers, craftsmen, and knights."
Duke Edmund now fully understood: this youth had no intention of waiting to die in the North. He had come to carve out his own dominion.
With a knowing glint in his eyes, Edmund asked, "How many?"
Louis smiled slightly. "The more, the better. Of course, I won't let Your Grace suffer a loss."
"You're asking for too much," the Duke shook his head. "You can purchase slaves from the slave market. As for soldiers, I can give you fifty."
Louis raised a finger. "One hundred and fifty."
"Too greedy." Edmund snorted. "At most, one hundred and twenty. I've got a batch of untrained recruits—no veterans. I'll also give you thirty craftsmen. Any more, and you'd think I was running a charity."
Louis sighed but nodded. "Alright. What about knights? Ideally, Official Knights."
"Official Knights?" Edmund sneered. "In your dreams."
"What about Apprentice Knights?" Louis countered.
The Duke hesitated, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. After a moment, he responded, "Ten Apprentice Knights, three Official Knights—they'll obey your orders, but they must swear loyalty to the North."
Louis extended his hand, a satisfied grin on his face. "Deal."
Edmund smirked and shook it. "Sly boy. Don't die too soon."
In the end, Louis had exchanged six Northern Crystal Cod for the manpower he so desperately needed.
The 120 soldiers were raw recruits, requiring Louis to establish his own training system.
The 30 craftsmen, though few, were indispensable. They would lay the foundation of his new territory by constructing homes, roads, and infrastructure.
And the knights—ten apprentices, three full-fledged—greatly bolstered his military force.
Looking over the names listed on the contract, Louis smiled.
The soldiers might be unrefined, but they were workable. With proper training, they would become a competent garrison.
The craftsmen would bring the Red Tide Territory to life.
And the knights would serve as the elite vanguard of his growing power.
Louis felt this deal had exceeded expectations. Duke Edmund was far more generous than he had initially assumed.
More importantly, Louis had secured the very resources he needed most.
After signing the contract, Duke Edmund looked up at the still-standing Louis and smirked. "The deal's done. What now? Waiting for me to throw a farewell banquet?"
Louis chuckled and turned to leave.
However—
Edmund paused, his voice carrying subtle meaning. "You'd best visit the slave market. With your current manpower, relying only on vagrants won't be enough."
Louis's brow twitched. He had already planned to do so. After all, two talents were waiting for him there.
Edmund then addressed a nearby official, "Escort him to the market. Make sure those shady merchants don't fleece him."
"Yes, Your Grace." The official gave a respectful nod before motioning for Louis to follow.
Louis bowed politely. "Then I thank Your Grace for your kindness."
The Duke simply waved him off, dismissing him.