After traveling for dozens of days, Louis finally arrived at the Red Tide Territory with his convoy.
However, what greeted his eyes was nothing more than a desolate wilderness, devoid of any signs of life.
"What a backwater," a knight from the South muttered as he looked at the scene before them.
Louis didn't respond. Instead, he dismounted silently and began to survey the surroundings.
Barren. Dilapidated. Lifeless.
The entire land was eerily silent—even weeds were hard to find. It was truly a desolate place.
But Louis, aided by his intelligence system, knew for certain that this land was a hidden gem, full of untapped potential.
Geothermal vents, mineral veins, fertile soil, abundant fisheries—this territory was overflowing with resources.
As long as someone was willing to invest the effort, this place could absolutely become a land of wealth and prosperity.
"This place will become the wealthiest territory in the North one day," Louis murmured softly to himself, as if making a personal vow.
Without delay, he began issuing development orders.
"First, set up temporary tents. Once the living area is established, we'll begin constructing proper housing. Start felling trees to gather lumber."
"Search for a clean water source along the river. Ensure everyone has access to drinking water and adequate food!"
"Clear an open space and establish a simple training ground. The soldiers must not neglect their drills!"
One order after another was given, and both the soldiers and slaves immediately sprang into action.
The sharp sounds of axes striking wood and shouted commands began to echo across this long-silent land, injecting the first signs of life into it.
As the new Lord of the Red Tide Territory, Louis knew he had to personally evaluate the land's current state before creating a comprehensive development plan.
So, over the following days, he carefully explored and inspected every corner of his new domain.
When he arrived at the southern edge of the territory, he noticed patches of water vapor slowly rising from the ground where the snow had started to melt.
He quickly stepped forward, squatted down, and reached out with his hand—feeling a faint but unmistakable warmth.
"A geothermal vent?!" Louis's eyes lit up with pleasant surprise.
The intelligence system had mentioned geothermal activity in this area, and now that information was confirmed.
In the harsh northern climate, geothermal energy was an incredibly valuable asset.
Properly harnessed, it could provide warmth for residents, and more importantly, support spring farming efforts.
Even more surprising was his discovery of several hot springs nearby.
Hot springs. In the North.
The idea sounded almost surreal.
Louis imagined himself soaking in steaming hot springs amidst the icy wilderness, while other lords in the region shivered in the biting wind.
The thought alone brought a smile to his face—a double dose of happiness.
He immediately decided: his manor would be built near the hot springs.
Next, Louis made his way to the river. At this time of year, the ice had already begun to crack, allowing water to flow slowly beneath.
Several birds perched along the riverbank, occasionally diving into the water to snatch sluggish fish.
The current fish population was still small, but the intelligence system had predicted that, come spring, this river would become a bustling breeding ground.
It would provide a reliable and stable food source for the territory in the long term.
As he contemplated how best to utilize this aquatic resource, a group of scout knights Louis had dispatched earlier came galloping back—bringing exciting news.
"Lord!" one of the scouts called out breathlessly. "In the northwestern mountains, we've discovered rich mineral deposits!"
Louis raised an eyebrow. "What kind of minerals?"
"Cold Iron veins, my Lord! And deeper in, we found another ore—glowing with a dark red light. We suspect it may be magic marrow ore."
Lambert, one of the senior knights, gasped. "Magic marrow mine?! That's a treasure trove if it's real!"
Louis nodded calmly. "Hmm."
He had already known of its existence, thanks to his intelligence system. So he wasn't surprised—but he was pleased.
The value of magic marrow ore was immeasurable. However, under current conditions, mining it would be too challenging.
Still, if development progressed steadily, this mine would one day become the very cornerstone of Red Tide's prosperity.
After this scouting expedition, Louis and his knights felt greatly encouraged.
The intelligence system had been right—this truly was a land filled with hope and promise.
However, despite its immense potential, the present reality was still grim.
When Louis and his group entered a nearby indigenous settlement, they were met with a scene of utter ruin.
Water and mud had pooled on the ground, mixed with rotting debris.
The air reeked of dampness and decay.
The dwellings were crude at best—twisting wooden huts and crooked mud-and-straw houses, on the verge of collapse.
The residents, mostly elderly, women, and children, were gaunt and clothed in rags.
Their tattered garments were hardly enough to protect them from the North's frigid air.
"Was this place managed by anyone before?" Louis frowned at the tragic sight before him.
"The acting official abandoned it long ago," an indigenous man muttered bitterly.
Louis's eyes shifted toward several children huddled behind a broken doorframe. Their cheeks were flushed red from the cold, their frail bodies trembling as they hid in the shadows.
They watched the newcomers with wide, wary eyes—full of fear and distrust.
The sight made Louis deeply uncomfortable. Raised under red ideals, he could not bear to see innocent children suffer.
He dismounted his horse, pulled some hardtack from his pouch, and approached the children.
He squatted down and gently offered the food. "Here. Eat."
But none of the children moved. They simply stared at him with suspicion, as if the food might be a trap.
Still, the scent of the hardtack was strong, and their hungry stomachs betrayed them.
They began to salivate.
"Go on," Louis said softly.
Finally, they gave in. One after another, the children snatched the food and devoured it, chewing as fast as they could—as if afraid it might vanish.
But then Louis noticed something odd.
One small boy didn't eat his share.
Instead, he quietly tucked it into his ragged clothing, hiding it with great care.
Louis tilted his head and asked gently, "Why aren't you eating?"
The boy looked up, eyes filled with fear, his face dirtied with dried tears and grime.
"I… I want to save it. For Mama," he said in a trembling voice.
Louis froze.
He was struck speechless.
He thought of the Southern nobles, who fed premium meat to their hounds—while this child was hiding a piece of dry bread for his starving mother.
It was absurd. It was inhumane.
In that moment, something inside Louis shifted. He felt a deep, undeniable sense of responsibility.
He couldn't turn away. He had to do something.
Rising to his feet, Louis turned to face the crowd of ragged indigenous people, their eyes dull and lifeless.
"I am Louis, Lord of this territory," he announced loudly. "Anyone willing to work can come to the construction site. I will give you food, shelter, and a chance to live!"
The crowd exchanged uncertain glances.
They had endured too much suffering, too many broken promises. Trust did not come easily.
But their eyes lingered on the children who had just been fed.
Eventually, someone nodded.
Then another.
They had nothing left to lose.
And so, it began.