Lord of the Frozen Winter: Starting with Daily Intelligence Reports

Leaving Silco’s cluttered laboratory, Louis donned his cloak and followed the stone path through the city gate, arriving at the Knight training grounds outside the Red Tide Territory.

This area was originally just a simple drill ground, but now it had been expanded into several interconnected training camps.

The morning frost hadn't receded, and the air carried the scent of grass and steel, with the dull thud of clashing Auras echoing from afar.

Louis paused in a small pavilion on a high ground, his gaze sweeping across the entire training field.

“Hmph!”

A chorus of battle cries cut through the air as dozens of Apprentice Knights drilled in formation, their red Aura faintly visible through the gaps in their armor, burning fiercely like flames.

They were currently engaged in routine training such as formation charges, shield wall drills, and Aura trials.

Currently, the Red Tide Territory had gathered 1,283 Knights under its banner.

Among them, 173 were Elite Knights.

This number, in the Northern Territory, was enough to make other local lords sleepless with envy.

Moreover, the average age of the Red Tide Knights was a generation younger than conventional noble Knight Orders, full of fighting spirit and constantly improving their martial arts.

Most importantly, they were obedient, united, and loyal.

But for Louis, it was far from enough.

According to the current territorial expansion and border defense pressure, the number of combat forces truly capable of covering all areas would need to at least triple.

After all, this land wouldn't give him any breathing room, which was why he needed to continue recruiting.

After this insect plague and snow disaster, there were a great number of lone Knights wandering the Northern Territory.

For this, the Red Tide Territory had been recruiting intensively:

On one hand, it actively absorbed wandering Knights displaced by the insect plague; many had lost their former lords and were in need of a new object of allegiance.

Louis’s good reputation and Knight training system naturally became the most attractive option.

On the other hand, he also established a specialized Apprentice training system, selecting qualified local children to be converted into Apprentice Knights.

Through systematic Aura training and resource allocation, he proactively cultivated new grassroots backbone personnel.

There were even some Knights from other territories in the Northern Territory who, having no immediate family, secretly sought refuge after learning about the excellent treatment and comprehensive training system of the Red Tide Knights.

“Of course, their loyalty—perhaps still needs time to be tested.”

Louis was not unaware of this, and even had hints from the Daily Intelligence System.

But he never explicitly exposed them, nor did he order their forced repatriation.

He merely said calmly, “Special times call for special measures.”

Now was the window for post-disaster reconstruction; the situation in the Northern Territory was chaotic, and people's hearts were unsettled everywhere. Compared to empty talk of loyalty, what Red Tide needed more were Knights who could execute commands.

And he himself had enough means and the Daily Intelligence System to ensure that these people “dared not betray,” and even, in the future, would genuinely choose to stay.

“The Lord of Red Tide Territory is generous with resources and offers high benefits—”

Such evaluations were now quietly spreading in the Northern Territory, and new Knights were constantly coming to pledge allegiance.

As Louis descended the steps of the training ground, a familiar figure was already waiting there.

“Lambert.” He smiled slightly and raised a hand in greeting.

That was a stern-faced man with eyes as sharp as an eagle's, yet upon seeing Louis, he showed a restrained and respectful smile.

He was Lambert, Louis’s Guardian Knight whom he had known since childhood.

When Louis was young, he was Louis’s personal guard, and now he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Red Tide Knights, a powerful figure who commanded the entire army.

Although most of the time he still chose to stay by Louis’s side, serving as his closest guard and deputy.

But within the entire Red Tide military system, everyone knew that Lambert represented the prestige and iron discipline of the “First Knight of Red Tide.”

In fact, the dozens of Knights who first followed Louis to the Northern Territory were now also entrusted with important responsibilities, each guarding key locations, or in training camps, or intelligence agencies, each bearing heavy duties.

Their strength was also no longer what it used to be.

Under Louis’s no-cost resource infusion, Aura breakthrough potions, enhanced training systems, and equipment upgrades, almost everyone had achieved a realm leap of two levels or more.

This was not only a leap for these Knights but also the fulfillment of a vow.

“The glory brought by the sun, I will share with you.”

This was the promise Louis made to the Knights who followed him when he first arrived in the Northern Territory.

And now he had fulfilled it.

Not just honor, but also land, family status, training resources, advancement opportunities, and even a broader stage.

They were once a group of pitiful wretches exiled to the Northern Territory, but now each of them had become an indispensable backbone of the Red Tide system.

Louis and Lambert arrived at a pavilion near the western side of the training ground.

Inside the pavilion, Louis sat on a chair, an unfinalized handbook spread open in his hands.

Lambert remained standing upright; he did not sit down, merely leaving a half-cooled wheat tea on the stone table.

From afar, the Knights were charging in formation on the training ground, their shouts echoing.

Louis glanced at them, then suddenly spoke softly: “1,283 people, it sounds like a lot. But Lambert, we both know that this number is already stretched thin just to hold the current territories.”

Lambert didn't rush to answer, but as usual, pondered for a moment before replying in a low voice: “Especially since the main force is concentrated within Red Tide Castle.

Other territories are understaffed, and if this continues—the gaps in various places will only grow larger.”

He paused, then added: “The Knight system personally approved by you, my Lord, is only suitable for small teams. We are no longer the old Red Tide of dozens of people.”

Louis looked at the handbook in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if he had finally waited for that remark.

The handbook rustled as it was spread out on the stone table, a slender finger pressing down on one corner: “Therefore, the Red Tide Knights must be reformed. We must establish a complete legion system.

The main legion will remain stationed in Red Tide, maintaining the existing battle group structure.”

He drew a circle on the paper, labeling it the Red Tide Main Legion.

Then he marked three points on three sides of the page: “Additionally, we will establish three sub-legions: East, North, and West, to be stationed in Wheatwave and other new important territories, respectively. Each legion will have three hundred to five hundred people, with specific numbers adjusted flexibly according to regional scale.”

“Finally, the Special Groups.” He drew several intersecting arrow icons at the bottom of the page.

“They can be called special names like the Blazeflame Group or the Redfrost Group, operating in units of thirty to fifty Elite Knights, specializing in tasks such as surprise attacks, reconnaissance, and tactical experiments. Three or more groups can be formed to serve as elite combat force supplements.” 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Lambert listened in silence, his gaze fixed on the paper, not rushing to express his opinion.

It was only after Louis finished speaking that Lambert slowly uttered: “The concept of the Special Groups—with clear division of responsibilities, is very good. However, I suggest that these combat groups should not be subordinate to the local sub-legions.”

Louis showed a smile, as if waiting for him to say this. He moved a finger and drew a line directly on the paper:

“Then they will be directly under my personal command.”

Louis didn't stop writing, his fingertip tracing another line on the parchment, continuing in a steady tone: “Next, we will establish the Red Tide Military Merit List.”

He looked up, his gaze sweeping over the array of Knights still drilling outside the pavilion, his eyes as steady as a mountain.

“They must know that every battle, every drop of sweat, must be exchanged for something.”

He tapped his knuckles on the stone table, counting the items in a calm tone: “Military merit points will be linked to enemy casualties, cooperation rate, and mission completion rate. It’s not about who shouts the loudest, but who truly wields the blade.

To be promoted, one must meet the military merit standard and pass an assessment. The truly tough ones will not be overlooked.

Those with high military merit and seniority can participate in a ‘Joint Military-Political Review’ once per quarter, where they can propose motions and supervise—

As he spoke, his voice suddenly deepened, yet became even more powerful: “No longer just obeying orders to charge, but being able to propose plans,

and set goals. Even Knights should have their own judgment.

Finally, those who achieve strategic-level merits can be granted ‘Garrison Lord’ status, becoming independent garrison commanders, enjoying quasi-noble treatment.”

Silence filled the pavilion. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.

Lambert raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at the draft, his expression complex: “This system—will make many people envious. But it will indeed—make people fight desperately.”

“Precisely.” Louis looked at him, smiling faintly, “If a system cannot motivate people to advance, then it’s better not to have one.”

The recording official had been diligently writing without pause, following Louis’s words, until now he finally paused, his finger trembling slightly, and the pen tip actually drew a small extra ink mark on the parchment.

He secretly looked up at Louis, the young lord still calm in expression, his tone unhurried.

As if the incentive policies he had just proposed, which were enough to ignite the passion of any Knight Order, were as commonplace as a weather forecast. “—However, I’m not finished.”

Louis’s tone suddenly lightened a bit, and he tapped his fingertip on another column of the draft paper.

“Military merit points, besides promotion, can also be exchanged for resources.”

He extended three fingers, his tone calm and tinged with ambition: “First, advancement potions, used for Aura bottleneck breakthroughs and Qi channel restoration.

Second, exclusive armaments; I will commission the blacksmith team to specially forge iconic weapons and armor, customizing glory for true meritorious individuals.

Third, land deeds. Not temporary garrisons, but private land deeds for settlements. Whatever is fought for can be kept.”

Speaking of this, he looked up at the sky, his eyes burning with a fiery light.

“I don’t want the relationship with the Red Tide Knights to be merely a contractual one. I want them to truly have a sense of belonging, hope, and legacy.”

Even Lambert finally couldn't help but speak, as if muttering, “—Red Tide will, sooner or later, become a Knight Holy Land.”

Louis seemed not to hear and then added the next point:

“Besides battle merit incentives, living security cannot be neglected either.” He swiftly turned to the next page, his tone returning to his usual calmness, “Write down this part.”

He looked at the record officer, who immediately stood at attention, picked up his pen again, and transcribed the words Louis had written on the draft:

Right of Residence: Formal Knights and above may apply to reside in the “Red Tide Barracks.” Individual meditation rooms, bathrooms, and hot water are all available. It is not a military camp; it is a home.

Food Security: Three basic meals per day + high-calorie monster meat. During wartime, additional Combat Aura meals will be provided to enhance and restore combat power.

Medical System: Free treatment for injuries, post-battle physical therapy, and qi regulation after breakthroughs. A complete set of services, not costing a single coin.

Family Policy: Families of those with outstanding combat achievements may relocate to the Red Tide Special Zone, enjoying compulsory education, primary school enrollment priority, and preferential rights for territory shops.

Retirement Placement: Those disabled or injured not in battle may apply to be reassigned to positions such as “Instructor,” “Agricultural Defense Chief,” or “Canal Guard,” ensuring no one is abandoned or forgotten.

A soft rustle of wind blew from outside the pavilion, sweeping past the clash of swords on the training ground along the corridor.

Lambert took a shallow breath and chuckled softly, “—Red Tide already had these; they were just unwritten rules.”

“Now they are to be formally written into the Knight Code?” The record officer swallowed.

“Exactly.” Louis’s expression was firm. “Before, it was something I gave; now, it’s a clear system.”

“In the future, this list ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) of benefits will be the Red Tide Army’s recruitment order. Current Red Tide Knights will feel more at ease seeing it, and Red Tide Knights from other territories will be tempted.”

Louis put away his manuscript and smiled slightly: “Lambert, Red Tide Territory no longer relies on slogans or sentiment.

Red Tide Territory will nurture people with systems, lock hearts with honor, and feed loyalty with benefits.”

Lambert watched Louis eloquently expound on his plans, an indescribable emotion welling up in his heart.

He remembered the young boy who used to secretly imitate sword movements by the training ground, picking himself up when he fell, gritting his teeth without a sound.

Now, this child could articulate military systems, power distribution, incentives, and rewards, discussing a thousand-man Knight Order with fluid ease, perhaps even surpassing the generals in the Imperial Capital.

He said he wanted his followers to share in the glory. Now, those Red Tide Knights who first followed him have all been promoted, gained land, and have people under them. Even he himself—had become the Commander-in-Chief of the Red Tide Army.

Lambert lowered his eyes, saying nothing.

In fact, he could have stayed in the Southern Territory, stayed with his family, continuing to be a praised High-Rank Knight, without enduring snow and eating salted meat in this godforsaken place. But he was just unwilling.

He wanted to gamble on his future, betting on a nearly impossible future, to see if this young master could defy fate, if he could truly lead an army of his own.

And he did it.

A surge of fervent emotion welled up, and Lambert suppressed it, only clenching his fist imperceptibly.

The wind rustled the corners of the draft papers in the pavilion. He looked down at the clauses and suddenly felt that the back of this Northern Territory Viscount was more reliable than any honor.

Leaving the training ground, Louis returned to the administrative office in Red Tide Castle.

The familiar thick wooden door gently pushed open, and the rich scent of pine and ink wafted in.

The warm stove inside had not yet completely extinguished, and a trace of warmth lingered in the air. He took off his cloak and hung it aside, then motioned for a servant to summon Bradley.

Soon after, the old butler steadily walked in, holding the spring plowing plan he had just organized from the archive room.

“Sit, Bradley.” Louis rubbed his brow, placing a stack of newly revised blueprints on the table, “We need to talk about the Red Tide Territory’s transformation plan.”

Bradley nodded, his gaze steady as it fell upon the drafts.

“These are some of my initial thoughts; you can take a look first, but...” Louis tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, his tone shifting slightly.

“Now is not the time for major actions. It’s currently spring plowing season, and also the most critical recovery period for the entire Northern Territory. We cannot delay the overall progress for personal reasons.”

Bradley did not refute, only nodding quietly, waiting for him to continue.

“So we’ll start with some basic preparations,” Louis picked up a red pen and circled a few places on the blueprint, “First, dismantle the temporary shelters built during the winter disaster to free up land; then, as planned, begin constructing basic city walls around Red Tide City, to establish the boundary lines first.”

Bradley opened the city wall construction draft. At first, he only subconsciously glanced at it, then his movements suddenly paused.

He silently turned to the second and third pages, his brows furrowing tighter with each page he read—not because of dissatisfaction, but because of shock.

This design size—it wasn’t just for defensive works, but was directly aiming for the specifications of a “prosperous city-state.”

“—Is this planning to build a city?” he murmured.

He subconsciously looked up at Louis.

In the past, he might have thought this was just a young lord’s wild fantasy, but Red Tide’s accumulation over the years, the precise coordination of resources, and Louis’s own ability to quietly push through barriers...

He suddenly realized: this matter was not an unattainable fantasy.

If it were truly built according to these blueprints—

Then Red Tide City would undoubtedly become the most prosperous and stable city in the Northern Territory.

Bradley put down the blueprint, his tone as steady as ever, yet involuntarily carrying a hint of solemnity: “—If this plan is pushed forward, resource allocation will not be an issue.”

He said, then added, “You are not building a territory—you are building a future, a future for the Northern Territory.”

Louis, however, merely smiled, his tone as relaxed as if discussing a spring outing.

“It’s just a concept,” he said, his voice calm, as if unwilling to speak too heavily, “The city hasn’t even started construction; I’ve only drawn a few pages. It’s too early to talk about the future.” He shrugged slightly, leaning back in his chair, his posture casual yet revealing a subtle confidence.

Bradley stared at the blueprint, then looked at the expression on Louis’s face.

It was an indescribable calmness, not ostentatious, not passionate, nor intentionally encouraging, yet impossible to ignore.

He suddenly realized that even if it was just a concept on paper, this young man had already brought the whole situation under control, steadily, step by step, turning his ideals into reality.

An unspeakable tremor rose in Bradley’s heart.

Has this child—truly reached this point?

He lowered his eyes, concealing his emotions, and responded in a deep voice, “I’ll go arrange it now.”

As his words fell, the old butler stood up, his expression returning to normal.

But in those few steps to the door, his back inexplicably gained a sense of solemnity.

Louis watched him leave, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop, as plans and processes rapidly revolved and connected in his mind.

He knew very well that the true Red Tide City had just begun.

After finishing several urgent tasks such as the city wall baseline and the demolition of refugee camps, Louis finally let out a soft breath, closed the archive book, and rubbed his slightly sore wrist.

“That’s all for now.”

Dusk had already fallen outside the castle, and the faint shouts of market vendors closing up shop could be heard.

Red Tide Territory remained as orderly as ever, but for the next steps, he prepared to advance further north.

The mine deep within Snowpeak was his next strategic cornerstone, a blueprint he had drawn in his mind months ago.

Now that spring plowing was gradually on track, it was time to set off.

When he returned to his bedroom, Emily was already waiting for him by the hearth.

She wore a pale gold long dress, with a thin cloak draped over her, sitting upright, but her eyes couldn't hide her reluctance to part.

“Leaving tomorrow?” she asked softly.

“Yes.” Louis walked over, knelt down to smooth her skirt, and then took her hand, “I have to go there myself. The terrain is complex, and the mine is unstable; relying solely on reports won’t do.”

Emily said nothing, only gripping his hand tighter.

“However,” Louis smiled, his eyes softening, “Once spring plowing is stable, you can come over. We’ll change the environment and continue then.”

Emily blushed, couldn't help but lightly hit him, and finally rested her forehead on his shoulder.

Louis lowered his head and kissed her forehead, “Sleep well tonight. I’ll depart tomorrow.”

Thus, in that gentle embrace of the night, the two spent their quiet time before their separation.

Until the next morning, when the Red Tide Knights had assembled, Louis donned his red-patterned cloak and rode north.