Lord of the Frozen Winter: Starting with Daily Intelligence Reports

“Have you heard? Red Tide Territory attacked Viscount Zachariah’s domain.”

“What? Resorting to force over a land exchange? That’s too extreme—is he trying to rebel?”

When the news first broke, the entire noble circle in the Southeast of the Northern Territory was shaken.

In those council halls and reception rooms, whispers spread like wildfire.

“Even for Red Tide Territory, such behavior is too reckless.”

“Who would dare negotiate with him now? Today it’s Zachariah, tomorrow will it be me?”

Many had already begun writing anonymous reports “To the Imperial Capital.”

The letters were filled with accusations of “forcible seizure of territory,” “military threats,” and “violation of Imperial agreements.”

Suspicion, fear, and anger quietly grew among nobles and merchants.

Red Tide Territory’s prestige seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

Until Red Tide Territory publicly displayed the post-battle remnants.

Bodies were carried outside the city, the remains of Snowsworn remnants, with the faint Snowsworn brand still visible on their arms.

At the same time, fragments of shattered stone statues were also recovered from the altar.

Viscount Zachariah had not only secretly worshipped an evil god but even used live human sacrifices as a summoning medium.

Thus, many of the accusation letters were burned to ashes by candlelight before they could even be sent.

“...So that’s what happened.”

“To actually collude with remnants of the old Snow Country and worship an evil god—”

“Red Tide has done a great deed.”

Public opinion instantly reversed, and the tide completely turned.

People no longer spoke of the “land exchange controversy,” only of “evil god infiltration” and “the Northern Territory’s poison.”

After all, eradicating the Snowsworn was absolute political correctness in the Northern Territory; no one dared to raise any objections.

And when more intelligence was exposed, the entire Southeast noble circle completely erupted.

Viscount Zachariah, clad in a tattered noble cloak, was escorted back to Red Tide Main City by five Edge Breaker Knights, his face devoid of its former arrogance, leaving only the hollow emptiness that followed madness.

He quickly “confessed” several noble names involved in evil god worship.

Most were border nobles who had taken advantage of the chaos after the insect plague to gather Snowsworn remnants.

Those in the Southeast heartland were purged in batches by knight orders dispatched by Red Tide Territory.

For those in external areas, Louis sent the list to the respective county governors, recommending cooperation in handling the matter.

Then, the Red Tide court, on charges of worshipping an evil god, harboring Snowsworn remnants, and performing human sacrifices, sentenced the Calvin Family to extermination. The trial was led by the Red Tide Enforcement Department, with no defense allowed, no public attendance, and no pardon.

Even his youngest illegitimate branch child was not spared.

The fate of other nobles who worshipped evil gods and harbored Snowsworn was similar.

Their territories were all to be taken over and rebuilt by Red Tide.

Nobles across the Southeast, whether involved with evil gods or having had contact with Snowsworn, all suddenly became tense after the news spread.

For a time, the Red Tide Territory Administrative Office continuously received a large number of “voluntary land exchange applications.”

Surprisingly, among them were quite a few innocent nobles who had no connection to the incident.

They didn’t have a guilty conscience; it was just—

“Who knows? What if that lord thinks I ‘might be problematic’?”

“Exchange land early, find peace early, save myself from sleepless nights—”

The nobles knew full well that Red Tide Territory’s swift action, complete evidence, and ruthless suppression left no room for explanation or negotiation.

At this point, anyone who dared to resist would truly be foolish.

As for those land exchange application documents?

Louis couldn't be bothered to scrutinize the underlying motives, leaving them to his subordinates for archiving.

Regardless of their innocence, since they came forward voluntarily, everything was accepted.

Thus, under thunderous measures and iron-blooded authority, almost all the territories Louis desired were brought into his possession without obstruction.

And on the map of the Northern Territory’s Southeast, the previously incomplete Red Tide jurisdiction, fragmented by black territories, finally connected into a single expanse, the pattern resembling a new era’s battle flag.

Red Tide Main City, Council Hall.

Afternoon light streamed from the dome, quietly illuminating the newly drawn massive map.

On the main wall of the council hall, a large, unfolded map of the Northern Territory’s Southeast was spread out, with Red Tide Main City at its center. Vivid red boundary lines extended like vines, encircling dozens of territories, now firmly integrated.

Only a few blue specks at the edges, like residual marks embedded within the red sea, represented affiliated noble territories that had not yet been formally incorporated but had signed cooperation agreements.

At this moment, Red Tide was no longer a survivor on the fringes but a colossal entity in this shattered Northern Territory.

Inside the meeting hall, a long table stretched across the room.

And in the main seat, Louis sat quietly, all eyes naturally converging on him.

The officials had taken their seats in order, their expressions varied, but not one was distracted.

They were all the most crucial backbone of Red Tide’s current administrative system.

Bradley, the old butler of the Calvin Family, now fully in charge of Red Tide’s internal affairs, his position as solid as a rock.

Lambert, Louis’s former guardian knight, was now an Intermediate Extraordinary Knight and also the commander of Red Tide’s military affairs, controlling Red Tide’s thousands of cavalry.

Inspector Irene, the only female knight among those who traveled north with Louis, loyal only to Louis, held the power of inspection and anti-corruption, a cold-faced judge most feared by officials.

There was also Mick, the Director of the Craftsmen Department; Desland, the Director of the Commerce Department; and Helena, an Agricultural Affairs Officer (Director Mick was currently stationed in Wheat Wave Territory, responsible for agricultural expansion)—

These names were all loyalists who had chosen to follow Louis early on.

Most of them came from humble backgrounds but possessed extraordinary talents, discovered and promoted exceptionally by Louis through the Daily Intelligence System’s screening.

These were the people who supported the pillars of Red Tide’s current rule, leading this nascent territory and its hundreds of thousands of people.

After everyone was seated, the meeting officially began.

Bradley, who had been standing respectfully, slowly stepped forward, bowing slightly, and stood at the center of the long table.

“Red Tide’s land integration plan has now been underway for three full months,” Bradley read unhurriedly.

“A total of twenty-seven territories have been incorporated, nine of which are strategic locations, all situated at key points for routes, mineral veins, and grain production.

Five evil god worship sites have been sealed, three heretical strongholds purged, and twelve cases of illegal noble autonomy have been revoked, fully integrated into Red Tide’s legal framework.

As of yesterday, the newly integrated population is approximately sixty-four thousand, with an additional one thousand two ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) hundred qing of arable land and four hundred eighty qing of pastureland.”

Bradley turned to the main seat and nodded slightly to Louis: “As proposed by the Lord, the former Red Tide Territory is now officially named ‘Red Tide Main City.’

All other lands, after exchange, trusteeship, and cooperative integration, are uniformly incorporated into the Red Tide Territory jurisdiction.

Each administered territory will establish a resident officer, managed by both civilian and knight personnel, and assigned an inspection team, directly under the command of Inspector Irene.”

The officials whispered among themselves, having expected this, yet still feeling a slight surge of excitement at the initial formation of Red Tide’s system.

Bradley, however, did not put away his manual. He turned to the last page, his voice slightly lowered:

“Although integration is complete, subsequent matters still require vigilance.

Nearly a hundred new towns and villages have been added, but the clerical staff is still less than fifty percent of what’s needed, requiring further transfers from Red Tide’s grassroots officials.

The pressure on civilian food allocation is high, and some border towns have not yet fully established granaries and distribution stations, requiring advance planning for construction.

While thirty percent of border defense outposts have been started, the rest still need to be pushed forward in cooperation with the Craftsmen Department for subsequent construction.

Although barbarian stragglers and Snowsworn remnants have not yet appeared, there is indeed a possibility of them mixing into the territory. The Auditing Department has already initially identified key screening areas.”

Bradley spoke very calmly, without any emotional embellishment.

“Although the Red Tide Territory region has been established, the unity of the new populace still needs to be cultivated, and there are still disparities in emotional belonging and public order across various towns.”

He paused, then bowed to the main seat: “Overall controllable, but requires a multi-pronged approach and foresight.”

Everyone at the table nodded. Several new officials quickly made quiet notes and exchanged brief opinions.

Bradley took his seat, and Louis slowly opened his eyes from the main seat, his voice not loud, yet instantly silencing the entire room.

“Very good, our Red Tide Territory is finally taking shape.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over the new Red Tide map hanging high on the wall, “Next, it’s time to make it live.”

All the officials simultaneously sat up straight, listening carefully.

“The first priority,” Louis said softly, “is roads. To develop, we must first build roads.”

He looked at Mick, the Director of the Craftsmen Department, who was seated on the right, and said: “The Craftsmen Department is to immediately prepare for the construction of Red Tide’s main thoroughfare. With Red Tide Main City as the center, it will connect Wheatwave and then extend to all integrated territories.”

He pointed to the red lines drawn on the map, tapping twice: “Every twenty li along the road, establish a ‘defensive outpost + relay station node,’

for patrols to be stationed, for merchants to rest, and so on.”

“As you command.” Mick quickly stood up, one hand on his chest, and said in a rough voice:

“My Craftsmen Department has fifteen construction teams ready, with blacksmiths, stonemasons, carpenters, and all other necessary personnel. We pledge to open the main line from Red Tide to Wheatwave before the snow melts.

As for the design of the defensive relay stations, I will coordinate with the Defense Department and the Commerce Department to determine their placement.”

“Very good.” Louis nodded, “You can utilize the local populace as labor, granting them appropriate merits and compensation.”

“Yes.” Mick bowed again.

Soon after Mick sat down, Military Affairs Commander Lambert stood up: “Regarding border defense, I have drafted a simple and direct plan.”

He walked to the map and gently pointed out three locations with his short Cane:

“The inner line will establish three military districts—Wheatwave, Star Forge, and Red Tide Main City. These three areas are Red Tide’s core regions and will have permanent Grand Knight Orders, while other smaller territories will organize cavalry teams of about fifty knights.”

He changed his tone, then drew two thick lines,

“Next, establish five external patrol cavalry teams, each with fifty members, who must possess capabilities for reconnaissance, harassment, messaging, and disengagement.

Equipped with light armor and fast horses, they will patrol the Red Tide Territory border, alternating day and night, with a change every five days.

Although there are no major enemies in the Northern Territory, barbarian remnants are not completely dead, and the Imperial legions stationed in the Northern Territory often cross the border under the guise of inspection to probe.

We don’t aim to stop all enemies, but at the very least, we need to know they’ve arrived and be prepared.”

“Approved, execute.” Louis nodded slightly, “You may immediately allocate a legion to participate in the outpost construction and patrol team formation.

If there is still no warfare after one season, then arrange a monthly live-fire exercise, both to deter and to train the troops.”

Lambert saluted: “As you command.”

With the military proposals concluded, the meeting continued to progress, and the various gears of Red Tide’s administrative machine started one by one. With Louis’s nods and approvals, practical deployments were rapidly finalized.

For example, the arrangements from the Commerce Department. Commerce Department Director Desland was a lean, astute middle-aged man, and the plan he brought was concise and powerful.

He proposed establishing “relay outposts doubling as trading posts” at various passes and critical transportation points, to manage customs clearance and also operate as Station.

He suggested dispatching capable personnel to investigate smuggling and maintain order among merchant caravans.

At the same time, he proposed a bulletin board mechanism to promptly relay news from various places back to the main city, and also to allow commoners to access policies and intelligence immediately.

In addition, the Commerce Department encouraged the establishment of simple markets around relay stations.

These markets would operate freely but must be registered, both to boost popularity and to facilitate oversight.

Louis nodded in support.

After all, smooth trade routes were the prerequisite for the territory to truly thrive.

The Agricultural Affairs Department’s deployment, however, was even more pragmatic.

Under the leadership of Director Mick, agricultural officials had already begun to push forward the work plan of replicating and promoting the “Wheatwave experience” to other new territories.

Such as Wheat Wave Territory’s crop rotation system, wet-dry alternating planting methods, field canal zoning management, and farmer performance evaluation system—

These mechanisms, originally only existing within Wheatwave, were now to be used as templates and transplanted onto the newly incorporated lands.

In particular, the wetlands of the former Zachariah territory were designated as a key target for transformation, with plans to pilot “greenhouse farming” to address current food issues.

Finally, it was the Auditing Department’s turn.

Irene sat quietly at the end of the conference table with a document until Louis called her name, and only then did she stand up to report.

The Auditing Department would officially establish an anti-corruption team.

Composed of clean and capable inspectors personally selected by her, they would prioritize patrolling grain officials, warehouse managers, and interim officials in the newly integrated territories.

Monthly inspection briefings would be held to report typical cases, both to make an example of some and to establish rules and authority.

In addition, Irene also suggested establishing a partial representative system for the newly incorporated populace.

A nascent form of the Red Tide Town Council would be piloted in select new towns, recruiting commoner representatives to participate in governance, preparing for future semi-autonomous mechanisms.

This proposal received Louis’s affirmation, as it could both attract talent and pre-screen potential risk individuals, a win-win situation. Thus, the meeting in the Red Tide Council Hall gradually concluded.

Louis slowly rose, his robe lightly brushing against the Red Tide Territory map behind him.

“The larger the territory, the harder it is to manage.” His voice was not heavy, yet it resonated in the hearts of everyone present.

“In the past, we only needed to guard one city and a few villages, keep an eye on the granaries, and watch the barracks to maintain order, but what about now?”

Louis raised a hand and pointed at the large map, his fingertip sweeping over the lands encircled by the vivid red border lines.

That was the fruit of their victory, and also a heavy responsibility.

“Twenty-seven newly incorporated areas, sixty thousand new inhabitants, hundreds of small paths, a large number of unregistered land properties, and officials left over from the old system. Within all this lies the hearts of the people, and also corruption. This is not something one person can keep an eye on.

So, from now on, each of us, whether in the military, industry, agriculture, commerce, or auditing, must extend our duties to areas we have never touched before.

Some say Red Tide has won the victory.”

He paused for a moment, then his tone suddenly heightened: “No, we have only just taken the first step; the real difficulties are still ahead!”

I hope you do not slacken, do not underestimate your opponents, and do not become complacent. Otherwise, this land, which we have earned with our sweat and blood, will sooner or later be vomited back.”

Around the long table, there was silence.

Immediately, Bradley was the first to bow: “We will keep it in mind.”

“We will keep it in mind!”

Lambert, Irene, Mick, the Director of the Commerce Department, and the Agricultural Affairs Officer all stood up and responded in unison.