According to the location Louis had personally selected, he successfully acquired three hundred square kilometers of land in the Northern Territory as his initial pioneering domain.
He gave this land a name—
Red Tide Territory.
On the surface, the name came from the crimson-red crest of the Calvin Family, a symbol of bloodline and nobility passed down through generations. But in truth, there was a deeper, more personal reason buried beneath the name.
Red Tide was also a silent tribute to his homeland in his previous life—a place he could never return to, a past forever separated from him by time and fate. Naming this territory was not merely an act of ownership; it was a declaration that he would build something enduring here, something worthy of remembrance.
In Duke Edmund's eyes, this land was nothing more than a slightly better option among the desolate expanses of the Northern Territory. Compared to the frozen wastelands farther north, it was marginally more habitable, but only just.
However, Louis saw something entirely different.
With the support of the Daily Intelligence System, this place was nothing short of miraculous. In his eyes, Red Tide Territory was practically the Vatican of the Northern Territory—the legendary birthplace of emperors.
First and foremost, the rivers winding through the territory held immense potential. Every spring and autumn, migratory fish schools would swim upstream to spawn, turning the waterways into living granaries. This meant a stable and renewable food source—something almost unheard of in the Northern Territory.
Fish meat was rich in protein and calories. Not only could it sustain the civilian population, but it could also serve as a vital nutritional supplement for soldiers. With proper management, the territory could maintain a well-fed garrison even through the harsh winters.
More importantly, Louis knew there was a possibility—no, a probability—that rare magical fish species would appear here.
Northern Crystal Cod.
Even thinking about it made his pulse quicken. Such creatures were invaluable. Their flesh was delicious, but their true worth lay in the crystalline essence contained within their bones, capable of strengthening a knight's physique and vitality.
Secondly, there were geothermal eruptions scattered throughout the territory.
In the unforgiving environment of the Northern Territory, geothermal activity was nothing short of a miracle.
The heat rising from beneath the earth could warm the surrounding soil, making it possible to cultivate cold-resistant crops. Even if yields were limited, this alone placed Red Tide Territory far ahead of most northern lands.
More importantly, geothermal heat could help people survive the most brutal winters. When temperatures dropped low enough to freeze blood in one's veins, warmth meant survival.
As if that weren't enough, one of the geothermal zones had formed a natural hot spring.
While others shivered in the biting winds, wrapped in thick furs and huddled around flickering fires, Louis could imagine himself soaking in steaming water, drinking hot soup as snow fell silently around him.
Just the thought was exhilarating.
However, what truly made Louis's heart race was what lay hidden beneath the land.
Mineral resources.
Cold iron ore was abundant throughout the Northern Territory. While valuable, it was nothing special—an essential material for forging weapons and armor, but not rare.
What mattered was what lay undiscovered at the edge of his domain.
A magic marrow mine.
Magic marrow was a rare substance formed under extreme magical pressure. When refined, it could significantly enhance magical conductivity and weapon enchantments. Even a small vein would attract attention from alchemists, mages, and noble houses alike.
Even more dangerous—and more valuable—was another hidden resource.
Magma essence.
To Louis, magma essence was strikingly similar to sulfur from his previous life. It was a critical component in explosive compounds and a highly sought-after material among alchemists.
Of course, at present, he lacked the manpower, capital, and strength to exploit these resources.
Mining them now would only invite disaster.
His current power was fragile. Too weak, and others would covet his land without fear.
But one day—
Louis clenched his fist slightly.
One day, he would reveal these resources to the world and shake it to its core.
Magic gunpowder. Exploding knights.
Just imagining it made his blood boil with excitement.
With abundant food, geothermal warmth, mineral veins, and magma essence, Red Tide Territory was nothing less than a gift from heaven—utterly incompatible with the harsh reputation of the Northern Territory.
And yet, his intuition whispered that this was only the beginning.
The potential of Red Tide Territory was far greater than what he currently knew.
As Louis stood motionless, gripping the pioneering certificate in his hands, the smile on his lips had yet to fade.
Duke Edmund watched him with amusement and couldn't help but tease,
"How about I keep you for a meal?"
Louis snapped out of his thoughts. He gave a light cough and quickly composed himself, the enthusiasm in his eyes settling into calm confidence.
"There is still one more matter I must attend to before leaving," he said politely.
He raised his hand, signaling to the knights behind him.
Two wooden boxes were carried forward.
When the first box was opened, three living fish leaped into view.
Their silver-white scales shimmered under the firelight, refracting faint, ethereal hues that looked almost unreal.
Duke Edmund's eyes widened.
"Northern Crystal Cod?"
Even as Governor of the Northern Territory, such rare items were difficult for him to obtain. And yet this young man had casually brought three of them.
Not only was the flesh of the Northern Crystal Cod exceptionally delicious, but the crystalline essence within its bones could greatly enhance a knight's physique and vital energy—especially for those stuck at a bottleneck.
Edmund's thoughts immediately turned to his daughter.
She was currently at the threshold of becoming an Elite Knight. With the help of this fish, her chances of success would increase dramatically.
Before he could speak, Louis smiled and said calmly,
"These three are my meeting gift to Your Grace."
The Duke froze for a moment.
Then he looked at Louis with complex eyes.
Such precious resources… given away so casually?
Even for him, items of this level were not something he would part with lightly.
Before he could finish processing the gesture, Louis opened the second box.
Inside were three more Northern Crystal Cod.
This time, Louis grinned.
"These are for trade."
Duke Edmund burst out laughing.
"Sly boy. Speak—what do you want?"
Without hesitation, Louis replied,
"I need people. Slaves, soldiers, craftsmen, and knights."
Edmund's expression shifted slightly.
In that moment, he understood something clearly.
This young man had not come to the Northern Territory to scrape by and await death.
He intended to build. To expand. To establish real power in this frozen land.
"How many?" Edmund asked.
"The more, the better," Louis replied with a faint smile. "Of course, I won't let Your Grace suffer a loss."
"You're asking too much," Edmund snorted. "Buy slaves yourself at the slave market. As for soldiers, I can give you fifty."
"One hundred and fifty," Louis said calmly, raising his fingers.
"Greedy," Edmund shook his head. "At most one hundred and twenty. They're new recruits—don't expect veterans. I'll also give you thirty craftsmen. Any more, and you'd think I'm running a charity."
Louis sighed, then nodded.
"Very well."
"What about knights?" he asked. "Preferably Formal Knights."
Edmund scoffed.
"Dream on."
"Apprentice Knights, then?"
The Duke paused, considering.
"Ten Apprentice Knights and three Formal Knights. They will obey your commands, but they must pledge loyalty to the Northern Territory."
Louis smiled and extended his hand.
"Deal."
Edmund shook it, chuckling.
"Don't die too quickly."
With that, the transaction was complete.
Six Northern Crystal Cod exchanged for the manpower Louis desperately needed.
One hundred and twenty soldiers—untrained, but usable.
Thirty craftsmen—few in number, but irreplaceable.
Ten Apprentice Knights. Three Formal Knights.
Louis reviewed the list, satisfaction flickering in his eyes.
This deal had exceeded his expectations.
After the contracts were signed, Edmund glanced at him.
"Why are you still here? Waiting for a farewell banquet?"
Louis smiled and turned to leave.
"However," Edmund added meaningfully, "you'd best visit the slave market. Vagrants alone won't be enough."
Louis raised an eyebrow.
He was already planning to go.
After all, two talents were waiting for him there.