Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Red Tide Territory Castle

Mike patted the corner stone of the wall, his tone filled with a solid sense of pride.

“Lord, to be honest, it doesn’t look that ’noble’.

But it can block the wind, withstand the cold, prevent bandits, stand up in battle, and endure the snow.”

He pointed to the edge of the castle gate: “I had people wrap the base of the walls with three layers of stone bricks, very solid. The castle gate was also reinforced with thick cold iron sheets, it won’t deform even if rammed several times.”

Then he nodded towards the roof: “Those red tiles are mainly decorative, at least from afar, it doesn’t make the place look like an animal pen.”

Listening to Mike, Louis recalled the drawings he had made and almost burst into laughter.

Mike continued, “As for those wooden beams and carvings… hey, I had a few apprentices carve them for three days and nights, not much use but impressive.”

He spoke nonchalantly, but couldn’t hide a little smugness in his tone.

“You’ve done well, I really like the exterior,” Louis praised directly.

Mike scratched his head and grinned.

“Come on, Lord. Let me show you the genuine interior,” Mike said as he led Louis inside.

As soon as he entered the castle, Louis felt a warmth rush towards him, contrasting the biting cold winds outside.

The air here was warm and pleasant, making one naturally relax.

The temperature inside the castle seemed to keep the severe cold of the Northern Territory at bay.

All this was thanks to the special geothermal system design.

Mike explained, “Lord, this is that geothermal system you designed. It’s truly amazing.”

He pointed at the geothermal pipes and the warm walls around them: “By introducing hot spring water to heat the underground pipes, it ensures the entire castle stays warm and provides hot water to every room.

In our Northern Territory, this is practically a divine artifact, not only combating the severe cold but also enhancing living comfort.”

Mike’s tone was full of admiration for Louis, his eyes brimming with respect.

Louis, hearing this, couldn’t help but feel a bit proud.

Although he hadn’t initially expected his design to be implemented so successfully.

But seeing how warm the castle was now, he couldn’t help feeling gratified.

Then Mike led Louis through the first floor of the castle, introducing each room as they walked, his voice full of pride.

“First, this is our foyer.” Mike walked ahead, seriously pointing to two flags hanging on the wall.

One was the Calvin Clan’s crest, elegant and ancient in design.

The other was the Red Tide Territory’s red flag, simple and powerful, seemingly radiating heat.

Louis nodded, finding it just right without unnecessary opulence.

Then the two of them walked through the corridor into a storeroom filled with wooden crates.

“This here stores the stuff we depend on for winter.” Mike patted a sack of grain, “There’s dry food, stone bricks, timber—everything to eat and burn.”

The air carried a faint wheat fragrance mingled with the scent of pine wood.

Beside the storeroom was the kitchen.

Walking in, warmth greeted them, with a few cooks bustling around a large pot.

Steam bubbled in a pot over a stone stove, and half a wild boar’s leg was slowly rotating on a spit.

“I personally supervised the chimney system for three days and nights,” Mike puffed his chest with pride, “Great ventilation, no choking while cooking.”

Louis glanced around, finding it indeed tidy and orderly.

A kitchen where cooks can work peacefully is a good kitchen.

Lastly, Mike led him to a heavy stone door: “This is what I’m most proud of.”

As the door opened, warm steam rushed out.

The stone tiled floor glistened, and the air was humid, as if stepping into another world.

Hot spring pools steamed gently, with the sound of trickling water.

“This part was specially designed for you.” Mike said, his voice tinged with excitement, “Among the Northern Lords, you’re the only one with such luxury.”

Louis looked at the pools of hot water, suddenly tempted.

Outside, others were still wrapping themselves in quilts against the cold wind;

But he? He could soak in a hot spring while enjoying warm wine—simply delightful.

It was like driving a Maybach while others were still on bicycles.

Louis almost couldn’t help but laugh.

Mike had a look that said “only such luxury is worthy of the Red Tide Territory’s Sun.”

Louis took a deep breath, restraining his urge to immediately dive into the hot spring.

“There’ll be plenty of chances later.” He comforted himself, stepped forward, and continued with Mike to the second floor.

The path upstairs was a spiraling staircase.

The steps were built with thick logs and stones, firm and strong underfoot.

Each step was appropriately wide, allowing even two armored knights to pass securely.

Handrails lined the sides, made from polished oak, feeling warm and solid.

“Sturdy, durable, safe, this is how the main staircase should be.” Mike patted the railing.

Of course, this was the main staircase meant for lords and honored guests.

According to him, in alternative corners, there were vertical ladders intended for emergency movements, enabling soldiers to move up and down rapidly and be sealed off during an attack.

The second floor didn’t have much to see.

“It’s just the living quarters for soldiers and servants.” Mike casually mentioned.

The dormitories were snugly arranged, with rooms lining both sides of the hallway.

Each room had wooden beds, blankets, and a simple wardrobe.

Though simply furnished, everything was tidy, enough to shield from the wind and cold for the night.

Louis casually pushed open a few doors and glanced in.

They were all much the same.

He didn’t linger on the second floor, continuing up the main staircase.

The third-floor main hall was an important reception space prepared for the lord.

Nobility visits, treaty signings, official audiences… all took place here.

The entire space was very high-ceilinged, supported by sturdy oak beams,

with a few iron hooks remaining on the beams for hanging chandeliers at night, lighting the room brightly.

A Red Tide Territory flag was hanging high on the wall, crimson with a golden sun in the center, symbolizing order and honor.

On another side, several large oil paintings depicting the Calvin Clan’s historical glory were displayed.

The largest one depicted Louis’ ancestor riding into battle alongside the first Emperor of the Ironblood Empire, heroically armored and charismatic.

“All of these were specially ordered by Bradley from the South.” Mike explained, “Commissioned from well-known court painters.”

Louis nodded, satisfied.

Using the Calvin Family’s glory for bluffing, not bad at all.

Future negotiations could carry more weight.

They went through the main hall, and Mike pushed open a thick wooden door.

“This will be your future office, though it’s still empty now and needs your design later.”

The room was still empty, footsteps echoing clearly on the wooden floor.

A large table was placed alone by the window, the surface clean and smooth, with just a blank document and a quill pen on it.

On the other side was an empty bookshelf, yet to be filled, with the scent of the wood still lingering.

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