Chapter 89: Chapter 89: The Cruel Rules of Nobility

Louis raised his glass and shouted loudly, “Let the feast begin!”

The square instantly boiled over.

Burning braziers were lit at the four corners, and colorful lanterns were hung high.

Musicians played on flutes and violins with a brisk rhythm, as young serving girls danced to the beat of the drum.

The craft beer was foamy and rich, the aroma of Red Tide smoked fish was enticing, the roast lamb leg oozed with oil as it was carved, and the wild mushroom venison bone soup rolled with steam in a large pot.

Soldiers raised their glasses in laughter, children chased and played…

Standing at the edge of the high platform, Louis quietly watched it all.

His gaze softened a bit.

This land he once watched over silently was slowly becoming prosperous.

Those trusting eyes, those faces smiling with tears of joy.

All of these stirred a faint warmth in Louis’s heart.

Of course, he wasn’t without fatigue, after all, the greater the responsibility, the heavier the burden.

But on nights like this, he still felt a sense of tangible achievement.

Not the lofty vanity of nobility, but a more solid satisfaction.

Louis gripped his wine glass and muttered softly, “Let’s relax a bit tonight.”

…

After the revelry, work had to continue the next day.

Louis sat up from his bed and rubbed his temples.

This was a familiar semi-underground dwelling, and even though he was now a Lord with vast lands, he still preferred to stay here.

In his own domain, he slept peacefully.

He stretched lazily and casually activated the “Daily Intelligence System,” as a translucent screen appeared before him.

[Daily Intelligence Update Complete]

[1: Signs of Eagle Claw Vine growth have been found near Eagle Rock at the eastern entrance of Qingfeng Canyon. This plant has excellent effects on wound healing and can be developed into battlefield herbal medicine.]

[2: Magic power fluctuations have appeared at the southern end of Silver Shadow Forest, with a small amount of Demon Marrow Ore buried nearby.]

[3: A small herd of snow sheep has appeared in the central Pasture Snowfield, suitable for captive breeding and producing more milk in winter.]

[4: The Calvin Clan has selected over forty loyal and stable civil servants and stewards to assist Louis in managing the land.]

[5: Duke Calvin has dispatched a batch of supplies to support Red Tide Territory, prioritizing grain, cotton clothes, and cold-prevention medicines for the winter.]

[6: Duke Calvin has dispatched a group of knights under Louis’s command, including ten Elite Knights, thirty Official Knights, and one hundred Apprentice Knights.]

[7: Duke Calvin has upgraded the Louis family’s resource authority to level two, granting the title of Northern Territory agent for the family.]

“There’s so much intelligence today, and here come the resource-based reports again.” He glanced at the first three entries, already forming a rough idea in his mind.

Ever since he acquired nearly a thousand kilometers of new territory, such resource point prompts had been popping up intermittently.

Some were medicinal herbs, some were magic mines, and there were even potential pasture resources and so on.

Although these new territories weren’t as rich as Red Tide Territory, the system always managed to dig up some unexpected benefits.

These resources were important, but right now, more pressing matters awaited, such as preparing winter supplies, restoring post-war order, settling refugees, deploying stationed troops, and handling the remaining movements of the Snow Swearer.

“These resources… can wait until these current troubles are sorted out.”

Yet, the rest of the intelligence left Louis momentarily stunned.

“The old man’s gold coins, really… more than I expected.”

It wasn’t just a few bags of flour or a few horses, but a whole system of support.

The resources from the Calvin Family were not just material provisions, but more importantly, those accompanying civil servants and stewards.

Over forty, all proficient figures selected internally from the family, loyal, reliable, and experienced.

Louis could assign them to Red Tide Territory and the newly acquired four pieces of land to manage affairs, taxes, census, and grain levies, establishing a proper “administrative skeleton.”

This meant Red Tide Territory was no longer a makeshift operation.

“Finally… the days of Hillco doing the work of ten people are gone forever.”

He said this with his mouth but felt a bit nostalgic for that alchemy apprentice who was respectful on the surface but cursed behind his back.

And those Merit Knights who were knighted yesterday would work alongside this team of civil servants, officially taking over the land that was just on the brink of revival.

“Finally looks like a territory now.”

Louis alone couldn’t manage so large a territory.

He had once thought of directing all the refugees to concentrate their development in Red Tide Territory, but resources were really tight, and without a modern logistics system, it was impossible to urbanize on a large scale.

And now he also had the possibility of diversion and coordination.

Additionally, the accompanying military support included ten Elite Knights, thirty Official Knights, and one hundred Apprentice Knights.

Adding to his already existing knights, he now had the makings of a mature noble lord’s military.

It could even be said, when compared with the positions of some senior Viscounts, his foundation was not inferior at all.

As for the seventh piece of intelligence, it kept him silent for a long time, pondering what it represented.

“Calvin Family’s” Northern Territory agent, this was not just a title, but one with real power.

It meant he could act in the Northern Territory in the name of the Calvin Family, like a remote executor of the family’s will.

Of course, the Calvin Family’s power in the Northern Territory was somewhat small, and this title’s actual power wasn’t as high.

In the end, it didn’t hold much military power or land.

Only a few fringe kin-owned small enclaves in remote areas.

Combined, they weren’t as large as Louis’s current territory.

The real value lay in the family’s long-standing businesses in the Northern Territory.

Several granaries, ironware shops, transport convoys, and a few safe trade routes, mostly available for use.

This meant he could use the family’s name to credit, negotiate prices;

He could also mobilize transport, distribute supplies, prioritizing his own territories;

Even in negotiations, he could play the “I represent the Calvin Family” card to gain more trust.

Though it wasn’t an overpowering means, it was enough to give him some breathing room.

“This really is a… timely benefit.” Louis closed the light screen with a soft smile.

These resources and manpower were like glazing warmth to Louis at this moment.

His territories were too new, too vast, the people too mixed and chaotic, with every issue urgently needing human handling, every piece of material critical for survival.

Even temporary support could help sustain a breath.

Thus, he genuinely felt some gratitude towards Duke Calvin.

Even though this biological father had practically ignored him in his childhood, and even kicked him to the Northern Territory, which was nearly a death sentence.

But now that he’s pulled through and gained military achievements—the support came down generously.

People, money, status, resources, all given sufficiently.

This was probably the cruel rule of nobility.

Not nurturing useless ones, but once you prove your worth, they’ll “invest” in you without hesitation.

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