Louis continued to explain his design philosophy: "For defense, the main gate will be covered with thick iron sheets, which will not only protect against chopping but also against fire attacks.Arrow slits can also be designed at the top of the stone walls, allowing our archers to engage the enemy from within at any time.Boiling oil spouts will be reserved in hidden spots on the roof; once the enemy approaches to climb, hot oil can be poured directly to scald them to death.These cunning tricks will greatly enhance the defensive capabilities of the earthen building."Finally, he patted the blueprint and concluded: "Stone walls all around, plastered with mud and covered with turf, a wooden frame for the interior, and hot spring water as a heater—the earthen building castle is done!"The craftsmen listened, dumbfounded, completely astonished by this simple yet practical design.However, what astonished them even more was that Louis could design such a complete building in such a short time.Some of them even couldn't help but murmur in admiration: "Lord, he is a genius!"Mike pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "It is indeed feasible; the construction period might even be shortened to within half a year, or even faster…But I cannot guarantee absolute success, as this is a new thing, unprecedented.""You all research the specific techniques and do your best," Louis patted his shoulder.Hearing Louis's words, the craftsmen began to discuss in low voices, and an excited atmosphere spread throughout the workshop.If this bold plan succeeded, it would not only bring stronger defenses to the Red Tide Territory but also further enhance the Red Tide Territory's reputation in the Northern Region.Thus, the Red Tide Territory's earthen building project was officially launched....Duke Calvin, as usual, did his favorite exercises after waking up to stretch his muscles and bones.Then he washed, changed, and finally sat in his study, beginning to review the mountain of accumulated letters.Most of the letters were about mundane affairs: land management, economic scheduling, inter-noble marriages, conflict resolution…Suddenly, his gaze lingered on a particular letter.The sender was Louis Calvin.This name made Duke Calvin slightly stunned, somewhat familiar.After a moment of thought, he finally recalled that Louis was his eighth son, the child whose mother had died young and whose talent was poor.A few months ago, to cope with the Emperor's development order, he had casually sent him to the Northern Region to develop wasteland."Alas, with so many children, it's difficult to remember them all," Duke Calvin sighed, speaking in a very self-satisfied tone.He now had ten daughters, twelve sons, and two concubines who were currently pregnant.In terms of parenting, he had always adhered to a strategy of quantity over quality; as long as he had enough children, a few were bound to succeed.And this strategy had indeed worked.For example, his eldest son, Arthur, was now the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard's "Dragon Blood Knights."He would most likely be the next Calvin Family head.The Duke looked at the envelope, which bore the Calvin Family crest, with a slight hint of impatience.This was probably a letter begging to return to the South.But since it had already been sent, he might as well read it.The letter's content began with Louis simply reporting his safe arrival in his Northern Region fief, stating that all affairs had already begun to proceed smoothly.He then mentioned a surprising piece of information.Louis had discovered that his fief contained a large amount of cold iron ore, and had even found the extremely rare magic marrow mine.Duke Calvin couldn't help but chuckle when he read this.magic marrow mines were only found in large quantities in the Emerald Federation, while the Iron-Blood Empire had a negligible number of magic marrow mines.He felt that Louis had simply gotten incredibly lucky, and did not believe that this child had discovered such valuable resources through his own insight.But no matter what, the value of this territory had indeed greatly increased, making it worth investing more resources into its development.However, the subsequent content of the letter surprised Duke Calvin even more.He had originally thought Louis would ask for delicacies, fine wines, beautiful women… things for a luxurious lifestyle.However, Louis's requests were completely different from what the Duke had anticipated.He proposed a series of practical and useful requests:Craftsmen specializing in construction and mining, to improve the territory's infrastructure, especially the mining areas and the construction of the castle.Secondly, he requested provisions, various seeds, and livestock.Finally, he specifically mentioned the dripping blood stone, a mysterious ore that could test whether people had the potential to become knights."It seems this boy is much smarter than I imagined."The Duke raised an ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) eyebrow slightly, and a hint of interest for this son, whom he had almost forgotten, arose in his heart.Duke Calvin tapped the table thoughtfully after reading the letter's content.Some recent difficulties quietly surfaced in his mind.The Emperor's recent measures against the old aristocracy were becoming increasingly severe, and the power of the Eight Great Families was being weakened one by one.Meanwhile, new aristocrats were continually emerging, and the struggle for interests was becoming more intense.The current political situation in the Iron-Blood Empire was even more unpredictable, and even he himself was beginning to feel an unprecedented pressure.Perhaps developing the Northern Region was a way out, he thought.Of course, it was impossible for him to pour massive support into the Northern Region.But utilizing the territory where Louis was located to plant a seed in the Northern Region was not a bad option.Having understood all this, Duke Calvin ordered his guard: "Have Bradley come here."A moment later, an old butler walked into the study.Duke Calvin motioned for him to sit down, then picked up Louis's letter from the table and slowly placed it in front of Bradley."This is a letter from Louis…" Duke Calvin paused slightly, "He requested talent and resources from me, and after some consideration, I decided to give him some support."Bradley nodded seriously, picked up the letter, and quickly read it.Duke Calvin continued: "You will go with the team to the Northern Region to investigate the specific situation of the magic marrow mine and see if what Louis said is true or false. And you understand that the magic marrow mine cannot be easily exposed.""Yes, Duke," Bradley replied, without any complaint about being sent to such a desolate place."In addition, I will give him some limited support. Dispatch a few experienced craftsmen and architects to help him improve the town's construction.Also, a team of knights to help Louis increase his combat power. And bring some funds, provisions, tools, seeds, livestock, and other support.These things are not much, just consider it giving him an opportunity."Duke Calvin deliberated for a moment, then continued: "If he can manage the territory well, the Family will increase investment; if he shows any incompetence, the Family will immediately withdraw all support.Bradley, you are responsible for secret surveillance, ensuring everything is under control.""Understood," the old butler Bradley replied with a slight bow.The Duke stood up and slowly walked to the window, gazing north."Louis, I hope you won't disappoint me," he said softly.

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