Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 492 A massive fish processing zone and the arrival of important guests
After inspecting the impressive fresh catch, Su Li, surrounded by Hilde and a group of officials, moved to the large-scale processing area on the other side of the lake.

The atmosphere here is slightly different from the damp, salty atmosphere of the dock. The air is filled with a more complex and rich aroma—the smoke from burning wood, the fragrance of various spices, and the unique charred and fresh taste of fish and meat after they are heated, all intertwined to create an industrialized harvest atmosphere that makes your mouth water.

The first thing that catches the eye is a long row of open-air smoking workshops built along the lake. Inside the thick stone furnaces, specially felled fruitwoods and hardwoods with special aromas, such as applewood and oak shavings, are burning, and the smoke is cleverly guided to the smoking racks above.

On the shelves, rows of cleaned silverfish, bluefin trout, and even smaller sun catfish, coated with coarse salt and a secret herb blend, are bathed in warm smoke, gradually turning an enticing golden-brown color. Oil drips from time to time, creating a soft sizzling sound and an even richer aroma in the fire.

The workshop manager was a nimble, middle-aged craftsman wearing a leather apron. He jogged forward and explained to Su Li in detail: "My lord, our smoked fish workshop is now operating day and night. Following your instructions, we have improved the air-drying and smoking processes, which not only makes it more efficient but also greatly enhances the flavor and shelf life."

He pointed to a newly built, enclosed building with a huge brick chimney next to him, his tone filled with pride: "That's a newly built 'hot smoking room,' using a hot air circulation system designed with the help of dwarf engineers. It can more precisely control the temperature and smoke, reducing the time from when a batch of fish goes into the oven to when it's finished by nearly half, and the quality is extremely stable, with almost no waste. This kind of 'fast-smoked fish' can be preserved for at least two months and is a favorite of armies and long-distance caravans."

Then, he pointed to another drying area: "That's the 'cold-smoked area,' where they use the old-fashioned method of slow and meticulous work. The smoke is cool, and the smoking time is long, taking several days. The resulting fish has an incredibly rich flavor! The flesh is as firm as fine leather, and it can be stored for several months or even more than half a year. It's a hard currency for wintering and long-distance trade. The Norwegian caravans and the Arabs in the south love it and are willing to pay high prices!"

Hilde promptly added data: "My lord, the smoked fish workshop currently processes over three thousand Imperial catties of fresh fish daily. Of this, 60% is supplied to the military and used as strategic reserves for the territory, while 40% is used for trade. The profit margin for smoked fish products is far higher than that for fresh fish, and this alone contributes over 1,500 gold crowns to the treasury each month. Moreover, this greatly alleviates the potential saturation problem in the fresh fish market, ensuring the value of the catch."

Su Li picked up a freshly smoked silverfish. The fish meat had a beautiful honey color and emitted a complex aroma of smoke and spices. He took a bite; the outer layer was slightly crispy, while the inside meat still retained a good level of moisture and freshness, with a moderate saltiness and a rich flavor.

“Not bad.” Su Li nodded in approval. “Keep up the quality. We can try to develop more flavors to cater to the preferences of different regions. For example, the interior of the Empire may prefer a stronger spice flavor, while Norsca may prefer a purely salty and smoked flavor. We need to make the smoked fish of the Black Forest Territory a golden brand.”

"Yes! I will obey your orders!" The workshop manager excitedly recorded the lord's instructions.

After leaving the smoked fish workshop, Su Li inspected the bustling dock loading and unloading area. Here, the scene was completely different – ​​a vibrant and lively one. Numerous carts and pack animals waited nearby, and workers shouted in unison as they loaded baskets of lively, fresh fish, boxes of precious ice crystal shrimp (always surrounded by expensive crushed ice), and bundles of smoked fish wrapped in oil paper or lotus leaves onto the carts. There were also many unexpected finds from the lakebed and riverbed.

Some strong workers were struggling to lift huge wooden buckets that required two people to hug. Inside were giant river clams that had been pulled from the bottom of the lake. Their shells were rough and thick, tightly closed, and occasionally, as they moved, a trace of sweet-smelling mucus would seep out from the gaps, making people wonder if extraordinary pearls were hidden inside.

The basket beside it was piled high with an equally delightful find—astonishingly large Blue Mirror Lake crabs. These crustaceans brandished their powerful, deep blue-spotted claws, making a rustling sound as they moved, displaying remarkable vitality. Although their numbers were far fewer than those of fish, their plump bodies and exceptionally rich crab roe and crab fat made them another highly sought-after and expensive commodity in the market.

Representatives from caravans from all over the country gathered outside the settlement room next door to check accounts, make payments, and collect their license plates with the territory's tax officials and clerks. The noise was filled with various accents of Imperial language and even a few foreign languages. Gold and silver coins jingled as they discussed the price of the latest batch of river crabs or the possible prizes from those giant clams.

Upon seeing Su Li, a trade guild representative who was clearly a resident there immediately stepped forward, bowed, and enthusiastically reported: "My lord, your fishing grounds and these processed products are in high demand right now! On the roads leading to Maleburg and even the province of Suland, you can now see fish transport convoys flying our Hessian flag everywhere! We've even restarted some of the Brienne River water transport, using flat-bottomed boats to transport large quantities of smoked fish, live fish boxes, and these lively river crabs to downstream towns—lower costs and larger quantities! The restaurant owners in Maleburg are fighting tooth and nail for our bluefin trout and Blue Mirror Lake crabs!"

He pointed to several medium-sized galleys loading cargo on the dock: "Look, sir, those are the 'Swift Sturgeon' and the 'Silverscale Messenger.' They are responsible for regularly transporting top-quality catches to Maleburg. Their holds are probably already crammed with river crabs tied with wet straw ropes and several buckets of carefully selected giant clams. The councilor of Maleburg is said to enjoy our Blue Mirror Lake's sun catfish every week, and now he'll probably have to add a dish of pickled river crabs to his menu!"

An efficient logistics network is rapidly transforming the abundance of Blue Mirror Lake (whether it's fish, shrimp, crabs, or clams) into tangible wealth and influence, radiating outwards in all directions.

Looking at this orderly and vibrant scene, Su Li felt a sense of satisfaction. This was not just a bountiful harvest of food, but also proof that the entire production and commercial chain of the territory had been successfully activated.

He gave new instructions to Hilde and the accompanying officials: "I am satisfied with the operation of the fishing grounds and processing workshops. Next, we must continue to expand the capacity of the docks and warehouses, optimize the roads, and ensure smooth logistics. At the same time, we must have the tax officials and patrol teams keep a close eye on every link and never allow any corruption, theft, or oppression of fishermen and merchants to occur, so as to maintain order here and the reputation of the Hessen Territory."

“Furthermore,” he paused, his gaze returning to the shimmering lake, “inform Fandral Oak to send more druid apprentices here. Their task is not only to monitor the water and fish populations, but also to attempt a deeper communication with the power of the ‘Heart of the Tides,’ to see if this power of abundance can be further guided or optimized, and even… to explore the possibility of artificially cultivating some high-value aquatic products on the lakeshore or in its tributaries.”

"Yes, sir!" the crowd responded in unison, keeping their lord's will firmly in mind.

The setting sun bathed Blue Mirror Lake in a magnificent orange-red hue. Fishing boats, laden with their catch, were returning one after another, and the lights on the docks began to twinkle, preparing for yet another busy night. Undoubtedly, this body of water, blessed by divine power, had become an inexhaustible treasure trove for Black Forest, continuously providing a powerful and stable impetus for his rise.

After a satisfied inspection of the bustling loading and unloading area, Su Li turned to the territory's Marshal Orstein, a towering figure who had been silently following beside him. This battle-hardened knight's sharp gaze swept over every corner of the lakeside, assessing any potential security vulnerabilities.

“Orstein,” Su Li said, his tone becoming more serious, “such a bountiful land will surely attract greedy eyes. Tell me, is the defense here impregnable? I do not want the treasures of the Black Forest Territory to become easy prey for others.”

Erstein immediately stepped forward, pounded his chest and bowed, his voice loud and confident: "My lord, please rest assured! The defense system of Blue Mirror Lake and the fishing grounds has been initially completed, and my deputy, Knight Commander Edwin, is personally in charge of its construction and daily guard."

He stretched out his hand, methodically pointing to each key location, and gave a detailed report:
"In terms of land defense, we have established six sturdy stone and wood watchtowers and two small garrison camps on all the main roads and high points leading to the lake area, with two hundred-man provincial infantrymen stationed there permanently, equipped with crossbows and signal fires. Any large-scale force approaching without permission will be detected and warned immediately."

"In terms of water patrol, we have requisitioned and modified ten light speedboats to form two patrol teams that patrol the lake and major river intersections day and night. Each boat is equipped with five Mannan knights and sailors who are familiar with the water, and are armed with crossbows, grappling hooks and javelins. Their main tasks are to drive away suspicious vessels, monitor large schools of fish for unusual movements (in case they are disguised), and respond quickly to any troubles encountered by fishermen working in the lake."

"Regarding the protection of key targets, the underwater platform housing the [Heart of the Tides of Mannnan] and its surrounding waters have been designated as an absolute no-go zone. A sturdy wooden watchtower has been built above the platform, guarded by personnel around the clock. The underwater portion of the platform is also equipped with a barbed metal mesh barrier crafted by dwarven artisans, making it inaccessible without a special passage. In addition, the druids of Master Fandral Oak have also laid some 'little surprises' in the waters around the platform—such as exceptionally tough seaweed and slightly deceptive water features, enough to delay any uninvited guests."

"Finally, we also set up an emergency response force. At the largest garrison camp in the lake district, we stationed two full-strength cavalry squadrons (240 men) as a rapid response force. Once the enemy is detected, whether on land or water, they can rush to our aid in the shortest possible time. At the same time, we have also established a comprehensive beacon and carrier pigeon communication network with the lord's castle and surrounding villages and towns."

After the report, Erstein concluded, "Currently, this system is sufficient to deal with the spying of monsters such as Beastman tribes, Greenskin Warbands, or River Trolls. Regular patrols and vigilance have also become routine, ensuring that the daily operation of the fishing grounds is not affected and that safety is guaranteed."

Su Li listened attentively, her gaze following Erstein's directions as he scanned the concealed and obvious defensive fortifications, nodding slightly in approval. The Marshal of the Goddess of the Sun's arrangements were always so thorough, taking into account a three-pronged defense encompassing land, water, and key targets.

At this moment, Orstein paused slightly, a more thoughtful expression appearing on his steely face. He continued in a deep voice, "My lord, the existing defense system is sufficient for the present. But if we look to the future, to ensure absolute control of this waterway and to deal with potentially larger threats... such as the Chaos Knights, or organized raiding fleets that may appear on the water... I strongly suggest that it is time for us to build a true Blacksene Navy!"

He looked at the small boats on the lake, mainly used for transport and patrol, and his tone became impassioned: "We cannot be satisfied with just fast boats patrolling inland rivers and lakes. We need real warships that can carry more soldiers, have rams and ballistae, and even be equipped with cannons provided by Imperial engineers in the future! A navy that can control the Brienne River upstream and downstream, and even be capable of operating in coastal waters in the future!"

"This navy will not only be the guardians of the fishing grounds, but also an extension of your will on the water, a powerful tool for opening trade routes, projecting force, and collecting 'escort fees'." A strategist's glint shone in Erstein's eyes. "I suggest that we immediately establish a naval commander to be responsible for recruiting sailors, training naval soldiers, overseeing the construction of warships, and formulating all naval warfare regulations. This person must be an expert in naval warfare, utterly loyal, and able to obtain the necessary support of the dwarven engineers and druids."

Su Li's eyes gleamed upon hearing this. Orstein's suggestion was undoubtedly extremely forward-thinking. An inland river fleet, which would then develop into a navy, certainly aligned with his ever-expanding territorial interests.

"Excellent suggestion, Marshal," Su Li praised. "Your strategic vision is always so sharp. Controlling the waterways is controlling the lifeline of wealth and war. This matter should indeed be put on the agenda."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The selection of the naval commander is of paramount importance. Do you have any recommendations? Or should we issue recruitment orders to the Imperial Navy or Maleburg to seek experienced commanders?"

Orstein had clearly considered this beforehand: “My lord, internal promotion might be a better guarantee of loyalty. Currently, Knight Commander Edwin, who is in charge of the water patrols, is performing steadily, but he lacks experience in large-scale naval battles. Perhaps... we can start by selecting officers with naval experience, and at the same time, we cannot rule out recruiting naval officers with combat experience as advisors or deputies, especially the knights and believers of the Church of Mannan, to have them assist and train our own commander.”

“Yes,” Su Li nodded, “You will lead the assessment of this matter. Give me a detailed plan as soon as possible, including the initial fleet size, ship type selection, construction or procurement budget, manpower, and a candidate list or recruitment criteria for the naval commander.”

"Yes, sir! I will take immediate action!" Erstein replied with a firm and resolute voice, his eyes burning with the fighting spirit to forge a new weapon for the Black Forest Territory.

Gazing at the vast Blue Mirror Lake, Su Li seemed to already see warships flying the Black Forest Bear Flag cutting through the waves, protecting his wealth, and navigating his authority to even more distant waters.

Su Li originally intended to continue his exploration, to fully appreciate every detail of the bountiful harvest in this land blessed by divine power. He planned to board a small boat and sail to the center of the lake to witness firsthand the extraordinary sight of fish so densely packed that they could almost ground a boat. He also wanted to see the shallow waters where the druids were trying to cultivate rare fish fry, and even hoped to be lucky enough to spot one or two river trolls attracted by the abundance but driven away by the guards—a perfect opportunity to test whether the defensive system set up by Orstein was truly effective.

However, just as he signaled to his servants to prepare the boat, a rough and urgent horn sounded from the road leading to the Black Forest, interrupting his thoughts. The horn was not an alarm, but rather carried a unique, heavy rhythm belonging to the dwarven clan.

The crowd turned to look and saw a group of dwarven warriors approaching rapidly. Leading them was none other than Dorok Redbeard, chieftain of the Redbeard clan. His fiery red beard was striking, and his heavy plate armor was stained with dew and moss from the forest, indicating he had traveled at a great pace. Though known for his fiery temper, his face now held a mixture of excitement and a rare, almost solemn expression.

Dorok strode up to Su Li, and before he could even fully perform the chest-pounding salute, a loud, anvil-like sound rang out:

"My lord! Huge news! I apologize for interrupting your inspection, but this must be reported immediately!" He gasped for breath, his fiery red beard rising and falling with his breath. "Kadrin! His Majesty Kadrin Ironsworn of the Grey Mountain Kingdom! He has come in person! With his personal guard, the 'Dragonrock Iron Guard,' and two full-strength clan legions, he has arrived at the Grey Lady Pass on the edge of the Black Forest!"

Dorok's voice grew louder with excitement: "His Majesty has sent an advance envoy to announce his arrival. He has come to visit you in person in response to your previous letter to him requesting the return of the remains of the dwarven ancestors! The procession is accompanied by a long line of goats and the engineers' behemoths. This is a grander affair than any of the Hatred Expeditions I have ever participated in!"

This news was like a boulder thrown into a lake, causing quite a stir among Su Li and his entourage. The King of Gray Mountain Kingdom had personally come to visit, and with such a large army (this was by no means a simple ceremonial visit). This was undoubtedly the highest-level and most powerful diplomatic visit Black Forest Territory had ever received since its establishment.

Upon hearing this, Su Li's heart skipped a beat. Even though he was used to seeing all sorts of storms, he could hardly suppress the turmoil within him. The fact that King Kadrin Ironsworn had come in person was of extraordinary significance.

As a neighbor of Gray Mountain, he was well aware of the dire situation facing the Gray Mountain Kingdom, or rather, the entire Gray Mountain Province.

It was not a peaceful paradise, but an isolated island surrounded by endless evil and chaos. Dwarven fortresses and mines were scattered like stars among the treacherous mountains, and the passages between them often required traversing dark forests inhabited by orcs, desolate passes held by greenskin tribes, underground tunnel networks dug by ratmen, and even lurking Chaos cultists and human bandits. Every large-scale troop movement was nothing short of a grueling expedition, requiring bloody battles and the breaking through of countless obstacles.

King Kadrin's arrival this time involved not only his personal guard, the "Dragonrock Iron Guard," but also two full-strength clan legions, totaling over 5000 men! This means that the main force of the Grey Mountain Kingdom undertook a near-strategic relocation for this journey, and the bloodshed and sacrifices along the way are unimaginable. They must have experienced numerous battles and traversed areas infested with monsters.

Even more seriously, the withdrawal of such a massive military force will inevitably lead to a temporary weakness in the kingdom's defenses, which could very well allow monsters to take advantage of the situation! What courage and determination this requires, and what enormous risks it entails!
All of this was in response to his earlier letter regarding the return of some of the remains of the dwarven ancestors, and to personally carry out this diplomatic ceremony.

The sincerity contained within is as weighty as the mountains themselves. It is not merely the utmost respect for ancestral traditions, but also a profound recognition and trust in Su Li himself and the Black Forest Territory. This sentiment far surpasses the value of any gold or silver treasure.

The ease on Su Li's face vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn and serious expression. He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and his gaze became sharp and focused.

He immediately gave orders to Hilde and Orstein beside him, speaking quickly and clearly: "The inspection ends here. Hilde, arrange for your high-ranking personal attendants to remain here to ensure everything runs smoothly, especially the storage and transportation of the catch. Perhaps... we will soon need a grand feast. The rest of you, return to the castle with me immediately."

"Order the honor guard and the Hessian Royal Guard to take their positions, be alert, and display our most majestic bearing! Notify all members of the Provincial Council to set aside all their affairs and assemble immediately in the council chamber! We must greet His Majesty Kadrin Iron Oath with the highest level of courtesy that Hessian territory can offer! There must be no slightest negligence!"

"Yes, sir!" The two men accepted the order without hesitation, their expressions becoming extremely serious. They both understood that the significance of such a large-scale visit by a dwarf king even surpassed that of a victory in war.

Su Li took one last look at the bountiful Blue Mirror Lake, feeling pleased. Perhaps all of this would soon come in handy and demonstrate even greater value.

He then turned and strode away, and the relationship between Black Forest Territory and Gray Mountain Kingdom was about to enter a new and more solid phase.

(End of this chapter)