Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 101 Red Tide Territory Castle

Mike patted the stone bricks in the corner, his tone filled with genuine pride.

"My lord, to be honest, he doesn't look that 'noble'."

But it can block the wind, keep out the cold, defend against bandits, fight a war, and withstand snow.

He pointed to the edge of the city gate: "I had the base of the wall reinforced with three layers of stone bricks, making it very sturdy. The city gate was also reinforced with thick iron plates, so it won't deform even after being hit a few times."

He gestured towards the roof again: "Those red tiles are mainly for decoration; at least from a distance, they won't make people think this is a livestock pen."

As Louis listened to Mike's words, he recalled the drawings he had made and almost burst out laughing.

Mike continued, "As for those wooden beams and carvings... hey, I had a few laborers spend three days and three nights carving them. They don't really mean anything, but they're there to make a show."

He spoke casually, but his tone betrayed a hint of smugness.

“You did a great job, I really like the look of you,” Louis praised directly.

Mike scratched his head and grinned.

“Come on, my lord. Let me show you the genuine articles inside.” With that, Mike led Louis inside.

As soon as Louis entered the castle, he immediately felt a wave of warmth wash over him, a stark contrast to the biting cold wind outside.

The air here is warm and pleasant, making people relax naturally.

The temperature inside the castle seemed to keep out the harsh winter of the North.

All of this is thanks to that specially designed geothermal hot spring system.

Mike explained, "My lord, this is the geothermal hot spring system you designed back then. It's truly amazing."

He pointed to the geothermal pipes and warm walls around him: "By introducing hot spring water to heat the underground pipes, not only is the warmth of the entire castle guaranteed, but hot water is also provided for every room."

In our northern lands, this is practically a godsend; it not only protects against the bitter cold but also greatly enhances the comfort of living there.

Mike's tone was full of admiration for Louis, and his eyes were full of respect.

Louis couldn't help but feel a little proud upon hearing this.

Although he did not initially expect his design to be executed so successfully.

But seeing the warm and cozy scene inside the castle now, I can't help but feel a sense of relief.

Then Mike led Louis on a tour of the castle’s first floor, introducing each room as they walked, his voice filled with pride.

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

One side features the Calvin family crest, with elegant and ancient lines.

On the other side was the red flag of the Red Tide Territory, simple and powerful, seemingly radiating warmth.

Louis nodded; the lack of unnecessary extravagance suited his taste perfectly.

The two then walked through the corridor and arrived at a supply warehouse filled with wooden crates.

“This is where we’ll survive the winter.” Mike patted a bag of food. “Dry rations, bricks, wood, everything edible and fuel-grade.”

The air was filled with a faint aroma of wheat, mixed with the scent of pine.

The kitchen is right next to the warehouse.

Stepping inside, a warm feeling washes over you, and several cooks are busy around a large pot.

A pot of soup was bubbling on the stone stove, and half a wild boar leg was being turned over on the large grill.

"I personally oversaw the design of this chimney system for three days and three nights," Mike said, puffing out his chest. "The ventilation is top-notch, and cooking won't produce any fumes."

Louis swept the area around and found it indeed clean, tidy, and well-organized.

A good kitchen is one where chefs can work with peace of mind.

Finally, Mike led him to a heavy stone gate: "This is the place I'm most proud of."

As soon as the door was pushed open, a wave of warm, moist steam rushed out.

The stone floor was still shiny, and the air was humid, as if you had stepped into another world.

The hot spring pool was steaming, and the water was gurgling.

“This part was specially designed for you.” Mike’s voice was tinged with excitement. “Among the nobles of the North, you are the only one who can enjoy this kind of treatment.” Louis looked at the pools of hot water and suddenly felt a little tempted.

Outside, others are still wrapped in quilts in the cold wind;

And him? He could soak in a hot spring while drinking hot wine, which was absolutely wonderful.

It's like when most people can only ride bicycles, but you're driving a Maybach.

Louis almost burst out laughing.

Mike had an expression that said, "Only this kind of treatment is worthy of the Red Tide Sun."

Louis took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to immediately soak in the hot spring.

"There will be plenty of opportunities later," he comforted himself, and continued following Mike up to the second floor.

The way upstairs is a spiral staircase that winds its way upwards.

The steps are made of large logs and stones, and feel solid and strong when you step on them.

Each step was just the right width, allowing even two knights in armor to pass through steadily.

The roadside features handrails made of polished oak, which feel warm and sturdy to the touch.

"Sturdy, durable, and safe—that's what a main staircase should look like," Mike said, patting the railing.

Of course, this was only the main staircase for the lord and his distinguished guests.

According to him, in other corners, there are also special vertical ladders for emergency mobilization, which allow soldiers to move up and down quickly and can be used to block off areas in the event of an attack.

There's nothing interesting on the second floor.

"These are all living quarters for soldiers and their servants," Mike casually remarked.

The dormitory is arranged compactly, with rooms lined up one after another on both sides of the corridor.

Each room contains a wooden bed, a blanket, and a simple wardrobe.

The furnishings were simple but neat and orderly, providing enough shelter from the wind and rain and warmth for an overnight stay.

Louis casually pushed open a few doors and looked around.

Much the same.

He didn't linger on the second floor and continued up the main staircase.

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

Noble visits, alliance signings, official audiences... all happen here.

The entire space has an extremely high ceiling, supported by thick oak beams.
Several iron hooks remain on the beam; at night, when a chandelier is hung, the whole room is illuminated.

A red flag of the Red Tide Territory hangs high on the wall, with a crimson background and a golden sun in the center, symbolizing order and glory.

On the other side are several large oil paintings depicting the historical glory of the Calvin family.

In the largest painting, Louis's ancestors are fighting alongside the first emperor of the Iron Empire, clad in armor and riding horses, exuding heroic spirit.

“These were all specially ordered by Bradley from the South,” Mike explained, “from a famous court painter.”

Louis nodded in satisfaction.

Using the glory of the Calvin family to intimidate others is quite clever.

This will give me more confidence during future negotiations.

After passing through the main hall, Mike pushed open a heavy wooden door.

"This will be your future office. Of course, it's empty now and you'll need to design it yourself later."

The room was still empty, and the sound of footsteps echoed clearly on the wooden floor.

A large table stood alone by the window, its surface clean and smooth, with only a blank document and a quill pen on it.

On the other side was an empty bookshelf, not yet filled, the aroma of wood still lingering.

(End of this chapter)