The winter winds still howled, but in the core area of Blackrock Fortress, the "oasis" effect brought about by the Linde Revitalization Aura was like a warm miracle, stubbornly resisting the severe cold.
In the castle courtyard, those few wildflowers that defied the cold became a sacred site that the people talked about with great interest, attracting a constant stream of people to pray and watch.
Linde's prestige was elevated to a new pedestal amidst this vitality that defied the natural order of the seasons.
However, Linde did not become complacent with this "divine favor".
After a brief rest and the comfort of a gentle embrace, he was keenly aware of his responsibilities as a lord.
On a sunny afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the high windows and filled the study, he unfolded a huge sheepskin map and scrutinized every inch of Blackrock Territory with sharp eyes.
Good news followed one after another.
Calvin walked briskly into the study, a long-lost, genuine smile on his face:
"Sir! Great news! This month, three more sizable caravans and two groups of free settlements have passed through the mountain pass and entered our designated economic zone! The population registrar is almost overwhelmed!"
On the map, the area that was originally marked simply as "caravan stop" has now been clearly circled in red by Lin De as "mountain pass economic zone".
It enjoys a unique geographical advantage, relying on the only land route to the outside world.
Merchants from the heart of the Kree Empire brought grain, cloth, and tools; while caravans from the Orc Kingdom's lord-controlled territories (through Nazra's connections) brought rare ores, magical beast materials, and unique Orc handicrafts.
This place has become a window for Black Rock Territory to communicate with the outside world and a place where wealth gathers.
The simple wooden sheds are being replaced by neatly planned shops, warehouses and inns. The air is filled with the mixed scents of new wood, spices and goods from afar, and the noisy voices of people dispel the desolation of winter.
"very good."
Linde's lips curled slightly as he turned his gaze to the other side of the map—the west bank where Blackrock Fortress was located.
"The planning of residential areas must keep up, Calvin. The newly arrived free people, in accordance with the previous policy, should be provided with basic housing and land-cultivation tools, and guided to settle in the designated residential areas."
We need to pay attention to hygiene and security; I don't want this place to become a chaotic slum.
"Yes, sir! I have urged the municipal officials to expedite the planning of new residential plots and public facilities, and the irrigation canals and roads are also being extended in parallel."
Calvin readily agreed, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm. Looking at the tangible prosperity of his domain, the old minister seemed to have grown a few years younger.
Linde's pen stroked across the map the wide river flowing in front of the castle—the Blackwater River.
On the opposite bank of the river lies a relatively flat and open plain.
“This place,” Lind emphasized with his pen over a large area on the east bank of the river, “is our ‘Fertile Fields.’ After spring, this will become the granary of the territory.”
Priority should be given to resettling free people with farming experience, and organizing them for collective land reclamation. Irrigation projects should also be planned in advance, drawing water from the Black River for irrigation.
He paused, then added:
"Furthermore, those 'rock-armored rhinoceroses' that Weeks has domesticated are a treasure. Their dung is incredibly fertile, their fur is tough, and their meat is said to be quite good. Let Weeks expand the scale of domestication and designate a special pasture on the edge of the Fertile Wilds. These creatures are docile and capable, and they are great helpers for clearing land and transporting goods. Their produce will be an important supplement to the territory."
"Rock-armored rhinoceros?"
Calvin's eyes lit up. "Your Excellency is wise! I will take care of it right away! That kid Weeks has been quite smug lately, taking his bunch of 'treasures' out for a stroll every day. The people were afraid at first, but now they treat them like rare treasures."
Everything is progressing steadily according to Linde's blueprint.
The thriving economy boosted tax revenue (although the tax rate was low, the base was large), the population increase provided labor and potential military manpower, and the planning of food-producing areas ensured future self-sufficiency.
Black Rock Ridge is like a seedling gathering strength in the cold winter, striving to stretch its roots and branches, showing its vigorous vitality.
However, this prosperity did not come without a price, nor was it isolated from the conflicts on the continent.
“My lord,” Aster’s voice interrupted Lind’s thoughts. He walked in with a letter bearing the special sealing wax of the military system, his face grave. “News from the Sutherland front, and… a secret report from the Earl’s territory.”
Linde took the letter and quickly opened it.
Battle reports from the Sutherland front confirmed his suspicions: although large-scale fighting had been suspended due to the winter, small-scale infiltrations, raids, and sabotage had never ceased.
The "Withering Blade" and assassins of the Sass Empire are elusive, while the Silver Lance Knights of the Kree Kingdom are frequently launching attacks. Both sides are trying to cut off each other's supply lines and investigate the weaknesses in each other's defenses, gathering intelligence and accumulating advantages for the decisive battle in the spring of next year.
Behind every briefing lies a cold death toll and a tense atmosphere.
Viscount Lillens' days in the fortified city will be anything but easy.
Another secret letter from Earl Bruce Truck brought even more complicated news.
Karl's condition has stabilized, but the fact that he has completely lost his strength is now a foregone conclusion.
Bruce's words were filled with weariness and a deep sense of helplessness. He seemed to be looking for a way out for Karl's future—an heir who could not wield a sword would be in an extremely awkward position in the Truk family, which revered martial prowess, and even in the entire Kree aristocratic circle.
At the end of the letter, Bruce subtly mentioned that as the pressure on the front lines increased, the struggle among the nobles in the rear for war resources and their resentment towards the royal family was also intensifying, creating an undercurrent of tension.
Linde put down the letter, walked to the window, and looked down at the bustling new town below the castle, filled with hope because of his "miracle".
This place is a rare "pure land" for him, a haven for war refugees and those seeking opportunities.
But this "safe haven" was built on the foundation of the soldiers fighting valiantly and enduring immense pressure on the Sutherland front. The influx of a large number of free people certainly brought vitality, but also potential security risks, food shortages, and the possibility of infiltration into the Sutherland Empire.
“War…” Lind murmured to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the cold stone windowsill, “It has never truly gone away.”
He turned and looked intently at Astaire and old Calvin:
"Aster, the selection and basic training of the Royal Guard cannot stop! The forging of equipment must be accelerated! Tell Master Della that I need the core frames of at least fifty sets of armor to be completed before spring! We also need to keep a close eye on the core production progress on Alice's side!"
“Yes, sir!” Astaire straightened his back.
"Calvin, population management needs to be more meticulous."
The backgrounds of newly arrived free citizens should be investigated as thoroughly as possible, especially those from areas close to the front lines.
Grain reserves need to be recalculated to ensure we can support the increased population during the lean season in spring. If necessary... we can use some of the gold coins bestowed by the royal family to purchase grain in advance from reliable merchant caravans.
“I understand! I will do my utmost!” Calvin solemnly accepted the order.
“And another thing,” Lind said, his gaze turning westward, as if he could see through the mountains to the homeland of the Sass people.
"Tell the outer patrols to be on high alert. Although it is unlikely, we must be wary of the Sass Empire sending small elite units to bypass the main battlefield and harass rear territories like ours, disrupting supply lines or creating panic."
Beneath the surface of prosperity, hidden worries linger.
Linde knew very well that the peace of Blackrock Territory was built on the foundation of a solid imperial defense line.
He must seize this winter to make Blackrock Territory stronger, so that he can truly have the capital to stand firm in the chaotic world and even influence the game.
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