Those slaves whose names were called hesitantly walked forward, their hearts filled with unease.
Only after they had taken their positions did Vaerik slowly speak:
"In the past days, you have contributed tremendous efforts to the construction of the Crimson Tide Domain. So today, I will give you the rewards you deserve."
Without unnecessary words, Vaerik directly took the slave contracts from Hilco's hand and threw them into the bonfire.
The flames consumed the writing that represented their slave status.
"From today onward, you are no longer slaves, but free people!"
Everyone was stunned, even their breathing stopped for a moment.
"Freedom...?!"
The slaves looked at each other in disbelief, their eyes full of shock, as if they couldn't trust their own eyes and ears.
The next second, the crowd completely erupted!
"Free people?! We're free people now?!"
"Great lord!"
"My God... free people... I... I'm a free person now?!"
A middle-aged slave with a weathered face suddenly fell to the ground, repeatedly banging his forehead against the hard frozen earth, not stopping even as blood seeped out.
His voice was hoarse and broken from excessive excitement: "Great lord! Benefactor!"
"Great lord! You are the savior sent by the gods!" A young female slave covered her face and wept, her shoulders shaking continuously.
An elderly slave raised his trembling hands, muttering under his breath.
It seemed as if he was praying to the Dragon Ancestor, yet also offering his most sincere gratitude to Vaerik.
...
Meanwhile, the other slaves around widened their eyes, watching those kneeling on the ground in shock.
They felt extreme regret, thinking that if only they had worked harder, perhaps they too would have become free people at this moment.
Once the scene quieted somewhat, Vaerik continued with an even more bombshell announcement:
"From today on, each month at least ten slaves who contribute to the Crimson Tide Domain will become free people.
As long as you are willing to work hard and contribute to the Crimson Tide Domain, each of you has the opportunity to become free, and even own your own land!"
All the slaves collectively looked at Vaerik in disbelief.
If the batch of people just liberated had given them a glimmer of hope,
Then now Vaerik had given them a real future!
As slaves, they were merely Vaerik's property, and he could decide their life or death at will.
And their children and grandchildren would remain slaves, unable to change their status for generations!
But now Vaerik told them that as long as they worked hard, they had the chance to escape their slave status and become truly free people!
For them, this meant stepping from hell into the world of the living.
Several quick-witted slaves knelt down, shouting: "Great master!"
Soon more people followed, their voices rising and falling like waves sweeping across the entire square.
Their voices were hoarse and trembling, filled with uncontrollable fervor.
"Great master!"
"Great master!!"
Their voices grew louder and more unified, finally merging into a deafening chorus.
It was like a cry bursting from the depths of their souls, echoing in the night sky, lingering for a long time.
"Great master!!!"
The knights standing nearby watched this scene, looking at each other in astonishment.
Although they had witnessed many miraculous deeds from their lord, the scene before them still left them deeply shocked.
One man, a few words, and a group of slaves had transformed from numb walking corpses into fanatic believers?
Some young knights even felt somewhat at a loss.
These lowly slaves—why did their eyes now look at Vaerik as if worshipping a deity?
Standing on the high rock, Vaerik's eyes were full of emotion.
A mere verbal promise had such immense power.
As a successor from another world, he naturally did not approve of the slave system.
The slave system should certainly be abolished, but it had to be done gradually.
If freedom were completely granted all at once, he feared it would cause chaos.
Using a reward mechanism to slowly liberate them would keep the slaves motivated and help the entire Crimson Tide Domain develop rapidly.
In fact, in a place like the Crimson Tide Domain, the difference in status between slaves and free people wasn't that significant.
The free people would still have to hand over all their harvests to Vaerik for unified distribution.
Creating two distinct classes with room for advancement simply made it easier to mobilize their enthusiasm.
"Of course, I haven't forgotten about you," Vaerik turned his gaze toward the soldiers and knights standing in the outer circle.
With a wave of his hand, the attendants behind him quickly opened several heavy wooden chests.
The bonfire's light shone on the thick leather armor and warm boots neatly arranged in the boxes.
At that moment, the eyes of all soldiers were firmly attracted to the supplies in the boxes.
"All soldiers, one set of beast hide armor and one pair of northern leather boots each.
Knight corps members, an additional complete wolf pelt each, which can be used as armor padding."
As soon as he finished speaking, the soldiers immediately rushed toward the boxes!
This was the Northern Province, where cold and poverty made resources particularly scarce.
Many soldiers still wore worn-out boots, and having numb feet while patrolling in ice and snow was common.
Having new boots and new leather armor was something they had dreamed of.
The attendants distributed the thick leather armor to the soldiers.
"My God! Real leather armor!"
"These boots... these are the best leather boots in the Northern Province!"
"Lord, are you serious?"
They excitedly accepted the equipment, their eyes full of excitement, their hearts full of gratitude.
Standing on the high rock, Vaerik watched the soldiers below who were excited to the point of losing control, the corners of his mouth turning slightly upward.
This armor and boots had been purchased in advance in Frost Halberd City, originally intended to equip the soldiers.
In the Northern Province, all resources were scarce.
Any seemingly insignificant favor was enough to win absolute loyalty.
Moreover, these rewards were precisely what they needed most now, as Vaerik had learned from the intelligence system.
It was like striking the snake at its vital point—how could they not be overwhelmed with gratitude?
After distributing the items, the feast continued. Several golden-brown, glistening hunted animals were brought in.
Hot meat juices dripped into the flames, making a soft "sizzle" sound.
The rich aroma of meat filled the air, tantalizing everyone's taste buds.
Everyone could get a piece, even the lowest-ranking slaves were fairly given a portion.
When the first bite of delicious roasted meat entered their mouths, that long-missing warmth and satisfaction brought many to tears.
"It's so delicious..."
"I haven't eaten real meat for several years..."
Laughter and cheers echoed across the open space as people danced around the bonfire.
A Northern Province refugee excitedly played a bone flute, while several native women joined hands, spinning and jumping.
The soldiers weren't to be outdone, joining in the humming, and even beginning to compete in dance steps while laughing around the bonfire.
Children ran in groups across the open space, their faces bearing the purest joy.
And on that highest boulder, Vaerik quietly overlooked this scene.
As the lord, these people had placed their hopes on him.
He must lead them to survive on this cold land, and even prosper.