Vaerik pressed his hand against his head as the territory's information continuously processed in his mind.
He began to formulate future industry plans for the Crimson Tide Domain based on the available information.
After all, relying solely on the intelligence system for unexpected windfalls to feed nearly a thousand people was unrealistic; the Crimson Tide Domain needed stable industries.
When he finished organizing the information in his mind, he looked up at Hilco: "I'll speak, you record."
Hilco forced himself to stay alert, nodding instinctively.
"Have the hundred fishermen go to the riverbank immediately." Vaerik pointed his pen at the winding river on the map. "First build temporary docks and prepare fishing boats in advance to get ready for reviving the fishing industry.
Although fish are scarce now, when the water temperature rises, large schools of fish will surge upstream through the river channel to spawn. At that time, the fish catch will become one of the most important food sources for the Crimson Tide Domain.
In the future, we should consider establishing farming areas along the river.
If we can successfully cultivate fish species adapted to cold waters, we can develop our own aquaculture industry rather than relying solely on wild catches."
"Understood." Hilco noted down each point the lord mentioned.
"Besides fishing, agriculture and animal husbandry are equally important.
Currently, we have over four hundred farmers; focus on land reclamation." Vaerik's finger traced a line across the thermal low-temperature zone on the map. "Hot spring water can be used to thaw the ground, prepare irrigation systems in advance.
The soil here isn't very fertile, but utilizing the geothermal areas will make it workable. Plant rye and potatoes for the first crop; these are cold-resistant and can grow in this land."
"Understood."
"As for animal husbandry..." Vaerik paused, recalling the livestock in the territory. "The current number of livestock is too small; the existing cattle, sheep, and reindeer simply cannot support large-scale breeding.
I'll arrange for people to go to Frost Halberd City to buy more livestock while establishing dedicated animal husbandry areas to develop this sector."
"Understood." Hilco continued nodding, though tired, but diligently recording each instruction.
Next, Vaerik circled an area on the map in the forested region of the Crimson Tide Domain.
"We have over fifty experienced hunters. Besides daily hunting, they can also scout the forest perimeter. Don't let magical beasts get close, and don't let unknown forces sneak in."
"Finally, these craftsmen brought from Frost Halberd City. Leather workers should prioritize winter clothing, blacksmiths should forge farming tools, and carpenters should build houses.
We can also establish a workshop to gather all craftsmen together, letting them collaborate while recruiting apprentices to form a complete production chain."
Vaerik spoke quickly, each sentence like a decision that had been rehearsed countless times in his mind.
Originally, Hilco didn't have much fondness for the title of "lord."
In his impression, those nobles were hypocritical, arrogant, full of platitudes about morality, yet treated their subjects like cattle.
And his initial impression of Vaerik was merely that of a soft-hearted good person.
But now he was beginning to change his view.
This lord not only had a kind heart but also knew how to utilize the resources at his disposal.
This guy is quite impressive, Hilco thought with admiration.
And so, Vaerik implemented each item according to plan, and the Crimson Tide Domain officially began operating!
Bonfires illuminated the busy figures of people, smoke rose from cooking fires, hunters prepared for departure, fishermen began repairing boats, and the sound of craftsmen's hammers echoed in the air...
This long-silent land gradually awakened under Vaerik's arrangements.
...
Spring arrived quietly, but most of the Northern Province's land remained covered with remnant snow, impossible to cultivate.
However, the land beneath Vaerik's feet was different.
The soil was soft and moist, carrying the unique life essence of spring.
This was thanks to Vaerik's order a week earlier to channel hot spring water into the fields, using geothermal heat to melt the frozen earth.
Now the land, frozen for an entire winter, had finally softened. The previously uncultivable wasteland was gradually coming alive with vitality.
"Is this really Northern Province land?"
A farmer grabbed a handful of soil, feeling its warm moisture, and couldn't help but marvel.
Hearing this, the people around also bent down to touch it, their faces full of joy.
"The hot water really melted the frozen soil!"
"In the Northern Province, we can actually plant crops in early spring!"
Excited discussions rose and fell across the fields.
Of course, using hot spring water to thaw frozen soil was just a temporary measure. The high salt content in hot spring water could potentially turn the land into alkaline soil unusable for planting if used too frequently.
When conditions permitted, they would need to develop greenhouse cultivation.
Standing beside Vaerik was a middle-aged man whose clothes were stained with soil and dried grass.
His name was Mike, the agricultural officer of the Crimson Tide Domain.
Mike had originally been just one of many slaves, obscure and not good with words.
If not for the Daily Intelligence System, Vaerik might never have noticed that among the slaves was one particularly skilled in farming.
He had an innate talent for farming, with an almost instinctive intuition for soil, crops, and climate.
When Vaerik found Mike and announced the end of his slave status, appointing him as the agricultural officer of the Crimson Tide Domain,
Mike could hardly believe his ears; it was beyond his wildest dreams.
Being inarticulate, he didn't know how to express his gratitude, so he simply devoted all his efforts to working in the fields.
Today was the day for tilling the land and applying base fertilizer in the Crimson Tide Domain.
Mike grabbed a handful of moist soil, gently crumbling it between his fingers, revealing a satisfied smile.
He looked up at Vaerik, wiping his rough palm on the edge of his clothes: "Sir, everything is ready."
"In that case, let's begin," Vaerik nodded.
"Everyone start plowing!" Mike ordered loudly.
The order was quickly executed, with hundreds of farmers bending down, plunging their iron plows deep into the soil.
"It's so soft!"
"There's even warmth in this soil!"
The softened land delighted many farmers who had previously worked in the Northern Province.
And all this was thanks to Vaerik's ingenious idea.
The residents' admiration for Vaerik increased once again.
Watching the farmers diligently tilling the land, Vaerik asked: "Is the fertilizer ready?"
"It's been ready for a long time!" Mike gestured.
A dozen wooden carts slowly moved into the fields, loaded with dark fertilizer that carried a strong, pungent smell.
This was the special base fertilizer that Vaerik had ordered to be collected and produced since first arriving in the territory.
It was a mixture of human and animal manure, straw, fish entrails, and Kerla powder (an alchemical creation).
Human and animal waste with straw provided basic nutrients, while fish entrails were rich in organic matter.
The Kerla powder not only greatly enhanced fertility but also effectively prevented pest infestations, providing a better growth environment for seeds after sowing.
The strong smell of the fertilizer spread through the air, making people's nostrils sting.
Some wrinkled their brows, but no one complained.
Even Vaerik, as the lord, showed no disgust.
After all, they all knew that only this fertilizer could bring a better harvest.
The farmers methodically scattered the fertilizer into the newly plowed soil, then used hoes to mix it in evenly, allowing the nutrients to fully penetrate.
"We can sow seeds in four days," Mike said, stepping on the soil with a satisfied expression.
Vaerik stood for a while and, after confirming everything was in order, turned to leave.
It wasn't because of the pungent fertilizer, but because his Daily Intelligence System had updated with three useful pieces of intelligence that required his attention.