After breakfast, Louis summoned Mike, and the two climbed to the castle's highest tower to survey the snowy expanses and defensive lines of the Red Tide Fief.
Mike patted the windowsill, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Following the management test you proposed last time, the defensive facilities everywhere, especially the Tulou complexes, are now almost fully outfitted."
He pointed below and continued, "First, the two new Tulou here in Red Tide and the five in the other outlying territories have all been completed.
"They may not have facilities as comprehensive or living conditions as comfortable as this old one, but they're more than adequate as warehouses or shelters."
"We prioritized practicality in all these Tulou, fitting them with fully enclosed gates that can withstand large-scale attacks or severe cold.
"The walls are made of rammed earth, four meters thick, with an inner lining of dark gray stone bricks shipped from our side..."
Mike raised his chin, pride coloring his voice. "Even a battering ram wouldn't break through in ten days or a fortnight."
"And we incorporated lockdown mechanisms into the design. Once the enemy breaches the perimeter, we can seal the corridors immediately... Never mind the Snow Oath-even people would be trapped like rats the moment they entered."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the defensive strongpoints in the distance. "Now, the entire Red Tide Fief has an airtight defensive line."
Louis nodded in approval.
Then he turned and asked, "What about the traps around the territory? Are they all in place?"
Mike immediately straightened, his expression serious. "Everything has been set up to your standards. The rolling logs, pit traps, and slopes can all work together."
He pointed toward the mountain roads and explained each in turn:
"First, the reverse-slope approaches. We've reshaped the original mountain roads