Louis continued explaining his design. "For defense, we'll cover the gates in thick iron sheets. That will protect them against both blades and fire.
We can also build arrow slits into the tops of the stone walls, so our archers can fire from inside whenever needed.
We'll leave concealed openings in the roof for boiling oil. The moment enemies come close and try to climb, we can pour hot oil straight down and scald them to death.
These dirty tricks will greatly strengthen the Tulou's defenses."
Finally, he patted the plans and summed it up. "Build a ring of stone, plaster it with mud and cover it in turf, put a timber frame inside, use hot spring water for heating, and our Tulou castle is done!"
The craftsmen listened with their mouths agape, utterly stunned by the simple yet practical design.
What astonished them even more, however, was that Louis had managed to design an entire building in such a short time.
Several could not help murmuring in admiration, "Our lord is a genius!"
Mike pondered for a while before slowly nodding. "It certainly seems feasible. We might be able to shorten construction to less than half a year, perhaps even less...
But I can't guarantee success. This is something new, with no precedent."
"You can work out the technical details. Just do your best." Louis patted his shoulder.
At Louis's words, the craftsmen began discussing it in hushed voices, and excitement spread through the workshop.
If this bold plan succeeded, it would not only give the Red Tide Fief stronger defenses but also further enhance its reputation in the Northern Frontier.
And so, the Red Tide Fief's Tulou project officially began.
As usual, Duke Calvin got up and enjoyed his favorite exercise, loosening up his muscles.
Afterward, he washed, dressed, and finally settled into his study to begin reviewing the mountain of letters.
Most concerned tedious matters: land management, economic arrangements, marriages between nobles, settling disputes...
Suddenly, his gaze lingered on one particular letter.
The sender was Louis Calvin.
Duke Calvin paused at the name. It sounded somewhat familiar.
After a moment's thought, he finally remembered. Louis was his eighth son, the boy whose mother had died young and whose talent was abysmal.
A few months earlier, to comply with the emperor's expansion decree, he had casually sent the boy off to reclaim wilderness in the Northern Frontier.
"Ah, with so many children, even remembering them all is difficult," Duke Calvin sighed, indulging in a humblebrag.
He now had ten daughters and twelve sons, along with two pregnant concubines.
When it came to raising children, he had always believed in winning through numbers. If he fathered enough, a few were bound to amount to something.
And the approach did work.
His eldest son, Gaius, for instance, was already deputy commander of the Dragonblood Knights, the empire's imperial guard.
He would most likely become the next head of the Calvin Family.
The duke looked at the envelope bearing the Calvin Family crest with a trace of impatience.
It was probably a letter begging to return to the south.
But since it had arrived, he might as well read it.
The letter began with a brief assurance from Louis that he was safe. He had successfully reached his fief in the Northern Frontier, and everything was now running smoothly.
Then came a surprising piece of information.
Louis had discovered large deposits of cold iron ore within his fief, and had even found the exceedingly rare demon marrow ore.
Duke Calvin could not help chuckling when he reached this part.
Only the Jade Federation had large numbers of demon marrow ore mines. Those in the Ironblood Empire could be counted on one hand.
He felt Louis had simply stumbled into incredible luck. He did not believe for a moment that the boy had discovered such valuable resources through discernment.
Regardless, the fief's value had indeed increased considerably, making it worth investing more resources in its development.
The next part of the letter, however, surprised Duke Calvin even more.
He had expected Louis to request fine food, fine wine, beautiful women... the trappings of a luxurious life.
Yet Louis's requests were entirely different from what the duke had anticipated.
He made a series of practical, useful requests:
Craftsmen skilled in construction and mining, to improve the fief's infrastructure, particularly the development of the mines and construction of the castle.
Next, he requested food, various seeds, and livestock.
Finally, he specifically mentioned the Blood-Drop Stone, a mysterious mineral that could test whether people had the potential to become knights.
"It seems this boy is much cleverer than I imagined."
The duke raised an eyebrow, finding himself a little intrigued by this son he had all but forgotten.
After finishing the letter, Duke Calvin tapped the desk thoughtfully.
Some recent difficulties quietly surfaced in his mind.
The emperor's measures against the old aristocracy had grown increasingly harsh, and the influence of the eight great families was being weakened one by one.
Meanwhile, new nobles were rising to prominence in succession, and the struggle over interests was becoming fiercer.
The Ironblood Empire's political situation was now more uncertain than ever. Even he had begun to feel an unprecedented pressure.
Perhaps developing the Northern Frontier offered a way out, he thought.
Of course, pouring vast amounts of aid into the Northern Frontier was out of the question.
But using Louis's fief to plant a seed there would be a sound choice.
Having sorted out his thoughts, Duke Calvin ordered a guard, "Send Bradley in."
A short while later, an elderly steward entered the study.
Duke Calvin gestured for him to sit, then picked up Louis's letter from the desk and slowly placed it before Bradley.
"This is a letter from Louis..." Duke Calvin paused briefly. "He has asked me for skilled people and resources. After some consideration, I've decided to give him a little support."
Bradley nodded earnestly, picked up the letter, and quickly read it.
Duke Calvin continued, "Go to the Northern Frontier with the group and investigate the demon marrow ore. Find out whether Louis's claims are true. And you understand that the demon marrow ore must not be carelessly exposed."
"Yes, Your Grace," Bradley replied, without a word of complaint about being sent to such a godforsaken place.
"In addition, I'll give him some limited support. Assign a few experienced craftsmen and architects to help him improve the town.
Also, a squad of knights to strengthen Louis's fighting force. Bring some funds, food, tools, seeds, livestock, and other supplies as well.
It won't amount to much. Consider it a chance for him to prove himself."
Duke Calvin weighed the matter for a while, then continued, "If he governs his fief well, the family will invest more. If he shows any incompetence, the family will immediately withdraw all support.
Bradley, you'll be responsible for watching him in secret and ensuring everything remains under control."
"Understood," the elderly steward Bradley replied, bowing his head slightly.
The duke rose, slowly walked to the window, and gazed north.
"Louis, I hope you won't disappoint me," he said softly.
Before you continue