Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence Chapter 666 - 384: Achievements of the Red Tide System (Part 4)

Secondly, the tracks have grown from seven to twenty-one, primarily inside Red Tide lands.

Thirdly, standard smelting facilities rose to six, pushing mineral belt production to almost one-and-a-half times last year's level...

Once Mike finished, Desland, leader of the Trade Bureau, moved forward without delay.

This lean middle-aged man delivered his words at an even rhythm, though his voice cut sharply: "The Trade Bureau's accomplishments this year feature unified trade routes and a formed post station network."

He laid out the figures: "From the original seven key trade paths, we've now stretched to twenty-one, fully gripped by Red Tide. Taxes dropped thirty percent, and goods flow speed has almost doubled compared to last year...

Following that, a lady in a white-gray cloak rose to her feet.

She was Cyril, chief of the Health Department—a medical apprentice Louis fetched from the Calvin Clan, currently overseeing every medical operation across the Northern Territory.

"Over this year, the Health Department set up nineteen permanent medical stations and thirteen roaming medical teams across the Northern Territory. Handled thirty-seven epidemic outbreaks with zero further spread...

After hearing the full cycle of reports, all present recognized that this year wasn't mere survival but explosive, all-around expansion.

Red Tide's governing structure didn't just hold steady; it started branching out with fresh limbs and reach.

In total, year one wasn't simply a win—it smashed past all forecasts.

As those words dropped, silence gripped the hall, as though the very atmosphere held its breath.

All eyes turned naturally to the head seat.

Louis rose leisurely, his actions calm, effortlessly pulling every gaze.

Without flaunting power, he offered a faint smile: "Ladies and gentlemen, you've performed outstandingly."

That single line eased tension from several officials' shoulders, yet before relief could settle, Louis pressed on:

"Red Tide's yearly admin blueprint surpassed all hopes. Markets flowed seamlessly, accounts got standardized, grain stores secured, trade paths linked completely...

One attendee in the chamber puffed out their chest involuntarily.

Louis swept his view over the crowd: "This year, we seized the crumbling heavens of the Northern Territory. We guaranteed food for the masses, jobs aplenty, paths to tread. We showed them Red Tide means winter won't claim them by hunger."

In the stepped seats, officials from ravaged zones dipped their gazes briefly; those images burned vivid in memory:

Skeletal kids shivering as they clutched steaming porridge bowls, miners hushed upon their first hot broth sip, Snowfield ladies weeping wordlessly at their initial bite of solid food.

Louis spoke softly, yet his words held undeniable power: "Your efforts kept countless Northern Territory souls alive. No empty praise—this is pure truth."

One person's throat bobbed faintly.

"This isn't solely my triumph." He halted, "It's yours—all of you—who hauled the Northern Territory from devastation's depths."

Those few dozen words ignited burning gazes across multiple faces in the hall.

Silence reigned, yet pride surged skyward like an unstoppable tide.

Louis then eased his voice: "Yet our mission remains vast. Red Tide's second year looms tougher, grander."

The group straightened instantly, faces grave.

Louis gestured at the massive Northern Territory map: "Transform these red marks into living lifelines. Link all roads, mineral veins, schools, depots into one unbreakable web."

His inflection turned: "Now, dividends."

The hall's atmosphere stirred palpably.

Louis's grin widened: "Each official claims their portion. Profits this year distribute by protocol. Claim yours—it's rightfully earned."

One nearly craned their neck toward him.

"Territory dividends follow suit." Louis's tone stayed even, firm as iron, "Deliver what's owed, hold nothing back."

"Red Tide rules not by might, but by proving loyalty pays—no suffering. That's how grievances stay buried.

Come next year, we'll forge Red Tide mightier, binding the Northern Territory into true unity."

"Ladies and gentlemen." Louis eyed the room, "Press on strong."

No roars erupted, no fists slammed tables in the chamber.

Yet all leaped up together, bending in unison, moves fluid like a colossal flag billowing forth.

Their bow to Louis stemmed not from rote custom, nor terror.

Most officials had been lowly folk—refugees, diggers, learners, even auctioned slaves just three years back.

Louis hauled them from noble boots' shadows, granting first tastes of full bellies, warm garb, seats at power's table.

They emulated him, rescuing the famished, launching academies, building clinics, firing up relief pots...

Sure, it all sprang from Louis granting ranks and chances.

Thus they honored Lord Louis, for today's proud stance was his doing, propping them tall.