Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence Chapter 776 - 429: May the Sun Shine Upon Gray Rock (Part 4)

Lord Louis possesses an uncanny ability, often revealing the final answers firsthand, arriving directly at the conclusion.

The source of this prescience remains a mystery, and no one seeks to question it; they only affirm that his judgments invariably align with eventual facts.

Mike remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed upon the marked Red Earth Slope, then shifting back to the still-damp charcoal lines on the blueprint. It was as if he were meticulously re-evaluating every conceivable margin of error within his calculations.

Finally, he lifted his head to meet Louis's eyes. "One month," he declared, "Grant me one month, and I will guide the Alchemy Furnace team to achieve the correct mixture."

"If this endeavor proves as formidable as you suggest," he added, a grin spreading across his face, his voice tinged with undeniable excitement, "I will personally oversee the pouring of the roads throughout Gray Rock Province for you."

Mike settled back into his seat, and Cyril from the Health Department finally looked up.

She closed her notebook, placing a fingertip on its cover as if confirming a vital point: "Mere sufficiency is not enough; survival is paramount."

Her tone, though remarkably serene, carried an edge of severity, devoid of any emotional inflection, yet it possessed an intrinsic command that captured everyone's attention.

"The health conditions here are nothing short of catastrophic," Cyril elaborated. "Dead rodents, exposed cesspools, and coal dust pervasive throughout the entire city. If these issues are not addressed promptly, once Lord Mike's factory commences operations, a staggering half of the workforce will be afflicted with dysentery within a mere three days."

"I do not require advanced technology; my aim is to implement the 'Mandatory Health Law' from the pre-Red Tide era."

"Construct public bathhouses utilizing the residual heat from the steel furnaces to warm the water. Every worker will be mandated to bathe post-shift; failure to comply will result in deductions from their work points."

"Establish rat extermination squads; each rat eradicated will be exchanged for an egg."

A hush fell over the meeting table; no one dared to laugh.

"Approved," Louis responded without hesitation, nodding his assent. "Cyril, your authority in this matter is commensurate with that of the Inspection Department. You are empowered to apprehend anyone found dumping waste into the river or establishing private cesspools."

Green then assumed the lead in the discussion. "In that case, I shall take responsibility for organizing the populace."

"We will relocate these hundreds of thousands from the old Nobility's estates and mining zones, integrating them into factories and farms. Each individual will receive a Red Tide ID card, serving as their credential for food collection, bathing facilities, and work registration."

The challenges, however, did not end there.

One participant raised concerns about mineral transportation, noting that a single snowstorm could paralyze the entire province's movement of goods.

Another highlighted public security issues, reporting that scattered Knights and escaped miners had coalesced, already engaging in the looting of grain supplies.

...

The problems were presented sequentially, without any hint of complaint or evasion, each issue simply laid bare on the table for consideration.

Louis listened attentively, allowing everyone to voice their concerns before systematically addressing each point.

The transportation networks were reorganized; heavy cargo would be routed via waterways, while lighter goods would travel by land, with grain receiving absolute priority, followed by minerals.

Security responsibilities would be shared between the Knights and the Mining Bureau, with stray soldiers to be integrated into existing units on-site. Those who refused to comply would be forcibly removed from the mining areas.

...

These directives, while not overtly sophisticated, were undeniably practical and effective.

Once the final issue was resolved, silence enveloped the table.

Louis rose to his feet, casting his gaze upon the gathered elites who had each found their designated roles. "If there are no further deliberations, let us commence. It is time to plant the Red Tide's flag upon every territory."

No superfluous words were spoken.

A collective movement began as everyone started organizing their blueprints and notes. The gravity that had previously marked their expressions now yielded to an eager focus, the kind of intense concentration exhibited by seasoned professionals tackling demanding projects.

The meeting concluded, the imposing oak doors swung open, and then shut, sealing the chamber.

The strategic meeting room rapidly returned to a state of quietude, with only the faintly visible dust motes dancing in the air remaining.

Green, however, did not depart immediately.

With meticulous care, he arranged the blueprints scattered across the table before cautiously placing the weighty, dark-bound ledger into his briefcase, his movements betraying weariness yet imbued with an extraordinary sense of purpose.

Louis approached Green, personally pouring a glass of water, a gesture reminiscent of their days years prior in the Mai Lang Territory, and offered it to him. "From the rank of Knight to that of a Provincial Governor, overseeing the lives and deaths of hundreds of thousands. Is this transition a significant leap? Are you apprehensive?"

Green accepted the glass, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Apprehensive? Indeed. Last night, while poring over the ledger, my hands trembled. I have never felt such fear, not even when facing a Knight's charge."

He raised his head, his eyes remarkably clear and resolute.

"However, I recall something you imparted on the Northern Snowfield: 'The path is forged by those who walk it.' As long as you indicate the direction, I shall pave the way, even if I must do so on my knees."

Louis extended his hand, offering a gentle pat on Green's slightly stooped shoulder. "Proceed with your governance. Within this province, aside from the laws of the Red Tide, you need not show deference to anyone."

Green took a deep, fortifying breath, a visible relaxation gradually spreading across his wrinkled eyes.

That wave of apprehension vanished, replaced by the unshakeable composure befitting a high-ranking official.

He took a step back, executing a deep bow in the formal Knight's salute. "I give you my word, Lord Louis, I shall not falter."