Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence

"I understand." Louis's tone held no reproach, just a gentle remark, then he lowered his head and kissed her on the corner of her forehead, as if to soothe her worries.

"These migrants are just temporarily gathered. Next, I will continue to establish two or three large territories outside Red Tide Territory, specifically for 'digesting' the population that migrates after disasters."

His tone was calm and his thoughts clear: "We are not just taking them in, but reintegrating them into order.

So I am planning to set up a 'Migration Management Office' to handle migration, registration, and resettlement affairs."

"Have you thought of the name already?"

"Of course."

"You..." Emily chuckled helplessly, raising her hand to poke his chin, "You're planning to create another all-encompassing government office, aren't you?"

"It's necessary." Louis sat up a bit, his gaze becoming serious: "Our current infrastructure in Red Tide is still stuck in the old model of small towns.

But what will we become in a year? Besides Red Tide Main Territory, there are other territories being established. Plus port development, the influx of southern merchants... This is set to become a true hub city."

Emily listened thoughtfully: "You plan to transform Red Tide into a city?"

"A city in the truest sense." Louis nodded. "Village settlements should exit the stage of history.

Our Red Tide Territory needs to become the true center of governance in the North East."

As she watched the fire of ambition gradually igniting in his eyes, Emily's gaze softened.

She knew that although this man seemed to be lazily resting by her side, in his mind he was already planning the next rise of land and the reconstruction of order.

"...You've indeed moved ahead."

"And what about you?" Louis leaned down, his forehead nearly touching her bangs, his voice low and raspy, like flames licking the ear in the night, "Would you be willing to keep up?"

Emily looked up at him.

Under the dim bedroom lighting, those eyes showed a familiar fatigue but concealed a reassuring obsession.

She's seen him coldly sitting in a corner of the Council Hall, toying with various old foxes; seen him standing on a burning Snowfield, commanding Red Tide Knights to encircle the Nest; seen him cloaked, patrolling grain stores in the valley rain at midnight...

Yet only at this moment, with a certain undeniable sincerity and reliance in his gaze, was he at his most beautiful.

Emily smiled.

It wasn't the standard smile of a noble lady, but a sly, fox-like grin.

"Your expression... is a bit cunning." Her hand gently touched his side, then slid down slowly, her fingertips brushing against that soft spot on his body: "Of course, I'd be willing... But you have to get back to form first, Lord?"

Louis's previously tired eyes suddenly sharpened, his Adam's apple slightly moved.

Four hours of intense production had already left him weary, he had intended to call it a day, yet this woman struck at his most relaxed moment, hitting directly at his weak spot.

But he wasn't one to easily admit defeat.

Louis chuckled softly, his gaze became sharp again, like rekindled fire: "Looks like my rest will have to be postponed for a while."

Outside, the morning light was breaking, quietly ushering in a new day.

...…

The morning sunlight streamed through the half-open curtains into the bedroom, casting dappled shadows across the bedspread.

Beneath the thick feather quilt, Louis unusually didn't rise immediately.

He lay half-reclined in bed, one hand casually resting on his forehead, staring at the ceiling blankly, or perhaps, in rare idleness.

This was a long-lost chance for Louis to indulge in laziness, somewhat reluctant to get up.

He turned his head; beside him, Emily lay on his chest, sleeping deeply.

Her hair was tousled, damp lashes still holding sweat beads, breathing very lightly, her whole figure appearing especially exhausted.

She had truly exerted herself in last night's battle.

Louis glanced down at her, a smile appearing in his eyes.

But he didn't make a sound, not wanting to wake her, just gently raised his other hand, waved it a bit.

The Daily Intelligence System revealed itself, yet today's updates were trivial matters.

"Today is peaceful." Louis scanned through, finding nothing worth highlighting, and casually waved to close the interface.

He didn't hurry to rise, rather quietly sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes, and commenced his daily "Fighting Energy-Magic Power Dual Cultivation."

The Tidal Breathing Technique gradually circulated, streams of energy flowed through his meridians, washing over inner organs and membranes repeatedly like tides, clearing away the last night's lingering fatigue.

After about two hours, he slowly opened his eyes.

"It's about time to get up." He said, turning his head and leaning down to gently place a kiss on Emily's forehead.

Emily remained asleep, though her body shifted slightly, instinctively nuzzled against his arm, seemingly as a reflex to confirm Louis's presence.

"...Sleep on, you've worked hard." Louis whispered softly.

Sunshine fell over his solid shoulders and back, muscles smoothly defined, his spirits revived.

...…

Outside Red Tide Castle, the wind carried a trace of biting chill.

Although it was spring, Northern Territory's spring always arrived late, the sky still appeared grayish-white, snow on the mountains hadn't fully melted, patches of frost occasionally reflected on the ground.

Louis stepped out of the main building wearing a cloak, holding gloves in his hand but hesitated to put them on.

He took a deep breath of cold air, allowing the earth-scented gust to fill his chest: "...It's still cold."