The excavation of the Snow Rabbit People's ice cellar is proceeding smoothly.

Luo De has Lawrence arrange for thirty people to make ice blocks.

The ice cellar is not only used for preserving food in the summer, but also as a tool for cooling and relieving heat.

There are no specific requirements for the cooling ice blocks; melted snow water frozen into ice blocks will suffice.

As for the ice blocks for consumption, Luo De has the slaves boil the water first, then pour it into wooden buckets.

At the Northern Wasteland, the lowest evening temperature now reaches minus twenty degrees, and a one-meter high wooden bucket in a shady area turns completely into ice within three days.

Luo De has prepared over a hundred wooden buckets, all frozen into ice blocks specifically for consumption.

So many ice blocks stored in the ice cellar are enough to last until next autumn.

With these tasks handed off, Luo De no longer needs to personally get involved.

He turns and returns to the manor.

Just as he enters the hall, the Guard reports that Chris is here to see him.

Luo De is not surprised and agrees, asking the Guard to bring Chris in.

Following the Guard's steps, Chris suddenly drops to one knee as he enters the manor's hall.

The nearby Guard is startled, instinctively gripping the sword at his waist.

Luo De remains calm, gestures to the Guard to step back.

"With such an action, is there anything you want?"

Luo De looks at Chris in front of him and asks softly.

"Thank you for bringing my wife and child here."

Chris says earnestly with his head lowered, "I ask for another opportunity to serve you, to repay your generosity."

"You are already serving me."

Luo De raises his eyebrows slightly, smiling, "The overseer has praised you; you're strong, and do well with tasks like smashing rocks and chopping trees."

"I can do more for you."

Chris raises his head, determination shining in his eyes,

"I am willing to offer you a knight's loyalty, willing to fight for you, allowing your will to guide my sword's direction."

Luo De looks at Chris: "You're afraid I'll mistreat your wife and child, aren't you?"

He speaks leisurely, gently rubbing the armrest of the chair,

"If that's the case, there's no need."

"Rest assured, I will not threaten you with them, you can honestly continue your labor."

"Your wife will also find a job here."

Luo De is not deceiving Chris.

Chris's wife Amina, after marrying Chris, learned quite a bit, having some skill.

And a knight's wife is more knowledgeable than an ordinary person; whether in accounting or management, she will surpass the average person.

"No, that's not it."

Chris replies, "Lord Baron, I see hope here with you."

Chris's voice grows fervent,

"I see hope for my life, and for your Black Pine Ridge's constant development."

Chris thinks for a long time, understanding in his heart that his wife is correct.

The Hawk Count is like a drifting big ship, though grand, it is worn out.

Every position on the ship is fixed, everyone performing their duties.

The Hawk Count's territory develops, but more often it remains stagnant, enjoys life, maintaining status quo.

But Black Pine Ridge is different.

It seems like a small ship, yet it's lively, with novel things appearing from time to time.

More importantly, Chris sees that slaves here have more stable lives than the common people of Eagle Ridge.

In many slaves, he sees a drive.

The entire territory is united, everyone wanting to maintain a stable life.

Clearly, such a Black Pine Ridge is destined to go further.

And now, boarding this ship is the best opportunity.

"I know a traitor is not worthy of trust, but if I only chop trees and smash rocks, it would be your loss."

Chris speaks sincerely, with a trace of humility in his voice,

"You may not trust me, but my wife and child are here, this will be a form of assurance for you."

"Perhaps you can entrust me with some trivial yet skilled tasks, giving me a chance to earn your trust."

Luo De reassesses Chris in front of him.

This knight is no longer the same as when he first arrived.

The trials of these days have indeed added some steadiness to him.

"I must say, your words have somewhat moved me."

Luo De replies calmly after a long silence, "I do have some matters here that require someone with a bit of leadership skills to handle."

"Please instruct."

Chris's face lights up, and he speaks respectfully.

"Having been a slave here for so long, you should know something about Black Pine Ridge."

"The north is important to me, but the rumors of the Alien Race to the north have always troubled me."

Luo De slowly explains, "I need someone to establish a watchtower there, to relay information, while monitoring the north."

Luo De does not reveal his ultimate goal.

His ultimate goal is a fortress.

Not only to guard a pass but also to become a gateway into Razor Plain.

This will allow not just expansive farmland growth in Black Pine Ridge but also future development of Razor Plain, gathering the populace there.

Luo De plans steady expansion, gradually extending his territory, eventually turning the watchtower into an extension reaching deeper.

Such grand goals are not achievable by ordinary people.

Of course, now everything is still unclear, Luo De cannot tell Chris all this.

"The watchtower needs a captain."

Luo De looks Chris in the eye, his tone turning serious, "Can I trust you?"

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