Before long, the knights who had left the city reached the foot of the hill. They dismounted and made their way up on foot.
Upon reaching the summit and seeing Velin, the leading Low-Gold Knight dropped to one knee and bowed. "Tais, garrison general of Morning Bay Port, greets the esteemed Eternal Dawn Knight. May the great God of Dawn protect you."
Behind him, several dozen knights also dropped to one knee and offered Velin their respect.
Looking at the unfamiliar Gold Knight before him, Velin raised a hand and helped him up. He then asked, "General Tais, tell me about the basic situation in Morning Bay Territory."
"My lord, I have limited knowledge of Morning Bay Port and its surrounding territories. I fear..."
"Tell me what you know."
"Yes."
The Gold Knight bowed respectfully before answering, "Since Morning Bay Port and its surrounding territories became your fief, they have been separated from the kingdom's administrative system."
"Though they remain part of Tanla Province, strict taxation regulations have been established along the borders, and they are treated according to the standards between nations."
"However, I do not know the exact amount of tax revenue."
"According to statistics from three years ago, Morning Bay Port and its surrounding territories had a population of one hundred seventy thousand. They included one city, three Small Cities with populations under ten thousand, sixteen towns, and several hundred villages and manors."
"Because you did not send personnel to Morning Bay Port, after the kingdom's administrators withdrew, this region came under the joint administration of local merchants, the church, and the garrison."
"The City Defense Army is under General Valer's command. They are responsible for defending the city, maintaining public order, and patrolling the borders."
"The Church of Dawn is responsible for people's livelihoods and tax