The time for the annual distribution of supplies had arrived, yet Fierce Tide Plaza was not crowded.
There were too many people in the city this year. If everyone had to queue, they would clog the streets for three days and nights.
So Louis ordered the local supply officers to lead teams delivering the supplies door to door.
Pete and Jack were assigned to one of those teams. Pushing a wooden cart, they followed the snowy road around the back of the warehouse and entered the southeastern corner of Red Tide City.
The ground here was slightly lower, and the houses were semi-subterranean wooden homes hastily built three years earlier.
But they were not really shabby. Thick layers of straw and animal hides covered their roofs, keeping out the wind and holding in warmth. Wisps of warm air rose from ventilation pipes, lending the place the reassuring feel of everyday life.
Jack brushed the frost off the burlap, revealing a list marked with household numbers, and explained, "Most of the people here came into the city with the wave of refugees six months ago. Red Tide City happened to need workers, so they were allowed to settle here. Otherwise, this place would have been torn down long ago."
Pete nodded and raised his hand to knock on the first wooden door.
"Who is it?" a hoarse voice called from inside.
"Administrative Office! Your winter supplies are here!" Jack shouted.
The door creaked open.
A middle-aged woman with a hunched back poked her head out. Seeing the large bundle of goods, she stared in disbelief. "These are for us?"
"Yes. These are Lord Louis's orders." Jack set the bundle by the door. "One package per household, and this is only the first delivery. The second will come in another fortnight.
"There's