At dawn in Red Tide City, the main keep had not fully awakened, but a lamp already burned in the lord's study.
Bradley stood before the desk, waiting for the lord he had not seen in some time.
Louis entered the study and gave Bradley a slight nod. "You're up even earlier than I am."
Bradley smiled and bowed. "As I should be, my lord."
"Mm." Once seated, Louis asked, "How has Red Tide been doing while I was away?"
Bradley opened his notebook and began his report:
"There has been no major unrest overall, and every office is functioning as usual. The City Defense Department has completed registration and troop deployments for the fourth-ring residential district of Red Tide. New residents are moving in smoothly.
The main city's sewage system has been fully renovated. The new diversion channels are now in use and operating steadily.
As for road construction, the main road to Wheatwave Fief is now open along its entire length and can accommodate large grain wagons.
The mountain road toward Starforge is one-third complete, though difficult terrain has caused some delays. The first stretch of the road to Dawnlight Harbor has been surfaced, and the work crews are pressing onward."
Louis listened as he leafed through the documents Bradley handed him.
The handwriting was neat, the pages densely filled, with several reports and personnel assignment lists tucked between them.
He skimmed a few key points, but mostly just nodded.
Whenever he asked a question, Bradley could give him the exact figures without turning a page.
"The Education Office's literacy program has now reached thirty-seven neighborhoods. The street-side evening classes have been well received, especially in the Workshop District.
The first round of administrative assessments overseen by the Internal Affairs Office is complete. Forty-two officials passed and have