Seeing that Bill and John had already noticed the location he pointed to, the knight explained in a calm tone, "That is called a sidewalk. It's meant for pedestrians to walk safely and cross the street. If you want to go to the other side, you should use it."
Then, his tone grew slightly sterner. "If I catch either of you walking in the middle of the street or crossing recklessly again, you will be fined. And if you don't have the money to pay the fine, you will have to choose between hard labor or flogging as punishment. Since this is your first time in Oros City, I will let it slide for now. Don't expect to be so lucky next time."
Bill and John exchanged glances. They both realized that Oros City had strict regulations regarding traffic and pedestrian behavior. When the knight mentioned the severe punishments, they couldn't help but nod instinctively, as if nodding quickly would somehow spare them from consequences.
"Alright, sir, we understand. This is our first time in Oros City, and we're still unfamiliar with the local rules. We will pay close attention and make sure not to repeat our mistake," Bill said hurriedly, bowing his head slightly in respect.
The knight saw their sincerity and relaxed. "Good. Now that you understand, let's move on. Tell me, what brings you to Oros City? If your purpose is business, you must report to the city hall first before being allowed to conduct any commercial activities."
Hearing this, Bill quickly replied, "We are on our way to the City Hall. We have come to do business here."
The knight nodded approvingly. "Then come with me. I'll take you there. Along the way, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
"Won't this cause you some trouble? We..." Bill began to protest.
The knight interrupted, smiling faintly. "I'm going to City Hall anyway. You don't need to worry about inconveniencing me. As long as you obey the laws, you can move freely. We guarantee your safety and protect your property."
Relieved by this, Bill stopped worrying. In fact, he realized that traveling with a knight might be a good opportunity to build a useful relationship in the city.
So, the three of them set off together. To ensure that Bill and John could keep up, the knight deliberately slowed his horse's pace so that they wouldn't have to rush.
After walking for some time, Bill looked around in amazement. The streets were exceptionally clean. There was no litter, no piles of garbage, and none of the usual stench of human or animal waste that plagued other cities. Trees lined the roads, their leaves gently swaying in the breeze, and everything seemed orderly. He turned to the knight with a curious expression.
"How is your city so clean? There's no garbage or waste on the streets, and so many trees have been planted along the roads. How did you manage this?"
The knight's chest swelled with pride as he explained. "This is thanks to Prince Gaimon. He believes that a dirty city breeds diseases and plagues, so he requires every citizen to keep their surroundings clean. Garbage must be disposed of in designated areas, and nearby residents are responsible for transporting it to locations outside the city. Littering is strictly forbidden."
Bill's curiosity wasn't satisfied. "But how do you know that people are actually taking care of their own garbage?"
The knight continued patiently. "The city is divided into districts. Each district is responsible for maintaining its cleanliness. Residents must clean their area regularly. City hall sends inspectors to patrol the streets. If garbage is found scattered, the residents of that district face fines or labor as punishment. This system ensures that citizens supervise each other. Over time, everyone abides by the rules. After all, no one refuses to live in a clean environment."
Bill's eyes lit up. "I see. That's ingenious! Not only does it make the city cleaner, but it also saves the city hall from spending extra money managing waste. It's like solving two problems at once. Whoever thought of this must be a genius."
The knight nodded. "Indeed. Prince Gaimon's policies are effective. Citizens are motivated to follow them because it benefits everyone."
Bill, impressed, asked another question. "So the garbage is transported outside the city. But a city this big must produce a massive amount of waste daily. Even if you have a large dump, it will eventually fill up. What happens then?"
The knight smiled. "No need to worry. The garbage is taken to a special processing plant. There, it is sorted. Items that can be recycled are collected and sold to factories. Special workshops recycle these materials. Non-recyclable items are incinerated. This way, the waste never piles up dangerously."
Bill pondered for a moment and asked another question. "Even if all household garbage is managed, humans and livestock still excrete waste. Yet I haven't seen any of that on the streets. Do residents also dispose of it?"
The knight chuckled. "Ah, that's something you might find unusual. Look carefully at the animals on the streets."
Following the knight's gesture, Bill noticed that every horse, ox, or carriage animal had a small bag attached to its rear.
"What are these?" Bill asked, intrigued.
"They are excrement bags," the knight explained. "City regulations require every animal entering the city to wear one. If an animal is found without a bag, the owner faces fines or may even have the animal confiscated. These bags collect animal waste, which is then picked up by people who recycle it. The recyclers pay for it, so everyone collects their own waste."
Bill was astounded. "You actually get paid for recycling feces?"
The knight laughed softly. "Don't underestimate it. Animal and human waste are valuable resources here. They are processed into fertilizer, which significantly increases crop yields. Farmers and estate owners highly prize this fertilizer. Some people even come to the city specifically to purchase it for use on their land."
Bill shook his head in amazement. "Incredible! I've never seen such an organized city. Not only is it clean, but even waste is turned into something useful. This is truly remarkable."
The knight nodded. "Oros City takes pride in its order and hygiene. Citizens understand the benefits of following the rules. Prince Gaimon has made sure that both the city and its people prosper because of these regulations. Clean streets prevent disease, improve public health, and encourage productivity. Everyone has a role to play, and the system works well."
Bill's admiration grew with every step. He realized that this city was unlike any other he had visited. The combination of strict rules, civic responsibility, and innovation had created an environment that was both efficient and pleasant. He could imagine himself doing business here, confident that the city's infrastructure would support commerce and daily life without chaos.
The knight, noticing Bill's thoughtful expression, smiled. "I see that you are impressed. Most newcomers are. But you will get used to it soon. Citizens here follow these rules without complaint because the benefits are tangible. People appreciate a clean, safe, and organized city."
As they continued walking, Bill noticed more details. The streets were wide enough to accommodate carts and pedestrians safely. Lamps were evenly spaced, ensuring that nighttime travel was safe. Benches were provided along major thoroughfares, shaded by trees. Public fountains offered fresh water, and there were clear signs directing travelers to different districts.
"This city is remarkable," Bill said quietly to John. "Every detail seems thought out. It's no wonder the residents respect the laws—they're living in a place that truly values them."
John nodded. "Yes. If only all cities were managed like this, life would be so much easier. No chaos, no disease, no unnecessary struggles. Everything runs smoothly."
The knight, overhearing their conversation, added, "And it's all because of planning and enforcement. Without rules and accountability, even the most beautiful city would fall into disorder. Here, every citizen knows their responsibilities and sees the benefits of compliance."
Bill smiled. "It's inspiring. I can see why businesses would thrive here. A city that values cleanliness, order, and sustainability makes commerce easier. You don't have to worry about basic problems like disease or chaos disrupting trade."
The knight nodded. "Exactly. A well-managed city attracts commerce, encourages trade, and improves the lives of everyone. Prince Gaimon envisioned a city where people live harmoniously, contribute to society, and benefit from their labor. And that's what Oros City is today."
Bill felt a sense of admiration mixed with ambition. This was a city that respected law, order, and progress. He realized that conducting business here would not only be profitable but also sustainable. And perhaps, by observing these systems, he could bring some of these lessons back to his own home.
As they approached City Hall, Bill and John couldn't help but glance around, taking in every detail. From the clean streets to the orderly traffic, from the disciplined citizens to the innovative waste management, Oros City impressed them on every level. The journey through the streets had not just been a walk—it had been a lesson in civic planning and responsible governance.
The knight finally spoke. "This is City Hall. Once inside, you can register your business and learn about the specific rules and taxes you need to follow. Remember, following the law ensures that your business will prosper here."
Bill nodded eagerly. "Thank you for guiding us. We've learned so much already. I look forward to working within Oros City's system."
The knight smiled. "Good. Follow the rules, respect the citizens, and you will be welcomed. That is all the city asks of anyone who wishes to live or work here."
As Bill and John stepped into City Hall, they felt a newfound respect for Oros City. A city where rules, cleanliness, and civic responsibility were not just ideals, but practical, enforced, and effective practices. Here, they knew, opportunity and order walked hand in hand.
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