The roaring sound continues as the artillery gave its deadly spit. Over the course of five hours, the bombardment destroy over half of the town's industrial and military facility.
It means the current economy of this territory had collapse along with its military. The only choice they have now is either continue their fight with no arms to bear or surrender.
To me, it would be better if they surrender without further death. Too many have died today and more would be mean the destruction of this town, inner and external affair. Urban warfare is, after all, a troublesome tactic.
"I wanna send a messenger, but we can't afford to lose one of my few soldiers. It would even be worse if they don't send one since it will only cause further deaths even if it's against my wish."
Even a white flag is enough to justify their willingness to talk.
"Sire!"
And to my luck, a white flag symbolizing a surrender appear. I felt an extreme happiness both for my soldiers and the enemy's.
"Hold your fire!"
To my command, all halt their guns. The area became silent once again like prior to this event.
Soon, a horse came running directly to our place with a hint of haste. The backrider wears a heavily steel knight and helmet like his horse.
He arrive shortly after, he has eyes of an angry and obvious hatred directed generally towards us.
He didn't even gave us a formal greetings and simply gave his words from his superior.
"I was sent by the lord of Carion to gave you this message, 'Halt your offense in exchange for talks.', the lord needs one representative."
I sense arrogance in his words despite it being a mere words sent by his superior. It seems someone find us unworthy of civilized talk due to our attack that probably deem us barbarians.
"I'll ta-"
"I'll do it."
Before I could even accept his request, Elsa suddenly intervene. She wore a serious face which means I can do nothing against her wishes but to complain.
"What are you doing."
"I'll made the talk. I promise a good result."
Even if you say that, your words without experience bothers me. I can't trust it since I have not known you that much.
"I think I have to refuse, for you to-"
"I promise."
With such expression and words, I can only gave up and hope for a real good result. Because of that, I can only stand in my feet while watching two horses drove off to the half destroyed town.
"Give me good results."
-----
The place is almost ruin, with people outside either in shock or have lost their minds.
It didn't even took an entire day for such thing to happen. Tragic. What a complete tragic for those who got involve.
"I hope you have prepared your heads. Your fate depends on your choices of words, a single mistake and your-"
"Your town will be in ruin with many lives lie dead in the ground. I hope you watch your words too since you're just threatening the life of Ashea's representative."
I felt deep anger towards the man, he was too arrogant. I can feel his anger and understand it, but to threaten me... That's a different matter.
We arrive to our destined place shortly, I was guided towards the main door of a large building. I head towards a certain room with people in it.
Most wear formal suits that I barely see from my country. But the thing that bothers me is their glares, a daggering one that can kill me if it were a weapon.
I was then told to sit in front of them. When I did that, a besides us starts a statement.
"The margrave territory of Carion was attacked at dawn, today. It was an unprovoked attack which cause mass confusion and mass death.
Due to this, the lord of Carion decided to save the life his citizen and therefore order a peace talk.
In here is, Carion's representative, Lord Banner. And in front of him is, Elsa.
The talk will now begin."
Here it comes. I sigh to release some tensions and look at the man in front of me with serious and unwavering gaze. I must stand firmly in my position both for the safety of these people and me.
"I will here your terms before we can start our talk, give us tea."
I nod, agreeing to his reasonable request.
"The Ashea wants the entire land territory of Carion, she also want a complete submission and complete loyalty. In exchange, lives of the people, both yours and the townspeople will be guaranteed and protected."
"I... It's impossible."
He seem sad about it. Why?
"I thought so. To his... Hajesty, the best result would be that no more blood should shed. However, if he deem it necessary, he can easily annihilate this entire town and erase it to the surface from this world."
At this time, the man's eye spark with anger. His emotion became too obvious that I can see and sense his urge to kill me right at this moment.
"You seem to be getting, ahead of yourself, Ashea. You are the one who attack without any sort of provocation. An act of war against the entire nation of Uldobra, do you actually think that we will surrender our land, give the lives of my people, and kneel myself to your barbaric king?!"
"Even so, we have to compromise. We both know that the army of Uldobra will not arrive for less that a day. If you won't surrender now, the annihilation of your town will be inevitable."
"I'd rather die that surrender to a fool! You're lucky I haven't kill you yet!"
"Surrender or this entire nation will fall to its ruin."
The words spit out from my mouth instantly made the room silent. The murdering gazes of the lord has faded and only reveal a confused gaze.
"What did you say?"
"The weapons we used against you, you have seen it, didn't you? The explosions, the sorcery unknown to your soldiers.
You can't even take a step from your wall gate!
The Ashea can easily destroy your town now, but what will happen in the future. Do you think that if you die here honorably, your nation will be saved from the cruelty of war?"
The man is in silence, no answer came out from his mouth.
"The best result is not just to save you and me from dying, it's to save the entire lives of this nation."
The man was speechless, his head hang and his expression was dejected. He just been slapped by reality, after all.
"... What is your terms again?"
"Surrender and submit to Ashea."
"Consider it done."
"Thank you."
After that, I left the place with a hint of sadness. It seems even I was affected by my own words.