Although the Demon Kingdom was still an unstable nation, defining themselves to the humans in such a way would bring terror and interest of the unknown to the other nations. Only in this way would humans arrive at the table for 'diplomacy' to learn more about them. This was how they'd be acknowledged as one of the major forces by the human nations. This was the plan that Tom was thinking of.
On the other hand, if the Demon Kingdom's forces invaded Canibar Territory without Count Shabel's consent, it would be treated as an invasion. They would only be labeled with thoughts such as: 'As expected of a barbaric monster!', 'Demons with no planning or foresight!', 'A sinister existence with only instinct!'
'The most apt answer is with Count Shabel's permission. With his plea, we aren't invaders, but saviors.'
And with the mighty soldiers of the Demon Kingdom entering the Kingdom of Aylans, they would be able to negotiate at an advantage with the added pressure.
Tom closed his eyes and focused on his ears. He could hear siege weapons slamming against the walls and the castle itself, soldiers climbing on top of ladders, and the screams and shouts as some fell into despair while others laughed in celebration.
The victor and loser were being determined, and within those sounds, someone was approaching. He was running through the hallway, drawing closer to the room. Tom slowly opened his eyes. At that moment, the door to the guest room opened.
"Hah… Hah… Hah…"
It was Count Shabel, his body covered in dark blood and dirt. There were wounds beneath his helmet, and his eyes were steeped in exhaustion. With a deep sigh, his exhausted face drew closer to despair. He gritted his teeth and, with a bit of hesitation, opened his mouth.
"…Please help."
Finally hearing those words, Tom smiled.
***
What Count Shabel was requesting was not to defend against the 'Holy Kingdom', but rather to aid the last remaining residents and soldiers within the castle in getting away safely. There was a secret passage within the Canibar Castle that led to a nearby forest, which eventually connected to an escape path.
It was the only way that the current residents and refugees could escape, but for the soldiers to follow them, someone had to stall for time. The castle had been broken through, and to stand against the soldiers and Holy Knights of the Holy Kingdom within the narrow space of the castle, he needed a Hero-grade expert.
Count Shabel quickly prepared a message with his own pen, allowing Tom a meeting with the King and an invitation for Tom and Ellin to meet with the king and queen of Aylans.
'Even if the Kingdom of Aylans is powerful, it's difficult for them to win against the Holy Kingdom! It'll be best to cooperate with another faction!'
Count Shabel had been spending several nights commanding the battle. He was utterly exhausted now. Also, he wasn't in his right mind after watching so many of his own subjects die.
As his judgment grew hazy, he tried to ease his own anxiety regarding the 'unknown faction' and instead sought after it in hope. He saw that allying with a foreign power would allow them to stop the Holy Kingdom to a certain extent. After signing it in his office, Tom smiled while looking at the count.
"I also wish for you to add something."
"Add…?"
Add something at this point? Shabel glared at him with disgust.
"Actually, my subordinates are already here. I wish for you to allow them to enter Aylansian soil and for your kingdom to enter discussions with my kingdom diplomatically."
Count Shabel frowned pitifully with battle-worn eyes.
'Subordinate? Could there have been someone that infiltrated by disguising themselves as a refugee? I thought I inspected them properly, but that must not have been the case.'
Count Shabel bitterly nodded and moved his pen. He wrote that he would allow some troops onto Canibar Territory. If they were soldiers guarding a Hero-class expert, they couldn't be on the caliber of ordinary knights, and help from such men was sorely needed.
"… I'll allow the troops to enter, but only His Highness can permit diplomatic discussions."
"Is that so?"
Tom looked disappointed, but the terms were already enough for now. Count Shabel stamped the seal of the Canibar Family onto the paper and handed it to Tom.
With formal documents that granted him a meeting with King Paulie, Tom's lips curled up.
***
Karakul looked toward the sky from a forest a slight distance away from the Canibar Territory. The downpour waned, and the dark clouds floating in the air began to dissipate. As though it was still morning, bright light spilled through the holes in the clouds. Karakul turned to the crow sitting on a branch off to the side. Its beak opened to reveal Tom's orders.
Karakul, who heard its contents, grew wide-eyed as bloodlust filled them. He turned around expectantly, his heart beating fast.
"The signal is here!"
Orc infantry wrapped in plate armor, Centaur knights wielding spears, Gnoll scouts holding crossbows and throwing stones, Goblin logistics, Treo siege units, Minotaur vanguards, and Ogre armored units wrapped in thick plate armor. Almost 4000 men from the Demon Kingdom. Karakul looked over the soldiers and thought of Tom's command.
"Slaughter."
"Spectacularly and violently, so the humans can feel our terror. Stomp it all! Break, destroy, and burn everything that isn't our ally! Even if they beg and cry, close off your ears. Slaughter them all to prove your existence! Prove to all that you're an army under the Demon Lord, and that the Demon Kingdom is a true nation!"
It was a cruel command, but it was also a command that they were all wishing for. An opportunity to lead those accursed humans of the Holy Kingdom to ruin and let the continent know of their existence!
Karakul's mouth opened.
"Follow Master's orders…"
His right hand gripped a 2m long mace, while his left hand held the flag of the Demon Kingdom. Hopping onto a Silver Wolf, Karakul turned back and shouted at his soldiers.
"Destroy everything!"
"Kwwwwoooh-!"
The demons roared collectively. Karakul waved the symbol of the Demon Kingdom on top of the flag.
"Take to the battlefield! Crush"—Karakul's eyes burned intensely—"all the humans!"
— Ω —