In Nidol's territory, there were many thugs who had nothing to eat in their villages and were caught for causing trouble in town.
These thugs would be taken for labor reform or become sandbags for the knights' training. Even if they all died, it wouldn't matter to Nidol.
Sending them into the forest to investigate was simply too cost-effective.
To prevent anyone from escaping, a suitable person was needed to lead them.
At this moment, as if divinely inspired, Nidol immediately thought of an excellent candidate.
It was the magic user he had employed since childhood, Rumiel.
A student who graduated from a high-level magic academy, a genius youth capable of using Space Magic.
It was just that his personality was a bit naive, probably because he was a newcomer who hadn't experienced the harshness of society.
A perfect plan took shape in Nidol's mind.
He grinned and said to Franz in front of him,
"Hmph, Lord Franz, there's no need for you to worry about this. I'll solve it myself this time."
Franz was surprised to see the other's confident expression.
"Lord Count, the difficulty of this mission is not low. Are you sure you'll solve it yourself?"
"Don't end up losing your entire knight order when the time comes."
Franz tried to dissuade the other party.
Unfortunately, Needle had already made his decision.
"Rest assured, I have my own plans. There's no need for you to worry, Lord Franz."
Since the other party was so insistent, Franz could only leave helplessly. He had thought he could make a large profit, but he hadn't expected to be rebuffed so thoroughly.
"Fine, I hope you don't regret this."
...Inside a magnificent room.
By this time, Clayman had regained his composure. Three clowns were sitting across from him.
Laplace the Wonder Clown, Footman the Angry Clown, Tia the Weeping Clown, and Clayman the Laughing Clown.
At this moment, all members of the Neutral Clowns were present, except for their president, Kazaream.
"My, my, I say, Clayman, it was just one lost battle. Was it really necessary to call us all here?"
Laplace sat in his chair without any semblance of decorum, legs crossed, looking completely indifferent.
"Don't worry, I have regained my calm."
Clayman swirled the red wine in his hand and spoke calmly.
"Next, I have a plan that requires your help."
Upon hearing this, Tia, who wore the Weeping Clown mask, immediately became interested.
"Hey, Clayman, can Tia participate this time too?"
"Eh~ Of course."
Clayman nodded slightly.
"Then hurry up and tell us, what kind of interesting plan is it?"
Tia urged impatiently.
The other two clowns also waited for the answer with interest.
"I want to become an Awakened Demon Lord."
Clayman spoke calmly, his eyes flashing with the light of wisdom.
"Oh?"
The three clowns looked at each other in surprise before turning their gazes back to Clayman.
"Clayman, there is an agreement between Demon Lords. You cannot actively massacre humans."
"Without enough human souls, how are you going to awaken?"
"Do you mean you want us to..."
Footman, who had a round body and wore the Angry Clown mask, spoke in a muffled voice.
"Rest assured, you cannot be exposed yet, but there are some things I need your help with."
The others didn't speak, just continued listening.
Clayman took a gentle sip of the red liquid in his wine glass and then slowly told the three clowns his plan.
"Right now, the situation in the Kingdom of Falmuth among the Western Nations is quite bad."
"The slightest mistake could trigger a war."
"Whether it's a civil war or an external war, casualties are inevitable either way."
"Laplace, please make this fire burn even brighter. I'm afraid there won't be enough souls."
"OK~"
Laplace shrugged. "A small matter, but messing around in the human world requires caution. It might take quite some time."
"Understood. I'll find someone to coordinate with you."
Clayman nodded without contradiction.
"Tia, Footman, I've recently discovered that Winged Race soldiers have been patrolling Frey's territory non-stop. Something big is definitely happening."
"Help me investigate the situation. We might get some interesting news."
"Ho ho ho, the Sky Queen's territory isn't that easy to invade."
"Clayman, you really know how to give us difficult tasks."
Footman curled his lip and said, "But I like it."
"Alright, we'll take this job."
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Well then, wait for our good news."
As soon as Laplace finished speaking, the three of them disappeared from the room.
Only Clayman was left, lost in thought as he looked at the scenery outside the window.
"Nazarick... Draco... just you wait!!"
"Once I become an Awakened Demon Lord, I will destroy you with my own hands!!"
"Hahaha~~~"
"Rumble!!"
A peal of thunder rang out outside the window. The flash of lightning illuminated Clayman's face, highlighting his hideous and terrifying expression.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"