"Then regional commanders report to central authority with recommendations, and central authority makes final decisions." Liam's response was immediate. "That's how functional military hierarchy operates. Not through autonomous powers doing whatever suits their interests while claiming to serve empire."

"You're describing dictatorship," Veridia Zarthus said flatly. "Military authority concentrated in single entity answerable to no one except supposedly the crown."

A Perfect accusation.

However, even that was insufficient.

"I'm describing effective command structure." Liam's correction was sharp. "Dictatorship implies I'm claiming absolute power for personal gain. What I'm claiming is military authority necessary to prevent our extinction. There's a difference."

"Is there?" A new voice—Lord Theron Vel'krast of House Vel'krast, a smaller House that controlled eastern mining territories.

"From our perspective, the difference seems semantic. You want complete control over imperial military forces. You want House commanders to answer to you rather than their traditional authorities. You want to dismantle power structures that have maintained stability for longer than most demons live."

His voice carried more desperation than defiance.

House Vel'krast was minor player—influential enough to merit presence at Council but not powerful enough to challenge major Houses.

Which made Theron's objection either remarkably brave or remarkably foolish.

"What I want," Liam said, his grey eyes fixing on Theron with intensity that made the lesser lord flinch,

"is to prevent the Radiant Empire from fulfilling their divine wish of demon extinction. What I want is military forces that respond to commands without checking with political superiors first. What I want is empire that prioritizes survival over preserving traditional power structures that are actively undermining our chances."

He stepped closer to the assembled powers, and the pressure from [Sovereign's Dominion] intensified.

"So let me be absolutely clear about what's happening here. This is not debate. This is not negotiation. This is me informing you of how military authority will function going forward. Legion commanders answer to me. House forces answer to me. Military decisions are made centrally and executed uniformly."

"And if we refuse?" Patriarch Mordain's question was quiet but carried threat.

"Then you identify yourselves as obstacle to imperial survival that requires removal."

The blunt statement sent shock through the hall. Several lesser lords exchanged glances.

The legion commanders—professional soldiers who understood chain of command—watched with expressions ranging from approval to concern.

Matriarch Elyndra Vex'thar stood smoothly.

"Lord Azra raises valid points about military coordination. House Vex'thar recognizes the necessity of unified command during wartime operations. We're prepared to subordinate our territorial forces to central authority for duration of active conflict with Radiant Empire."

It was masterful political positioning. Accept the demand while limiting scope and duration.

Acknowledge necessity while preserving claim to eventual autonomy.

Liam almost smiled. "Duration of active conflict is indefinite, Matriarch Elyndra. The war with Radiant Empire doesn't end until one side is extinct. So your conditional support is functionally permanent subordination adorned in diplomatic language."

"Then let's discuss terms of that subordination," Lord Arcturus interjected, trying to shift conversation to negotiation rather than diktat.

"If House forces answer to central command, what guarantees do we have that our territorial interests will be considered? That our resources won't be stripped to support campaigns that don't serve our regions?"

"Your guarantee is that I'm not interested in your territorial politics. I'm interested in killing enemies before they kill us." Liam's voice was flat.

He continued.

"House Morwen controls soul-forges. Excellent. Those forges will produce materials for imperial military. House Zarthus commands militant forces. Good. Those forces will be deployed where strategic necessity demands. House Kraz'gul has veteran legions. Perfect. Those legions answer to military command structure rather than Patriarch Mordain's political calculations."

He looked directly at Mordain.

"Every House has resources that serve imperial survival. What you don't have is right to determine independently how those resources are used. That authority is centralized now."

"This is tyranny." Veridia Zarthus's voice was cold. "Positioned as military necessity but fundamentally the seizure of power that rightfully belongs to Houses who've maintained this empire for centuries."

"The empire you maintained was hours from collapse when I arrived." Liam's response was brutal. "Your centuries of tradition nearly resulted in extinction. So forgive me for not being impressed by arguments that traditional power structures should be preserved."

The pressure from [Sovereign's Dominion] increased again.

Several demons were visibly struggling now—not to breathe, but to maintain composure under weight that felt like atmosphere crushing down on them.

"I'll make this simpler," Liam said, his voice carrying absolute authority.

"Every legion commander present steps forward and pledges direct oath of service to imperial military command. Every House leader acknowledges that their territorial forces are subordinate to that command. Anyone who refuses will serve as example of what happens to obstacles."

Silence fell absolute.

Legion Commander Torven - a grizzled veteran who'd served under House Kraz'gul for forty years - was first to move.

He stepped forward, knelt, and spoke with military precision.

"Commander Torven of the Eastern Legions pledges oath of service to imperial military command under Lord Azra's authority."

The pledge was simple. Direct. Exactly what was demanded without flourish or reservation.

One by one, the other six legion commanders followed.

Some moved quickly, recognizing inevitability. Others hesitated, glancing at House leaders who'd traditionally controlled their positions.

But all eventually knelt and spoke similar oaths.

Seven legion commanders. Seven pledges of direct service.

The actual military power of the empire had just subordinated itself to Liam's authority.

Which left the House leaders.

Lord Arcturus stood first among them.

"House Morwen acknowledges the necessity of unified command. Our economic resources and territorial forces are placed at disposal of imperial military for duration of conflict with Radiant Empire."

Carefully worded. Conditional. But compliance nonetheless.

Matriarch Elyndra followed immediately.

"House Vex'thar pledges similar support. Our intelligence networks and specialized forces answer to central command."

The smaller Houses fell in line quickly after that.

Houses that lacked power to resist effectively recognized that early compliance was safer than being caught in confrontation between major powers.

Which left the three major Houses: Zarthus, Kraz'gul, and one other—House Drak'mor, controlled by Archon Malzeth, who'd been silent throughout the assembly.

Patriarch Mordain Kraz'gul stood slowly, his massive frame radiating violence barely contained.

"House Kraz'gul commands forty percent of imperial military forces. Veteran legions who've bled for this empire for generations. You demand we subordinate that power to central authority without negotiation or terms."

"Yes."

"That's unacceptable."

"Then leave." Liam's voice was cold. "Walk out of this hall. Return to your territories. And discover what happens to Houses that place their pride above imperial survival."

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