Liam leaned on his hand.

"How do we guarantee that?"

"By offering them something they want more than Radiant Empire's good opinion."

Arcturus's mind was clearly several steps ahead.

"The Aurelian Republic is merchant republic. They care about profit and stability. If we can demonstrate that trading with victorious demon empire is more profitable than trading with potentially collapsing Radiant Empire, they'll maintain commerce."

"You want me to promise them economic benefits for supporting us?"

"I want you to negotiate economic treaty that ensures trade continues regardless of military outcomes. That requires your authority as supreme military commander and Lilith's authority as crown." Arcturus leaned forward. "Give me two weeks and diplomatic delegation. I'll ensure our economy doesn't collapse when we attack Sanctum Lux."

Liam considered. Economics was territory he didn't fully understand. But Arcturus had spent decades managing House Morwen's financial empire.

And unlike military strategy—where Liam's instincts were solid—economics required expertise he didn't possess.

"Do it. You have authority to negotiate on empire's behalf. Just keep Lilith and me informed of major developments."

"Thank you, my lord." Arcturus's relief was visible. "I know military concerns dominate your attention. But economy is weapon too. Possibly more important than swords in long term."

"I'm beginning to understand that." Liam stood. "Is there anything else I should know about demon economics that might doom us?"

"Several things. But let's save those for subsequent meetings. I'd rather not overwhelm you with comprehensive economic education in single afternoon."

"Much appreciated."

---

Liam's next appointment was with the trade minister—a nervous demon named Vel'thas who managed import/export regulations.

"The tariff structure is complex," Vel'thas explained, shuffling through papers. "We tax imports at varying rates depending on source territory and material classification. Luxury goods carry higher tariffs to protect domestic producers. Essential materials have reduced tariffs to ensure availability. Military supplies are tax-exempt to encourage stockpiling."

"That sounds reasonable."

"It was reasonable when we controlled our borders and could enforce collection. But the war has disrupted everything." Vel'thas pulled out map showing trade routes. "See these red lines? Those are routes that passed through territories we lost to Radiant Empire. Thirty percent of our pre-war trade volume moved through those regions."

"So we lost access to trade routes when we lost territory."

"Worse. We lost access AND the Radiant Empire started using those routes themselves. They're collecting tariffs on goods that used to generate revenue for us. It's economic warfare as military occupation."

Liam studied the map. "Can we establish alternative routes?"

"We've tried. But geography is geography. The optimal trade paths run through territories that are now contested or occupied. Alternative routes add weeks to travel time and increase costs significantly." Vel'thas's voice carried frustration of someone who'd been fighting losing battle for years. "Which makes our goods less competitive in international markets."

"What happens if we retake those territories during offensive?"

"Economic recovery. But it's not instant. Infrastructure was damaged during fighting. Merchants who've established alternative trading patterns won't immediately return just because territory changed hands." Vel'thas pulled out economic projections. "Best estimate? Even if we retake every lost territory, full economic recovery takes minimum three years."

"Unless we conquer Radiant Empire entirely."

"Unless we conquer Radiant Empire entirely," Vel'thas agreed. "In which case we'd have access to their trade networks, their production facilities, their established commercial relationships. Complete victory would make demon empire economically dominant across entire continent."

He paused.

"Of course, that assumes we survive the attempt and don't trigger economic collapse from overextension."

"You people are very good at pointing out ways everything could go wrong."

"We're economists. Pessimism is professional requirement." Vel'thas almost smiled. "But if you're asking whether offensive could solve our economic problems—yes, complete victory would transform demon empire into continental superpower. We'd control supply chains, manufacturing, trade routes. Everything."

"And if we lose?"

"Then economy becomes irrelevant because we're extinct."

"That's refreshingly blunt."

"I figure god planning to attack most fortified city in known world appreciates honesty over diplomatic platitudes."

---

By the time Liam returned to the castle, his head was spinning with tariffs, trade routes, essence production quotas, and economic projections that made military strategy feel simple by comparison.

He found Lilith in her study, reviewing similar reports.

"How was your economics education?" she asked without looking up.

"Overwhelming. Confusing. I understand why you prefer I focus on military matters." He collapsed into chair. "Economics is complicated."

"Economics is nightmare. But necessary nightmare." She set down reports. "What did you learn?"

"That our economy runs on processed soul energy. That we trade with humans who'd kill us if it wasn't profitable not to. That losing the war cost us thirty percent of trade access. And that successful offensive could either make us continental superpower or collapse everything through overextension."

"Accurate summary." Lilith's smile was tired. "Welcome to the complications I've been managing for ten years while also trying to not lose military war."

"How do you keep track of all this?"

"Delegation. I have economic advisors who understand systems I don't fully comprehend. The key is knowing enough to ask right questions without pretending to be expert in everything." She gestured to the reports. "Arcturus is competent. Vel'thas is nervous but thorough. Between them, they keep economy functioning despite war draining resources."

"Arcturus wants to negotiate with Aurelian Republic. Ensure trade continues during offensive."

"Good. I'll authorize diplomatic mission." Lilith made note. "Anything else economic that needs immediate attention?"

"How do we pay soldiers?"

The question seemed to surprise her. "What?"

"Soldiers. The legion commanders. The troops who'll be fighting. How do we pay them?" Liam leaned forward. "Human militaries have complex payment systems. Do demons just fight for free? Is there military salary?"

"Of course there's military salary. Soldiers receive essence currency based on rank and deployment." Lilith pulled out different report. "Standard legionnaire earns five essence units per week during peacetime, seven during active deployment. Officers earn more based on command level. House forces had different payment structures, which is one reason unifying command was complicated."

"What's five essence units worth?"

"Enough for food, basic housing, modest entertainment. Not wealth, but adequate survival."

She paused. "Why are you asking about military pay?"

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