In the original world, dominion status was a special system within the British colonial structure, marking the last step towards independence for colonies.

Besides enjoying high autonomy in domestic affairs, dominions had their own trade policies, limited independent diplomacy, and military, but the power to declare war remained with the British government.

Historically, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland were once dominions of the United Kingdom.

These dominions, after a period of autonomy, gradually attained complete independence, as Canada became a dominion in 1867 and achieved complete independence in 1982. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

In the original world, before Perfikot’s arrival, dominion status no longer existed.

However, these former colonies retained some connections with the United Kingdom after gaining independence, such as remaining members of the Commonwealth.

Yet, as the United Kingdom continued to decline, the so-called Commonwealth was just an empty title, with little substantial inside.

Although theoretically it’s a vast organization made up of 56 independent sovereign states or affiliated nations, controlling a quarter of the Earth’s land area, the British King theoretically still serves as the head of state for fifteen Commonwealth countries.

One can only say that the former greatness of the British Empire once had some foundation, whereas today’s United Kingdom can no longer hold up.

Still, these are matters of the original world, and for Perfikot’s current issues, they hold limited reference value and are not very significant.

But we must acknowledge that some British systems provide considerable reference value for Perfikot in solving current problems.

"The so-called dominion, is where you enjoy high autonomy rights and can decide everything except foreign affairs and military matters," Perfikot explained to the representatives of the Revolutionary Army what dominion status meant: "You can formulate your own laws, but they must not conflict with the Empire’s constitution. Theoretically, you have independent sovereignty, but nominally you remain part of the Empire and must acknowledge Her Majesty the Empress as the head of state.

Of course, the Empire does not interfere in your domestic affairs; these are nominal clauses without practical significance.

However, correspondingly, your elected or otherwise chosen leaders must nominally receive appointment from Her Majesty the Empress to be legitimate.

Your diplomatic stance must also remain consistent with the Empire’s, and as for the military..."

In Perfikot’s view, such conditions actually have little impact on the Empire.

Although colonies are important to the Empire, the Empire often hardly intervenes in how colonies are governed.

Typically, the Empire appoints a colonial Governor, who then implements the Empire’s will in the colony.

The establishment of a dominion merely changed the appointed Governor to a leader elected by the colony.

As for whether establishing a dominion would cause local ties with the Empire to loosen or whether the dominion would seek true independence afterward, such concerns did not interest Perfikot.

She merely wished to attempt building a proletariat-led government, and now this government has the chance to be born; this was already satisfactory for Perfikot, and she did not concern herself with other matters.

"We will not give up military command!" The representatives of the Revolutionary Army listened carefully to the conditions presented by Perfikot, and while they did not express opinions on other clauses, one immediately declared they would not relinquish control over their military.

"The Empire does not intend to seize command of your ragtag troops anyway." Perfikot glanced at them disdainfully, eyes full of contempt: "To completely crush you, the Empire only needs one guards division plus a Steam Knight Order, which is but a trifling matter within the massive Empire’s forces.

It’s just that with the impending apocalypse, the Empire cannot swiftly handle you, and I don’t wish to cause unnecessary casualties, hence giving you an opportunity.

If you truly fail to appreciate this, we might as well deploy a few Steam Knight Orders to eliminate you altogether."

Perfikot deliberately showed this attitude; had she remained overly amiable, these poorly educated Revolutionary Army representatives might start acting disrespectfully.

Moreover, in certain respects, such an attitude was beneficial for negotiations.

After all, if the fearsome Count of the Northern Territory suddenly became amicable, these Revolutionary Army representatives might suspect she had ulterior motives, setting a trap for them.

"Hmph! You can try! Let’s see who eliminates whom! Your tin cans are nothing special either!" Although the Revolutionary Army had been forced to contract its defense due to the Steam Knights, this did not mean these representatives would admit the strength of the Steam Knights before Perfikot.

Yet facing provocation, Perfikot simply sneered, even more contemptuously: "Is that so? Looks like I need to give you a profound lesson to make you understand that peace is only a gift and benevolence I’m granting, not that you’re strong enough to bargain with me."

Saying this, Perfikot snapped her fingers and spoke to the flying Knights standing behind her: "Weber, take your squad and capture that fortress outside the city. Will half an hour suffice?"

"Twenty minutes is more than enough. I only need two Knights to initiate the attack, Count." The Knight Commander named Weber lightly tapped his chest plate, appearing fully confident.

"Mm, add one more thing: don’t kill anyone," Perfikot noticed the concern in Kallen’s eyes, who was among the negotiation representatives, and thought before adding.

This did not inconvenience Weber, who confidently replied: "Rest assured, Count. If killing isn’t required, we likely only need fifteen minutes."

Finishing his words, Weber led the flying Knights and departed.

Seeing this, the faces of the Revolutionary Army representatives contorted, clearly indicating Perfikot completely disregarded them.

However, this situation also presented an opportunity, a very crucial opportunity for the Revolutionary Army. If they could withstand the fortress under the flying Knights’ attack, they would have leverage to negotiate with Perfikot.

But if they failed to hold the position, they would have no ground left to bargain before Perfikot.

Perfikot then casually added a psychological blow: "Oh, by the way, you can send reinforcements so you can’t say the fortress wasn’t prepared or lacked sufficient forces.

But I doubt your army’s mobilization speed is sufficient. Don’t let Weber capture the fortress before your reinforcements even depart."