BATTLE FOR STARS

These female slaves were genetically optimized from the embryonic stage, ensuring that every one of them had excepFional looks and physique. From a young age, they were trained to be completely obedient to their masters, making them particularly popular among the high-ranking officials of the Hill Empire.

Of course, there was an even more important reason: these slaves, whether in the Hill Empire or the Confederation, were not considered true humans but rather commodities. As such, even if they died, no one would pursue justice for them.

Originally, the Hill Empire had not been this way. At first, it was a coalition of numerous colonized planets formed to resist other powers, promoting freedom and equality for all.

In the early days, the Confederation states held overwhelming advantages over these colonies, taking what they wanted and even annexing them at the slightest inconvenience.

It was in this context that the colonies united to resist oppression.

Over time, however, prolonged wars with the Confederation gradually transformed the coalition into a centralized military conglomerate to better unify and coordinate the armed forces across all planets. Eventually, the military took control of the entire state.

Of course, during this process, the colonies retained some degree of autonomy. Overall, the Hill Empire became a military empire, with the military holding the highest authority and all matters subordinated to military priorities.

No one could have imagined that a loosely connected coalition of colonized systems would eventually develop into a massive military empire, forcing the four major kingdoms to form the Confederation in opposition several centuries later.

After the Confederation’s formation, the Hill Empire’s expansion was checked, and the two sides remained evenly matched. This “balance” lasted for hundreds of years, until the last decade, when the Hill Empire began accelerating its territorial expansion once more.

Thus, even the equality once promoted by the Hill Empire was a thing of the past, and it only applied to citizens within the Empire. Slaves were never considered in the Empire’s legal or moral considerations.

So when Arthur mentioned special goods, Landon immediately thought of slaves. Deep down, he opposed the idea of treating humans as property, even those raised as commodities from birth.

Landon felt a pang of discomfort. Outwardly polite, he said, “So you are merchants from the Confederation. Thank you for your help today.”

“Don’t mention it. It was nothing,” Arthur replied.

“Where are you staying? I can send you back,” Landon added. Not particularly eager to interact with merchants of this kind, he wanted to resolve the matter with his sister himself and was signaling it was time to leave.

“Brother, what are you doing? Arthur just escorted me here and you’re already trying to send him away?” Mia said, recognizing her brother’s intent.

Arthur, solidly built and appearing simple-minded, was actually very perceptive. He quickly understood the situation.

“No worries, we can get back on our own. By the way, I noticed your mother isn’t in great health. I brought something as a gift for her,” Arthur said, taking a small box from his bag and placing it on the table. The box was about the size of a palm, thumb-thick, with a blue ring indicating temperature. It was clearly a tiny refrigerated device, containing a small pill inside visible through the transparent lid.

“This is a life capsule produced in the Kramic Kingdom. One dose can extend your life by over ten years,” Arthur explained, looking at Landon’s mother. “You probably haven’t taken one yet. You must try it.”

Landon was surprised. Life-extending pills existed in many countries, including the Hill Empire, though they were expensive and only moderately effective. One pill might extend life by five years, with some side effects. The Confederation’s medicine, by contrast, could extend life closer to 300 years, and custom-made formulations could reach up to 500 years.

Women typically began taking these pills around thirty-five or thirty-six, as later use reduced effectiveness. In the Hill Empire, high prices meant many women waited until their fifties or sixties, extending their lifespan to around 150 years. Consequently, marriage and childbirth tended to occur later, even in a society that encouraged reproduction.

Landon’s mother was nearly fifty and had never taken such a pill, primarily because she was the sole earner in the family and had to raise two children, leaving insufficient funds.

Landon had planned to buy her a pill once he received his full military salary, though the cost of a single dose could take several months’ income. Pills from the Confederation might require a year’s salary. By the time he saved enough, some time would have passed.

He hadn’t expected Arthur to immediately offer such a valuable gift, likely an enhanced version of the capsule. Since Landon and Arthur were still acquaintances, he hesitated to accept it.

“This is too valuable. We cannot accept it,” Landon said on behalf of his mother. He would soon have a formal salary and could buy it for her in a few months.

Arthur hadn’t anticipated this response. In his country, the capsule wasn’t considered expensive. He merely intended to show goodwill and the nature of his business.

Realizing his misjudgment, Arthur quickly adjusted. “Alright, I’ll sell it at cost. 3,000 Bilir for one.”

“3,000 Bilir?” That was less than one month of Landon’s salary. At that price, he could afford it immediately.

“Yes. The pill isn’t expensive where I come from,” Arthur explained.

“No wonder merchants like you come to our Empire so often—profits must be huge,” Landon thought, but said nothing aloud. “Thank you. I’ll transfer the money to you shortly.”

Rose was delighted as well, happy that her daughter had made two friendly new acquaintances and could purchase the pill at such a low price. “I’ll start cooking. You can eat here today. Mia, come help me.”

“Okay, Mom,” Mia replied, following her mother toward the kitchen.

“I’ll help too,” Caroline said, standing up cheerfully and following along.