BATTLE FOR STARS

Lev knew that technically, this matter wasn’t under military jurisdiction. However, in the Hill Empire, the military was the largest and most powerful organization. Whatever happened, it took precedence, and if handled poorly, the general might have called in others to deal with it formally, resulting in consequences beyond Lev’s control.

In a way, the general had done him a favor by letting him handle it. Lev knew exactly what his son had done—he worked in intelligence after all—but he usually warned his son not to provoke certain people. His son had been “considerate,” targeting only powerless students, so nothing had ever gone wrong.

Who would have thought that a fortuitous mine layer incident would elevate Landon from an obscure student to a favorite of the general? Now his son had stirred up a hornet’s nest. Even though modern methods could handle the situation flawlessly, Lev still felt reluctant to see his beloved son’s legs broken.

Lev didn’t dwell on it for long. He made a “wise” choice and simultaneously ordered his subordinates to investigate Landon and the incident. He was a man who never forgot a slight. This time he let it slide, but next time, he would seek revenge. He could not challenge the general, but a newly graduated officer? That was fair game. For now, though, he focused on gathering all necessary intelligence, a prerequisite in his line of work.

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In just one month, Landon and Arthur had become close friends. Caroline had become Landon’s girlfriend. Landon knew it was somewhat inappropriate to date a Confederation girl, but the Confederation did not forbid its residents from migrating to the Hill Empire. Consequently, many Hill Empire citizens were married to Confederation nationals.

However, such cases were rare. Many Confederation residents believed that life and policies in the Hill Empire were far less favorable. But for lovers, such considerations were secondary.

Arthur’s family hailed from the Kramic Kingdom and had long been engaged in trade. He had been operating along this trade route for several years, while his sister Caroline had also studied trade since childhood. Because the subject load was light, she graduated at sixteen.

Initially, they helped their family expand their market across several Confederation planets. This year, for certain reasons, they accompanied Arthur to the Hill Empire. There, Caroline unexpectedly met Landon, the boy she liked.

Arthur often visited Landon’s home over the past month. One reason was that Caroline spent time there; another was that Mia also lived nearby.

Arthur had been captivated by Mia the moment he saw her—pure and sweet. He wasn’t one to interfere unnecessarily, but he had rescued Mia from a group of rogue students. Arthur’s youth, charm, and broad experience fascinated Mia. Their conversations introduced her to new ideas and experiences, deepening her attraction to him.

In a few days, Landon would officially enter the military. His appointment had been issued. Tonight, their families and the Arthur siblings dined together. On the way home, Arthur had bought a quantity of liquor, intending to drink with Landon one last time before he could no longer indulge in alcohol after entering the fleet.

Alcohol in the Hill Empire was called “Hu.” Unlike Confederation wine, the Empire discouraged drinking due to its militarized society. Hill Empire merchants, however, extracted juice from a green plant called Pasteur and processed it into Hu. The beverage was aromatic and mildly intoxicating, without harmful effects or addiction, making it popular.

Landon had not liked alcohol before, mainly because of his family’s limited income. Over the past month, however, Arthur had brought various fine liquors to share during meals. Landon tried them and found the taste surprisingly good, eventually developing a liking for drinking.

Now, Arthur and Landon were comfortably lying on the terrace at home. This terrace wasn’t like the typical Earth terrace. It was essentially a room with one exterior wall made of a special material that could roll up like a curtain. Once retracted, the entire room was open to the sky, functioning as a terrace.

“I’ll be joining the fleet in a few days. I’m counting on you to look after my sister,” Landon said.

“Don’t worry. With me around, your sister won’t be mistreated,” Arthur replied. Their bond was now like that of brothers.

“By the way, I heard that people in the Confederation rarely marry. What are your plans?” Landon asked.

Arthur explained carefully. “It’s not that we don’t marry; it’s just rare. Our law states that before and after marriage, property remains individual, so marrying doesn’t change much. Couples stay together for happiness. We call this a ‘joyful union.’ When both partners want children, they consider marriage. Offspring don’t need to be raised personally—they submit eggs and sperm to the Life Education Department. Of course, natural reproduction is also an option, just like in your world.”

“That… seems irresponsible,” Landon commented.

“With lifespans of hundreds of years, it’s hard to find a partner you truly click with. If the relationship fails, separating is better for both. You’ll understand—it’s similar to divorce, but often no formal paperwork is even needed. Rest assured, I genuinely care for your sister. Everything will follow your rules. If you have any requests, just say them.”

“She’s only sixteen,” Landon reminded him.

“In our Empire, sixteen is legal for marriage,” Arthur paused. “My sister is only eighteen.”

Landon considered this. Aside from her being a Confederation citizen, he was satisfied with Arthur in every other respect. “Then at least wait until my sister graduates next year.”

“Fine, no problem,” Arthur agreed immediately.

“I’ve heard that people in your world are very attractive—is it because of genetic optimization?” Landon asked, shifting the topic.

“Yes. In theory, any appearance can be achieved. Many even modify their genes after reaching adulthood to match personal ideals. Not everyone aims for beauty—some prefer uniqueness, which they find more appealing.”