BATTLE FOR STARS

“Did you modify yourself?” Landon asked.

“A little,” Arthur replied. “My hair used to be a bit curly; I straightened it like this.”

Landon hesitated for a moment, then asked a sensitive question. “In the Confederation… is it true that siblings can have… very close relationships?”

Arthur paused, then answered cautiously, “Yes, that happens sometimes. Because of the genetic screening technology, the risks for the next generation are greatly reduced. Although the law doesn’t prohibit it, such cases are extremely rare.”

“I see… I’ve also heard that your banks can handle investments—money generating more money?” Landon asked.

“Yes. You lend money to those who need it and collect interest. There are many other ways to generate profit from money, somewhat different from your… system,” Arthur explained.

“I don’t think that’s right. That’s exploiting ordinary people—allowing the ruling class to make money while doing nothing. Our Empire is better. If someone needs money, they borrow directly from the bank without interest. There’s no exploitation,” Landon argued.

“But in your system, the loan amounts are limited. Those who can’t repay are sent to the military to work off their debt, often doing the most dangerous jobs. The Empire’s largest enterprise is the government; private businesses are small and industrial development is slow. There are drawbacks as well,” Arthur countered.

“That doesn’t matter. Military wages are high, so you can repay the debt. Over there, do people not have to pay back loans? Are all businesses there exploiting the people to make big profits? I heard your family is connected to the Kramic monarchy, which runs the largest monopoly in your country. That system creates lazy corporate owners,” Landon said.

“Am I supposed to be one of those lazy owners? Charging interest on loans is perfectly normal,” Arthur replied.

“Why charge interest at all? Private loans might have a little interest, but why through a bank?” Landon argued.

“Our perspectives differ. Let’s not argue,” Arthur said. The two came from entirely different backgrounds, so their viewpoints naturally diverged.

Landon was only casually discussing these topics, taking the opportunity before his military service to learn more about the Confederation, since the Empire’s propaganda rarely mentioned it.

“Actually, I don’t understand why your Hill Empire is so obsessed with this war. Battles have lasted thousands of years,” Arthur asked.

“Wasn’t it you who drove us to remote star systems and tried to exterminate us?” Landon countered.

“I know the Empire claims that, but that’s propaganda. How could that happen? Look at Confederation history. For humans developing in distant star systems, we never prevented them, let alone tried to exterminate them,” Arthur replied.

“Our escape predates the formation of the Confederation. Back then, your countries were at war with each other. Our Empire was formed by those fleeing those conflicts,” Landon said.

“Even if past events caused resentment, is revenge really necessary? How many generations have passed? Don’t you realize war always costs lives?” Arthur asked.

“So, the Confederation is scared of death, not even enough soldiers? Ha…” Landon laughed. He had learned a little about Confederation news.

“This isn’t about fear of death—it’s about worth. If you could live three hundred years, would you be willing to live only thirty?”

“To protect my homeland, I would,” Landon stated firmly.

“But no one is invading you now. Your countries were forced to form the Confederation,” Arthur noted.

“That’s because we are strong enough now. If we were weak, you would have destroyed us long ago.”

“Come on, look at history. For the first few centuries after your Empire was founded, no one tried to destroy you,” Arthur said helplessly.

“That’s because you underestimated us. By the time you took us seriously, we had grown too strong.”

“So your idea is that you don’t feel safe unless you destroy us?”

“No need to resist. Just surrender, and there would be no war between us,” Landon replied.

“But we don’t like your way of life and governance. We think ours is better.”

“Because of your slaves, your irresponsible relationships, and the addictive entertainment and drugs—you’ve become so corrupt that you don’t even see people as people,” Landon retorted.

“I admit slavery is wrong. I don’t support it. But this world isn’t perfect. Not everyone is born equal—neither there nor here!” Arthur replied.

“At least here, we treat people as people, not commodities!” Landon countered.

“Even so, your high officials buy slaves without considering them human—they enjoy it,” Arthur said.

“That’s a rare exception, corrupted by your influence. Overall, we are good. If we unify the entire galaxy, such issues could be reduced or eliminated,” Landon said.

“Does that mean war is the solution? War brings endless suffering to both sides. Haven’t you lost family to it too?” Arthur asked.

“I haven’t seen a better solution. Besides, some must sacrifice for great ideals. It’s worth it,” Landon replied.

“That’s because you’ve never negotiated with us!”

“We have, more than once,” Landon said.

“If asking the other side to surrender unconditionally counts as negotiation, then yes, more than once,” Arthur countered.

“And if these corrupt practices continue to exist, what’s the point of negotiation?” Landon asked.

“Fine. We can’t reach an agreement. Let’s keep our opinions. But even if you control all the star systems, the things you despise will still exist—just differently,” Arthur said.

“Not necessarily,” Landon replied.

At that moment, Mia poked her head in. “Brother, what are you two arguing about? It’s quite loud.”

“Nothing, just discussing differing viewpoints,” Landon said.

“Arthur, don’t argue with my brother,” Mia said, turning to him.

“All right, I won’t say anything more. Come, let’s have another two bottles of Hu. It tastes amazing,” Arthur said, raising his bottle to Landon.

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