BATTLE FOR STARS

“You don’t mean… that?” Newman asked, confused.

“I mean following proper procedures. How we handle spoils from hostile forces has clear regulations. How could I possibly embezzle them?” Lev replied.

“So your plan is…”

“There are many steps in the process. As for the final handling of these goods—the prices, the allocations—all of that is within our control,” Lev whispered to Newman. “We don’t need to manipulate all the cargo, only the key items. That’s enough to cover our needs.” Lev pointed to a specially highlighted portion of the cargo list.

“I see… that should work,” Newman said.

“There will be a mandatory review, of course. That’s why I called you here. We must handle this thoroughly, leaving no chance for anyone to detect irregularities. Then nothing can be overturned,” Lev explained.

“You’ve worked out all the details?” Newman asked, noticing Lev’s sly grin. Over the years, Newman had executed countless plans devised by Lev. While Newman carried out the work, the strategies were always Lev’s, and there had never been a mistake. This time, Newman chose to trust Lev again—after all, this was a huge sum of money.

“Yes, come closer,” Lev said, motioning. Newman approached, and Lev leaned forward, whispering into his ear for some time. Newman nodded repeatedly. After asking several questions and receiving satisfying answers, he finally smiled, waved to Lev, and left the room.

Lev watched Newman’s retreating figure, then looked up at the sky. His meticulously planned operation had begun. Though somewhat risky, the potential reward was enormous.

If successful, it would strike Landon unexpectedly while delivering Lev a substantial payoff—a perfect double gain. Inwardly, Lev marveled at his own plan.

What Lev did not realize was that today’s plan, along with its unforeseen consequences, would alter the fates of countless people and indirectly affect the destiny of the Hill Empire itself. Perhaps this was what people commonly called the butterfly effect.

For now, however, the butterfly had only begun to flap its wings. No one could predict the force of the storm it would eventually unleash.

Arthur had recently grown anxious. The Unicorn, the company’s commercial vessel, had arrived at Pami Port two weeks ago, yet permission to unload its cargo had not been granted.

This shipment was the largest in several years. With the ongoing war between the two nations, there were voices opposing trade with the Hill Empire.

From a certain perspective, the Confederation exported primarily low-end products, not in high domestic demand, while exporting advanced goods to the Hill Empire.

The Confederation had previously proposed cutting all relations with the Empire, but the motion never passed. Now, however, the proposal had resurfaced and might soon be approved. Consequently, the company had gathered a large amount of goods for profit, but transactions were temporarily paused until the situation stabilized.

Arthur also wanted to return home as soon as possible. However, given Mia and Landon’s relationship over the past two years—and their decision to marry—he decided to stay a while longer. Moreover, his relationship with Caroline was progressing well. He intended to propose to her soon, and after dealing with this final shipment, he planned to return to the Kramic Kingdom with her.

In Arthur’s mind, this dual arrangement provided security. Regardless of which side won the war, his and his sister’s positions in their respective countries would ensure mutual safety.

Arthur’s current concern, however, was this last shipment. The commercial transport vessel carried numerous goods, some of which were technically “irregular.” Most could be handled with minor fines. Normally, a little smoothing over with the relevant personnel would suffice.

This time, new security measures required cooperation from the Security Department, delaying inspections for two weeks. Arthur had checked with the authorities multiple times but received no definitive answer.

Today, Arthur finally received notice from the port: tomorrow morning, he must bring personnel to assist the port and Security Bureau in a final inspection. If approved, unloading could commence immediately.

To ensure smooth inspection, Arthur again reviewed the cargo list. He selected portions of the shipment, dividing items based on value, ultimately creating multiple gift lists.

Each list was placed into a small magnetic decorative ring. These rings served as part of the gifts for the inspectors during the review.

When the recipients took the gifts, the magnetic ring would activate. Once close enough, the ring’s contents would automatically be read by the inspector’s personal device, displaying the list directly on their retinal projection, invisible to others.

Each list was also self-destructing: once accessed, it would incinerate automatically. Even if someone tried to capture the projection via computer, the source and content would be unrecoverable. Arthur trusted that these enhanced gifts would impress all parties, ensuring a smooth inspection. Such practices were routine, but this time, the gifts seemed more substantial.

The next day, Arthur arrived at the port with a company subordinate and the gifts. They met with Security Bureau and port personnel. Normally, if the delay had not been so long, Arthur would not have handled the matter personally.

Even with prior inspections, he knew the delays typically indicated a need for additional gifts. Once the recipients received the gifts, their attitude toward him improved noticeably, easing Arthur’s mind.

If unexpected “items” hadn’t appeared during the final inspection—items even Arthur hadn’t anticipated—the process would likely have concluded smoothly.