hunting stars

In the small arena deep in the crown prince's mansion, Fart and Livi were the last to arrive.

The elites of the 24 imperial army elites gathered in a room, all of them imposing, including Vincent.Seeing Levi coming in, his crimson eyes narrowed slightly, and after careful sizing, he nodded slightly as a greeting, and Levi also nodded to him.

After arriving, Fart walked to the other side of the arena, where a number of school-level officers gathered, apparently recommenders of the guard officers to be elected.

Seeing that the personnel had arrived, one of the officers wearing a colonel's uniform came to the candidate, "The best soldiers in the empire, you have been informed of the purpose of coming here. I think everyone feels the same. , Excitement, excitement, anxiety, uneasiness... But now you should calm down. Huge honors and opportunities are in front of you. What you need to do now is to hold it tightly with your own hands. Believe in you Ten years of military school has prepared us. So, soldiers, let's begin now."

As with all competitive games, the order of play of the personnel is determined by drawing lots.

24 people were divided into two groups.

Levi looked at the red paper lottery in his hand, and couldn't help looking at Vincent. It just so happened that Vincent was also looking at him with the blue paper lottery. He just glanced at each other, and the two looked back at the same time.

──Not in a group with Vincent.It seems that my luck is not too bad.

Thinking of this, Levi turned his gaze to the arena where the figures were scattered.Some people there have already started warm-up exercises in twos and threes, and the officers who are not good at fighting are also taking advantage of the last time to get familiar with the flashing sword in their hands.

Levi didn't move, but while others were warming up, he had already started to look for the weaknesses of his opponents from these unguarded actions.

Like him, there is Wen Sen who just can't see.

The blue team game that started first also fully confirmed his point of view.

Fighting training is only about people's reaction sensitivity, not a competition of physical strength.Because in actual combat, even in close hand-to-hand combat, as long as either party carries any small lethal weapon or has sufficient skills, it can fully resolve the opponent's strong physical advantage.

Therefore, finding out the blind spot of the opponent's defensive position and the moment of distraction becomes the key to winning the fight.

And Vincent is obviously quite good at both points.In his hands, the tenacious flashing sword is like a spirit snake spitting out poisonous messages. Every time it strikes, it must tightly bite the throat of its prey.In the hands of the last imperial champion, other opponents seemed so vulnerable, Vincent ended almost every match within [-] minutes.The fastest time only took three minutes, and his flashing sword concentrated on the opponent's left chest. The man was so shocked that he was foaming at the mouth, and had to be rushed out of the field for treatment.

Looking at his colleagues in miserable defeat, Vincent's expression was quite indifferent, and after winning the blue team, he didn't show any pride.He walked off the ring, and came to Levi's side with vigorous steps, and twitched the corners of his mouth face to face, showing him a beastly grin: "Let's compete, you should have been waiting for a long time."

The two had never really competed.

Facing the provocation, Levi was very indifferent, "Yes, but I don't expect it."

Vincent smiled heavily, and put away the flashing sword.In the competition just now, his fighting spirit has been fully aroused, but of course his purpose of coming here is not just to compete in fighting, so everything is limited to verbal provocation for the time being.

Compared with the brisk game rhythm of the blue team, the battle situation of the red team seems stalemate.Levi was on the defensive most of the time. Although he still won in the end, the level difference between the two sides in the contest seemed to be not that big. There were several times when he won with thrilling victories. Compared with admiring his fighting skills, people obviously prefer It's easy to feel that the other party's luck is really bad.

Fate, who was watching the battle from a distance, was also frowning faintly. Only Vincent raised one eyebrow, watching with great interest.

One hour after the end of the group match, the final winner of the two teams will be contested.

Li Wei waved the flashing sword in his hand lightly, and was about to go out, when suddenly the heavy gate of the arena slowly opened, and a group of people came from far to near.

And the one who walked in the front was unexpectedly the crown prince of the empire who was said to have just returned to the mansion.

The long golden hair, as brilliant as in memory, reflected bright light even under the cold artificial white light, making Roger Hill's whole body seem to be shrouded in a dazzling halo.He walks gracefully, a confident smile is showing on his breathlessly beautiful face, his slender eyebrows are slightly raised, and he is full of youthful spirit.

From the moment he appeared, Levi could no longer see other people in his eyes.

Even though he saw it on the holographic image just yesterday, he felt that Roger Hill seemed to be different from what he remembered.Maybe it's the ice-blue eyes that are more radiant, maybe it's the snow-white skin that's more translucent. Every appearance of this person seems to challenge his perception of the word "amazing".

The sudden arrival of the crown prince made the originally orderly scene a little chaotic.

The colonel who presided over the competition immediately greeted him, and then the recommenders rushed forward, vying to salute the only heir to the empire.

Everyone's attention hindered Roger Hill's pace, and also made Levi's hope of watching the crown prince up close come to nothing.He only saw Roger Hill looking at the arena from a distance and whispering something with a smile. There was a "buzzing" sound in the dispute.

Amid the uproar, the crown prince made a gesture of silence, and then he said: "Well, gentlemen, this is a matter for me to decide, isn't it?"

Roger Hill's voice was very clear, melodious and moving as if spreading far away like water waves. Even though the distance was far away, Levi heard this sentence clearly.

As a public figure in a certain sense, the crown prince's voice information has also been widely circulated.Many admirers have intercepted fragments of his speeches in public, and after repeated synthesis, made them into various communication prompts and alarm tones.There is a full set of such sound files in the encrypted folder of Levy's personal computer, but he likes to listen to them alone with headphones on, and has never revealed them on other occasions.

The crown prince's tone was gentle, but with an undeniable force.

After a while, Lieutenant Colonel Fate came to Levi and conveyed to him the decision just made by the high-level officials, "Second Lieutenant, the final match between you and Lieutenant Vincent is temporarily canceled, and you two will compete with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince respectively, who will win?" Whoever can defeat His Highness will be the final victor.”

Levi was taken aback, "Sir, I think I heard wrong."

There was no smile on Fate's face, "I also hope that you heard it wrong, but this is His Highness's decision. You can only choose one of them, either to give up this opportunity or to defeat His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"I understand."

Levy fell silent.

On the arena, Vincent was ready, Roger Hill also took off his cloak, and took the flashing sword handed by the attendant.

After the two sides exchanged simple greetings, the first competition officially began.

As an honorary student of the Imperial Military Academy, and in order to encourage the ethos of the youngsters of the Empire to join the army, Roger Hill would come to this school two or three times a year to receive full-time lectures.Although it is under protection at various levels, according to the Crown Prince's consistent approach to the people, this kind of teaching process is open to the students of Emperor Lin to observe, so every time this time must be overcrowded.Levi has also watched it from a distance several times. In his impression, Roger Hill's fighting skills are also very good.

In the earth age, fencing was known as "ballet in combat".For the two sides in actual combat, the competitive process is thrilling and tense; but for the audience, this kind of contest is a visual enjoyment.

Both Vincent and Roger Hill are very fast with their swords, but their sword styles are different.

Wen Sen is 190 centimeters tall, and the flashing sword he uses weighs five kilograms.The saber was heavy, but his sword technique was sharp and fierce, like unrestrained flames.And in terms of physique, compared with the slightly slender young prince, he also has an obvious advantage. Every muscle on his dark brown whip-like body contains powerful explosive power, and his offensive movements are as agile as a preying cheetah. .

In comparison, Roger Hill's swordsmanship is much more gorgeous.

His flashing sword is relatively light, his sword path is flexible and elegant, and his sword's movement is dense and exquisite. Although it is of great ornamental value, it still gives people a sense of flashiness.In fact, in terms of difficulty, Roger Hill's swordsmanship is obviously more advanced, and it is more difficult to master, but Vincent's swordsmanship happens to be his nemesis.

Although Roger Hill's reaction sensitivity was extremely high, when he sensed Vincent's weakness and attacked, Vincent would definitely block it with his sword.In the face of Wen Sen's oppressive power and Pei Ran's epee, even the dexterous moves became powerless, and the light flashing sword that was blocked was like an egg hitting a rock.Every time the two swords slashed and pierced, there seemed to be sparks splashing out, and Roger Hill only felt his wrists go numb.

In such a situation, the outcome will be decided soon.

Vincent took advantage of his paralyzed right hand to quickly draw out the sword, and lightly tapped the back of the opponent's hand. Roger Hill only felt a sharp pain in his right hand, and the flashing sword left his hand.

The attendants rushed over, but the Crown Prince raised his hand to stop him.

Roger Hill rubbed his numb and painful whole right arm, but his eyes showed appreciation and joy.

"Vincent..." He was a little unsure about the rank of the sergeant opposite him.

"It's Lieutenant, Your Highness." Vincent said tactfully, then bowed his waist and gave a standard military salute to the Crown Prince, "Please forgive me for being disrespectful just now."

"Lieutenant, you are worthy of being the champion of the Imperial Fighting Tournament." The crown prince did not hesitate to praise him, "I hope that I can often compete with you in the future."

"Thank you Your Highness, it will be a great honor for me."

Roger Hill stretched out his hand and let Vincent kiss his sleeve.

Obviously, he is very satisfied with the imperial lieutenant, and the balance of chances is already tilting towards Vincent.

After a short break for half an hour, the contest between Levi and the Crown Prince began.

However, from the very first sword, Levi sadly found that he could not concentrate at all.

Images, pictures...these things and real people are two completely different concepts.The blond hair brushing his cheeks when he passed by, the scent of lavender wafting from his nose, and the occasional warm body temperature when his limbs touch each other, all these things are constantly reminding him that the prince in front of him is real. The person you've been longing for is right in front of you.

Any contests, any competitions, let them go to hell.

The only thing Levi wants to do now is to tightly clasp the hands of the man in front of him, and kiss his icy blue eyes frantically.

Of course, all this can only be limited to fantasy only.

After the failure just now, the Crown Prince's attack became more severe, and the hand after the doctor's emergency treatment did not show any dullness after being shocked by the electric shock.In terms of physical strength, Levy also has no advantage. Roger Hill is almost the same as him with a height of 1.8 meters.

In the previous competition, in order to prepare for the final contest with Vincent, Levi actually kept his strength.

Although there is a father who is a captain of the fleet, his "Edelphin value" barely exceeds the qualified limit, but correspondingly, Levi has been extremely talented in responsiveness since he was a child.In actual combat, both sides are armed with heavy weapons, and death or survival is decided in an instant, so the first blow is usually also the last blow.In the case of "one blow to decide the outcome", whoever can quickly concentrate and accurately find out the opponent's flaws will have a chance to survive.

Livi's fighting skills fully implement this principle.

His swordsmanship is not fast, and every move before the "final blow" is in a defensive state, but the moment he discovers the blind spot of the opponent's defense is the moment when the outcome is decided.

In this method of warfare, excellent concentration and observation skills become particularly important.

If he is facing Vincent or anyone else at this moment, Levi believes that he will win the final victory, because he has won the highest honor in similar competitions in the league with his true strength.

But at this moment, his opponent happened to be Roger Hill.

Not to mention concentrating, I have already been affected by the opponent's every move, and my body's movements can only be reacted intuitively.

The crown prince, who kept drawing his sword, obviously also noticed his absent-mindedness.

"You didn't pay attention. Is it because my swordsmanship is not enough for you to take it seriously?" Roger Shell frowned the moment he passed by.

──I was hated.

The almost accusatory words made Levi's heart skip a beat, and the crown prince's uneasy expression made him feel that he might have been disgusted by the object of his admiration.

"Do not……"

Before he could deny it, the panic in his heart made his body move one step earlier, and the flashing sword, which had been drifting in a defensive state, avoided the intensive offensive and directly stabbed Roger Hill's left chest.

This is the "final blow" that must kill.

In countless contests, Levi's move will cause the opponent's heart to be paralyzed, and he will immediately fall to the ground in shock.In severe cases, the other party even needs to stay in bed for two or three months.

──No, he must never be hurt like this, no matter what the reason is...

For a moment, only this thought remained in Levi's mind.

After he reacted, he realized that he had already grasped the flashing sword that was about to stab Roger Hill, which was clearly his own sword.

The numbness felt by the electric current into the body seemed to be transmitted from the palm of the hand to the brain after a few seconds, and the left side of the body was immediately so painful that he couldn't move. Levi had to sit down in embarrassment leaning on the decorative pillars in the venue.

However, it was the crown prince who reacted more rigidly than him.

It took a while for Roger Hill to comprehend what had just happened, but he did not show any joy of winning in the face of such an own goal failure by his opponent.

"Second Lieutenant, what are you doing?" The crown prince's icy blue eyes seemed to be burning, obviously suppressing his anger.

"As you can see." Levi couldn't make any explanation.

"What I saw...was it a begging-like victory for me?!" Roger Hill's tone was rare sharp, and he obviously understood such behavior as humility similar to flattery, which made the young prince Feel insulted.

"If you insist on understanding it this way." Levi said as if giving up.

"You..." The crown prince's fair cheeks flushed sullenly.

The feeling of being completely disgusted made Levi very frustrated. Now that he had reached such a point, he simply said what was in his heart.

Levi's expression was stern, and he had already used the tone of a lesson, "His Royal Highness, if you want to punish me for being rude, then please take responsibility for your rash behavior first. Your Highness is the only heir to the empire. Every word and deed Everyone is watching, and personal safety is related to the safety of the entire empire. It is your interest to compete with others, but if you have any accidents, not only will the person who is your opponent be severely punished, but I am afraid today Everyone present will be tried by a court-martial. Just for my own momentary pleasure, but put others and myself in danger, if I want to serve such a chief, then I voluntarily give up such an opportunity..."

"Second Lieutenant Levi!" Fath, who came quickly, interrupted the second lieutenant loudly, "Enough is enough, the competition is over, you step back immediately!"

"No, ask him to continue." The crown prince calmed down on the contrary with the wordy lecture. He looked at Levi with an unpredictable expression, and his ice-colored eyes were like a deep sea full of whirlpools.

"I've finished talking, Your Highness. In short, please cherish yourself for the sake of the empire."

Also for me.

The last sentence could not be said, Levi could only add silently in his heart.

Probably there is no one more clumsy than himself in this world.Obviously there is a great opportunity in front of him, not only can't he grasp it, but he also uses such a rare opportunity to scold the object of his love severely.

But if everything was repeated, he would still make the same choice.

──As expected, I don't even have the fate to be with the prince.

Until he left the arena, Levi was immersed in his bitter emotions, and did not notice Roger Hill's thoughtful eyes at all.

"What?! I was appointed as His Highness's personal guard?"

"Yes, congratulations, Lieutenant."

Colonel Fart was beaming, but Levi couldn't accept such good news for a long time.

"I... am not... Your Highness..." The strong sense of unreality made him not know what to say.

"It turns out that Second Lieutenant Levi would also be incoherent." Fate said jokingly, "but this incident was indeed sudden. Because of your performance last time, everyone thought you had no chance. How dare you teach me a lesson? Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, you are quite courageous, although what you said is also what us old men want to say."

The boss's slightly teasing words made Levi bow his head in embarrassment. After a while, he remembered another important thing, "What about Lieutenant Vincent?"

"He was elected as His Highness's guard officer just like you, but neither you nor his official positions have been determined. Not every guard officer can accompany His Highness, and your specific job content depends on His Highness himself." Decided." Fart withdrew his smile, and looked at the young man whom he admired with stern eyes, "Today's victory is just your first step towards success, and being by the crown prince's side will not be like what you were in before. The environment is so simple, and every moment is full of danger and temptation. Lieutenant, I hope you will firmly remember your loyalty to the empire and the crown prince today, even if you have to pay your own life for it in the future."

As if he felt that he was too serious, Fate laughed again, and patted the young man on the shoulder encouragingly, "Of course, if you encounter any difficulties that cannot be solved in the future, you can come to me. Even if it is troubles in love, I am very happy." welcome."

"Thank you, sir." Levi said sincerely.

Even though he knew that it was not too early to get carried away, his heart was already filled with intense joy.Knowing that thinking of seeing Roger Hill every day, seeing his face, and hearing his voice, Levi felt that his heart could not be calm at all.

The previous moment was hell, this moment is heaven, I really don't know what is waiting for me in the next moment.

With constant throbbing joy and apprehension, Levi soon ushered in the day when he officially became the crown prince's guard officer.

***

The crown prince's residence is located on the capital of the empire—the planet Klemene.The area is not large, but the scenery is very pleasant, without any artificial temperature adjustment system, it will be like spring all year round.Due to safety considerations, no tall plants were planted between the buildings, and all were replaced by lawns, ponds and fountains.There are three large palaces in the core area where the crown prince lives. There are flying platforms, fighting training grounds, entertainment rooms, swimming pools and other ancillary facilities. They are tightly surrounded by layers. In the past, Li Wei, as a peripheral guard, could not enter at all.

It was a baby-faced lieutenant who was in charge of receiving Levi.

"My name is Xue Nuo, and you are Second Lieutenant Levi." Xue Nuo introduced himself enthusiastically, "I am 20 years old, two years younger than you."

Levi secretly looked at the boy in surprise, but felt that the lieutenant in front of him was only 15 years old at most.

"I just look small." Apparently aware of the meaning in the other's eyes, Xue Nuo tugged at his dark brown hair that reached to the earlobe in frustration, "I don't want to have such a small cut, but His Highness said it was appropriate, I I can’t bear to cut it short.”

Xue Nuo's face is inlaid with round and big light green eyes, and his face often shows a lively and innocent expression unconsciously, much like some kind of cute little animal.

"It's really suitable." Levi concluded briefly.

"Second Lieutenant, you are very silent." Xue Nuo tilted his head and looked at Levi, his eyes almost occupied half of his face seemed to have regret, "The two people who came this time don't like to talk."

"Me and Lieutenant Vincent?"

"Yes, but Lieutenant Vincent looks a bit scary. He is assigned to work in the combat training ground dedicated to His Highness, and we probably won't see him often."

It seems that the nature of the positions assigned to me and Vincent are different.

However, Levy was not so naive as to think that all guards could work beside the crown prince.

"I was supposed to introduce you to the colleagues who work together today, but the dark moon dinner will be held in two days, and everyone is busy making preparations, so the welcome party will take some time to be held." Xue Nuo said apologetically, " I'll take you to work first."

"OK."

Levi followed Xue Nuo to the depths of the palace.

Although the palace where the crown prince lives is huge, he paid full attention to the orientation and lighting. The colorful pointed glass windows in the long corridor filter the sunlight into seven-color spots. There are dazzling crystal lamps hanging from the dome, and precious antique vases are placed even in the inconspicuous corners.

Every piece of decoration and every decoration speaks of endless luxury and power.

The Alliance has its elite, too, but none display their privilege and wealth quite so lavishly as the Imperial Family.

Xue Nuo took Levi to the door of a room, showing a cute smile, "Second Lieutenant, you have arrived. Someone will explain to you what you need to complete, then, I will send you here and leave first." He quickly Leaving with brisk steps.

The music of the piano could be heard faintly from the closed door.

Levi knocked on the door lightly, but no one responded. He tried to push it, but the door was not locked tightly, and it opened to both sides immediately.

The strong light pouring out of the room made him squint his eyes. In the white light, he could only vaguely see someone sitting in front of the grand piano by the window playing. The figure is hidden like an illusion.

"Second Lieutenant, won't you report to your new commander?"

The music stopped suddenly, and the man stood up and walked to Levi's side.

"Roger Hill...Your Highness?" Even though he couldn't see the face clearly, he would never mistake the voice.

"This is the second time we've met."

In the field of vision gradually adapted to the strong light, the crown prince's face gradually became clear.

Probably because it was an informal occasion, Roger Hill simply wore a silk top and casual trousers, and the neckline and cuffs of the shirt were decorated with a lot of lace.This kind of clothing can only become a visual nightmare for ordinary men, but Roger Hill's amazingly beautiful face, smooth and delicate skin, and lustrous blond hair are all perfectly set off by this tediousness.

"Second Lieutenant Levi, I report to you." The young man who was strongly shocked could barely recover his voice.

"Are you surprised? Lieutenant." Roger Hill walked up to him, crossed his arms, tilted his head slightly, and his long hair fell on one shoulder.It's just a simple action, but it can achieve a breath-taking effect if he poses it, if he doesn't smile on purpose at this time.

Levi looked at the crown prince's smile hesitantly, and there was a mischievous gleam in those ice blue eyes.

"From today onwards, your job content is to stay by my side, protect me personally, and accompany me."

"..."

"I didn't tell you before, it was as a punishment for you deliberately losing the game."

He thought he would get an even more surprised response from the other party, but after a while, the young second lieutenant's lips were tightly closed like a clam. Just when the crown prince thought he would remain silent, Levi spoke.

"Why me?"

"Um?"

"Why did you choose me instead of Lieutenant Vincent."

"You protected me, didn't you?" The crown prince's deep sea-like eyes seemed to see through everything, "Although you taught me a merciless lesson afterwards, your original intention was to prevent me from being harmed. Lieutenant, this point, I see it very clearly. Therefore, this position is very suitable for you now, and I hope you can accept this job adjustment as soon as possible.”

──He noticed my original intention, but did not discover the source behind this original intention.

Roger Hill's long hair was gently brushed by the breeze, just within reach.

Levi felt that at this moment, he was completely overwhelmed by the torrent of happiness.

"Please forgive my rudeness before, and I will give you my all from now on."

He said sincerely, and then kissed the back of the crown prince's hand with infinite excitement and surging.

***

As the sole heir of an empire that occupies half of the universe that humans involve, Roger Hill's daily life can no longer be summed up in the word "busy". To be precise, there is no chance to breathe.

Get up at 07:30 in the morning and receive various physical training; start breakfast at [-]:[-]; usually attend various meetings in the morning and assist in handling government affairs; after a simple lunch at noon, you will study history, physics, astronomy and other subjects in the afternoon; To participate in various social banquets, if there is no dinner, they will be arranged for fighter piloting and fleet strategy and tactics courses.

In this way, it is often not possible to fall asleep until after midnight, and the rest time is only four or five hours a day, and this is the case all year round.

After just following the crown prince for a few days, Levi realized that the real Roger Hill was very different from the object of love in his original impression.

Roger Hill has extraordinary beauty and outstanding temperament. Coupled with ice-colored eyes and too fair skin, it is easy to make people feel noble, indifferent, and arrogant, like a flower of the high mountain.

But in fact, he has no pride in the people around him.

Just like now, watching the attendants prepare for the Lunar Moon Dinner with their feet on the ground, Roger Hill joked to the guard officer who had just served next to him, "I'm probably the one who has the most leisure now, and I don't know how to intervene." help."

"You just need to rest well." Levi looked worriedly at the shadows caused by exhaustion under the crown prince's eyes.

"Is it obvious?" Roger Hill consciously touched the position of the dark circles under his eyes, "Maybe I should make it more serious, maybe the nobles will think this is the new fashion makeup in the palace."

"You haven't rested for 48 consecutive hours." Although he knew that what Roger Hill said might happen, Levi didn't want to joke at this time. "Now, please go to the bedroom to rest immediately."

"I'm not too sleepy."

"Your Highness!"

"Okay, okay, I see."

The crown prince turned and went upstairs helplessly, but Levi's uncompromising voice came from behind, "Please sleep for six hours, otherwise you will have to drink two glasses of milk for dinner."

Roger Hill hated the smell of milk.

This is also a new discovery by Levi not long ago.

The prince who was threatened looked back at the new guard officer, blinked his long eyelashes twice, clearly feeling sad, "I should have found out earlier, Second Lieutenant, you really like to teach people."

Seeing the crown prince's back disappearing up the stairs, Xue Nuo, who was setting up the venue, interjected, "It's great, finally someone can control Your Highness."

Levi was a little surprised, "Has no one persuaded His Highness before?"

"Yes, but if His Highness doesn't listen, no one dares to say it again." Xue Nuo stuck out his tongue. "Second Lieutenant Levi, you are so powerful, you dare to force His Highness to drink milk."

"yes……"

Levi was a little dazed, and he never dreamed before that after the initial tension and excitement, the way he would get along with the longing crown prince would be like this.

What's even more strange is that this mode of interaction is very natural.After the first time I met Roger Hill and reprimanded him loudly, I no longer had any respect for him in terms of status. Now the crown prince in my eyes is just a beautiful 17-year-old boy who lives a very hard life , Diligent, sensible, the disadvantage is picky eaters and a little willfulness.

Correspondingly, the previous admiration for the object of his crush has turned into pampering and caring.

This is a more "specific" love.

Let Levi live a satisfied and happy life every day.