Chapter One: Finally Meeting

Chapter One: At Last, a Meeting

"Beep, vital signs are stable. Heart rate is 90, within normal range. Blood pressure..."

As the chilling, shrill whine of medical machinery sounded forth, the delicate youth reclining upon the hospital bed furrowed his brow in distress, his fingertips trembling ever so slightly.

Upon opening my eyes, I was greeted by a pane of glass before me, with darkness sprawled beyond, revealing only the reflection of myself.

He was clad in a pale green hospital gown, his neck and all beneath it swathed in pristine white bandages. A nasal cannula delivered oxygen to his nostrils, while an array of tubes snaked into his body. He was submerged, entirely engulfed, within a clear liquid.

Before the youth could fully grasp the situation, a doctor burst in through the doorway, clad in a white coat.

"You've finally awoken. Are you feeling unwell in any way?"

The doctor pressed the red button outside, and the healing pod descended slowly.

The liquid was rapidly extracted, and the dome slowly lifted open.

Luo Le lay flat, casting a casual glance at him.

Here, they were still using such outdated medical equipment.

Upon seeing his silence, the doctor hurried forward, intending to show concern. Before he could speak, he heard the voice from the bed.

"Where is this? Who are you?"

"The answer, my lord, is that we are on Planet 423. I am a physician at this military academy, named Joseph Star,"

Luo Le paused. It was the first time someone had addressed him as 'my lord.'

He recalled piloting his mecha to Planet Five when he encountered a stellar storm and got swept into its turmoil.

Recalling something, Luo Le sat up straight and looked out the window, only to see utter darkness.

"How long have I been asleep?"

Doctor Chen froze upon hearing this.

This wasn't sleeping; it was a near-death experience.

If it were any other patient, he would have scolded them severely by now.

What was with this Imperial? Didn't they care about their own health?

Still, he answered truthfully.

"One week."

One week...

"Prepare a small spacecraft for me."

"Sir, the medical facilities on our planet aren't comparable to those in the Empire. Even though your readings are normal, you've gone through a stellar storm and your wounds haven't fully healed yet. If you were to travel now, there might be complications. I advise you to stay a while longer."

A cold figure suddenly surfaced in Luo Le's mind.

That person would only remain on Fifth Planet for another week.

"That won't do."

Dr. Chen appeared hesitant, mentally scavenging for persuasive words to address Luo Le's concerns.

Noticing the prolonged silence, Luo Le's expression darkened.

"I believe, if my memory serves me right, that the 423 Planet and the Empire signed an Eternal Accord thousands of years ago, didn't they?"

Dr. Chen lowered his gaze. "I'll proceed to apply for it right away."

This accord stipulated that the inhabitants of the 423 Planet could never defy the orders of the Empire.

Two hours later, Luo Le made his way towards the starship.

Dr. Chen gazed at the straight-backed silhouette of the young man, his peripheral vision catching the bandages on his neck and hands.

A pang struck his heart, and for some inexplicable reason, the youth was determined to leave, regardless of the peril to his life.

After setting the course, Luo Le also configured the spacecraft for the fastest possible shuttle speed.

Still recovering from his major illness, his body couldn't cope with the strain.

The distance between Planet 423 and Planet 5 was a staggering 300 light years, requiring at least two days of travel by starship.

Fresh from the recent stellar storm, Luo Le dared not let his guard down.

Two days later, with fatigue clearly etched under his eyes, Luo Le arrived, though not without difficulty.

He finally reached the military zone on Planet 5, only to be stopped at the entrance.

"This is a restricted military area. Without proper identification, we cannot allow entry. Please understand."

Luo Le wore a pained expression. Not only had he lost his identification, but even his smart brain had been damaged in the stellar storm.

"My ID was unfortunately lost. Please inform General Hao. I'm not lying; I am indeed his legitimate partner."

The guard, with a furrowed brow, gave him a skeptical glance but made no move to comply.

"Sorry, without proof, entry is denied."

After two days of rushing, Luo Le's mood was already sour.

It's even worse now.

"Could you kindly announce...?"

His words were interrupted by a familiar voice behind him, "Madam?"

Luo Le turned hastily and found that the one who called out to him was Captain Lin.

Next to Captain Lin stood a man attired in imperial military garb, exuding an air of nobility.

Who else could it be but Huo Lanjing?

Luo Le skipped over to Huo Lanjing cheerfully and looped his arm with his own.

"Husband."

The guard froze upon hearing this address. Lowering his head, he tried to make himself less noticeable, fearing reprimand.