Chapter 37: Zao Zao’s halo is tangled with thread

Chapter 37: A Thread Snagged on Zao Zao's Halo

A child's voice with no sense of boundaries didn't fade quickly this time but dragged on and on.

Just as Hale began to feel down, the voice would interrupt him again and again.

In the past, though Hale had fallen into an abyss of suffering, unable to sleep for long stretches, he could at least manage some rest at night. But now? Up all night—

Studying in the middle of the night?? And the whole night through?!

What kind of torture is that for a kid?!

What kind of heartless parent does this?! He'd never be this cruel, okay?! Where's the child abuse law?! Someone arrest this parent!!! Now!!!

Yet perhaps because his crown, though shattered, hadn't plunged him into utter despair, Hale—despite the sleepless night—was weirdly alert.

When the voice finally stopped, Hale remained still.

Though he didn't understand why this was happening—whether it was an illusion or some weird tech development—he lacked the energy to investigate.

He simply leaned against the wall, motionless, and slowly closed his eyes.

After daybreak.

*

Amos took the little one to the council hall.

Lately, Amos had been bringing the child along constantly.

Since Zao Zao's tutor hadn't been found yet, and the little one usually had nothing to do but explore the world with wide-eyed curiosity, Amos even let him play within his psychic range during meetings.

For the Crown Clan, this was borderline offensive. When the child had gone missing earlier, Amos had forcefully scanned the entire royal court with his psychic power, drawing sharp psychic pushback from several Crown Clan members.

Even during their home planet's heyday, the Crown Clan's education had always emphasized independence and self-strengthening.

But Xiao Chuzao was only five, never exposed to traditional Crown Clan upbringing. He was remarkably gentle and soft, with almost no aggression. Amos, having never raised such a child, parented him by Crown Clan standards for that age—resulting in various stress reactions.

His approach was overwhelming, yet Xiao Chuzao accepted it with quiet tolerance.

While the adults met, the child sat on the shag rug in the next room, playing with toys Grandpa Mori had prepared.

Kaman had recently gotten his ID officially restored.

During a meeting break, sensing Amos's overpowering psychic aura, he nudged Mei Lun.

"I've been meaning to ask—is His Majesty Amos getting way too overprotective of Zao Zao?"

Mei Lun shot him a look.

"That's because you're not a parent—and you've never lost a child. Honestly, even though it was an accident, I still find myself looking for Zao Zao when I remember that day, let alone Amos."

Mei Lun gave his shoulder a light pat.

"This Crown Clan generation never raised kids. I'd thought their parenting instincts had faded. Now they're making up for lost time—and gone overboard. It's fine. I figure once Zao Zao grows stronger, Amos will calm down."

"Fair point—by the way, any news on those two Engraver family members they brought back?"

Kaman tapped lightly on the table.

"These two have brought up the issue we've always worried about—"

Kaman was referring to Job and Joshua, the last surviving members of the Crown Clan's Carving Family. The family had suffered tragedy, nearly wiped out in a single day by an accident.

Fate hadn’t destroyed them yet—their own emotions were doing that first.

"Who knows? It’s being monitored confidentially," Mei Lun mused. "Speaking of which, at Zao Zao's age, he should start learning basic combat skills to toughen up. I bet Amos is thinking the same thing. On another note... the best person to teach Zao Zao would be Hale, right? Even as the last of his line, the Imperial Tutor’s family still has its ways."

Hale’s family had long been the Dwights' chosen tutors. Both Hale and his father had taught Amos.

"Doubt it’ll work? Hale’s issues go beyond his crown..."

Kaman’s brow furrowed at the mention of Hale.

"That guy won’t stay... He won’t hesitate to die when the moment comes."

Mei Lun: "...You’re right."

This meeting’s agenda was simple too.

The focus was a multinational conference in two weeks. The cosmos was vast, with thriving regions far from Saint Cas’s borders. An alliance led by the Longlived had recently plunged into turmoil—it shared some traits with the Saint Cas Empire but was fundamentally different. Worse, they couldn’t match the Crown Clan’s battle-hardened ferocity, so a rising force gunning to replace them would attend.

This new faction had grown through pillaging and slaughter, led by Lin Yuan, a young man with formidable psychic power. His radical arrogance was shaking up the interstellar order—no surprise in a universe where even pollution-choked wastes might harbor unknown resistance.

Meanwhile, the Grail Clan, sensing impending doom, had hitched a ride on the Fourth Army’s warship under Fei Man Dwight—the only female Crown Clan member of her generation.

Amos presided at the head table, Frey beside him. An empty seat separated them from a high-ponytailed woman in black military uniform, An Ya at her side.

Fei Man was a striking beauty, inheriting her mother’s eyes—her gaze held a flirtatious edge. But her father’s reserved nature made her a quiet soul who avoided court duties, preferring to lead the Fourth Army against aberrations.

She seemed calm—if not for her frequent clock-checks and glances at the door.

After reaching Saint Cas’s capital, Fei Man had gone straight for a psych eval before the meeting.

She’d heard rumors—about... a youngling.

A youngling?

The Crown Clan still had a child?

Fei Man was baffled, yet she sensed a faint, fragile presence in the adjacent room.

She’d even brought a gift.

When the meeting ended, Amos was first to leave.

The Grail Clan elder frowned, hurrying after him. Only when only Crown Clan remained did he speak:

"We suspect the Hymn Organization’s hand in the Bael Union crisis. Your Majesty, as recluses, we must warn you—playing protector will only hasten your extinction."

His tone dripped with a know-it-all’s arrogance.

"The Crown Clan should’ve followed our example: stay out of it. Show no pity. The writing’s on the wall—"

Guards lined the corridor—none Crown Clan, but after last time, the palace had beefed up security.

At these words, their fingers twitched slightly and their eyelids lowered.

In the next breath—Amos's psychic sword was pressed against the throat of the speaking Grail Clan elder.

The voice cut off abruptly, followed by a shocked murmur. No one had even seen Amos move.

Amos's expression was cold—borderline cruel—and impatient.

The king had been on edge lately, keeping up appearances only because nothing had blown up yet.

"Mind your tone with my people and my race. You should know I’m not like my father—I’ve never had much patience."

The Grail Clan elder didn’t dare breathe another word.

Feeling the sharp blade at his throat gradually dissipate, they had only come to deliver news about the multinational, multiracial conference and now beat a hasty retreat.

When the room fell silent, the Crown Clan members—used to this by now—didn’t react. Fei Man scanned the room.

"Brother Amos."

Her voice was cold, like ice cracking.

"Didn’t you say you found a kid? I brought him the newest mech toy. I remember how much we loved these when we were..."

A quiet *click* cut her off.

Several Crown Clan members snapped to attention.

The door to the adjacent room eased open.

Xiao Chuzao peered out, half-hidden—soft black curls and a glowing golden halo that outshone him as it floated ahead.

Amos's expression instantly softened. "Zao Zao."

"Baba!"

The cub scampered over, clutching his ghost bear. His small size hadn’t stood out before, but next to the towering Crown Clan, he looked absolutely miniature.

"Baba, are you done? Where are we going later?"

He looked up at the adults. "Grandpa Mei Lun, Grandpa Kaman, Uncle... Little Uncle... Uh..."

He blinked up, puzzled, at Fei Man.

Fei Man went statue-still.

Amos crouched down. "We’re heading to the training ground later. You’re getting stronger, so Zao Zao will learn some basic combat techniques—easy stuff, no big deal."

Then, remembering, he added, "This is your aunt, Fei Man."

The little cub, slightly shy, hid behind Amos, peering up at her.

Fei Man kept her face blank, but inside she was screaming—*So small??? Where did my brother even find him???*

*Holy crap! Holy crap!!!*

"Big sis, didn’t you have a gift?"

Though An Ya still wasn’t fully liked by the little cub, at least he had the title of "uncle" now. He snapped back to reality for a moment and elbowed Fei Man.

—A mech? This little guy probably wouldn’t like it.

Unless—was there someone else who shared the cub’s dislike?

"Ah… right…"

Fei Man mechanically pulled out the massive mech from her storage device.

The mech was way too big for the little cub, who blinked, bewildered, as he stared at it.

Fei Man: ...Guess I got the wrong size.

Then, she saw the cub blink once.

Peeking out from behind Amos, he spoke softly, "Thanks, Auntie Fei Man."

Not just tiny and cute, but polite too.

Fei Man’s body stiffened again.

Her face went even frostier.

"Your Majesty, I still have work to attend to."

Fei Man bolted out, leaving Xiao Chuzao to shoot Amos a confused look.

Amos picked up the little one and headed toward the training room.

The rest of the Crown Clan didn’t follow—they had their own duties to handle.

Only Mei Lun laughed and said, "Don’t mind her, Zao Zao. Your Auntie Fei Man was just shy."

The little cub blinked, puzzled: ?

Meanwhile, Fei Man, who had hurried off, strode quickly until she reached a secluded spot. After glancing around, she crouched in the corner, her expression still cold, and covered her face with her hands—her ears rapidly turning red.

Agh—how could he be that tiny? Like a squishy little handful…

Her expression remained icy, but her heart raced.

What was this feeling?

He—he even said—*Thanks, Auntie Fei Man.*

Eep—giggle.

*

Elsewhere in the galaxy, in a region in constant turmoil—

The Bael Union.

Apart from the main planet and a few subsidiary worlds, most of the Union had already fallen into the hands of revolutionary leader Lin Yuan.

"You still need to be cautious of the Crown Clan from the Saint Cas Empire," several hooded figures warned in a hidden meeting room.

"After all, we got word that a young cub has appeared among the Crown Clan, who'll probably be groomed as the next emperor of Saint Cas. Another reign would mean the Crown Clan's rule continuing for another century or more."

"What's there to be cautious about?"

The young man seated at the head of the table, dressed in black-and-blue military uniform, radiated cocky arrogance.

"I'm about to wipe out one of the Longlived. Back when the Crown Clan had numbers, nobody'd mess with them. But now they're at their end, and the whole Saint Cas Empire is on its last legs. I even accidentally caught some footage... I admit their mental powers are strong, but not that insane."

He raised his hand and clicked the remote, watching the screen.

Right in the eye of the storm, one of the Crown Clan with a nearly broken crown was fighting for his life. Surprisingly, he didn't self-destruct but held on, only to go completely berserk, endlessly attacking the beasts around him. He wouldn't stop until he dropped dead, so caked in blood you couldn't recognize him anymore.

Being new blood and too far from Saint Cas, Lin Yuan didn't really get the Crown Clan.

The guys in hoods seemed to mock his naivety but didn't interfere—their Hymn Organization preferred to cause chaos for the Longlived, like splitting the Bael Union. With the Union about done for and Lin Yuan's usefulness fading, they weren't about to let him experience the Crown Clan's true terror.

Fear makes men retreat.

So the psychically gifted young man, having nearly offed a Longlived, sneered:

"What a sorry sight."

Lin Yuan turned to the group that helped him break the Bael Union from within. "Need the coordinates? I can send them to you."

*

Saint Cas Imperial Palace, training grounds.

Amos looked at the little one, kind of stumped.

Among the Crown Clan, cubs this age should already know some basic fighting moves.

But staring into his cub's big, round eyes, Amos couldn't remember how he'd learned to fight.

Just recalled roughhousing with his brothers and sisters, tussling over whatever their father held.

Enough practice and painful falls taught them how to dodge and strike.

After a pause, Amos waved the little guy over.

"Zao Zao."

"Hmm?"

Little Chuzao turned to check if his spirit bear was lying properly.

Hearing Amos, he whipped his head around, his halo swaying.

Amos held up a shiny little gemstone.

"Try to take this from Daddy."

"Why take it?"

The cub hesitated.

"Can't you just give it to Zao Zao?"

That little face was too adorable.

Amos almost cracked up.

He felt there must be something wrong with his way of teaching.

But he also thought getting the little guy moving more would help later on rather than staying stuck.

"If Zao Zao can grab this, how 'bout Daddy carries you outside the royal court tonight?"

Little Chuzao's eyes lit up.

He was also very curious about the world outside the royal court.

His tiny body scrambled into action.

"Daddy, Zao Zao is ready! That’s okay, right?"

Amos nodded, watching the little one come barreling at him like a little cannonball.

But he was too small and too slow.

Amos just wanted the kiddo to get some exercise, so he took it easy on him.

He crouched to play along with the little one’s "attack."

As he ran, the halo on his head kept shimmering away—*bling bling*—brightly.

Amos reached out and easily caught the little guy.

He eased the little one down—slow and gentle.

On his back, Xiao Chuzao blinked up at the ceiling of the training room.

Here’s the refined translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

He scrambled to his feet, the competitive fire of the Crown Clan burning bright.

"Zao Zao is back again!"

This playful parent-child session lasted about half an hour, with the little one being gently overpowered by Amos time and again. His tiny wings fluttered as he clung to Amos's hand like a baby sloth.

Amos held the gem aloft with one hand, half-squatting on the ground as he watched the little one with amusement.

"Zao Zao, what are you—"

"Meow!"

Without hesitation, the little one opened his mouth and took a playful bite at Amos's face.

The sudden nip stunned Amos for a moment.

Quick as lightning, the little one touched the gem in Amos's hand, his big, shining eyes fixed on Amos. His little halo wobbled excitedly, and his tiny wings perked up—*Zao Zao did it, praise Zao Zao!*

Coming to his senses, Amos touched the tooth marks on his face—still damp with the little one's drool.

He’d said any method was allowed—but Amos never expected this "dutiful child" to go straight for his face.

The tiny tot sat in his arms, curiously examining the gem.

But he’d gotten enough exercise for now. A bit of activity each day, gradually increasing, would be just right for Xiao Chuzao.

With a smile, Amos handed the gem to the little one.

He glanced at the other items in the practice room. The little one's pinyin workbook had also been brought by Amos, who was practicing the pinyin song but hadn't begun writing yet.

After a short break, Amos remembered where they were and stood up with the child in his arms.

"Baba?"

Xiao Chuzao watched Amos walk out and instinctively signaled for him to bring Zao Zao's spirit bear.

Once Zao Zao held the spirit bear in his arms, the pockets on either side could conveniently hold the shiny little gem.

The boy looked at Amos as they stepped out and asked curiously, "Baba, where are we going?"

Amos turned into a hidden path.

It was the only unobstructed route after the machinery was sealed away.

Amos hesitated for a moment.

Then, he said to Xiao Chuzao in his arms, "To see Dad’s old teacher."

Old... teacher?

"Mhm, back when he trained us, he lived nearby the practice room."

Amos explained.

"But he lost his lover, his friends, and... his wings. Dad hasn’t seen his teacher in a long time either."

Wings?

The child widened his eyes, staring at Amos.

His little wings gave an instinctive flutter behind him.

Did he mean actual wings?

Xiao Chuzao was carried all the way to a villa. The villa looked lonely and neglected, and by the huge floor-to-ceiling window leaned a pale-faced man with tightly shut eyes, as if he weren’t alive.

Only upon hearing the sound did he slowly open his eyes. A wild, crimson stare met Amos's for a brief moment.

Hale stared blankly at Amos and the child in his arms.

He didn’t quite understand the current situation.

But he didn’t particularly want to understand either.

A Crown Clan child?

Though he didn’t know why they were here, it didn’t matter...

It had... nothing to do with him.

So why come here?

Your Majesty, there’s no need to look anymore, and no reason to meet again. He lives only because of his lover’s request—he has lost everything, including a whole body. He’s waiting to fade away. The man he once was likely never imagined this moment.

He has lost all value as a member of the Crown Clan. Hale shut his eyes once more.

Xiao Chuzao clung to his father’s neck, watching Hale—such a heavy sadness, as if Zao Zao had lost something very important and beloved. Dad looked... just as sad.

Amos held the little one for a while, let out a sigh, and locked eyes with the child.

The little one squirmed, wanting to get down.

Amos set Xiao Chuzao down and took the ghost bear from the child's hands, wondering what the child was up to.

Then, he watched as the child shaped two handfuls of snow into a tiny snowman, and even added two ears to its head—a snow bear. The cub imitated Amos's earlier gesture, placing the snow bear by the window.

"Daddy—"

The little one, with ice-cold hands, reached out for Amos to pick him up.

He murmured,

"Daddy gave Zao Zao the ghost bear to keep Zao Zao company, so Zao Zao made a bear to keep Daddy's teacher company."

Amos paused for a beat, then allowed himself a small, relieved smile before speaking to Hale, who hadn't emerged in years.

"Mr. Hale, this is my cub, Zao Zao. I still hoped you'd meet him—Goodbye, teacher."

Amos carried the cub away.

Hale's faded gray tendrils of mental energy quietly coiled around the little one's tiny crown.

Hale slowly opened his eyes.

He stared at the somewhat clumsily made bear by the window, his eyes blank and bewildered.

Amos's cub? The handiwork was as shoddy as Amos's...

So innocent.

But none of this had anything to do with him anymore...

...Wait a minute.

Hale's responses had slowed now.

He glanced uncertainly in the direction Amos had left.

That voice—hold on, why did that voice seem so familiar???

Had he heard it somewhere before?

Meanwhile, the cub was being carried back by Amos, still full of curiosity, nestled in Amos's arms and softly singing a pinyin song.

Thus, Hale, inside the villa, listened to the melody echoing in his mind. He drifted into thought, tried to focus on other things, and eventually gave up—until he could take it no more, he stood up and pushed open the door.

"Amos!"

Hale, unusually frazzled, found the pinyin song playing on endless repeat in his mind.

His voice rasping, he hailed Amos, who was about to leave.

Amos turned back to look at Hale.

He went still.

—Hale had actually left his room?

What's with that face?

Meanwhile, the baby humming to himself noticed a dull, lifeless thread connected to the top of his head.

Xiao Chuzao: ?

Why is it on Zao Zao's head?

Hale's hoarse voice spoke up: "I just want to stay here quietly. I don't know how you did it, Your Majesty, but please don't let him keep singing in my head..."

Hale trailed off because he saw the little one take off the halo from his head.

Hale: ...?

"Papa—there's a weird string tangled around Zao Zao's halo!"

Xiao Chuzao held the halo up high to show Amos, who was long since used to the little one removing his halo.

Hale, stunned, backed away respectfully: ......

????

Stop calling me teacher—you guys should be teaching me.