Chapter 88: Natural Black Overcomes White-Cut Black

Chapter 88: Natural Black Trumps Scheming White

He had already started whining and being cheeky, shamelessly trying to brush things aside.

But fortunately, not only was King Amos fond of Xiao Chuzao's antics, but he himself wasn’t too keen on recalling the moment when the little one’s loud shouting had left his head ringing.

Amos didn’t say anything, simply picking up the little one and holding him in his arms while gently tidying the child’s four small wings.

"Mr. Hale is waiting for you downstairs."

Eager to move past everything, Xiao Chuzao, after having his wings straightened, pitter-pattered behind Amos, heading downstairs to find Hale.

Hearing the sound, Hale looked up at Xiao Chuzao.

"Little Highness."

Hale looked noticeably healthier over this period—whether due to Dr. Morlo’s meticulous care or because his partner had returned to his side.

When the starship had returned earlier, Hale had already confirmed the little one’s condition. Now, he adjusted his glasses slightly, watching as the little one trotted over to him.

"Good morning, Mr. Hale."

"Good morning, you look very energetic," Hale smiled, exchanging a glance with King Amos standing on the stairs before continuing to address the little one, "It seems you're ready to catch up on overdue lessons?"

Many days had passed, and the little one had indeed fallen behind on quite a few lessons.

Xiao Chuzao nodded earnestly. "Mhm, Teacher, let’s start quickly. Zao Zao needs to work even harder."

The six-year-old said earnestly in his little voice.

Good, very spirited.

Hale looked at the little one with an approving gaze, like a proud teacher, then glanced back at Amos—as if to say, *You should learn from your child*—

Indeed, though Amos was the Crown Clan’s versatile champion, they hadn’t been nearly as obedient when they were little, and the Crown Clan back then had been far more oppressive than it was now.

Amos thought for a moment before remarking, "Sometimes, teacher, you can push your luck."

Hale hadn’t been Amos’s first Imperial Tutor, though Amos had studied under Hale for a time, and they were relatively familiar with each other.

The little one looked at Amos, confused.

Hale pretended not to hear, pulling out a stack of books from his dimensional storage.

"Then let’s begin making up the lessons. These are the goals I’ve set for you during this period, along with the missed coursework."

Xiao Chuzao turned his head, eyes widening in disbelief, mouth agape.

The little one instinctively gestured—

The stack on the desk was nearly half as tall as Zao Zao himself!

Papa! Papa!

...Papa! You totally laughed just now, didn't you, Papa?!

*

After discussion, Amos and the others ultimately decided not to hold a belated birthday celebration for Zao Zao’s sixth birthday.

They would wait until next year—when he turned seven—to throw a proper blowout celebration.

The interplanetary community spent a month dealing with the observed Aberrant Beast Legions before declaring a provisional victory.

Of course, apart from Saint Cas, other nations and planets still suffered relatively high casualty ratios.

Ordinary aberrant beasts were manageable for humans, but once they formed into legions and evolved into Beast Legion Commander-level entities, the casualty ratio would widen drastically, eventually shattering human resistance.

It could be said that the current stability of the star systems was largely due to the efforts of the Crown Clan.

Though they acted to maintain Saint Cas's stability, the Crown Clan's overwhelming suppression of these aberrant beast legions also benefited other planets and nations that had been living far from the conflict zones.

However, in the latter half of the month, the situation changed slightly—especially for Saint Cas's forces.

The collaboration between the Grail Clan and Saint Cas gradually became more prominent.

Though the Grail Clan's psychic offensive capabilities were not particularly strong, they could use the Psychic Holy Grail to pinpoint optimal solutions for problems. This led to a significant portion of their weapon development being among the most advanced in the galaxy. Being a long-lived race with unique psychic abilities and rich imagination, they could even foresee whether a path was viable, making Saint Cas's weapon research center exclaim in disbelief—it’s like they’re cheating the system!

Thus, Saint Cas's attempts to combine both factions’ weaponry strengthened their military forces.

Facing hulking, near-indestructible beasts, even the disciplined Aberrant Beast Legions could now be countered with significantly fewer casualties.

Spring in Saint Cas.

The weather had warmed, and after a brief vacation, the entire Saint Cas First Military Academy became lively again.

The school forums were buzzing as well.

'Did you hear? The school has received confirmed news that the Little Highness will be reporting for duty in a few days!'

'Really? I’ve heard rumors before, but I thought it was just gossip!'

'The Little Highness really chose the First Military Academy, not any other military school—hahaha, serves them right!'

'Honestly, it’s probably because the First Military Academy is closest to the Royal Palace, right? The Little Highness’s guards were directly selected from this year’s Elite Class.'

'Will the Little Highness’s guards later become part of his personal guard? Probably high-ranking officers, right?'

'Definitely. Otherwise, why would the Little Highness still attend group activities at the military academy when he already has Prince Hale?'

'Mainly because there are no other royal heirs in his cohort… At his stage, he still needs to interact with others.'

'Flash update—the Elite Class is in an uproar! Apparently, they received an invitation from the Little Highness during training—'

'Ugh—green with envy over here!!'

Meanwhile, at the Saint Cas First Military Academy’s Elite Class.

Chao Huangmu, Peng Liang, and Yun Songquan were making their exit.

A Palace drillmaster was waiting for them.

"Huangmu! Stop fussing over that topaz—we get it, it’s your ‘lucky day’ gem!"

The rest of the Elite Class eyed the trio bitterly, especially the grinning like he won the lottery Chao Huangmu.

"Right, right—"

Someone immediately chimed in.

"It's just Little Highness asking you to plant potatoes with him, right? What's the big deal? Hell, I’ve even planted potatoes with my grandparents!… So where’d you even get that fortune-telling from? Can’t you just share a link?"

"Haha, yeah, yeah. Next time I’ll hook you up."

Chao Huangmu grinned as someone jostled him by the shoulders in mock annoyance before finally letting go.

"Alright, hurry up and go. Remember to tell us all about it when you get back. ‘Next time I’ll compile it for you’—you’re just stingy! You’re just hoarding all the tips, you tryhard monster! Go on, scram!"

Peng Liang and Yun Songquan had been put through the wringer by Chao Huangmu’s training during this time, leaving them thoroughly exhausted. Hearing this, they nodded in agreement—this tryhard monster!!

The three followed the instructor out of the school gate.

Meanwhile, over at the senior division, first-year students training outdoors glanced in their direction.

"Check them out, acting all high and mighty."

"Pfft, if you were Little Highness’s guard, you’d be worse."

"Oh, so now I’d be the smug one?"

As they spoke, their eyes drifted to a small group sitting apart from the rest. Same grade, same class—yet they sat apart, like outcasts.

These were the talents once selected for Saint Cas’s Future Project, most affiliated with the Ling family—after being monitored for months following the upheaval and completely severed from the Ling family or other noble houses, they were still allowed to remain at Saint Cas First Military Academy without further suppression.

Those with truly ill intentions, however, despite being selected talents, were deemed unfit to stay near Little Highness and were transferred to military academies on other planets.

Let’s be real, Saint Casians were never exactly stable to begin with—some had even wondered why they were so obsessively devoted to the Crown Clan, treating it almost like a religion. Some hardcore devotees would even off themselves when their Majesty or Highness died.

Saint Casians were wired for chaos, having once plunged into deep despair.

Once they latched onto something, they’d never let go—their loyalty to the Crown Clan was no exception. Most importantly, the Crown Clan’s strength and gentleness toward them had always been enough to suppress their volatile genetic tendencies.

His Majesty Clancy’s Future Project was meant not only to shield Amos from misunderstanding and rejection within the Crown Clan but also to help these members break free from the shadow of the Crown Clan’s impending demise—when the Crown Clan was basically doomed.

His Majesty Clancy made sure the project went off without a hitch, but it still drove a wedge between these students and their peers, who remained fervently loyal to the Crown Clan and, while understanding the Future Project, disliked it nonetheless.

This particular class was outdoor artillery drills for senior first-years.

"Has Ling Ye still not returned to school?"

"Nah—Lin-ge, the Elite Class brats next door went to the palace."

Teng Kelin, shouldering his artillery piece, squinted as he aimed at a distant target.

"They’re no joke, especially that Chao Huangmu—"

"Enough."

Teng Kelin’s shot hit the target dead center. He glanced at the classmate beside him with mild impatience.

"I’m no slouch either. After Ling Ye, I’m the best—especially with a scope."

The fifteen-year-old turned away, hefting his weapon to take aim again.

*

Inside the palace.

Frey held a ruler, tilting his head as he looked.

In front of him, Xiao Chuzao blinked his big eyes, lifting his little head: "Uncle Frey, Uncle Frey, how is it?"

"Looks like you grew a little."

Frey confirmed it and nodded.

Xiao Chuzao looked at his uncle, his small wings fluttering happily behind him.

I grew a little more!

Zao Zao has become a bit stronger!

"Are we planting the whole area?"

The voices of Mei Lun and Kaman came from outside.

"Duh! The land's all prepared. If we don't plant it all, what else are we gonna do—plant you there instead?"

"...Hey, Little Kaka, if you keep talking to me like that, I'll have Zao Zao put an arrow in you."

"I told you not to call me Little Kaka!!"

Dwight's palace buzzed with activity today.

Zao Zao was about to head to the military academy to interact with more people, and before that, the potatoes he brought back were finally getting planted.

But the galaxy kept them busy.

Fei Man and An Ya led troops to handle matters, Amos had meetings to attend with Finn, Ayala wasn't hanging around Zao Zao either, and most of the remaining Crown Clan members who could come had arrived.

Hale and Morlo—one missing his wings, the other still physically weak due to his shattered coronet—stayed out of the work, sitting on the sofa drinking tea and watching with smiles.

Today, Frey was in charge of Xiao Chuzao—yes, among his brothers and sisters, Amos now only really trusted Frey.

At least he was solid through and through.

Job and Joshua, rarely got away from the medical center, were out getting some air.

Job quietly worked the soil again, while not far away, Zhong Zhiyi, Peng Shengfei's disciple, crouched by a bucket, seriously sterilizing the potatoes—she had just returned from collecting seed samples on a volatile rogue planet and was preparing to begin research.

At the moment, she treated the potatoes like a major research project.

Joshua leaned over, watching Frey measure the little cub's height.

The little cub had grown a bit taller, but compared to the Crown Clan's towering average height, he was still very small.

The little cub stretched his neck to look at the ruler in his uncle's hand.

"Uncle, how much has Zao Zao grown?"

Frey stretched out his hand, showing about a finger's width.

"It's been a while since the last measurement. You're starting to grow, which means your nutrition is finally catching up."

Xiao Chuzao copied the motion, his little wings fluttering excitedly behind him.

"Zao Zao drinks cub formula and eats his meals properly every day."

"And remembers to get his candies on time every day."

Hale added from the sofa.

Xiao Chuzao blinked his big eyes at his teacher, speaking in a babyish, innocent voice: "Zao Zao likes candies, just like teacher likes Morlo! Zao Zao always watches teacher go from the window when teacher leaves, and Zao Zao saw teacher kiss Morlo!"

Hale: ...???

Hale stared at the little cub who had unintentionally spilled the beans.

Morlo: ...

Morlo gave Hale's thigh a hard pinch, muttering under his breath: "I told you I shouldn't have come to pick you up, you should've gone home alone. And you had to steal a kiss—look, look, now Zao Zao saw it!"

Joshua chuckled from where he stood.

"But growing too fast isn't good either. In no time at all, he'll be all grown up, and once he gets bigger, we won't be able to cuddle him as much."

The little cub froze—does getting bigger mean he won't be held as often?

The small crown on the tiny cub's head seemed to droop for a moment as he turned to look at Joshua.

"Big kids don't get carried around by their parents, do they?"

Joshua crouched down, propping his chin on his hand as he gazed at the little cub.

He instantly understood the little one's problem—wanting to grow tall, but wanting hugs even more.

Joshua teased him playfully: "Choose one: grow tall and be harder to hold, or stay little."

Xiao Chuzao thought seriously, then his eyes lit up. He held out his little hand and announced: "Zao Zao chooses 'or.'"

Between "grow tall and be harder to hold" or "stay little," Zao Zao picks "or."

Joshua: ...

Huh?

Joshua was stunned, gaping at this 'genius' cub.

"Haha, that's just like you..."

Someone laughed, but before the little cub could turn to see who it was,

Mori called over: "Little Highness, your playmates are here."

Frey let go.

"Go on," he said, "go play with your friends."

The little cub gave an excited "Woo-ao!" and scampered over.

"Little Highness!"

"Little Highness."

"Little Highness Zao Zao, your little wings and small crown are just as cute as always today."

When Chao Huangmu finished speaking, the other two instinctively looked at him—Seriously? Even you three are competing now?

"Your clothes look amazing today, Little Highness—"

"T-today, Little Highness seems extra lively today!"

The little one batted his big eyes, and the crown on his head shimmered for a moment.

Before the three youngsters could react,

they saw the little one digging in his pocket, pulling out three candies, and handing one to each of them.

"Zao Zao saved these up today, sharing them with you."

Xiao Chuzao lifted his adorable little face, his honey-colored eyes crinkling.

"Brother Mu's jewel looks gorgeous today, thank you, Brother Peng, you're looking great too, and Brother Yun is also full of energy—hurry, hurry, everything’s ready, we need to water and plant potatoes, a huge patch, like this big!"

The tiny little thing, absolutely adorable, gestured with his hands.

For the little one, this was really exciting.

After all, Xiao Chuzao had never kept any of his planted crops alive before.

In reality, the three youngsters couldn't stay here too long either.

Setting the potatoes, covering them with dirt, and starting to water.

When it came to the watering part,

the Crown Clan just stood back and watched.

They observed the tiny little one, his tiny wings flapping, dragging a hose around with one hand.

Other than Peng Liang, neither Yun Songquan nor Chao Huangmu had ever farmed before.

They had intense daily training, and both were orphans.

So they lacked Peng Liang's childhood experiences.

Chao Huangmu’s face was streaked with dirt, but he still grinned brightly as the little one dragged the hose over.

"Time to water?"

"Yep!"

Xiao Chuzao responded, handing one hose to Chao Huangmu.

Watching Chao Huangmu fumble a bit, the little one also fluttered his wings and took off, holding onto his own hose, splashing water everywhere onto the soil below.

When they got to the last part.

The little one landed, preparing to water from the ground.

But the hose had been stretched a bit too long in the air, and as the little one touched down, the water slowed to a trickle, then stopped.

The little one tilted his head in confusion, staring down at the hose for a moment.

"Huh?"

Chao Huangmu also moved closer, peering at the little one's hand, then tracing the hose backward. It took him a second to process.

"The hose was pinched here."

As he spoke, he reached out and straightened the bent section of the hose.

The next instant, water came rushing out, drenching both of them.

Xiao Chuzao froze. So did Chao Huangmu.

In that moment, a million thoughts flashed through Chao Huangmu's head.

His smile stiffened—

He'd splashed the Little Highness— Oh no—had he screwed up again?

His eyes widened as he stared at Xiao Chuzao.

The sopping-wet kid looked up at him in return.

"Are you okay? I didn’t expect that to happen—"

Chao Huangmu had indeed panicked for a second. The once sunlit, cheerful pup was now a soaked mess, like a sad puppy as he hurriedly looked around for something dry to wipe the water off the little one’s face and hair.

Water dripped from his dark hair, plopping onto the ground.

Xiao Chuzao paused, glancing at the now-soaked ground before turning back to Chao Huangmu, whose face was now smeared with a mix of dirt and water, making a funny little mess. He couldn’t help but laugh.

Chao Huangmu froze, then smiled weakly at Xiao Chuzao— Ahhh, he’d still messed up. Was he too nervous? Ugh, he clearly needed more practice—

"Little Highness—"

"You don’t have to force a smile if you don’t feel like it."

The kid blinked his big eyes and spoke softly to Chao Huangmu.

Xiao Chuzao was really tuned in to feelings.

And Chao Huangmu was somewhat special to him.

He could perceive traces of mental energy, and in his vision, Chao Huangmu stood out to him.

It was already spring, and Spring in Saint Cas was nice and warm. A little water was no big deal, so the Crown Clan barely gave them a look before shifting their attention elsewhere.

The little one quickly wiped his face twice before lowering his head.

Chao Huangmu froze.

He watched as Xiao Chuzao dug around in his pocket before finally fishing out a candy.

The tiny little one just stared at him, then looked around to make sure no one was looking. Once sure no one was, he slipped the candy into Chao Huangmu’s palm.

"Wait… didn’t I already get one?"

Chao Huangmu blurted out.

"In Zao Zao's eyes, each of you is different. Brother Peng Liang has a very good temper, Brother Yun Songquan has a bit of an arrogant streak, and as for Brother Mu—"

The little tyke batted his big eyes.

"Zao Zao can tell that Brother Mu is envious and craves a bit more special attention—" Just like Zao Zao used to.

"Zao Zao doesn't have many special treats, but Zao Zao still has one more candy. I'll secretly give it to Brother Mu. Zao Zao doesn’t really understand why, but… cheer up, okay?"

Chao Huangmu went completely still.

He had no memories of the past. He was a particularly hollow existence. He was just very good at learning—he could seamlessly fit in with those around him. His expressions, emotions, and so on were all learned. He didn’t even truly understand what he usually thought about. For Little Highness—was this emotion sadness?

This was the first time Chao Huangmu had ever heard such words—from this pint-sized creature who had only ever struck him as exceptionally adorable, saying that he had heard the unspoken feelings in his heart.

Chao Huangmu, still habitually smiling, was about to say something when he caught sight of the approaching instructor from the corner of his eye—

But soon, the soaked little tyke’s thoughts began to wander.

Zao Zao pondered—

Then Zao Zao had a sudden realization.

"Could it be that Brother Mu is also bogged down with homework lately?"

Chao Huangmu: …?

What?

"Brother Mu’s instructor also gave Brother Mu a lot of homework and training, right?"

The little one looked at him with puppy-dog sincerity.

Zao Zao's just too perceptive!

"Of course not, that’s my beloved instructor—"

Though still dazed by the single candy, Chao Huangmu pasted on a bright smile, his self-preservation kicking in.

Chao Huangmu happened to lock eyes with the instructor not far away.

"Zao Zao saw and heard everything."

The little one, with his back turned to them, gave an earnest little wing-flutter.

"Eat the candy! Sweetness fixes everything!"

Chao Huangmu: …

Chao Huangmu was completely disarmed by the sincerity—for a moment, he didn’t even know what expression to wear—his usual golden-retriever cheer twisted into something contorted.

The instructor chuckled.

This was the first time he’d seen this kid so thoroughly bested.

He gestured—Oh, you little troublemaker, complaining about too much training and homework, huh?

Snitching to Little Highness, are you? Just you wait!

Chao Huangmu mentally projected a giant question mark above his head in the instructor’s direction, but as he looked at the extra candy in his hand—the only one just for him—it was… special treatment. It was the unconscious longing for favor in the hollow emptiness beneath his lack of memories and his carefully crafted sunny disposition…