Chapter 90: Hello, Hello—You Too

Chapter 90: Hello, Hello—Hello to You Too

Amos's lips quirked slightly.

Perfect.

Finn's scalp prickled in that instant.

Ever since the last monster hunt ended, he had been on high alert, his nerves stretched taut—and now, all that tension vanished in an instant!

Amid the silence, Xiao Chuzao slowly picked himself up from the ground, peeking over his shoulder repeatedly—he was checking his little wings.

The freshly grown wings swayed gently alongside his original wings, making his back a fluffier puffball. Since these wings had just appeared, the little one wasn’t quite used to them yet.

His sudden dash earlier had even caught Xiao Chuzao himself off guard.

Amos had already walked up to Finn.

After a glance at his own little cub sitting on the ground, Amos didn’t hesitate.

Amos first helped the stunned little cub to his feet.

The little one blinked his big eyes, peering up obediently at Amos.

He brushed off some dust from himself, then spoke up sweetly and earnestly.

"Daddy."

His voice was tiny and sugary, full of childishness.

"Zao Zao's fine!"

Amos nodded.

Yes, Finn was the one in trouble.

"Zao Zao still doesn’t know how to use his little wings yet."

Xiao Chuzao continued.

Amos nodded again.

Yes, Finn’s wings were also particularly in the way.

"So—" The once-angry cub had now calmed down. He pondered for a moment, even earnestly mulling it over, "Zao Zao wasn’t prepared and was too slow. That’s also Zao Zao’s fault."

Amos finally turned his gaze to Finn.

Yes, obviously, Finn’s fault was still greater.

Seeing the "future," Amos's simmering anger finally had a target.

Now—he had a very justifiable reason.

He was also certain he was a good big brother.

Finn—

Finn’s eyes grew rounder by the second.

"Zao Zao... Zao Zao..."

He whispered under his breath, trying to interrupt the little one's words—

Yes, Zao Zao, Third Uncle knows your intentions are good, but hold on, don't act yet. Your old man isn’t looking too happy. The more innocent and earnest you appear, the more you're pouring gasoline on the fire!!!

"Zao Zao spoke very well."

Amos said encouragingly.

He watched as the little one's eyes lit up, his little chest puffing up with pride.

Amos continued.

"And I think Finn made a good point too."

Finn: ...

"Nononono—"

Brother, I was dead wrong!

Amos picked up the little one and put him down, then grabbed Finn, who was trying to run away.

"Getting banged up in training is perfectly normal, Third Brother, don't you agree?"

Finn: ...

We’re doomed!!

Xiao Chuzao stood with Mr. Hale, gazing dumbfounded up at the training field.

After a few moves, Finn was being chased around by Amos, dodging wildly.

It... this isn’t my fault… right?

The little one blinked his big eyes.

He cocked his head, looking at Mr. Hale.

"Teacher, is Third Uncle okay?"

Hale smiled.

"He'll be alright."

Since the teacher said so—then it must be fine.

The little one nodded his small head, not quite getting it.

Then he turned and saw Ayala standing nearby, locked onto him.

Ayala had followed closely behind Amos.

His expression was stern, his deep-set crimson eyes strikingly bright against his darker skin. Combined with his psychic energy, he resembled eyes glowing like embers in shadow, unblinking and cold like a predator’s gaze, fixed on him.

The kid went rigid instantly.

Xiao Chuzao was a sharp kid, especially after his psychic energy had grown. Though he sometimes wasn't fully aware of it, he had started subtly warping the moods of those around him—the weaker they were psychically, the easier for Zao Zao to sway them.

In Xiao Chuzao's eyes, Ayala was straight-up scary.

To put it bluntly, he had that ‘eats kids for breakfast’ vibe.

Ayala himself carried no noble air, unlike the typical aristocratic grace often associated with the Crown Clan. Instead, he looked like a damn warlord, his muscles straining the seams of his uniform, radiating raw menace.

Ayala had been scowling hard, staring at Xiao Chuzao while pondering what to say—

Though his crown’s state wasn’t ideal, with headaches becoming increasingly frequent, it was still a damn sight better compared to the previous generation of the Crown Clan.

He wasn’t in urgent need, but after hearing about the little one’s situation, he figured he’d play it safe before heading out.

But before he could react, the four small wings behind Xiao Chuzao had all poofed up like a startled bird.

Ayala froze for a moment, instinctively taking a step forward.

The kid shuffled back, then hid behind Hale.

Hale lifted his gaze, met Ayala’s glare head-on.

Hale’s expression was somewhat cold, his voice edged with steel.

"Ayala, you're scaring Zao Zao."

Even knowing what Ayala had been through, that was no excuse for him to behave this way toward a youngling.

The Crown Clan’s instinct to protect their young was carved into their bones.

Some of Ayala’s generation hadn’t fully awakened to it yet, but Hale and the others spoiled them rotten.

If Amos treated the little one poorly, they were truly the type to consider fighting Amos to the death just to snatch custody.

Dotting on the kids had become their daily routine—it was how they found healing in this messed-up world.

Ayala paused, seeming like he wanted to say something.

"Ayala."

Hale beat him to it with a sigh.

"You can’t march ahead stuck in yesterday. You know this better than anyone."

Hale shut him down. He hesitated for a moment before finally turning and walking a few steps toward the door.

He pulled up short.

In a cold voice, he snapped, "...I’m *not* stuck in the past—I’ve always been moving forward."

Hale: "If that’s what you believe—"

*Then why the hesitation?*

Hale watched him walk away alone and let out a long breath.

"Teacher—"

The little one hid behind Hale, a pint-sized six-year-old, still barely knee-high. He tugged at Hale’s clothes, fisting Hale’s sleeve.

Peering around, he asked in a small voice, "What’s that uncle gonna do?"

The little cub didn't quite understand, but every time he saw Ayala, it made the cub feel uneasy. Combined with Ayala's unrestrained gaze devoid of any warmth, this was a situation the little one wasn't very good at handling. Zao Zao wasn't the kind of cub who liked clinging to others—Amos had just raised him to be a bit more sociable. In most cases, the little cub would size up the situation first, appearing rather careful.

"That's your uncle-cousin, Zao Zao."

Hale thought for a moment.

Ayala was intensely averse to so-called "close bonds."

He wasn't like Lynn, who was naturally gloomy and preferred to hide. Ayala's former personality had been somewhat similar to Finn's outward demeanor, but after losing things bit by bit, it had taken on a harsher edge. He now refused to form what he deemed "important close relationships" with anyone.

He wanted to keep his distance from everyone.

This had gone on for years.

Clearly.

This didn't bode well.

The little cub tilted his small head.

"Uncle?"

"Yes."

Hale lowered his head, thinking—if Ayala was here for the crown, Amos likely wouldn't deploy him to deal with the mutant beast corps anytime soon.

And Ayala clearly needed to understand one thing—Zao Zao mending the crowns for all the Crown Clan wasn't an obligation. It was because Zao Zao was a member of this large group. They wanted Zao Zao to be well, and Zao Zao wanted the same for them.

But if he wanted to stay detached, counting on that surly attitude and foul temper wouldn’t work—

Even if Zao Zao was willing, the other elders would still be furious.

"Uncle's psychic presence seems a bit scary—"

His face was scary too, and he'd stuck Zao Zao with needles before.

And also—Uncle-cousin's presence made the cub feel kind of blue.

The little cub hung onto his teacher's leg and asked in a tiny voice.

Was it wrong for Zao Zao to dodge him before?

Was Zao Zao being impolite?

"Was Uncle looking for Zao Zao just now?"

Hale patted the little cub's head.

"It's fine. Maybe he was thinking about how his friends died around this season. Speaking of which, one of his friends used to teach at the First Military Academy—" Hale seemed to recall something nostalgic and finally said softly to Xiao Chuzao, "If he has something to say, he’ll seek out Zao Zao. But if he’s not polite, Zao Zao doesn’t have to give him the time of day."

Against the backdrop of Finn's yowling protests, the little cub nodded his small head, only partly getting it.

Meanwhile, Ayala had already left Dwight's palace.

On the broad avenues of the royal court.

He walked steadily and quietly, step by step, with no one accompanying him, his expression unchanging.

A solitary figure.

Ayala lowered his gaze.

In a daze, it seemed as though someone laughed softly in his ear—

‘Your Highness, you just lack the courage to step closer to others.’

‘Ayala, what are you standing there for? Come join us quickly!’

But in the end, no one remained by his side.

Had he lingered in the past? Never moved on?

How could that be?

He had always been moving forward.

He simply no longer needed those strange relationships—keeping all relationships simple was the most comfortable way for him to interact.

And even if some of those voices from the past hadn’t perished, the divide between long-lived species and ordinary races was too vast. In the end, they would still part ways, leaving nothing lasting.

Since nothing could be preserved, it was better not to give anything from the start.

He didn’t want excessive contact with anyone—whether clansmen or others.

Yes, he didn’t need it.

Ayala continued walking forward. Perhaps it was just the pain from his shattered crown that made him dazed.

Gazing ahead, his steps faltered slightly as he muttered once more—

“I don’t need it.”

*

After the recent monster uprising was quelled,

the entire star system returned to normal,

gradually stabilizing.

However, due to the chain reactions triggered by the child’s arrival, their research on corruption continued to advance.

Because the monsters emerging from the pollution were numerous and growing stronger with each wave.

This time, the research fleet was escorted by Fei Man leading her Fourth Army.

It was the sixty-seventh day of interstellar corruption exploration.

The spear pierced through the skull of a lunging monster, blood mist dispersing in space. Fei Man’s eyes were icy as she coolly surveyed, her snow-white wings seemingly tainted with crimson. She withdrew her mind-forged spear, flicked it casually, and hovered in place, confirming no more monsters threatened to appear before turning to fly back to the Fourth Army’s warship.

Her boots tapped lightly against the warship’s deck with a soft click.

The mind-forged spear in Fei Man’s hand dissipated, her crown and wings folding away. The Crown Clan warrior with her high ponytail marched ahead without warmth.

As if recalling unpleasant memories, Fei Man’s gaze toward the contaminated zone was perpetually clouded with darkness.

That unreliable, affection-drunk aunt was clearly a side she only showed for the child’s benefit.

“This can’t be my imagination.”

Fei Man’s aide snapped a salute.

"Your Royal Highness Fei Man, the strength of the mutant beasts is increasing each time."

"Hmm."

Fei Man nodded.

"The tainted zone is too vast to maintain complete defenses. Report any developments promptly—"

The Saint Cas Empire has made significant progress in studying the corruption, but overall advancements remain painfully slow. While it may not take years, further exploration will certainly require several more months.

At that moment, Fei Man whipped her head around, her brows slightly furrowed.

Currently, the entire Fourth Legion and the scientific fleet base were stationed right at the danger zone perimeter of the contamination zone.

From initially being too terrified to approach the contamination to now actively challenging it, Saint Cas had moved swiftly, achieving considerable breakthroughs.

Yet, they had only managed to explore as far as the region where Morlo once resided and were now devising ways to push further.

In truth, all members of the Crown Clan remained on high alert—after all, creatures like the Storm creature, once they appeared, would inevitably return for a second, third, fourth time...

For now, apart from the Crown Clan and some of the Longlife species, there seemed to be no force in this star system capable of standing against these creatures.

Then, a roar—a feeble, spasmodic roar, faint yet unmistakable.

Strange.

That was Fei Man's thought.

An extremely peculiar sensation.

She stared into the contamination, her gaze dark with concern.

Deep within the polluted expanse, a black, tar-like entity writhed and twisted, as if alive, slowly forcing its way out.

Its body contorted unnaturally, a pair of eyes swiveling into view.

The evolving beast had found new territory, inching ahead before vanishing once more under natural camouflage, muttering in a distorted, eerie whisper—flesh, it needed to devour endless quantities of flesh.

*

Saint Cas Imperial Capital.

The empire's operations continued steadily and methodically. The previous beast uprising had not caused significant disruption.

After enrolling in the military academy, the young cadet had mostly spent time meeting and playing with the trio, as his formal classes had yet to begin. He had scarcely encountered Ayala.

Today marked the young cadet’s first military academy lesson—field combat exercises.

This year’s Elite Class had been personally selected by the Royal Court, serving as a strategic reserve of talent for the current Crown Clan monarchs and royals, should their long-term strategies fail.

Their ages varied—the youngest, like Xiao Chuzao, had just turned six, while the oldest, such as Chao Huangmu and a few others, were just past ten.

Including the young cadet, there were twenty-one in total, each a hand-chosen prodigy.

The Elite Class was chosen every few years, with candidates typically between six and ten years old. By the time they entered the military, even the least accomplished would at least become a Legion Commander.

Many would go on to serve as senior commanders under the Crown Clan monarchs and royals.

Today, Xiao Chuzao had been delivered to the academy gates by Amos.

The six-year-old Little Crown Clan member was soft and squishy, and didn’t mind his guardian's overprotectiveness—just sweet and well-behaved.

Enough to melt any Crown Clan member’s heart.

With him were Chao Huangmu, Peng Liang, and Yun Songquan.

The little one had never seen so many children his age before and listened hesitantly as Chao Huangmu and the others explained all about the Elite Class.

The little cub blinked his large eyes, a little nervous.

"Are they all easy to get along with?"

The cub asked in a soft, timid voice, looking up.

Though Xiao Chuzao had grown a bit taller, he was still way shorter than Chao Huangmu and the others.

Walking beside them, he was just a little guy, his steps a little bouncy. His wings weren’t fully tucked away—only one pair remained visible, folded neatly behind him, his little crown glowing nervously.

So freaking cute.

"Yes, they’re very easy to get along with."

Chao Huangmu grinned brightly.

"Don’t worry at all."

Peng Liang and Yun Songquan noticed Chao Huangmu subtly clenching his fist with an expression that basically said—*If anyone acts unfriendly, my fists will kindly help them reconsider.*

There was a pause.

"Zao Zao doesn’t have much experience with friends."

Xiao Chuzao looked down, thinking.

The other little angels in the Angelic Realm never liked him.

He had no idea how to interact with others.

In this regard, the cub was clueless.

"That’s alright."

Chao Huangmu said cheerfully.

"You don’t have to think of us as friends."

Xiao Chuzao blinked up, confused.

Chao Huangmu continued, "Just use us like tools—seriously, no problem at all, Little Highness—"

He’d be more than happy to!

Chao Huangmu grinned eagerly, even more pumped than before.

Xiao Chuzao stared: ...Is that how it works?

Chao Huangmu: That’s exactly how it works.

Smiling.jpg

Peng Liang and Yun Songquan, who hadn't managed to get a word in and slowly turned their heads upon hearing this: ...?

What kind of nonsense are you spouting to Little Highness, you big oaf??

Did getting treated as a tool push your buttons or something???

Look how happy you are.

You psycho!!

Xiao Chuzao finally looked away.

He was smart.

Yes, the little one was very smart.

And he was one of the few who could truly understand Chao Huangmu's emotions.

After thinking it over, the little guy swiftly reached a conclusion—he's not quite normal. As Little Mu Ge's friend and his loyal friend, Zao Zao should learn to be tolerant and generous, to accept him as he is.

In the distance, they could already see the excited group of the Elite Class.

On the other side of the field not far away, another group seemed slightly uneasy, with some constantly glancing their way.

That was the first-year class of the senior division—they were also having a field training session this period.

Xiao Chuzao blinked his big eyes and looked over.

The Elite Class, which had been loudly debating what Little Highness would be like in person and how interactions with him would go, fell silent in an instant.

One by one, they widened their eyes, staring at the little figure standing beside Chao Huangmu.

They kept staring until Xiao Chuzao walked right up to them.

The little one looked up, meeting the gaze of the boy at the front of the group. After a quick thought—still unsure about how to act—he tentatively spoke in a little voice: "Hewwo?"

The addressed boy stared at Xiao Chuzao, then gasped loudly—ah, he couldn't take it.

"L-L-Little Highness, h-h-hello."

Covering his face, he stepped aside with screaming inside—the videos didn't show it, but, but, is Little Highness really this tiny??

This is too, too adorable—*whimper*, Little Highness is so small, he needs protection, I must work harder to protect him in the future!!!

After him, Xiao Chuzao looked up at the excited next classmate.

Zao Zao also paused: "Hewwo?"

"AAHH!!! Hello, Little Highness!"

Thus, the little one, who had been pondering how to interact, didn't expect things to unfold this way. His tiny figure moved through the crowd as they excitedly and expectantly approached one by one, only to end up stepping aside all flustered.

The little one kept repeating—"Hewwo, hewwo, H-h-hewwo too."

The responses were all positive, overjoyed.

Though he was gradually gaining confidence, the little one felt slightly confused—is this how you're supposed to interact?

In the distance, since class hadn't officially started yet, the teachers of the Elite Class and the first-year senior division were just standing together.

The instructor of the Elite Class, Xue Yifan, raised his hand to gaze into the distance and tutted softly. "No matter how many times I see him, Little Highness is still so adorable."

"You really lucked out."

Pei Bing, the instructor of the first-year high school division, glanced at Xue Yifan.

"However, Members of the Crown Clan rarely participate in military academy activities, let alone His Majesty or the future sovereign—we'll need to think carefully about how to handle this."

"Indeed. Haven’t you noticed the principal's losing what little hair he had left?"

Xue Yifan laughed heartily.

Suddenly, several loud bangs rang out, and they instinctively turned toward the high school division.

Many in the first-year high school division were also watching Xiao Chuzao with eager eyes, except for Teng Kelin’s group, who continued training. The training shots hit distant targets swiftly and accurately, followed by the broadcast announcing high scores.

Teng Kelin lowered his hand, his gaze downcast, not looking in that direction.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chuzao, who had progressed to greeting classmates with handshakes while saying "Nihao," was startled by the sudden noise. He froze for a moment—what was that?

Just as the repetitive greetings had begun to numb him, the sound jolted him awake. Zao Zao’s little white wings popped open behind him, and with growing confidence, he piped up in his baby voice, "Nihao, evereeone!"

Though—despite having gotten more confident with each greeting, Zao Zao still sensed something wasn't quite right.