Crown Clan members who have not raised younglings during adulthood tend to be slow to react when it comes to younglings.
It is as if part of their instinct has not yet awakened. Although their natural protective impulse towards clan members makes them care for these younglings meticulously, to genuinely find these little ones adorable, to be enchanted by them, generally requires a period of time spent together.
Of course, all of this comes with a precondition.
That is, Crown Clan younglings have always grown up healthily under the protection of their clan elders.
No one really knows, not even the Crown Clan themselves, what their reaction would be upon suddenly hearing such a whimpering and sobbing sound as if from a youngling, sounding as though he had suffered a terrible grievance.
The entire Crown Clan would probably explode.
But this is not just a matter of sound—
Because their psionic force was being stirred, being drawn, all the dazed members of the Crown Clan paused for a brief instant.
In that brief blink of an eye, the information that Crown Clan members—whose psionic force is formidable—could receive, the images they could perceive, were already many.
In a trance, they saw the silhouette of a little one curled up alone in a corner, sobbing so hard that no sound could come out—his whole body was disheveled, the small wings on his back gray and soiled, but the coronet atop his head clearly indicated his identity—this was a little Crown Clan.
He cried so hard that his shoulders trembled, cried so bitterly that all Crown Clan members felt their anger begin to burn.
Until that tiny youngling suddenly turned into a snow-white fluffy ball, a little furry dragon tail trailing behind him, seeming to sense that someone was watching him.
He turned his head, honey-colored eyes as if washed by water, gazing wistfully toward the direction where he sensed he was being watched.
This was a certain message conveyed by Chu Zao’s current psionic force. After the Angel Source Stone helped him leave the Angel Realm, over the past year of his growth, his power had also subtly changed, and his psionic force had strengthened; but that familiar, fleeting sense left him restless even in his dreams. Upon realizing that he had failed to catch it, his psionic force curled up in grievance, thinking it was venting itself where no one could find it. The form of his psionic force was just as it had been when he was young, able to cry freely. Now, for once, he couldn’t hold it in, and he was crying.
At this moment, all the Crown Clan, scattered across the interstellar space, saw that little white ball stretching out its tiny paws toward them. He was so small, seemingly unaware of where they were, just taking two steps forward.
His voice was choked and very soft.
“Are you Zao Zao’s family? Haven’t we met a long time ago—don’t leave—Zao Zao is the only one here… The ones in the Angel Realm, they all… all, hate me—you saw Zao Zao, why didn’t you take Zao Zao away—”
The little white ball’s pent-up grievance finally erupted, those little paws wiping at his tears.
All the Crown Clan were stunned.
Then the vision disappeared—
This was no longer just a matter of the child’s grievance breaking out.
At this moment, the usually composed Crown Clan began to act oddly.
Many Crown Clan who could not control their psionic force well, had an outburst of energy on the spot, startling themselves. They always thought the coronet might be affected and tried to avoid strong emotional fluctuations to slow the rate of their coronet’s shattering—but this time, no such thing happened.
In fact, they felt even more clear-minded than before.
It was as if someone had bestowed a buff upon the Crown Clan, without a single negative effect, all beneficial.
Moreover, that innate protective instinct toward younglings, which should have been gradually awakened, now exploded at once—whether they had met a youngling or not.
The Angel Realm, was it?
The angels—eh?
Ha—
The entire interstellar community was thrown into chaos by Chu Zao’s psionic fluctuations.
Only little Chu Zao quietly curled his little form, the white fluffy ball closing his eyes. After struggling for a moment, he slept soundly.
The Crown Clan present all regained their senses.
Feiman’s face turned dark. Having just thought about those angels, she ground her teeth, filled with hatred—after all, the Crown Clan really had difficulty imagining what level of bullying the little one had suffered in the Angel Realm.
Because while Chu Zao was a bit frail at the moment, and his strength much weaker than Crown Clan children of his age should have, considering his condition and still having such a character, the Crown Clan felt that was already quite commendable.
Their real concern was the Angel Realm—they simply wanted to redress the harms suffered by the little one, and before this, all they wanted was to teach that group a lesson.
—Of course, no one stipulates that you must cherish a youngling, especially one not even of your species.
But nor does anyone say you can abuse a little one at will, bully him as you please, driving him to cry in a corner, sobbing for his parents for your own amusement.
That anger from the Crown Clan, the Angel Realm must of course bear it.
Moreover, Chu Zao had said, those angels were strange, different from what he’d known, even the Angel Source Stone, which was the foundation of the Angel Realm, took Chu Zao’s side.
That was revealing enough—
At this moment, all in the Dwight family branch of the Crown Clan were thinking—ah… those so-called angels, surely they can’t be imposters? The kind the Angel Source Stone itself refuses to acknowledge?
Though, they had no other evidence.
The air around them was heavy, and Feiman suddenly stood up, unable to contain herself—
Where had those angels appeared?
She had to vent her anger, otherwise, there was no way she could calmly deal with anything else.
Then, out of the blue, she noticed Solan, who was closest to the little one.
From the beginning, Solan had not moved or spoken, and Feiman hadn’t thought much of it, as that was usually the case.
But right now, Solan’s tears were flowing steadily down her face.
“Mom?”
Feiman was startled. She stepped closer.
“What’s wrong?”
Solan finally came to herself. She raised her hand, daubed away the tears at the corner of her eye with her fingertip, seeming to have been in a daze for a long time before speaking, very gently.
“I don’t know, I just feel—so sad.”
How strange—
She came from the Holy Cas Empire more than a thousand years ago, and by this point in time was long gone, impossible to be entangled in this, yet it was so strange—
Why would she have such a strange feeling.
Those words, it was as if Zao Zao were saying them to her.
Back then, the delicate little psionic force, after falling quietly asleep, tried to hold her back from leaving.
So that later, once she heard Chu Zao say he’d been bullied, was all alone, no one liked him, Solan’s tears had become uncontrollable.
—It wasn’t that she was unwilling to take the little one away.
Solan had been thinking just so at the time.
Now returned to reality, Solan felt a bit dazed, and couldn’t clearly recall the sensation.
“What was that feeling just now? What was that vision? Was he crying? I think I saw a shadow of a stone thrown from afar? Was he thrown at like that when he was little?”
Anya gritted her teeth, though mindful enough to keep his voice down, and quickly spoke, turning to Frey at his side.
“It wasn’t just my imagination, was it? Big brother, say something, didn’t you see it too?”
Frey looked up, loosening his fingers a little and glancing at the mark left on his palm. After a moment, he finally answered—“Yes, I saw it very clearly.”
“I’ve said before, Zao Zao might never have explained clearly, but he had a really rough time over there. But I couldn’t find where the Angel Realm was, didn’t even know what kind of place it was—at the time I really couldn’t go exploring very far.”
Feeney spoke—as at that time, even just protecting Holy Cas was near impossible for him.
“But now it should be easier to find—weren’t those angels said to have appeared?”
Feeney knew there was more to Zao Zao than met the eye.
At the moment, though he was quite angry, his emotional fluctuations weren’t so pronounced.
Either way, things had come this far—he’d just have to find a way to deal with everything as he went.
“The Angel Realm.”
Clansis was the first to speak, suddenly raising his hand to press Amos’s shoulder.
“Amos, calm down.”
As the group whispered in discussion, they had completely ignored the communications messages that had been beeping incessantly since earlier—only now did everyone startle and realize there was still someone who hadn’t spoken a word this whole time.
And that person, in this generation of the Crown Clan, was the one who, if he exploded, would have the most devastating effect—a ticking time bomb.
Amos was standing there, appearing calm.
But anyone who knew Amos even a little would never say he looked calm right then.
Amos stood in shadow, starlight glimmering above his head, but only his crimson eyes shone all the more brightly at this moment—a look on the verge of explosion—
The pressure was palpable—as if the fuse had been lit right up to the bomb itself.
Utterly terrifying.
“Amos.”
Clansis spoke again, his hand tightening just a little on Amos’s shoulder—at the moment, the not yet fully matured heir to the throne still had someone to pick up the pieces.
Clansis was certainly angry too, but as the clan’s leader, he had a lot to consider, much to ponder; these decisions required composure, a trait any future emperor must have.
Of course—Clansis also realized, Amos had been even more shaken than anyone.
After all, that was the direct kin’s closest youngling’s psionic force.
Amos had gained a youngling without even knowing it, and this youngling had been so badly bullied, and now, just when he’d finally been found, Amos’s parental instincts had been set ablaze.
That was why, at this moment, Amos looked ready to turn and tear apart that so-called Angel Realm.
“I know.”
Amos raised his hand, his aura reined in a little, then gripped Clansis’s wrist. His downcast eyes lifted once more.
“Zao Zao is still sleeping.”
However raging his anger, Amos still needed to keep his distance to vent it.
Clansis almost wanted to say that a little tolerance for certain matters was what separated the next emperor from other Crown Clan.
The Crown Clan had never been reasonable or measured, always living by instinct, but as the king of the Crown Clan—they could hold a grudge, and settle accounts after the fact.
After all, when it came to holding a grudge against Feeney, and fixing things afterward, Amos excelled.
But just then, Clansis found himself at a loss for words.
Because, unbelievably, he too wanted to rush off and rip apart the Angel Realm.
Those who had tormented their youngling this badly.
Best to rip them apart piece by piece—
At his waist, the communicator kept beeping.
Messages from every corner of the interstellar universe.
Messages from Crown Clan everywhere—
All trying to shift their mission from tracking down Aberrant Beasts to locating that godforsaken Angel Realm.
Without exception.
They all felt that the pitiful little one was crying out his grievances precisely to them—
Damn it, if a kid at home comes to you sobbing about being bullied, what kind of parent would you be not to retaliate?!
He’s asking me for help!
All the Crown Clan were thinking the same.
It must be said—
The group buff bestowed upon the Crown Clan by Zao Zao also gave them a beautiful illusion.
But such an illusion was harmless.
For Clansis quickly gave the order: no more hiding, contact the angels, locate the Angel Realm.
Meanwhile, on the front lines, the appearance of angels grew ever more frequent, their numbers swelling.
They seemed now to be forming squads and groups, moving outward, destroying everything nearby, then searching—without a doubt, they were looking for someone.
And the Angel Realm’s large-scale movements gave the Crown Clan an opportunity.
By dawn, with the Zao Zao buff in effect, the Crown Clan developed a strong resistance to the pollution force, and began to venture deep into those areas.
They had nearly figured out how the angels were appearing here, their probable objectives for coming, and how to enter the Angel Realm themselves.
They had even found three or four entry plans, and people were itching to try each, heedless of danger, wanting to sneak in and give the Angel Realm a good shock.
Under these circumstances, the Dwight family was definitely set to join.
Moreover, by this stage, there was no need to hide much anymore; even Zao Zao’s uncanny ability to affect the shattering of their coronets was being discussed.
But given the emotional climate among Crown Clan at present, Zao Zao’s formidable special ability was not a subject that required much inquiry.
“Amos.”
Clansis, who had not slept all night, called out to Amos as he was heading out.
Amos hadn’t slept either; last night, he had carried the little one from the hanging chair to the healing pod, was still keeping watch on Feeney, had two monitors running, and was in the study with Clansis arranging the coming actions against the Angel Realm.
Step by step, they rolled out the operations.
Now, Amos paused, turning to look at Clansis.
The young Crown Clan still radiated a powerful aura; being still young, he did not yet project steadiness.
His somewhat curly black hair was now a bit messy from not sleeping, a few strands falling down and being brushed away impatiently with a sweep of his lashes.
It was just dawn outside, the light from the Source Star beginning to shine but still casting a dim feeling.
The lamp inside the room did not seem as bright as during the silent night.
“Don’t tell Zao Zao too much about these matters.”
Clansis gently tapped the table in front of him.
“Zao Zao probably doesn’t realize what he did after drifting off to sleep.”
After spending time with the little one, Clansis thought he was a bit shy by nature.
And that, thinking himself too old, he would rarely allow himself to cry freely.
If he woke up and suddenly realized he’d bawled in front of everyone, the little one might want to hide away for days—take it slow, such a child, the Crown Clan needed to look after him with patience.
“I know.”
Amos replied offhandedly, his expression remaining calm.
But from a moment earlier, he had been glancing repeatedly at the time—Amos had stayed with Chu Zao these days, and had basically figured out his routine. This was when Chu Zao’s circadian rhythm indicated he would wake.
So he had already delegated tasks to Clansis, preparing to go check on the little one.
Clansis let out a soft sigh, raising his hand to massage his brow.
“And I admit—”
Clansis waved at Amos, then lowered his head to keep reading his documents.
“Your kid is cuter than mine—don’t know what you have to brag about, though, if you lose this comparison.”
His tone was flat, but with a touch of levity, and suddenly the atmosphere relaxed—something hardly typical of Clansis.
Amos was taken aback for a moment, his previously tense expression from the whole night finally easing and forming a slight smile.
“That’s a fact.”
He was quite proud.
Clansis looked up, speechless, at Amos.
“I truly don’t know how a guy like you could have such an adorable little youngling. Was there a glitch in the paternity system?”
Amos was really not the least bit cute.
The contrast with adorable little Zao Zao was stark.
So stark that even the usually reserved, severe, and cold Emperor Clansis was left speechless.
“How about running the test again?”
Amos couldn’t be bothered with Clansis.
He waved his hand.
“I’m off to see if Zao Zao is awake.”
He still had very important things to do today.
Clansis responded at last.
Off you go—after Amos left, Clansis looked up again, and this time saw, in the window’s reflection, the rare gentleness in his own expression.
*
Meanwhile, in Chu Zao’s room.
The healing pod was slowly opening, signaling that the little one inside had awakened.
Chu Zao was still in the form of a little white fluffy ball, the golden coronet on his head suddenly lighting up.
He opened his eyes. Upon “booting up,” he himself took a moment to realize where he was.
After all, in the Dwight Palace, this was an environment quite unfamiliar to him when awake.
The white fluffball cautiously poked his little head out, glanced around, yawned sleepily, then cocked his head and reached out his paw, clutching at the edge of the healing pod.
The little wings on his back fluttered softly—
He was thinking.
He was recalling what had happened in recent days.
Ah, yes—Zao Zao had found a home, suddenly had so many family members, yesterday was spent resting at home.
But where was this?
Was it his room?
He seemed to remember that the last thing before he fell asleep last night—his final memory—was—
He seemed to have been at the rooftop swing.
Chu Zao belatedly realized where he was. He paused, glanced down at his own snow-white little paw. The pink pad looked plump and soft, while the little dragon tail behind him swished back and forth.
Chu Zao jumped in fright, and quickly changed back.
He reached up and pressed his head.
“How did I end up sleeping in that form?”
Little Chu Zao muttered to himself.
“Too relaxed, just far too relaxed, you’re even reverting to your original form.”
He had really gotten careless, this was not allowed. He had maintained good control before.
Can’t revert to childhood after just a few days with family.
“Good morning, little highness!”
With the morning light streaming in, the sensor beside him picked up Chu Zao’s movements, and a faint glow flickered on. In the next instant, Yuan’s mechanical voice sounded.
“Ah!”
Chu Zao abruptly pushed himself up, the little wings on his back instinctively springing into a defensive position, fluffed out, as he looked toward the source of the voice.
“Sorry, little highness, I just wanted to wish you good morning—did I startle you? Breakfast is still being prepared—”
Yuan’s electronic voice wasn’t expressive, cold and very mechanical, but at this moment, it lowered abruptly, as if you could hear a sense of grievance different from before.
As if very disappointed, as though he’d done something wrong.
“No, no.”
Chu Zao finally came to, a little troubled, turned to look back at his little wings.
Then, seeing Yuan’s momentarily dampened mood, he spoke up.
“I’m just not used to having you around.”
After all, when Chu Zao had arrived in the interstellar world, all civilizations had been all but destroyed by pollution and Aberrant Beasts.
So Chu Zao had hardly interacted with these things, and yesterday had been his first visit to Dwight Palace, his first time meeting Yuan.
He’d just been puzzling over how he’d ended up in the healing pod—he’d clearly fallen asleep in the swing chair—and then Yuan’s sudden voice had startled him.
“You don’t need to comfort me, boohoo, Yuan still needs improvement—”
The little AI was whimpering first thing in the morning, trying to make Zao Zao laugh.
But in the end, it worked pretty well—
After all, who could keep a straight face listening to such a cold, mechanical voice whimpering in that stilted “boohoo” way?
Chu Zao finally burst out laughing.
“How did I get to the healing pod yesterday, Yuan?”
Chu Zao slowly climbed out of the healing pod, asking Yuan in a small voice.
“It was His Highness Amos who carried little highness here! His Highness Amos was always watching over you—truly a responsible and great father!”
Yuan’s mechanical voice babbled on.
Dad had carried him back.
Chu Zao reached up and covered his face, a bit embarrassed.
He hadn’t finished speaking when he heard the sound of the door opening—
He instinctively looked up, locking eyes with Amos as he entered.
“Father—”
Chu Zao blurted out.
Then Amos walked in, with a clear purpose—straight to his side.
He heard Amos speak.
“Find a place to sit; I’ll tidy your feathers.”
Amos looked at those messy little wings, his tone serious—clearly considering this a tough battle.
Chu Zao: …Eh?
Seeing that Chu Zao remained still.
Amos got directly involved—he guided Chu Zao onto a high stool, then stood behind him and reached out to groom him.
Yuan, ever perceptive, sent a robot over with a grooming kit.
As the feathers were being preened, Chu Zao finally reacted, instinctively trying to fold up his wings: “I can do it myself—”
“Mm, you can do it yourself.”
Amos nodded.
“Very impressive.”
Why this tone one uses to praise a child?
Chu Zao turned indignantly, watching his feathers behaving so meekly in Amos’s hands; even ones Chu Zao never managed to get straight were easily, if clumsily, but gently smoothed back in place by Amos.
He really wasn’t up for this task—
His grooming skills looked good on the outside but were rotten within·Zao: …
“Dad—”
At last the little guy became indignant for once, just like a child pouting at his parent.
“Don’t make fun of me—”