Cub 175: Side Story II · Group Favorite Little One in the Unpolluted World Line ⑥

The fervor around the little Crown Clan prince remained unbroken, lasting all the way to Zao Zao’s one-month banquet.

For all of Holy Cas, every day felt like a festival.

Outside, fireworks and celebratory displays went off one after another; every night, a great clan would sponsor a show that lit up the skies above Holy Cas capital.

Yet within the royal family, they still hadn’t released any photos or videos of the little prince—clearly, they were saving everything for a grand reveal on his full month.

So, recently, the people of Holy Cas could only watch the increasingly busy skyscapes—especially as the celebration neared, and the Crown Clan, who valued their cubs above all, steadily returned in droves. For those unable to come, their gifts had long since arrived.

Delegations from other clans and races who’d been invited had already begun arriving in the last few days, according to their relations with Holy Cas, staying on the capital planet or somewhere nearby.

This celebration was more vibrant than anything before; the preparations were vast, the labor bustling.

And as for the Holy Cas capital’s royal court, the past few days had been total chaos.

Don’t be fooled by his small size—unlike an ordinary Crown cub, Zao Zao was brimming with energy, now quite skilled at flying, and could babble out most of his relatives’ names.

He even had two older cousins—Crown Clan peers only just come of age—who had returned to the capital recently and spent all their time coaxing him to call them brother.

But, at this age, curiosity in new things far surpassed any interest in learning to say “brother,” so to their great chagrin, he’d given them nothing substantial yet.

Nonetheless, all the Crown Clan agreed on one thing—since Amos had become a father, his entire presence had softened. His little one was doted on to the heavens, allowed to land on his head and hug him as much as he pleased, babbling affectionately.

Of course, when they saw little Chu Zao, well—such indulgence was entirely understandable.

Had they a cub this endearing, they might spoil him even more than Amos—which only goes to say, Amos, as always, is too reserved.

The concrete effect: the royal court’s atmosphere itself had become “softer” lately.

Until the day of the livestream.

Chu Zao was set gently onto a cushion by Amos for the ceremony, left to sit unassisted. He was not given a little coronet, but in his hand was a special miniature scepter.

Though Amos had greatly simplified the proceedings, for a cub at this age—whose life was eat, sleep, play, collapse, and require an adult to bundle him to bed—these rituals were still clumsy and tedious.

The Crown Clan knew full well just how rambunctious he’d been the past few days, and there was real doubt whether he could handle even a short period of stillness. Amos stood by, ready to grab his wayward child at any moment.

But perhaps responding to the solemn gazes below, or simply sensing the atmosphere, the tiny cub blinked, then looked toward the hovering, quietly drifting livestream drone.

He had been curiously examining the gem atop his scepter, but now, after a blink, he looked directly at the unfamiliar object—breaking into an especially adorable smile.

He wasn’t intimidated at all, having already played so often with Yuan in the Dwight palace and gotten comfortable with all sorts of machines.

And then—the star network of Holy Cas all but exploded.

Most people from Holy Cas had spent the morning glued to the stream. For the first time, they saw their little prince as the drone drew near—presenting, openly, the soft, adorable, one-month-old child for all to see.

The little prince was tiny, wide-eyed, gazing about; when he “met” their gaze, he broke into a charming, delightful smile.

They had all seen videos of Crown Clan cubs before, but never one this adorable, this lively, this cheerful.

They still remembered when His Majesty Amos himself first appeared before them as a cub—so tiny, with a look that clearly didn’t care to bother with anyone—charmingly cool and standoffish!

But His Majesty’s cub? A whole different kind of adorable.

Chu Zao didn’t just make the hearts of Holy Cas melt—the star system and every foreigner tuning in found themselves gasping—but such a cute cub, could he possibly be real?

Who could resist “softening” before him!

‘I’m going mad! The little prince’s smile is killing me—’

‘Little prince—little prince—little prince—hehehehe, little prince—’

‘Upstairs has gone insane, quick, carry them away and stop blocking my view of the little prince—’

In short, posts and comments flooded the network in an explosive surge, overwhelming even the otherwise rock-solid star system servers and causing long delays.

Among those watching live, a four- or five-year-old cub nearby was staring up, eyes round—

So enraptured he nearly toppled over, only to be grabbed by his own father.

“You rascal, behave.”

The father, sitting upright, gave him a quiet warning.

“Augusta—” the woman next to them pulled the cub away, displeased. “Talk to him properly, if you grab him again, you’ll be sleeping on the floor tonight—”

“…Oh, Dait, aren’t I your dearest anymore?”

Augusta looked at his partner, then at his not-yet-five-year-old son, speaking in an undertone.

Mu’s mother, that Soul Clan woman Dait, looked radiant and striking, but the aura about her was gentle. She smoothed Mu’s hair.

“Like that one?”

Dait understood her child—he had no resistance to anything sparkling.

And tonight’s most dazzling was the gem on little Chu Zao’s scepter.

Mu looked up at his mother, then at the little one seated aloft, Chu Zao’s image reflected in his pupils as he gazed steadily, then nodded with vigor.

“Father will get you a great big sparkling gem too,” Augusta promised.

But no one else heard the soft murmur at Mu’s lips: “So cute—”

Gem? No.

Zao Zao? Yes!

The Soul couple quickly realized as much at the banquet that night.

The little cub had just escaped the siege of Feiman and Feeney, flapping his small wings to land nearby.

He was a bit sleepy, but somehow still holding on, as if waiting for something, fighting off sleep.

Those allowed into the evening banquet were primarily kin and close allies of the Crown Clan—human elites of the Holy Cas Empire, and strong-bonded clans like the Soul Clan.

Long ago, the Soul Clan and Crown Clan had little contact, both mighty and long-lived, often ignoring each other. Yet as the Soul Clan soon faced their own spiritual crises, they sought the Crown Clan’s help—Augusta and Dait were key decision-makers in these recent years.

Here, Amos let Zao Zao move freely, but never took his eyes off him.

So he didn’t especially react when the Soul Clan’s little cub approached Chu Zao.

Mu gazed at the cutely serious little one, concentrating so hard on holding a small paper plate, a dab of cream still on his nose—oblivious to how it got there.

Sensing his movement, Zao Zao turned, tilting his little head to peer at him.

“Yiya?”

Chu Zao had hardly met another child his age.

Those two “big brothers” who coaxed him to call them that were already fully adult in form.

He tilted his head again at this pleasant-looking, open-eyed cub who was staring at him with awe.

Puffing out his small chest, Chu Zao gave a contented “Yiya” back.

Too. Cute.

Those two Crown Clan brothers, craning their necks to watch, just then heard their little cousin finally, after consideration, give a soft, sweet—

“Gege~ ya yi~”

The baby’s words, still slurred and drawn out, came with a broad, smiley squint.

Bro—ther—????

The two brothers frozen behind them were heartbroken.

No—weren’t we here first!!!

Mu was struck dumb in delight, then, standing on tiptoe—

Father always said, when you like something, you have to compete and grab—just like he did with mother.

Like!

So cute!

“Muah—!”

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

In the next instant, Amos swept his cub into his arms, while Augusta, eyes wide, hurriedly yanked Mu by the collar and stuffed him into Dait’s arms.

Augusta laughed awkwardly, “Misunderstanding, Your Majesty Amos, that’s just my cub’s way of saying hello—”

Internally, Augusta screamed: You little rascal—why are you kissing the prince’s face?!

Who was Amos? The strongest king in generations—if you kissed his cub’s cheek?

You may not want your life, but your father needs his so he can keep your mother!

Mu tried to say something as he was hauled off, but with a “mmph,” his mother covered his mouth and retreated with a forced smile.

Kid, gutsy! So bold!

“That’s… a unique greeting custom in your family,” Amos commented.

Still, with one cub only a month old, and the other four or five, so small—besides, the little one in his arms hadn’t noticed a thing, just stared curiously back, holding his plate.

Nevertheless, Amos was visibly annoyed, and couldn’t be bothered to explain, simply turning away with his baby. Rounding a corner, he pulled out a handkerchief to carefully wipe the cub’s cheek—cleaning off both any traces of the impromptu hello and the cream. He asked offhandedly, “Who smeared you with cream, Zao Zao?”

Zao Zao, still running slow, suddenly remembered his mission—his eyes lit up, gripped the plate, gurgling and giggling as he called out,

“Uncle—Uncle—Uncle—”

Any time Chu Zao called out with such glee, it was almost always for Feeney.

Good.

Amos flexed his fingers—finally, a target for his displeasure.

The next moment, his nose went cold—he looked down to see his baby giggling victoriously.

This little rascal had been carrying the cream-laden plate just to find Baba, to smear him right back.

Victorious, he squealed with laughter, wrapped his arms around Amos’s neck, and—knowing how to plan ahead—nuzzled closer with a soft, “Baba—Baba—”

Zao Zao just wanted to get cream on Baba’s face—how could he be blamed?

So sharp-eyed!

After the mischief, he instinctively blanked out with innocent charm.

Though his face was now streaked with cream, Amos couldn’t help but smile, booping the button nose, watching as the little one ducked shyly into the hollow of his neck.

He could only chide, sounding almost unhappy, “Remember that kid from just now? Keep away from him in the future.”

But this time, he got no reply.

Amos glanced down again—

The golden coronet had already dulled; Zao Zao, his mission complete and utterly content, had “powered off” without a second thought.

Soft baby hair tickled Amos’s cheek.

Amos paused for a moment, then helplessly adjusted the precious bundle in his arms and walked off to the side.

It’s all right—whatever he does, it’s all right—his infant still has so much time ahead, he can protect him for so, so long.

Though part of him selfishly wanted Zao Zao to stay his little baby forever, Crown Clan children grew up quickly—soon, he’d reveal his own strength, and no parent could interfere with that.

But that was fine, too.

With no one around, Amos finally bent down and kissed the top of his cub’s still milk-scented head, listening as the little one breathed softly and peacefully, without a care.

May Zao Zao always—always grow up healthy and happy.

*

#A Few Incidents When Zao Zao, at Age Three, Accidentally Fell into the Angel Realm on the Homeworld#

By the age of just over one, the little Crown Clan cub was already running wild everywhere, always getting into trouble with his adorable blankness, totally charming everyone.

By the time he turned three, he had already formed his own psionic weapon earlier than other Crown Clan cubs, showing exceptional talent in every way—his psychic power unusually strong, though different from orthodox Crown Clan power. Not that it mattered.

It was also worth mentioning that, over these three years, the Soul Clan and Crown Clan had grown ever closer. The Soul Clan cub now hovered about Chu Zao constantly—the two were fast friends.

In fact, the Crown Clan was doing all it could—hoping for another wave of little cubs as playmates.

It worked: three years later, another Crown Clan baby was almost due.

Chu Zao was about to become a big brother. He waited on the homeworld for two days, full of expectation. After his nap that day, the sound of flowing water appeared unexpectedly in his ears. When he opened his eyes, a bright green tree waved overhead. With a blue sky above, golden sunlight streamed through the leaves and fell in fragments across his eyes until he squinted.

Eh—?

He shot upright, staring around in confusion.

Where was this?

The trees above seemed to have a life of their own, swaying gently.

Beside him, the sound of gurgling water rose—Chu Zao thought he could hear faint howling therein.

“Quiet a bit, Angel Spring.”

Another voice sounded; the noise of the water softened, translucent veils rippling in the breeze, as a particularly gentle voice soothed.

“Don’t be scared, this is the Angel Realm corresponding to the Crown Clan. The Angel Spring Source Stone played a prank, pulling you from your homeworld to here. The way back is a bit perilous, but I’ve contacted your family—someone is coming to fetch you, little Crown cub. Still, I have to say—your coronet isn’t quite like the ones I know of.”

Eh?

Chu Zao looked up and saw, on the other side of the tree, a long-haired figure—golden tresses, so androgynous as to defy description—leaning against the trunk, white robes rippling. Above his head, branches wove a leafy crown; above that, a smooth silver halo floated, and from his back spread six wings.

His tone was warm, like a soft breeze, instantly calming the little one’s unease.

“Angel Realm?”

Chu Zao tilted his head, his babyish voice gentle, but with a smooth, logical tone as he hopped up nimbly.

“Isn’t this the stars?”

“This isn’t the stars, but another dimension parallel to them, we are the first barrier protecting that entire universe. We correspond to you Crown Clan; we are the Angel Clan. Over there is our city—see the sky, they’re all the little angels learning to channel power. Don’t worry—this place is all-embracing. We’ve always believed that everything in existence deserves gentle kindness.”

The archangel softly flapped his wings, landing beside the cub.

“You’re not frightened at all, landing so suddenly in a strange place.”

Chu Zao had hesitated for a moment, but now puffed out his chest with pride, his coronet flashing atop his head.

“That’s because Baba said so—Zao Zao is the mightiest little Crown!”

The archangel smiled, golden hair falling behind him, gentle as ever.

“I am Pur, archangel of the Angel Clan. And you, little Crown cub, what is your name?”

“Zao Zao,” Chu Zao answered, blinking honestly as he sensed this person’s aura, “Chu Zao Dwight.”

The archangel paused: “Chu…?”

With suspicion, he glanced at the Angel Spring Source Stone.

For, strictly speaking, ‘Chu’ was the surname reserved for archangels; among angels, only archangels used it.

The water from the Spring Stone, now overflowing as a small stream, nourished the realm. The source stone keened—insisting, this was their little angel—

Pur waved a hand, pushing the Spring Stone down—

Enough. That still isn’t a reason to randomly abduct a Crown cub. Still, at least some connection was established.

Suddenly, Pur turned aside and glanced away.

How quick—the family coming to fetch him had almost arrived.

He hadn’t even spoken yet when a little voice rang out earnestly: “Uncle! That’s not right.”

What?

Pur looked down at the cub.

The tiny one was looking up at him, wings unfurled, chin lifted. His smile was soft, but a different sort of pride burned in his bones.

“What if Zao Zao were a bad guy? You said you’re the first line of defense—but Baba always tells me, never trust anything blindly; you must always check for yourself! Baba says when he doesn’t bring candy, Zao Zao always investigates thoroughly—hmph, I always find a few pieces!”

The little one, grinning, mimed searching his pockets for contraband candy to show off.

No investigation, no right to speak; blind kindness didn’t always reap gratitude—sometimes, it only encouraged greed.

Pur couldn’t help but laugh.

Living with this little one must be fascinating.

“Indeed—”

Pur paused, golden eyes soft and bright, his voice even gentler.

“You’re right.”

He crouched down, touched Chu Zao’s little coronet; Chu Zao sensed a sudden surge of power infused within, and looked up, bewildered, just as Pur continued.

“But we’re not that naïve. Only if fooled by powers far mightier than our own—then, the outcome’s the same either way. But don’t worry; even if our bodies perish and our souls are trapped, the Angel Clan will always fight to the very last moment. This is my gift to you. How strange—a little Crown cub with angelic power; your weapon is a bow, right?”

Pur looked as Chu Zao instinctively raised a hand to touch his coronet, staring wide-eyed, backing away in shock, looking from archangel to coronet—Baba! He could *hold* his own “brain”!!!!

Pur smiled, remaining still. “Try it out once you’re home.”

His smile grew ever gentler. “It’s quite fun.”

Fun?

“All right, then—”

Pur rose to his feet.

Not far away was a ripple in the air; sword-shadows flickered, and a tall figure gradually came into focus.

“Little Zao Zao, your family is here to take you home.”

Amos had already swept the cub into his arms, casting a sharp glance all around before locking eyes with Pur.

“Hey there. Some credit’s due—even if he was born with a bit of angelic power, don’t be so intimidating.”

Pur was startled by Amos’s overwhelming spiritual power and retreated half a step, waving his hand.

“Born with borrowed angel power?”

Amos finally spoke.

“Yes, gold coronet—pretty obvious, isn’t it? Once he grows a little more, maybe a few extra wings. Don’t worry, it’s only going to make him stronger—and I boosted his angelic power, too. Friendly advice: if he fires a golden arrow when you’re home, best to steer clear.”

Chu Zao looked from Baba to Pur and back; as the homeworld called urgently, he was carried away, but not before calling out in astonishment, “Baba! He—he can grab my coronet!! Just like—huh? Why can I—”

A moment later, Amos’s voice came:

“…Zao Zao, let go.”

“Eh?!”

The little one blanked for a moment, then recovered quickly, calling out once more toward Pur:

“The candy—Zao Zao left it for you by the root—have some, OK?”

His voice faded into the distance.

The golden-haired archangel picked up the candy from the knobby root and held it in his hand.

At his ear, the Spring Source Stone still keened for its little angel.

“All right, that’s enough.”

Pur smiled, exasperated.

“But truly, what a delightful, fascinating child—makes you a little envious.”

He reached out and beckoned the other little angels waiting at the edge of the sky.

One after another, the angel children dove into his embrace.

“Archangel, archangel! Who was that just now? Is he a new angel? He’s so pretty! Why did he go? I wanted to play with him!”

“And me, and me—he was so adorable, so cool, jumped up like that, so amazing!”

“I could share the fruit I just picked with him!”

“And I have beautiful flowers—I can weave the best crowns for him!”

“All right, children, all right—your families will be here soon, so don’t crowd.” Pur held them all, smiling. “The Spring Source Stone will cry—let’s go cheer it up, shall we?”

The little angels flapped their wings and chirped, “Okay!”

Quickly, the Spring Source Stone, surrounded and comforted by their presence, had its waters flowing happily once more.

So cute, so lovely—there’s nothing like little ones.

With everything at peace, Pur refolded his wings and let his gold hair fly, eyes fixed on the horizon.

“Angel Spring, let’s invite him next time, shall we?” Pur said with a smile. “After all, he’s a little Crown cub who even took the archangel’s surname—and there’s so many playmates here for him.”

Could the Crown Clan manage it?

The baby angels chirped noisily, while off in the distance, their parents strolled nearer to collect their little ones.

Across the stars, among the few playmates his own age, Mu gave a mighty sneeze wherever he was.

Amos, meanwhile, was preparing to notify the Soul Clan about the Angel Realm—so they might find a solution for their spiritual power woes.

Then a small hand quietly reached for Amos’s coronet.

Amos didn’t lift his head: “Zao Zao.”

The hand quickly pulled away, and the wide eyes blinked. “Baba—Baba—”

Ever flexible and pure, Zao Zao simply hugged Amos’s neck with obedient sweetness, kissing his cheek—just a natural response, not deliberate coquettishness, but an instinctive, perfect perception of feeling: it just felt right in this moment.

Amos’s words stuck in his throat. He looked down at the little one—then, with a flick, withdrew his coronet, hearing the child’s regretful little sigh.

Then Zao Zao asked anxiously, “Baba, are my little brother or sister born yet? Did Zao Zao miss it?”

Amos pinched his cub’s cheek.

He said, “Not yet. Come on, baby—let’s go home.”

Little Chu Zao, his eyes curving with his smile, hugged his father’s neck tightly, nodding with all his might.

Mimicking softly in his baby’s voice:

“Go home.”

Home was always there.

-The End-