Azra obliged to the Crown Prince's direct command. In a twinkle of an eye, he launched the engine of the motorboat. This private boat would be her magic carpet away from the dangerous land.

The dubious sounds undoubtedly coming from the inner chambers were getting nearer and louder. He was uncertain if it will do them harm or good. It's more favorable for Zoe to disappear as promptly as possible.

As luck would have it, Azra was quick enough to respond appropriately. They had been able to favorably escape a few precious seconds earlier before the suspicious person within the sacred cavern caught a glimpse of Raigon.

As soon as the tail of the boat vacate the distinct edges of the enchanted delve, Raigon readied himself to whoever it is that he is confronting.

His prominent forehead scrunched up and his pearly teeth gritted. He couldn't bear the absurd thought of a soul unlawfully entering the hidden tunnel.

It was only a pathway meant for the imperial household. No one can simply enter that concealed channel. Unless the royal family themselves permitted them. Or someone inevitably betrayed them.

He was anxiously hoping for the former as he narrowed his critical eyes to figure out who is approaching him.

At a snail's pace, a fragile woman advanced so as to approach him. Her grizzled hair was tied up in a bun. And she was wearing a long-sleeve moss green blouse with black slacks. Her head was inclined down as she was clutching gravely at her chest.

She was about to reach him, but she collapsed along the way.

In a flash of lightning, Raigon ran frantically toward her and leaned down to check on her. She was unconscious and lying helplessly on the ground.

He immediately examined her pulse and breathing. Her pulsation was rapid and fluctuating. But she was still exhaling air.

"She's alive!" Raigon drew in a deep, sharp breath.

"But who is this lady? And why is she here?' He contemplated as he gazed at her ghastly face. He was not acquainted with her.

He has no knowledge if she was from Terra or not. But she desperately needed crucial help at that time. He couldn't merely abandon her on this pothole alone. Or she will die!

At full speed, he picked her up and transferred her out of the hole, drawing closer to the Capital of Terra.

They were about to take off from the dark underpa.s.s and go into the broad daylight.

But first, he carefully verified if there were no residents outside. Fortunately, the local band of men who were there before he went inside left already.

He whistled a recognizable tune, fervently wis.h.i.+ng that his faithful horse could hear it wherever he is. He had commanded him to go before he entered the subterranean area. 

But surely, he will not come back to the royal stable unless he is with him.

He would just roam around the woodland until he ordered him back. That's how he disciplined him when he was still little.

He whistled a few more times until his loyal horse galloped out of the mighty trees and into his beloved master's local vicinity.

The mysterious lady was yet senseless, so he lifted her up first before he saddled himself. With a swift move, he wisely directed the talented steed to tread toward the private residence of Gao Zemin.

Gao Zemin was a former aristocratic physician, but the royal Council banned him years ago. Raigon was not completely aware of the key reason. 

But he was dear to him when he was young. And he was one of the few notable people that he sincerely trusted in the Castle then.

He cannot bring this lady to the Castle and ask the n.o.ble physicians to treat her. They might consider her as a potential intruder to the uncharted land.

Raigon pierced through the undeveloped forest and into the gra.s.sy fields. The lost woman was still motionless in his philanthropic arms.

Fortunately, no one was nearby to devote particular attention to them. Because it is very alarming to see the gallant Crowned Prince with an anonymous stranger who was on the brink of imminent death.

Because of Raigon's abrupt actions, they were capable to instantaneously reach the specific area in less than a precious hour.

His desolate house is also hidden within the petrified woods. Consequently, it is not burdensome for him even if he fastened his stallion at the front of his lodge.

He again had gazed at the woman before he went down from the mare. Her eyes were even closed, and she was nevertheless paralyzed. Her face was getting pale, and her hands were running cold.

He instantly a.s.sisted her down and laid her on a broad table at the right side of the ramshackle shelter.

Knock! Knock!

Knock! Knock!

He knocked on the gate with rapid thrusting movements.

'Please open the door.' He muttered grimly, secretly pleading that Gao Zemin was behind that dingy door.

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There is no such thing as an accident. It is fate misnamed. - Napoleon Bonaparte

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