The Hero's Forsaken Princess
Chapter 171: The Miracle Fruit

Chapter 171: The Miracle Fruit

Princess Eve finally left Zephyra’s capital together with Gideon and Alucard’s army.

"Gideon, I have a request. You march ahead with Zephyra’s army. I have to go somewhere," Princess Eve said upon entering the carriage.

"I will have to borrow your horse."

Gideon frowned at her remarks. "I can’t leave you. I have to stick with you as your guard."

Eve shook her head. "We should go per batch. You should lead the Zephyra’s army while Captain Alucard will march with his men. The two armies can’t be together."

"How about you? Where are you going?" Gideon asked her.

"I received a letter from Prince Cassian. He would like to see me. I’m going to meet him then follow you. Don’t worry. I will be able to catch up."

"Are you sure about this?" Gideon was reluctant to leave her alone.

"Don’t worry. Aerin is with me. With her ability, we can easily catch up with your group. She will also serve as my protector." Eve was referring to the mystical fox.

Hearing her words, Gideon had no choice but to follow her instruction. He should trust her judgment.

"Alright. I will be waiting for you at Averion’s border."

Eve gave him a grateful look. She grabbed his hand and smiled meaningfully before releasing it.

"You go ahead."

The two went separate ways. As Eve watched Gideon and the army leave the capital, Prince Cassian approached her from behind.

"Princess Evelina," he called out softly.

She turned around only to see Prince Cassian and Sylvana standing side by side. Eve greeted them with a warm smile.

"I’m glad you managed to rescue Sylvana. But I’m sorry for your loss. Four brave warriors lost their lives." Eve expressed her sympathy for the Eldara’s warriors who were executed by King Zaraki.

"Thank you, Princess Evelina. Chancellor Igrin will receive the punishment he deserves once we return to Kingdom Eldara," Prince Cassian said with certainty.

"Princess Eve, did we disturb you? Honestly, we didn’t expect you to stay behind. The Zephyra’s army is now on their way to Kingdom Averion. Aren’t you supposed to be with them?" Sylvana butted in.

Eve smiled faintly. "I will join them in a few days."

"Come. Let’s talk inside the tavern." Prince Cassian escorted her.

The three of them settled inside, choosing an isolated spot. They could talk while Captain Avan and Enox were standing on guard.

"I heard about Alaric’s situation. I want to offer some help," Prince Cassian said without beating around the bush. "Can you do me a favor once I succeed in finding Alaric’s cure?"

Eve’s eyes sparkled in delight upon hearing that. "Can you really find a cure?"

Prince Cassian bobbed his head frantically.

"In our kingdom, there is a legend about a miracle fruit that can cure all kinds of diseases. It might be effective in neutralizing the effect of poison in Alaric’s body. I will help you find the miracle fruit. Sylvana and I will do everything to get it."

Eve was at a loss for words. ’Miracle fruit. Right! I remember. I read it in my mother’s medicinal book. This miracle fruit truly exists. Why did I forget about it?’

"I will return the favor, Crown Prince Cassian. I will definitely fulfill your request in exchange for the miracle fruit. Please help me acquire it." Prince Eve grabbed his hand as she looked at him pleadingly.

"Yes. Today, we will go back to Kingdom Eldara. I will use all my resources to find the miracle fruit. Just wait for me." Prince Cassian reassured Eve.

"Thank you for your help, Prince Cassian, Lady Sylvana. I will wait for you. I will compensate you."

Sylvana and Prince Cassian were satisfied with the result of their conversation with Princess Eve. This will be their chance to let her join their sides. Princess Eve will protect Kingdom Eldara in exchange for the miracle fruit. She won’t attack them for sure.

After talking to Crown Prince Cassian and Sylvana, Eve bade them goodbye. She left the capital together with Aerin, the mystical fox.

"My Queen, where are we going now?" Aerin asked her. Eve was riding her back.

"Let’s visit my friend. Zephyr is waiting for us. There is an underground dungeon near us. Let’s go there first before following Gideon and the army."

Aerin obediently followed her instructions. She ran as fast as she could until they reached the underground dungeon.

"My Queen, how are we going to enter this golden gate? The door is sealed. Do you have the key?"

Eve bobbed her head in response. King Zaraki returned the jade pendant, the key to the golden gate.

She opened the golden gate and entered the dungeon with Aerin.

"My Queen, I can feel a powerful aura inside. What kind of beast is this Zephyr?" she asked her curiously.

"Zephyr is a mighty dragon," she promptly responded.

Aerin instinctively stopped on her track upon hearing her last word.

"A d-dragon..." Aerin looked a little bit scared.

Eve crouched down and stroked Aerin’s head to comfort her. "Don’t be afraid. Zephyr is a good dragon. He won’t hurt us."

"I believe you, my queen." Aerin continued walking while staying on high alert.

The dungeon was dark and cold. She didn’t know if a beast would suddenly show up from out of nowhere. Who knows if there are other creatures living in this dungeon aside from the stone dragon?

It did not take long before they reached the deeper part of the dungeon.

Aerin howled as soon as she met the dragon’s huge figure, standing before them.

’Holy shit! This creature is so huge! I feel like I am an ant standing before a mountain.’ Aerin thought inwardly as her eyes admired the mighty dragon in front of them.

"Princess Eve, you are finally back!" Zephyr’s deep voice echoed inside the dungeon. He brought his head close to Eve, letting her touch his face.

"It’s good to see you again, Zephyr. As I promised, I came here together with Aerin. I’d like you to meet my friend. She is a mystical fox."

Aerin bowed her head, not looking up. "It’s my honor to see you, Elder Dragon Zephyr."

Zephyr’s onyx eyes lit up as he watched the beautiful white fox.

"I’m glad to see you, Aerin. You are such a beautiful, mystical fox. I love your soft white furs." Zephyr didn’t show any dominance. He didn’t want to intimidate the mystical fox. He could feel that the fox was a little bit nervous in front of him.

The tension went down in an instant when Zephyr praised Aerin for her beautiful white furs. The mystical fox didn’t expect to receive a compliment from a mighty dragon.

The majority of the dragons would often look down on small creatures and beasts, flaunting their dominance and power. But Zephyr was different. He was friendly and approachable to a small creature like her.

"I’m so flattered because of your kind words, mighty dragon, Zephyr. But I am nothing compared to you. You are the epitome of power and might... worthy to be worshiped by small creatures like me."

Zephyr could only laugh, feeling happy to interact with the mystical fox. Eve was satisfied to see them getting along really well.

"So, Princess Eve... I know you are here to ask me something. Do you need my help?" Zephyr was direct to the point. Because of their bond, he could feel her emotions. If she would allow him, Zephyr could even hear and read what was on Eve’s mind.

"Yes, Zephyr. It’s time to move. You have to leave this dungeon for a while. Come with us." Eve said, gently stroking the dragon’s face.

"I would love that," Zephyr responded in his elated voice.

"Where are we going?" he kneeled, gesturing for Aerin and Eve to climb on his back.

"Kingdom Averion," Eve promptly responded.

*****

Two weeks later...

Caleb and his comrades finally arrived at Averion’s border. General Artemis welcomed them at the border gate.

"Caleb, you are back." General Artemis approached him, holding his shoulders. He could see the disappointment and regret in Caleb’s eyes.

"Forgive me, General. I failed to bring back Alaric." Caleb lowered his gaze.

His grip on his shoulders tightened. "Don’t blame yourself. Everything will be fine."

"Forget about the things you failed to do. You have to focus on what you need to do now," General Artemis added, trying to console him.

Caleb nodded. "Before leaving Zephyra, I received a command from Princess Eve."

General Artemis was taken aback.

"Is she alright?" There was a hint of worry in his voice.

"Yes. King Zaraki won’t kill her for now. Gideon is also protecting her."

"Who is Gideon?" General Artemis asked in puzzlement.

"The black hunter. He is Chancellor Gustav’s son. He is trying to protect Princess Eve... and General Alaric," Caleb responded.

General Artemis felt relieved because of that. "Alright. Now, get ready to lead the 5th Battalion. They need you now. Knight Commander Sera is waiting for your return."