152 INCREASING WORKFORCE

The young physicians peeked outside and stared jaws open at the fearless action of the trio.

Raigon then talked to them. 

"I know you are worried for your own health and your families'. That is why I am giving you a choice. You can escape now and bear the guilt of leaving these poor people to die. Or stay and help them survive. For me, I choose to stay. And whoever chose to do the same, come with me."

The young physicians looked at one another. Being given a choice meant that they will not die by disobeying the Crowned Prince's order. It's only between them and their conscience.

"Forgive me, your Highness."

One stood up and left. And then another one. And then another one. 

Raigon's lips pressed tightly and he rubbed his neck in disappointment. 

He was expecting everybody to leave. But to his surprise, there were three that stood up and bowed to him. 

"We are at Your command, your Highness."

It would be better if they would all be left behind. Still, a few are better than none. 

Raigon's countenance lifted up as he explained to them what Zoe instructed.

"Is she really a physician? I have never seen her before, your Highness." 

One of them furrowed his eyebrows as Zoe checked on one patient.

Raigon commented on it. "Even if she's not, she's trying her best to save the lives of these people. It is what a real physician should be concerned about and not to check the authenticity of a person's profession."

As soon as they reached Zoe, Raigon bowed to her, and so did the young physicians.

Zoe gave him a confused look. Raigon introduced them to her and vice versa.

"These are the physicians of Xianhai province. They are at your disposal."

All the physicians bowed at Zoe. 

Zoe's eyes widened in what she was seeing and stood up. "No, no, no. There's no need for formality. We are in here as a team."

She then glanced around and pointed to one patient. "Here. She has a blue cloth on her arm. Maybe you can help bring all the people with the blue and pink to one house and treat them with your intervention."

She smiled at them, reflecting her respect to their tradition. 

All the physicians exhibited a pleasant response as they immediately went on their way to check on those with blue and pink pieces of clothes.

At first they were apprehensive about her, but seeing that she will not boss them around and they can still use their known method, their apprehensions were somehow relieved.

"I know a place nearby where we can bring them!" One of them exclaimed. 

They all went and grabbed the stretchers and started to transfer the patients there.

Zoe wiped the perspiration that formed on her forehead with the sleeves of her Hanfu dressed and smiled inside the mask.

"Much needed." She thought out loud, unaware that Raigon was at her back.

Raigon thrusted his chest and leaned toward Zoe. "You don't have to work so hard now that you have more people with you."

Zoe made a curtsy bow. "Your kindness to your citizens is exemplary, your Highness."

Raigon made a thrifty smile and bowed as he left to check on the other patients.

But deep inside of him, that compliment is enough to heal his broken heart.

Even though he was the designated destined King, he still longed for the trust of the Terrans.

He didn't want to rule them with fear and terror. But he wanted them to submit because of their love and loyalty to him, just like King Artair.

"Maybe it is true that I am incompetent and I have a long way to go. But I am willing to learn."

He lifted his chin and helped the young physicians in transferring the patients to the improvised clinic. 

Meanwhile, Zoe gazed at Raigon as she rested for a minute after her exhaustive efforts to revive the dying patients. 

He supported the young physicians and even held the patient's hand as he encouraged them to hold on and fight for their lives. 

"He has a big heart." 

She drew in a deep breath in admiration and went back on treating the people around her. 

It didn't take her long since Xianhai is just a small piece of land in Terra. 

After she was finished, she then went to Azra and Erin. They were also making a last check on the scene to make sure if anyone escaped their notice.

"Do we have many patients with the beige cloth?" Zoe asked them.

"Not really. We have probably 20 people. Why?" It was Erin who answered.

Zoe nodded and brushed her hair to her side.

"I think that's a great number. They are well and good, am I right?"

"Yes, milady. They do not exhibit signs of the disease. They can comprehend and converse well."

Azra bowed to her.

"I see. I see. Erin, I need your smooth talking abilities now. Can you encourage these people to help us treat other patients as well? We need to increase our workforce as much as we can so we can decrease the number of casualties in a quick span of time."

"Of course! Leave that to me." Erin beamed and pulled Azra to accompany her. 

Zoe waved her hand giving them her benediction. "Help her shut her mouth when needed be."

She pleaded Azra which made him smile in the midst of chaos.

He knew what she was talking about. 

Meanwhile, she went to the house where the young physicians are.

To her astonishment, they were drawing on a piece of paper and putting them on the patients. And it was only Raigon who was trying to give them water.

"Greetings, Lady Asha. Do you also want one?"

They pointed their hands on Raigon who pulled out his Hanfu robe and showed the piece of paper pasted on his back.

Zoe placed the palm of her hand in her forehead in disbelief.

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Alone we can do so little. 

Together we can do so much.