The king, a figure of authority draped in resplendent robes, inclined his regal head ever so slightly and addressed the gathered assembly. "I find myself quite taken with what you have presented today. Now, tell me, noble traveler, what is it that you seek from me?" His voice resonated with a commanding yet warm authority that captured the attention of everyone in the grand hall.
The first traveler took a deep breath, steeling himself, and replied with fervor, "My gracious king, if it pleases you, I respectfully request your permission to trade these exquisite garments within your illustrious kingdom." A moment's pause hung in the air, thick with anticipation, until the king waved his hand in a gentle arc and granted his decree firmly, "You have my permission."
A wave of relief washed over the traveler, and with a deep bow, he muttered, "Long live my king, long live my king!" As he bowed deeply, he gracefully retreated, moving backwards with the utmost respect, ensuring that he never turned his back on the sovereign.
Wow, i wish i could ask him for his daughter and his kingdom by gifting him just a shawl. I bet he would be damn happy thought Veer
It was then that the second traveler came forth, summoned by a subtle signal from the mahamantri, a figure of immense respect in the royal court. He mirrored the first traveler's gesture, bowing his head low before addressing the king, "Your majesty, I stand before you with offerings of exquisite jewelry, crafted for your queens and princesses, whose beauty transcends comparison — it is like the endless sky itself."
With anticipation building in the air, he slowly opened a chest that seemed carved from dreams. Within it lay treasures that shimmered under the flickering torchlight, casting a divine glow around the room. As the light danced upon the jewels, a soft gasp rose from the courtiers, their astonishment palpable. It became evident to all present that these were no ordinary pieces of jewelry.
"This collection, Your Majesty," the traveler continued with fervor, "is not simply fashioned from mere metal and stone — these are fragments of our homeland's very soul, born from the masterful hands of Saurashtra's most skilled goldsmiths. It is said their craftsmanship is touched by the divine, guided by Vishwakarma himself."
Would you look at that, the way he is praising his own product i can say he even tell his wife that this whole world is a gift to him from god.
The traveller raised a stunning kundan necklace, its gold so delicately hammered that it appeared to sway like the finest silk. "Behold this necklace! Its uncut rubies and emeralds nestle in silver settings as if the moon is embracing the stars. Legend has it that it was commissioned for the daughter of a Jain prince, who chose the life of renunciation, leaving this breathtaking adornment unworn."
With reverence, he carefully lifted the piece before presenting it to the king's discerning gaze. "Next, we have this anklet, Your Majesty," he said, his voice a whisper of awe. "Its bells are meticulously shaped like lotus seeds, each containing a thin slice of Navsari silver, cooled in sacred waters before being cast. It sings with each step, designed for the elegant dance floors of queens, not the chaos of battle."
He is basically saying that he want the queens to wear this and dance around you
He proceeded to place a magnificent pair of bangles beside the anklet, their design thick and twisting like serpents. "These bangles," he explained, "were forged in Bhavnagar, their surfaces inlaid with crushed turquoise and glimmering diamonds from the Cambay coast. Each serpent's eye is a speck of black sapphire, believed to be a protective talisman guarding their wearers against misfortune."
Finally, with an air of ceremony, he unveiled a spectacular piece intended for the royal lineage — a tilak crest, elegantly shaped like the rising sun and mounted upon a golden diadem. "At its heart," he proclaimed, "is a deep red spinel sourced from the Rann, said to carry divine blessings for sons yet unborn."
As the beauty of the royal court enveloped me, I felt a pang of longing for the exquisite gifts presented before the king. A sense of inadequacy washed over me, for I bore no splendid offerings to display. But rather than burdening the princess with my plight, I resolved to create something of my own — a refreshing summer drink, crafted from plants known for their cooling effects, to replenish spirits under the fierce sun.
The procession of travelers continued, each taking their turn to present gifts to the king, and soon it was my moment to step forward. As I approached the steps leading up to the king's throne, all eyes fell upon me, and I sensed a flurry of whispers ripple through the crowd, curious about the one who brought nothing but words. But i ignored them as my eyes were set on my princess as she was looking at me quite intriguingly.
With a deep bow to the king, I mustered my courage and said, "O Rajadhiraj, Lion of the Eastern Gate, Protector of Dharma and Lord of the Seven Hills, I stand before you not as a merchant filled with riches, but as a humble soul seeking your grace. All I possess now is a flicker of hope that you would provide me with the means to carve out a livelihood for myself and grant me permission to open a shop within your magnificent kingdom."
Listening intently to my plea, the king leaned forward, concern etching his features. "What misfortune has befallen you, boy?" he inquired gently. Let the greatest emotional acting shall begin.
"My king," I responded, my voice quaking with emotion, "my hometown was devastated by a great flood, leaving me with nothing. With no choice left, I embarked on this journey, seeking aid from you, for I was told that you, more than anyone else, have the power to help the downtrodden."
"And your attire?" the king probed further.
I hesitated, heart racing, secretly hoping he would not delve deeper into my past hardships. "I was attacked by bandits," I murmured, "robbed and beaten, left with nothing but the clothes on my back."
So just give me everything you have including princess, laughed Veer in his thoughts.