The Land of Phaleno: The Princess's Rebirth (Book I)

Chapter Twelve: "The Temptation of Greed: The King's Command"

On the far side of the palace lay a chamber held in the highest regard by all who served within its walls: the King's study. A grand chamber it was, adorned with a majestic throne and surrounded by exquisite paintings that depicted the history and glory of the realm.

This sanctum was guarded vigilantly by the palace guards, ensuring that only those deemed worthy of the King's trust could enter. Even the Princess and Queen were required to announce their presence before gaining admittance, a testament to the stringent security and privacy maintained within.

Among the most trusted of these individuals was a man named Kame, the King's counselor in his forties. His neatly styled silver hair contrasted sharply with his dark, well-groomed beard. His deep-set eyes, creased at the corners, hinted at years of wisdom. Clad in an elegant dark robe embroidered with fine gold thread, he bore the unmistakable air of a man of high standing. His posture was slightly stooped.

Kame played an indispensable role as the King's advisor, ever at his side. He assisted the King in all matters, from the most trivial to the most profound, and even managed the King's entire schedule. The King's trust in Kame exceeded that which he placed in the Queen or Princess.

With hurried steps, Kame made his way towards the King's study. His robe, not entirely in order, billowed slightly behind him as he moved, betraying a certain haste.

As he approached the chamber door, the two uniformed guards standing on either side looked up in slight surprise at Kame's speed and agitation. Without a word, Kame rapped sharply upon the door.

The King sat upon a grand, black leather chair behind his expansive desk, which was strewn with various documents. With an arrogant expression, he gazed out of the grand window behind him, taking in the picturesque palace gardens.

In a voice that echoed through the grand chamber, Kame said, "Your Majesty, I have come as you commanded." He awaited the King's response with patience.

The King slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed upon Kame. Then, in a sudden, startling motion, King Lucensis raised his right hand, revealing a colorless diamond that sparkled with flawless clarity, both internally and externally. His hand trembled with a power that seemed to radiate authority. In an instant, the King tossed the diamond.

The diamond arced through the air in a shimmering path, its facets reflecting a dazzling spectrum of colors as it spun at a moderate pace. Each angle caught the light, casting a blinding brilliance. With a soft thud, it landed on the desk, rolling and leaving a trail of sparkling light in its wake.

Finally, after a few dramatic seconds of spinning, the diamond came to rest directly in front of Kame, its beauty seemingly oblivious to all else around it.

The King appeared utterly relaxed, occasionally glancing at the pocket watch resting on his desk. With a dismissive look, he propped one foot upon his desk, adorned with a gleaming shoe that spoke of his wealth.

"June North, a renowned porcelain merchant, once purchased this 112-carat diamond, known as the world's first most expensive diamond. It is believed to have originated from the same mine in the isolated region once protected by the late King Cananga," King Lucensis stated.

Kame bowed to retrieve the diamond, examining it briefly before meeting the King's gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty, I am aware of this. What is it you require of me?" he inquired.

King Lucensis fixed Kame with a piercing stare. "I want you to reopen that diamond mine for me!" he commanded.

Kame sighed deeply, aware of the complexity of such a request. "That isolated region is protected by royal decree, Your Majesty. Any miner would be subject to the royal law concerning the prevention and protection of state assets."