Love Across Kingdoms

The Sweet Potato Problem

The selection process was becoming more challenging day by day. A new challenge had been set for Kristine and Penelope in the ongoing competition. Tuleria's sweet potato farms were producing in abundance, but the problem was that people no longer wanted to include sweet potatoes in their diets. 

The result? Massive wastage of the crop. Now, it was up to Kristine and Penelope to find a solution to the growing issue.

Kristine sat in the palace library, staring at reports that gave information about the alarming amount of sweet potato waste. Lee and Claude joined her, each offering their support.

"We need to think beyond the obvious," Claude said, leaning over the table. "The people don't see sweet potatoes as valuable anymore. We need to show them why it's still important."

Lee joined in. "And we can't just make this about tradition. If we want people to care, we have to find a new way for them to use sweet potatoes that feels relevant to their lives."

Kristine thought for a moment, a plan forming in her mind. "What if we can show the people that sweet potatoes aren't just another ingredient, but something that can be unique and exciting? Something that brings families together or helps during the hard winter months?"

Claude smiled. "That's exactly the spirit we need. The key is to make it personal so they can relate to it."

Meanwhile, with her connections and status, Penelope had already begun her campaign, relying on her influence over nobles and socialites. She spread the word about new policies to cut sweet potato wastage, mostly through her father's relations with the neighboring countries. Her solution was cold and efficient, but it wasn't connecting with the common folk.

Kristine, however, had something else in mind. She visited local kitchens, speaking directly to mothers, grandmothers, and market vendors. 

With the help of Claude and Lee, she organized public events in village squares and set up cooking demonstrations. She showed the people new ways to use sweet potatoes—innovative recipes for sweet potato bread, soups, and even desserts.

Children crowded around, eager to taste the sweet potato salad that Kristine had helped make. The village bakeries were flooded with orders for the new sweet potato dishes, and soon enough, word spread. 

Her approach was different—it wasn't just about saving sweet potatoes; it was about making them a part of people's everyday lives again.

At the grand reveal in the capital, Penelope stood confidently before the crowd, boasting about her solution to export the excess sweet potatoes and cut wastage from the source. She looked out into the crowd of nobles, confident in her victory.

But when it was Kristine's turn to present, something magical happened. The common people, mothers, children, and farmers, filled the streets. They cheered for Kristine, holding baskets filled with their new sweet potato dishes. The enthusiasm and warmth of their support made Kristine feel confident. 

Even the king and queen who had attended the event were impressed. "Kristine's approach isn't just efficient," the queen said softly. "It's filled with heart."

Seeing Kristine's success, Penelope's face darkened. She had never felt so threatened before. 

Penelope's smile faltered as she watched Claude and Lee congratulate Kristine. Her confidence wavered, especially as Claude, whom she had tried so hard to charm, walked past her without a word to congratulate Kristine.

Anger flared within Penelope. For the first time, she felt truly threatened. 

PENELOPE'S POV:

Penelope paces across the room, her expression tight with frustration. Her father, Minister Gupta, enters, noticing her agitation.

(MR GUPTA)

"You're troubled, Penelope. What is it?"Penelope's voice was sharp. "I've done everything right, Father. I've used my connections, I've strategized, and I've made sure that our plan would be the most efficient. And yet...""And yet?"

Filled with frustration, she says, "Kristine. She's winning the people over with her little cooking demonstrations, as if sweet potato bread is going to solve the kingdom's problems. She's making them love her, while I'm left with cold numbers and policies."

Her voice begins to tremble. "I've always been the one who understands how things work in Tuleria. I've always been the one in control. But now... they're starting to look at her, Father. Claude, the people, even the queen. All of them are starting to see her as the solution.""I don't understand it. She's... not even from here anymore. I've spent my whole life preparing for this, and yet she comes back and... suddenly, she's the one they adore. Claude didn't even look at me after the presentation today."

Penelope looks up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of doubt and determination. She coldly says, "You're right. I can't let her win. The people's love can be hers, but the court's loyalty... that's where I'll secure my victory. Kristine may have her moment now, but I'll remind them who truly understands what's best for Tuleria."She straightens her dress, standing up with a sharp glare in her eyes. 

 "I will make sure she regrets ever coming back to Tuleria," she says coldly. 

Kristine's success had rattled her to the core. As she watched the warmth and affection directed toward Kristine, a dark idea began to form in Penelope's mind—one that would shake Kristine to her core in the days to come.