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On a sunny day in the Kingdom of Wamako, my father, the king, declared his desire to meet with the three princes of the kingdom. Without delay, we all hurried outside to gather and listen to the king's words.
I stood as the youngest prince among my three brothers. Our father, the king, had declared that the throne would be bestowed to the one who could retrieve the most valuable treasure in the kingdom.
Prince Zuri, my elder brother, was known for his intellect and wisdom, greatly admired by all due to his handsome appearance and knowledge. Prince Zama, the second born, possessed unmatched courage and strength, earning the love of the entire kingdom. As for me, Mawa, the youngest, I was somewhat timid and lazy, but I had a compassionate heart and a talent for connecting with people.
With ambitious hearts, we embarked on separate quests to find the most precious treasure in the kingdom. Prince Zuri delved into the library in search of scrolls and books to bring wisdom to the kingdom. Prince Zama sought gold, silver, and diamond to bring wealth.
As for me, I wandered, unsure of what would truly be valuable to the kingdom. I roamed the forest, observing nature and gathering ginseng root. Along my path, I encountered an elderly woman struggling to collect firewood for her herb cooking. Though she appeared frightening, I couldn't abandon her. I helped her carry the firewood, and she expressed her gratitude.
Upon our return to the palace, my elder brother presented his newfound wisdom, while the second presented diamonds from a deep mountain. I humbly offered the ginseng root. Though I felt unworthy of the throne, my heart wasn't set on it.
With a smile blooming on his cheeks, my father bestowed his blessings upon each and every one of us. However, as he was on the brink of proclaiming the new king for our realm, blood started gushing out of his mouth, everyone in the palace were surprised and worried, different magicians, physicians, were called but they could not find solution to the blood that was gushing out of my father's mouth.
I was devastated and worried; tears streamed down my face. Meanwhile, my elder brother was agitated and he urged my father to announce the new king. Filled with concern, I exclaimed, "Why are you troubling father? Can't you see he's not in a condition to announce the new king? Please leave him be."
My second brother retorted, "You must be insane. Can't you see that he's dying? His death can do us no good. He should just announce the new king."
Deeply unsettled by my brothers' words and worried about my father's condition, a memory resurfaced: the sacred leaf given to me by the woman I'd assisted in carrying firewood. She had said, "Thank you for helping me. You were initially hesitant, but your love for humanity compelled you to assist me. I don't have a gift to give you, but I'll give you my sacred leaf, which can cure any diseases in the kingdom."
Suddenly, I recalled the sacred leaf. I hurriedly reached into my bag, retrieved the leaf, squeezed its juice, and administered it to my father. Miraculously, he began to awaken from his illness.
The entire kingdom rejoiced as their king was finally restored to health and vitality.
My brothers were finally Happy that my father would announce one of them has prince.
The following day my father proclaimed,
"There exists no greater treasure than a deep love for humanity. Our kingdom needs a ruler who can forge connections with the people, showing kindness and compassion. My son, Prince Mawa, demonstrated his concern for me during my illness, prioritizing my well-being over the throne. I observed his genuine rapport with every member of the kingdom, his dedicated assistance to those in need. He embodies the treasure our realm truly requires – more valuable than diamonds or ancient scrolls. Mawa is the answer."
Before I could even open my eyes, a crown was carefully positioned on my head, and a regal robe adorned my body. These symbolic gestures marked my ascension as the crown prince. In contrast, my other brothers departed in disappointment.
As my father found his eternal rest, I awaited the moment when I would ascend the throne, ready to showcase my unwavering love for the kingdom and its people.