The Kingdom's Pharaoh was generous. Once Princess said what was required, he waved his hand grandly and allowed not only the ministers' sons, but even the young guards in the palace, to move freely through all but a few restricted halls, searching for something that could make Princess smile.
Princess had put it this way: "Do you want me and my wealth? If you do, you can have it all. Go and search! The thing that can make me smile is hidden somewhere in this palace!"
"Roar! Search! Let's go!"
And so, the palace erupted into a scene of liveliness it seemed not to have seen in decades.
The Kingdom's Pharaoh seemed happier than he had been in years. He let the young men turn his palace upside down while he drank merrily with the ministers, watching the young warriors repeatedly carry all sorts of things into Princess's loft, only to come back down in dejection.
"Oh, that looks like the general's son. He failed too? I actually rather like his bravery."
The Kingdom's Pharaoh commented from time to time... As for whether the fathers of the sons being commented on were pleased, that was anyone's guess.
The farce continued... until the moon was high overhead.
Just then, a guard came hurrying over and announced before the Kingdom's Pharaoh and the ministers, "The High Priest has returned! He'll be here shortly!"
"The High Priest?" The Kingdom's Pharaoh was startled, then rose and laughed heartily. "This really is a good day!"
Unlike the Kingdom's Pharaoh, who was delighted, the ministers were secretly alarmed—they knew about Princess Yamalana's other identity... the Saintess of the temple.
Although the temple did not forbid the Saintess from marrying... the High Priest's appearance at this time seemed to signify something.
After all, the former Queen, Princess