Chapter 15
A Lesson Learned
King Rufus felt a warmth spread through him, different from the gleam of gold. He realized Squeaky was right. Friends and shared joy were more valuable than any coin.
King Rufus stood, a lone figure amidst a sea of shimmering gold coins. The treasury, once a gaping cavern of glittering wealth, was now a vast, sparkling expanse, stretching out before him like a sun-drenched meadow. He had done it! Every single coin had been accounted for, sorted, and polished to a blinding gleam. But as he looked at the immense pile, a strange feeling began to bubble up inside him. It wasn't the usual triumphant thrill, but something softer, warmer. He looked over at Squeaky, perched on his shoulder, his tiny whiskers twitching with a knowing smile.
"You see, Your Majesty?" Squeaky chirped, his voice a gentle rustle of leaves. "The gold was never truly gone. It was just… misplaced by a very enthusiastic king."
Rufus chuckled, a rumbling sound that echoed in the cavernous space. He remembered now, the frenzied counting, the sheer joy of it all. He’d been so caught up in the rhythm of clink, clank, clink, that he’d simply… forgotten where he’d put it all. He’d been so busy hoarding, so focused on the gleam and glitter, that he’d overlooked the true sparkle.
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