Edmund's Robe: Gift of Reflection🔊

Once upon a time, in a small, obscure town known as Calendula, lived a humble tailor called Edmund. Edmund was no ordinary tailor; he possessed the rare ability to craft robes that could confer upon their wearer unique traits such as courage, wisdom, or empathy. But, Edmund vowed never to misuse this magical talent. He decided to only create robes upon the sincere request of honest individuals. His reputation spread across the far-flung corners, and and soon Calendula wasn't as obscure as it used to be.

At the same time, in the massive kingdom of Vallenger, ruled a despotic king named Henric. King Henric was well known, or rather infamous, for his cruel and selfish deeds. Driven by obstinacy and greed, Henric's thirst for power was never-ending.

One day, he heard whispers of a tailor who could create magical robes that could bestow unique attributes. Intrigued, he sent his loyal servant, Roderick, to the town of Calendula to investigate the rumors. Roderick arrived and immediately asked Edmund for the most powerful robe. Edmund, being a wise man, saw through his intentions and refused him, warning that the robes should never be worn for malevolent purposes.

Angered and insulted, Roderick returned to King Henric, relaying Edmund's refusal. Consumed by his desire for power, Henric commanded his vast army to invade the small town of Calendula. When the army arrived at Edmund's door, the townsfolk were terrified and pleaded with Edmund to surrender his craft.

Stoically, Edmund stood his ground. He proposed a deal; he would craft a robe for Henric, only if he could present it to him personally. Henric saw an opportunity to turn the tides in his favor and agreed. Edmund worked tirelessly, his old hands moving deftly across the richly patterned fabric with a quiet, determined concentration. At last, he emerged with a robe of extraordinary beauty, colored blood red, woven with strands of gold and silver.

Edmund travelled to Vallenger and stood before King Henric, offering him the robe. Blinded by his greed, Henric grabbed the robe from Edmund's hand and hastily shoved himself into it. Edmund cautioned, 'Remember, King Henric. The robe doesn't make the wearer powerful or wise. It is the wearer's heart and intentions that can harness the robe's real magic.'

Dismissing Edmund’s profound words flippantly, the King wore his new acquisition with an arrogant smirk, hoping for an instant surge of power. Instead, he felt claustrophobic, squeezed in a vice; he spiraled into a never-ending abyss of his cruel actions and insatiable desires. He could see the pain his rule had inflicted on his subjects.

Edmund’s robe did not empower King Henric; it reflected his authentic self to him. Henric was stunned and terrified. The room filled with pin-drop silence, the boastful arrogance vapored, replaced with deafening remorse.

In the days that followed, Henric changed dramatically. He became more considerate, ruling his kingdom judiciously, driven by compassion rather than avarice. The story of Edmund, the tailor, and his magical robes continued to echo in everyone's heart, reminding them that real power does not stem from authority or idols but from within one's self.

Edmund’s selfless deed taught King Henric, even his kingdom, of truthfulness, humility, that power doesn’t come by enforcing but by introspection and compassion.