The Stone of Benevolence🔊

Once upon a time in a city called Morain, known for its exotic fruits and handcrafted goods, lived a renowned merchant named Wilhelm. Wilhelm wasn't just an ordinary merchant; he was known for his wise decisions, stunning merchandise, and a heart full of kindness. However, Wilhelm guarded a secret. An heirloom of sorts passed down from generation to generation — the Stone of Benevolence — a mystical stone renowned for it's magical powers of bringing prosperity.

Having been gifted by the benevolent enchantress Riala to his ancestors, the Stone of Benevolence was said to bring happiness, wealth, and prosperity to anyone who held a selfless heart. As one of Morain's wealthiest inhabitants, Wilhelm wasn't looked upon for his wealth but for his charitable actions that were manifestations of the Stone's magic.

On the city’s highlands lived Marlow, an envious, malicious schemer, who desired prosperity but had nothing but cruelty in his heart. As the stories of the Stone of Benevolence reached Marlow, his corrupt heart yearned for it. He began forming a scheme to snatch the stone from Wilhelm.

Marlow invited Wilhelm to an extravagant feast under the pretense of discussing a business endeavor. Wilhelm, oblivious of Marlow’s wicked intentions, cordially accepted the invitation. During the evening, Marlow laced Wilhelm’s wine and seized the opportunity to steal the Stone of Benevolence from the unsuspecting merchant.

Marlow, in his delusion, assumed the Stone would elevate his wealth. But, he was mistaken. The Stone, instead, withdraw the minimal prosperity Marlow had, sinking him into depths of poverty. Marlow was baffled and envious more than ever. He soon realized that it was not the Stone, but the pure-hearted owner the Stone chose.

In the meanwhile, Wilhelm went into a state of despair. He believed he had let down his ancestors by losing the Stone of Benevolence. However, in the ensuing days, even without the Stone, Wilhelm saw no drop in his prosperity. People loved him all the more for his kindness, and his business bloomed.

Up in the hills, Marlow could bear his miserable state no longer. Blinded by greed, he returned to Wilhelm, begging him to take back the Stone and teach him the way to prosperity. Wilhelm looked at him with scorn, feeling sorry for his hollow existence.

Wilhelm taught Marlow a valuable lesson that day. He explained that the Stone didn't bring the prosperity; it enhanced the prosperity his benevolent heart had already attracted. Wilhelm's wealth was a result of his kindness, integrity, and hard work, not magic.

Wilhelm took the Stone back but decided to put it on display at the city center. He wanted it to serve as a reminder to all citizens of Morain. A reminder that the path to prosperity could never be dishonesty and selfish greed, but kindness, hard work, and integrity. It came to be known as a symbol of benevolence, constantly reminding people about the importance of being good humans first, then affluent ones.

Marlow's life took a turn that day, and although it took him some time, he realized his mistakes and spent the rest of his days working hard and shedding his cruel and envious past. He understood, albeit late, that true prosperity didn't lie in wealth alone but rather in a kind and dutiful heart.

And thus, the tale of Stone of Benevolence is a story often told to the kids of Morain, keeping Wilhelm's legacy alive and reminding everyone about the true essence of prosperity.