The Wheel-Maker's Tale of Love and Wisdom
Once upon a time, in a quiet and lovely village called Serenity lived a humble wheel-maker named Ben. He was the son of the most revered wheel-maker in three nearby villages. Hence, he had inherited the skills and knowledge passed down through generations.
One day while working in his workshop, a stranger adorned in royal armor came on a grand horse. 'I want sturdy, durable wheels for the royal carriage,' he commanded. Ben instantly set to work, pouring all his skills into creating the best wheels possible.
Days turned into weeks, and finally, the wheels were ready. As expected, the royal representative was pleased with them. The King was so impressed with his work that he invited Ben to the royal palace to appreciate his incredible craftsmanship and dedication to perfection.
At the royal palace, Ben noticed a beautiful and elegant princess named Alice, the king's only daughter. She was known for her kind heart and wisdom across many kingdoms. Seeing her, Ben instantly fell in love but he quietly retreated, aware of the vast chasm in their social standings.
Yet, in a surprising twist of fate, Princess Alice noticed Ben too. She was drawn to his simplicity and hard work. Over time, they both began to meet secretly in the royal library. It wasn't long before they confess their feelings for one another.
One day, Alice had an idea. 'Let's have a contest in the kingdom. The one who can make the best wheel would get to marry me.' The King, who admired his daughter's intellect and unusual approach, agreed.
The best craftsmen from every corner of the kingdom came, hoping for the opportunity to marry the princess. The day of the competition arrived, and wheels of all sizes, types, and attributes were displayed. Finally, it was Ben's turn. Instead of a finished wheel, he presented a wheel-frame without the outer rim.
The crowd gasped. Would this be the end of his dream? Undeterred, Ben started to explain, 'This wheel represents our kingdom, the sturdy frame is the King, who holds the kingdom together. The missing outer rim signifies that a kingdom is incomplete without its queen.' Ben took out a golden rim, symbolizing Princess Alice, slowly fitted it onto the wheel frame, completing it.
There was a pin-drop silence, then erupted a thunderous applause. The king was moved by Ben's wisdom. He agreed to the marriage proposal. Ben, the humble wheel-maker married Princess Alice and later took over the realm after the kind king.
Their reign was noted for its prosperity, peace, and love amongst the citizens. And to this day, the villagers of Serenity tell the tale of the wheel-maker who became their king and won the love of a princess with his intelligence, humility and dedication to his skill.