23. Eden's Request Has Not Changed

Just before the sun went down, Avery entered his imperial area. Queen Berenice was seen waiting for Avery's arrival at the entrance to the royal hall.

"What's wrong with you standing alone in the front, Mom?" Avery asked after he got off the horse.

Berenice smiles. "It's okay. Are you all right?"

Avery nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. Looks like there's something else I haven't heard."

"Yes.. You know? Our production of pearls is crisis free. Mother was so happy to hear the news. The workers who had been put to rest are now being reemployed by your father."

Hearing that would certainly make Avery happy for me. The king of Eden won't beat him tonight.

Berenice looked at Avery as he lay still. "What's wrong with you? You don't like that news? Ah, my son did you just come back from the diamond palace? You want to eat first?"

Berenice disappearance was only answered in a head shake by Avery. The man refused to give a happy reaction.

"Yes, mom. I just came home after visiting Ariadne. No, I'm not hungry."

"Then what have you brought now?" Berenice asked him because he saw a large box on the horse's cargo.

Avery was there looking at the box he was carrying. A box of diamonds from Ariadne. "Ah, please pass that gift on to Dad. Ariadne has given me a box of diamonds for our kingdom."

"Why did she give you so many diamonds, Avery? Did you tell her about the condition of our kingdom?"

Avery smiled. "No mom.. Just relax. Ariadne gave me a diamond present for Mom and Dad. She just gave it as a gift."

"What's the reason?"

"Because I visit her often and pay attention to her. I always bring her flowers whenever I visit her at her kingdom. She was very fond of flowers. She asked me what I wanted. She wanted to give me something too, so she got me a box of diamonds."

To hear those words, berenice was unsure. Normally, the prize given to a pair of men was a boot, a armor, a sword, or arrow. But why would Ariadne give a box of diamonds to Avery?

Seeing berenice frozen, Avery had to be able to talk her mother out of it. "Mom, a box of diamonds would help the royal economy if it was properly managed and marketed. Just tell dad I'll manage."

"Ah, well. I'll talk to your father. Your father is in a meeting with ministers and advisers. To re-operate the pearl production route. You go to your room, Avery. Take a shower and get some rest, and mom will call you for dinner."

Avery nodded. "Yes, ma 'am."

Walking away from berenice, Avery breathed a sigh of relief. He had to lie about a box of diamonds that he brought home.

While production of pearls again improved and the economy of the empire would be restored. Avery still appreciates Ariadne helping him. Hearing the pearl production had started running again, Avery was very relieved.

Why did Ariadne's recent assistance suddenly improve production of pearls? Is that what just happened a coincidence? Avery smiled happily. It seems that Ariadne's gift of a diamond box has come in very handy.

After dinner, Avery will be brave enough to talk to Eden. To rescind Eden's request for marriage to Ariadne. As Avery promised, he will never marry Ariadne. Unless Ariadne wants it.

***

Dinner at the pearl kingdom tonight was a luxury. There was a little celebration in the kingdom. Celebrating the rise in pearl production from times of crisis and the kingdom economy was restored.

It is true that pearl production was in crisis for months, nearly two years. Because workers were dishonest and brought pearl - bearing shellfish to be taken elsewhere and sold illegally. The king of Eden, of course, was furious.

No one has been able to find the man who's carrying so many shell pearls. Because the guy ran off somewhere with the rest of his family.

And when the pearl production was restored, the king of Eden intended to change the rules of all the workers. Avery was ordered to proceed directly to the production area and monitor the flow. And if anyone dares to act outside the rules, his punishment will be imprisoned in the basement and no bail out will be left behind.

The kingdom of pearls is now throwing small parties only. Only the royals and their servants and guards. While some food was given to the villagers of the pearl kingdom. So that all may return to the glory of the kingdom of pearls.

"I give my regards to Ariadne, if you go to the diamond kingdom again." The word Eden. The man was seen eating with gusto. Her face looked so happy and excited. And the first time Avery's seen Eden smile without a load and a frown on his forehead.

Avery nodded. "Okay, dad."

"I didn't expect to receive a box of diamonds from princess Ariadne. Returning the favor by giving him jewelry from our pearls, Avery."

Heard it was berenice and Avery looking at each other for a few seconds. Somehow hearing and seeing Eden behave was a very rare moment. Eden's mean and ugly side is now gone.

"Ah, good dad. I'm going to the diamond kingdom tomorrow after supervising the pearl production area."

Eden nodded. "Yes. That's good."

Berenice smiled happily. The woman immediately added a side dish to Eden and brought her husband water to drink.

***

"What's the matter with you wanting to talk to me in private?"

Avery smiled slightly. He did ask to speak to Eden alone in the royal garden after dinner.

"Dad.. The glory of the pearl kingdom has returned. Do I still have to marry Ariadne?" Avery said asking.

Eden nodded in understanding. Now he understood that his rein was too bad on his own son. "Do you have any other plans?"

"Dad, I'm sorry. But I like another girl."

"Who is she?"

"Oh, she doesn't know me. When I get close to her I'll tell you who she is." Avery explained.

"You are the future king, Avery. You will take my place when I get sick or die. Marry a noble girl from another kingdom at least."

"But Dad --"

"My command to ask that you marry Ariadne is still valid. My goal is not just to unite my kingdom and the diamond kingdom. But to create a new government."

"What do you mean?"

"If you marry Ariadne, our government too changes. Not only are the kingdoms united, but their citizens as well. Our empire's distance from the diamond empire is a perfect match. We'll be able to build a country. Pearl production and diamond production can be put together."

Hearing that Avery had been misunderstood the whole time. Avery just thought Eden was crazy with a fortune.

"Avery, at least don't fall in love with a regular girl. Fall in love with a noblewoman like a princess. And I agree that you love Ariadne." Eden was very serious.

***