A new atmosphere unfurled in the court—not one that suggested immediate capitulation, but rather one that invited tempered minds to engage. The shadow of the looming threat at the borders could not simply be erased from memory; yet now, amidst the rippling calm, they could entertain the possibility of thoughtful reflection.
Plans for war transformed from mere chants of approaches to disastrous ends into structured strategies aimed at preventing despair.
Rising slowly, the king began to pace the spacious chamber, each deliberate step radiating contemplation and purpose. "Let it be known," he proclaimed, "that we will not abandon our watchfulness." His voice carried strength and conviction. "However, we will now send forth a peace envoy—not from a place of fear, but from a foundation of strength. For if a single boy can conjure such harmony from the earth beneath our feet… perhaps even our adversaries can find common ground in shared roots."
The princess glanced at Veer once more—not as a subject to be commanded nor merely as a merchant of remarkable wares, but as a beacon of transformation and possibility.
In an era dominated by generals who scrutinized maps filled with numbers and strategy, this boy had appealed to hearts, forging connections that transcended even the mightiest of armaments. The great marble court of Malwa buzzed with a tension that was now infused with the promise of change.
It had been three days since the king, his ministers, and the royal family first imbibed Veer's extraordinary elixir—an unassuming blend of herbs, minerals, and ancient wisdom. Since that defining moment, soldiers approached him with reverence before their training sessions, ministers insisted on its consumption prior to negotiations, and the princess herself, it was whispered, had directed her handmaid to fetch it day after day without fail.
Now, Veer stood before the throne again, and the transformation was apparent. Gone were the dusty black garments of a commoner; he now donned a fine indigo tunic adorned with intricately woven copper trim—a gift from the royal weavers, elevating his presence. Despite this change in attire, his demeanor remained unwavering—calm and poised, embodying humility while radiating an unshakeable aura of confidence.
The king's voice resonated throughout the grand chamber like the tolling of a bronze bell:
> "You, Veer, have introduced a tranquility into this court, weighed down by the burdens of impending war. You have given us a rare gift—clarity of spirit—something that no physician, priest, or strategist could ever provide."
A ripple of agreement coursed through the assembled courtiers, their expressions reflecting a newfound hope.
> "And yet, you now seek permission to extend your influence beyond the walls of our kingdom. To open shops across Malwa… even far beyond these confines?"
Veer stepped forward, his earnestness evident as he spoke, his voice steady and respectful, easily penetrating the chamber's hushed anticipation.
> "Yes, Maharaj. Not for the sake of gold, nor for the allure of pride. But to bring solace to those stricken by thirst, to alleviate the heat of the barren west, and the burdens borne in the humid coastal lands."
And so, an awakening began—not just within the court, but rippling across the kingdom, igniting hearts and reshaping futures with the promise that even amidst turbulence, peace could flourish.
The ministers gathered in hushed tones, their animated whispers weaving through the grand hall like threads of intrigue. A motley assembly of expressions danced across their faces—some were clearly impressed, nodding eagerly at the audacity of young Veer of Malwa, while others viewed him with a wary eye, fear and suspicion lingering in the corners of their minds.
"What do you think his true intentions are?" one murmured, glancing around as if the very walls could reveal secrets.
"Is this boy truly aiming to build a trade empire?" another speculated, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
"Or is there something even more perilous at play—a growing following, perhaps?" a skeptical voice chimed in, sending a ripple of anxiety through the group.
But the king, seated high upon his ornate throne, raised his hand sharply, silencing the whispers that filled the air like a brewing storm. The throne room fell into a stillness that pulsed with anticipation.
"Let it be known from this day forward," the king declared, his voice resonating with authority, "that Veer of Malwa is hereby granted the royal charter to establish his drink stalls across every province within this kingdom."
A murmur of disbelief and astonishment surged through the court as the king continued, outlining an impressive array of rewards for the young merchant:
"He shall be provided with three caravans, fully protected by our royal soldiers, tasked with carrying his ingredients and equipment across all lands."
His voice swelled with pride as he spoke of the permit, "A royal seal, adorned with our majestic peacock crest, shall grant him passage and land rights in any village or town that falls under the banner of Malwa."
As he spoke of the title bestowed upon Veer, the atmosphere shifted palpably. "He shall bear the honorable title of 'Rasavid'—Master of Essences—an esteemed position once reserved solely for the legendary alchemists of old."
Gasps filled the chamber; that name had not graced the air in decades, echoing with forgotten grandeur.
The king pressed on, a spark of ambition igniting in his words. "Furthermore, should Veer wish to expand his trade into foreign lands, let our esteemed ambassadors carry samples of his exquisite drink to distant kings and sultans. Let it be known far and wide that the Kingdom of Malwa offers not just silk and spice, but a beverage that soothes the very soul."
Even the normally skeptical treasurer found himself clapping, caught up in the unfolding excitement. The Rajguru, a wise and seasoned figure, wore a smile that hinted at approval for the king's bold decision. The princess, regal and observant, fixed her gaze on Veer, her silence speaking volumes. In her eyes, a message was conveyed:
"You're no longer merely a merchant, Veer. You're crafting a movement."
Let the legend of water miraculuos begin!