The royal court glowed with the light of a hundred oil lamps. Whispers of joy still floated in the air after Satyaa's last decree. But the peace broke like glass when a voice rang out:
"Maharaj! This is wrong. You insult the memory of Emperor Ashoka and the sacred path of Buddhism!"
It was the Prime Minister.
The court erupted into murmurs again. Some people sided with Satyaa, others shook their heads in disapproval. But on the throne, Satyaa sat unmoved, his lips curved into a faint, unsettling smile as though he had been waiting for this moment all along.
Then the doors creaked open. Two figures entered, their saffron robes glowing in the lamplight. The crowd stiffened. Eyes turned, following them with suspicion and awe.
They stepped forward and bowed. "Victory to Maharaj."
They were no ordinary men. They were two of the most revered masters of Buddhism.
The Prime Minister seized his chance, raising his voice to poison the air. "Holy gurus, you see it yourself! The king openly rejects Buddhism. He dishonors Ashoka the Great and mocks your sacred faith!"
The court froze. All eyes darted to the two monks. Their reply would decide everything.
One of the masters spoke slowly, his voice calm but heavy. "No man can change the rules of Buddha. To attempt such a thing is an insult to the faith… and to Emperor Ashoka."
The Prime Minister's lips curled into a smile. The ministers who plotted with him exchanged glances of triumph.
But then the master continued. "…and yet, this situation is different."
The court gasped.
Flashback
A chamber lit with chandeliers, its velvet chairs glowing in gold. Three men sat in deep discussion Satyaa and the two masters.
Satyaa's voice was firm, but respectful. "I do not wish to insult Buddhism. But the principles, as they stand, hold back my kingdom. Without warriors, without growth, how can a state survive? Tell me, is there no way to change them?"
The masters answered without fear. "Buddhism is for those who seek peace, who withdraw from the world to devote themselves to nature and the soul. If your kingdom's progress is hindered by these principles, then you may leave the faith. But remember faith must not be used as a weapon. If you renounce it, you must still honor it. Respect Buddhism as much as any other path. That was Ashoka's true wish."
Satyaa bowed his head. "Then so it shall be. I will step away from Buddhism as ruler, but I vow to protect it, and never let division poison my kingdom."
Back to the Court
The memory ended, and the monk's words struck the assembly like thunder.
"Yes, the king has turned away from our path. But he has done so with respect, and with the promise of equality. In this, he has not betrayed Ashoka, but honored him."
A ripple of awe spread through the hall. Those who had doubted Satyaa now looked upon him with new respect. People began to murmur of hope, of better days to come.
But not everyone shared their joy. In the shadows of the court, the Prime Minister's smile had twisted into something darker. Beside him, his allies leaned closer, whispering their schemes.
The scent of conspiracy thickened in the air.