The Three Questions of the King (Complete Story)
Once upon a time, in the land of Spain, there lived a wise and kind king. He cared deeply for his people and always tried to make the best decisions for his kingdom. Yet, despite his wisdom, a troubling thought began to grow in his mind.
One day, the king said to himself, "If only I knew the right time to do every task, the right people to listen to, and who truly matters the most in life, I would never make a mistake."
So, he decided to find answers to three important questions:
What is the right time to do any work?
Who are the right people to listen to?
Who is the most important person in one's life?
At first, the king invited many learned scholars and wise men from across the kingdom. Each of them gave different answers, but none satisfied him.
Finally, the king decided to visit a hermit who lived deep in the forest. Disguised as a simple man, he went alone to meet him. The hermit was digging the ground when the king arrived.
The king asked his three questions, but the hermit did not answer. Seeing that the hermit was old and tired, the king began helping him dig the soil. Time passed, yet the hermit remained silent.
Suddenly, a wounded man came running out of the forest and collapsed near them. He was bleeding heavily. The king and the hermit quickly helped him—washing his wound, bandaging it, and taking care of him until he felt better.
By night, the man finally opened his eyes and looked at the king. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Forgive me, my king."
The king was surprised. "Why do you ask for forgiveness? I do not even know you," he replied.
The man said, "I was once your enemy. You had executed my brother and taken my land. I came here to take revenge and kill you. But I was wounded by your guards before I could reach you. You saved my life instead of letting me die. Now I feel ashamed. Please forgive me. I promise to serve you faithfully from now on."
The king was deeply moved. He forgave the man and promised to return his land. They became friends.
The next morning, the king turned to the hermit again and said, "Please answer my three questions now."
The hermit smiled and said,
"You have already been answered."
The king was confused.
The hermit explained,
"If you had not stayed to help me dig the ground, you would have returned earlier and that man would have attacked you. So, the most important time was the time you spent helping me.
The most important person at that moment was me, because I needed your help.
Later, when the wounded man came, he became the most important person, and the most important time was when you were helping him.
Therefore, remember this: The most important time is now—the present moment. The most important person is the one you are with at that moment. And the most important thing is to do good for that person."
The king finally understood the true meaning of his questions. From that day on, he always lived in the present and treated every person with kindness and care.
✨ Moral of the story:
The most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing is to do good.