Royal Wedding (End)

February 26, 2010

The morning sun shone brightly over Vijayanagara, casting a golden glow over the capital city. People were still basking in the joy of the grand royal wedding that had taken place the previous day. The streets were decorated with flowers, banners, and lights, as remnants of the massive celebration remained.

However, today's biggest news was not just about the wedding—it was about the Royal Family's monumental donation to the government.

Just as planned before the wedding, Krishna Deva Raya had formally transferred 20% of the Royal National Petroleum Company's shares to the Vijayanagara government for just 1 Varaha.

However, unlike in other countries where the government held full power, Vijayanagara was different. Here, the King was the absolute ruler, and the government functioned like a management team running the country on behalf of the Royal Family. Every major decision required royal approval, and no politician could act outside the King's authority.

Additionally, corruption was punishable by extreme laws. If any official was caught accepting a bribe above 1 lakh Varaha, they were sentenced to death. If the amount was below 1 lakh Varaha, the punishment was life imprisonment. Because of these strict laws, corruption was almost non-existent in Vijayanagara, making it one of the most efficiently run nations in the world.

Though this decision had already been discussed within the Royal Family, its official announcement sent shockwaves throughout Vijayanagara and across the world.

Inside the grand Thiruvananthapuram Residence, the royal family and close officials gathered for breakfast. The massive dining hall, adorned with chandeliers and intricate carvings, was bustling with royal attendants serving food.

King Sriranga Deva Raya sat at the head of the table, sipping his morning tea, while Queen Fulmati Deva Raya and Smriti Pandey sat nearby. Krishna Deva Raya had just arrived after an early morning meeting with his advisors. He looked out of the window at the streets of the capital, still filled with people celebrating his marriage the day before.

The royal family had gathered in the Thiruvananthapuram Residence, an emblem of their power and wealth, to discuss the next steps following the monumental wedding.

In a massive press conference held later that day, Priya Banshal, the royal secretary and advisor sent by Sriranga Deva Raya, spoke before an audience of reporters from Vijayanagara's major media outlets and international news agencies.

"As you all know," Priya began, her voice echoing through the royal hall, "the Royal Family of Vijayanagara has made a historic decision. In the wake of the recent royal wedding, the Royal Family has donated 20% of the Royal National Petroleum Company's shares to the government for just 1 Varaha."

A few gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience, many stunned by the magnitude of the announcement. Vijayanagara's petroleum company was among the wealthiest in the world, with untapped reserves of oil that were a closely guarded secret.

The announcement of the 20% share donation immediately began to dominate the headlines, and citizens across the nation were buzzing with excitement.

"Did you hear the news?" one citizen said, turning to his friend while sitting outside a local café. "The royal family just donated billions of dollars to the government, for just 1 Varaha! That's unheard of!"

His friend, equally shocked, responded, "I never thought I would see something like this in my lifetime. The royal family has always taken care of us, but this is on a whole new level!"

Another person nearby chimed in, "The King is a true leader. Not only does he ensure our country's wealth, but he also takes care of the people. This will change everything for us."

News of the donation traveled fast, reaching international media and sparking conversations around the world.

In the United States, a prominent news anchor commented, "In an unprecedented move, the Royal Family of Vijayanagara has announced the donation of a significant portion of their petroleum company shares. The shares, worth billions of dollars, were transferred to the government for just 1 Varaha. This is an extraordinary show of generosity, especially considering the royal family's longstanding monopoly over the nation's natural resources."

Meanwhile, in the Qing Empire, officials expressed their surprise. "This move by the Vijayanagara royal family is highly unusual," a spokesperson said. "Their actions could set a new precedent for governance. Will this kind of donation spread to other countries with vast resources? Only time will tell."

Across the world, there was a general sense of disbelief at the royal family's decision. In Europe, analysts scrambled to make sense of it. "This donation not only boosts the welfare of the people of Vijayanagara but also signals a shift in how royal families operate in the modern age," said a European expert on royal affairs. "It's almost unheard of for a ruling family to relinquish such a large portion of their wealth."

Back in Vijayanagara, the announcement had an immediate effect on the citizens. Many viewed it as a sign of the royal family's commitment to their wellbeing. The share donation meant that the government would now have an enormous financial resource to invest in public welfare programs, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

"Imagine what this will mean for us," one young woman said, excitedly discussing it with her friends. "The royal family is making sure we're all taken care of. This kind of wealth can change everything."

Another citizen added, "I never thought I would see a time when our government could fund public services on this scale. We're lucky to live in a country where our rulers genuinely care for us."

The donation marked a turning point in the country's history. Krishna Deva Raya had already made significant strides in ensuring that the country was run efficiently, with welfare programs that were the best in South Asia. Now, with the additional resources coming from the Royal National Petroleum Company, the nation was poised for an even brighter future.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Residence, Krishna sat with his father, King Sriranga Deva Raya, watching the news unfold on television.

"You did well, my son," Sriranga Deva Raya said, his tone proud. "This is a step forward for Vijayanagara. It shows the world that our family is not just about wealth; it's about the people."

Krishna Deva Raya nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "We do this for our people, Father. They've always supported us. It's time we give back."

After the announcement, the royal family, along with Krishna Deva Raya and all the family members of Smriti Deva Raya, prepared to leave Thiruvananthapuram Residence and travel to Vellore, the capital of Vijayanagara, where the royal palace was located.

The journey to the Vellore capital was one of grandeur. The royal convey made its way through the grand streets of Vijayanagara, drawing attention and admiration from the citizens. The roads were lined with people waving and cheering for their beloved royalty. It was a moment of pride for the people of the country, as they watched their King, Queen, and future ruler moving through the streets.

As they reached the royal palace in Vellore, the grandeur of the building took everyone's breath away. The palace was known for its opulence, towering over the city. With its massive gates, high walls, and sprawling gardens, it was a symbol of the Royal Family's power and wealth.

Krishna Deva Raya and Smriti exchanged a glance as they entered the palace. This would now be their home, and it was the beginning of a new chapter not only for their lives but for the country as well.