In a faraway kingdom, in a distant realm, there lived a king. He had ruled for many years, but age is such a thing—there's no escaping it. And on the eve of his birthday, he decided to act wisely and announced his decision to his three daughters.
My dear daughters, my precious ones. As you know, my birthday is approaching. And I wish to announce this: whoever brings me the most delicious and finest pie shall inherit the throne with her husband.
Upon hearing this news, the eldest daughter rushed to a foreign confectioner. She gave him her tiara, nearly threw herself at his feet—and begged him, please, make a pie, and I shall reward you royally afterwards.
The second daughter sent messengers to all corners of the land to bring back exotic sweets and fruits. She ordered the servants to prepare the dough, gathered all the berries, and began giving orders.
As for what the youngest did—nobody knew. But for three days and three nights she didn't leave the house, and in the twilight burnt many candles...
The king's birthday arrived. The eldest daughter brought him a pie, and no ordinary one at that. The pastry had been crafted in France, the filling specially imported from across the seas. And it was decorated so beautifully—the moulding on the palace walls wasn't half as splendid.
The middle daughter also distinguished herself. Her pie looked rather plain, but inside—exotic fruits and sweets unfamiliar to English tastes. Custard and treacle flowing like rivers—you need only open your mouth to catch it.
But the youngest came empty-handed, and rather grubby too—her face covered in soot and grime. The king grew angry.
Do you not respect me, then? You haven't even brought your own father a measly little pie.
Don't be cross, Father. I simply thought, what haven't we seen in those pies? We'll eat them once and forget about them. But I've done something better—I've baked many pies and given them to the poor townsfolk. They'll eat them and praise your name for a long time to come.
The king fell into thought. He pondered for a long while and realised that his youngest daughter had done the right thing—she had pleased her father and helped the poor.
And so he made her his heir to the throne. And the kingdom prospered for many years to come.
