In a faraway kingdom, in a distant land, there lived a king. He ruled for many years, but age is such a thing—you cannot escape 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 coming soon. And I want to announce this: whoever brings me the most delicious and the best pie will inherit the throne with her husband.
Upon hearing this news, the first daughter rushed to a foreign pastry chef. She gave him her tiara, nearly fell at his feet—and begged him, please make a pie, and I will reward you royally afterward.
The second daughter sent messengers to all corners of the land to bring exotic sweets and fruits. She ordered the servants to knead the dough, gathered all the berries, and began giving commands.
But what the youngest did—no one knew. For three days and three nights she did not leave the house, and in the twilight she burned many candles…
The king's birthday arrived. The eldest daughter brought him a pie, and no ordinary one. The dough was made in France, the filling specially imported from across the seas. And it was decorated—so decorated that the molding on the palace walls was not as bright.
The middle daughter also distinguished herself. Her pie looked plain on the outside, but inside—exotic fruits and sweets unfamiliar to locals. Condensed milk and syrup flowed like rivers—you just had to open your mouth.
But the youngest came empty-handed, and dirty too—her face covered in soot and ash. The king grew angry.
Do you not respect me? You did not even bring a simple pie to your own father.
Do not be angry, father. I thought, what have we not seen in those pies? We will eat them once and forget. But I did something better—I baked many pies and gave them to the poor townspeople. They will eat them and praise your name for a long time to come.
The king fell into thought. He thought for a long time and realized that his youngest daughter had done the right thing—she pleased her father and helped the poor.
And so he made her the crown princess. And the kingdom prospered for many more years.
