Royal Trip to the Magic Land
A Royal Challenge
Once upon a time, a king had a beautiful daughter, and he announced that whoever could excel in a series of tests would be allowed to marry her. Many young men responded to the call, including Chung, who hailed from a noble family but had fallen on hard times. Dressed simply, he appeared before the king, while the other candidates donned glittering garments. The king was not pleased to see Chung among them.
Unexpected Triumph
As the tests commenced, the other candidates struggled to succeed, while Chung excelled in every challenge, impressing all the judges. They unanimously deemed him the best candidate for the princess’s hand. However, the king disagreed with their assessment. The judges, under the king’s influence, quickly changed their opinion, branding Chung as the ‘most unfit of all the candidates’.
A Damsel in the Forest
Chung was then dismissed from the court, bewildered. “What about the princess? I have passed all the tests!” he protested. The courtiers mocked him, suggesting he might as well aspire to marry a fairy.
Heartbroken, Chung retreated to a nearby forest to hide from his neighbors. On a moonlit night, he heard a sweet song and soon spotted a beautiful damsel standing on a small bridge. Struck by her beauty, he approached her hesitantly. After some time, she smiled at him, prompting Chung to ask, “Are you a fairy?”
A Dream of Fairy Tales
“I am,” she replied, causing Chung to laugh. She wondered why he was amused, and he explained how he had just been mocked for wanting to marry a fairy. The damsel blushed, encouraging Chung to share his feelings. He wondered if a poor young man like him could ever dream of marrying a fairy.
“Why not!” she cooed. Overjoyed, Chung took the fairy to his home, where they were married, while the princess wed a good-for-nothing nobleman in the meantime.
Chung’s Unexpected Fortune
The next day, news reached the king that Chung had actually married a fairy, which piqued the king’s curiosity. He sent a messenger, stating that Chung was to be made a courtier — a prestigious position with a monthly allowance. However, tradition demanded that Chung present valuable gifts before the throne.
“Go to the seashore and you will find a chest washed ashore by the waves. Bring it home,” the fairy advised. Chung did as she suggested and returned with an old, battered chest. Despite his initial doubts, the fairy opened it and urged him to look inside. To Chung’s amazement, a beautiful and enchanting land unfolded before him.
A Magical Visit
“Enter and collect something valuable; no one will ask for a price,” the fairy said. Chung ventured into the magic land, returning with a magnificent jeweled turban. They celebrated before entering the chest once again to enjoy a feast in the enchanted realm.
The next day, Chung presented the turban to the king and became a courtier. The king, fascinated by the turban, wished to visit Chung’s home, especially to see the fairy whom he had heard so much about.
A Hidden Agenda
As they made their way to Chung’s home, the king devised a plan. Considering there was no ruler in the magic land, he plotted to take over the throne for himself. Meanwhile, both his commander and minister had similar ambitions of power in their minds.
Upon arriving, Chung’s wife greeted them, and the king was awestruck by her beauty. After much anticipation, the fairy unveiled the chest, revealing the magic land to them. The king insisted on leading the way in, and all four entered the magical realm.
Chaos in the Magic Land
Once inside, the king hastily occupied the throne, realizing he could read the thoughts of his commander and minister. Fearing for his life, he executed them both right there. But the moment blood was shed, violent tides surged into the city, threatening to engulf everything.
As the fairy pulled Chung to safety, she explained, “No killing has ever taken place here. Now that blood has been shed, the city will cease to exist.” Unfortunately, the king couldn’t escape the chaos unfolding around him.
A New Beginning
With the king lost, the inhabitants of the magic land chose Chung as their new ruler, as they remembered his exceptional capabilities in the previous tests. Thus, Chung, once an underestimated candidate, became the king of the magical realm, fulfilling his dreams beyond imagination.