“There you are my darling. Come in. I have incredible news to share with you.” The Populustrous King waved at his daughter across the Throne Room.

The Esoteric Princess waltzed into the Throne Room. She made her way across the marble floor like a dainty cloud gliding across the horizon.

At the center of the room was a circle of seven rubber balance balls set out in a circle. The King was seated on the largest of the balls. The King’s balance ball was, of course, slightly deflated to allow him to sit on it for long periods of time. On the floor next to the King was a massive treasure chest. The massive money-holding monstrosity was as large as a writing desk and braced with thick bands of metal. It was so big the King would often lean over so he could put his elbow up on the lid. A number of paper notes and reminders decorated the outside of the chest.

There was also a large bird’s nest in one corner of the Throne Room that no one acknowledged.

A group of Courtiers was gathered around the King. The King waved a hand to dismiss his attendants. As each of them turned to leave he passed them a small purse of coins from the chest.

The Populustrous King *Whistled*. A Messenger Squirrel scampered out of the wings of the Throne Room and climbed up onto the King’s knee. The Moneyed Monarch flipped the waiting delivery rodent a coin. “Let me know as soon as he is settled in.”

The Messenger Squirrel gave a little salute and ran out of the room.

The Princess seated herself on one of the balance balls across from her father. Her movements were precise. She delicately folded her hands over her lap.

The King leaned back. His jeweled chain of office glittered on his chest.

“I didn’t surprise you did I? We came back to the Capital very quickly. Were you in one of your lessons? Let me guess, equestrianship?”

The Princess pushed a single strand of hair away from her face. “Yachting actually.”

The King slapped his hands together. “That’s right. In case you marry a pirate.”

“But you don’t need to worry about interrupting my studies father. I paid the Guard Capten to inform me immediately of your return.”

“That’s my girl.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“So what was this important matter you wished to tell me about father?” The Princess asked.

“Oh yes, that. I was out on a tour of the Kingdom if you remember.”

“Of course I remember father. I helped prepare your agenda for meeting with the Mayors. I do hope that they appreciated the gifts that we arranged for them.”

“Of course they did. You did an excellent job my dear. Even Lady House was impressed by your thoughtful present.”

“I’m so happy to hear that father.”

“And speaking of gifts I found something incredible while I was visiting Star Town. You know Star Town don’t you?”

“Yes. It is the small town at the eastern edge of the Kingdom.”

“Boring place. Very small and unremarkable. A lot of Adventurers come from there I think.” The King scratched his chin.

“Almost thirty eight percent of the Adventurers that originate in our Kingdom come from Star Town.” The Princess recited.

“Impressive.”

“And you found something?”

“Yes, right. I didn’t find something. I found someone. A young boy. He’s about your age I believe.”

“Does he wish to become an Adventurer? Or maybe join the Capital Guard?”

“You know I didn’t ask. But it doesn’t matter because he’s going to become my new Royal Summoner.” The King smiled.

“A young boy as the Royal Summoner? Is this another courtly diversion?” The Princess tilted her nose up.

“Not at all. He is a complete anomaly. A beautiful, wonderful, rarity. A gift from the Moons themselves. He can summon the best of everything.”

“Of everything?”

“That’s right. We already tested him several times on the way back. Whatever he pulls is always of the highest quality. I don’t even think that he is doing it on purpose. I think that it just happens.”

The King absentmindedly dipped his hand into the treasure chest. He scooped a handful of coins then let them trickle out through his fingers like water drops.

*Clink*Tink*Clink*

The Princess listened to the sound of the coins falling. “That would be… a useful talent.”

“I’m having him moved into the Royal Quarters as we speak. When you see what he can do you will understand, this is a big day for our Kingdom.”

“You are putting him in the Royal Quarters. Father, people will talk. They will think that you are preparing him to become one of my suitors.”

“Ho ho ho.” The King chuckled. “You don’t have to worry about that my dear. Because I’m canceling all of your marriage arrangements.”

“I beg your pardon father?” The Princess wobbled on the balance ball.

“And all of your marriage training as well. Let’s see, dancing, decorum, needlepoint, poetry, accounting, we can cancel all of those classes.”

“Uh…”

“Better keep the history tutor. No point in having a Princess that can’t read.”

“But…”

“This is a great day for the Kingdom my dear. You don’t have to marry a foreign prince anymore and I’m going to save an incredible amount of money.”