Once upon a time, there was a king who was so good, so very good, that he let himself be guided blindly by his advisors. What they said was always done. The queen was no exception; she never questioned their decisions.

One night, when they were alone in the bedchamber, King Timorato, as he was called, said to his wife, Queen Medora:

"You know, my dear, I'm thinking that perhaps we're not doing the right thing by letting our advisors run our kingdom just like that, without our having any say in it."

"I don't know, my husband. Why do you say that?"

"I don't know, my husband. Why do you say that?" "Listen, my beloved wife: This morning I was strolling peacefully through the palace gardens. I felt tired and decided to sit in the shade of a pine tree, behind the large hedge. I closed my eyes to protect them from the bright light that scorched my pupils. I heard a murmur of voices approaching from the other side of the hedge. They had a strange accent, so I deduced that they were foreigners passing through. Soon they reached me, and I realized they were sitting down, seeking the shade of the enormous pine tree that reached all the way to the other side."

"Didn't they see you?" said Queen Medora.

"No. They didn't notice me. I was about to call them when I heard them talking about me. I was curious and decided to remain silent and listen to the conversation. I heard them say:

"This king, a good-natured fellow."

"More than good-natured, I would say a little weak, indolent, perhaps even a little dim-witted and cowardly."

"Yes, he prefers to keep quiet, do nothing, and not confront Councilor Vivillas. He certainly knows how to give orders and always get his way," said another.

"You're right. He gives the orders and makes the decisions. He even invents policies that he sells as democratic and progressive when they're nothing more than orders that only he issues and that no one dares to criticize. Not even the king!"

"Bah! He's a softie!"

"That's exactly what I say. Besides, since Vivillas has established that, by law, in this land of plenty one eats, drinks, enjoys oneself, and doesn't work, all the subjects, including the king, have become lazy softies who can't even think."

"Not only that! It's not that they don't think, it's that they no longer know how!"

"You're right. As for enjoying themselves... they're so lazy, so very lazy, that rather than cook, they eat their food raw."

"I'm getting so anxious! Just thinking about living here for even one day makes me nervous."

"Doesn't it? I feel the same way."

"Well, hurry up, it's getting late and I want to get home!"

"That's right! Let's set off again for our beloved Kingdom of Fortaleza where people eat, drink, and truly enjoy themselves because they work, study, and each chooses their own destiny."

"Exactly. Not like here, where they're nothing but lazy, foolish sheep who are convinced they're happy."

"Ha, ha! Run, run, lest the foolishness become contagious."

"And they ran off," said the king.

The queen listened to her husband in silence, her eyes wide and her chin trembling. When the king finished speaking, and there was a pause, she decided to speak:

"My dear, don't you think those foreigners are right?"

"Absolutely! I've been thinking, and like you, I believe the foreigners spoke some hard truths. However, it's never too late to correct mistakes. Starting tomorrow, Councilor Vivillas will be dismissed, and the Council will convene urgently. Its mission will be to call the subjects to a vote to appoint a group of wise men who will educate us all in coexistence, work, and effort."

As the king spoke, the queen, who had sat expectantly on the edge of the bed, had to restrain herself from applauding before the speech was over. Her eyes laughed, her round cheeks pulled up her lips, tinged with a passionate red, forming a marvelous smile. A shiver of joy coursed through her body, making her jump slightly. Finally, she said:

"My dear, I feel as if you are now the true king. A strong, brave, self-assured, and decisive king. This is the man I love! I think from now on I will call you Resolute. You are no longer weak-willed!"

The king, moved, said:

"My beloved, by your side I am a happy man, capable of facing any difficulty. I, my dear, will call you Valeria, because you are a brave woman."

They embraced. That night they slept peacefully.

The next day, the king summoned his principal advisors. He informed Vivillas that he was relieved of his post. He informed the rest of the decisions he had made and asked them to give the necessary orders to organize the elections.

And so it was done. From that day on, life in the kingdom of Cockaigne changed: People not only ate and drank, but also enjoyed working and studying. The food and drink were better. Moments of pleasure were diversified, and everyone chose their future according to their abilities. It's true that the bossy and the lazy didn't disappear entirely, but unfortunately... that's something that can't be avoided!

Moral

Those who cease to be cowardly and act with courage demonstrate that true strength lies not in imposing oneself, but in fulfilling responsibilities and helping others grow. Everyday courage, the kind that comes from honest work, order, and respect, brings security and well-being to all.