The Red Kingdom

Book 1 of these Short stories, Enjoy!

In the prosperous Red Kingdom, famed for its magical, ruby-red fruits and governed by the wise King Alaric's principle of "The Harvest of Sufficiency," the ambitious Lord Elmsworth sees untapped potential for greater wealth and power. Upon King Alaric's passing, Elmsworth becomes Lord Regent and subtly begins to push the boundaries of traditional harvesting, framing his desire for increased production as progress for the kingdom.

As his initial efforts yield a deceptive boom, Elmsworth’s ambition quickly escalates into unchecked greed. He implements drastic, unsustainable measures to maximize the ruby fruit yield, ignoring increasingly dire warnings from traditionalists and the visible strain on the ancient orchards. The kingdom experiences a short-lived, artificial prosperity, during which Elmsworth indulges in lavish personal projects. However, his relentless exploitation leads to a catastrophic ecological collapse: the precious ruby trees sicken, the fruit loses its vitality, and a devastating blight wipes out the orchards, turning the kingdom's crimson tide of fruit into a tide of decay.

Facing famine, poverty, and the despair of his people, a humbled and broken Elmsworth confronts the horrifying consequences of his actions. His ill-gotten gains prove meaningless in the face of widespread suffering. Haunted by his folly, he sheds his authority and dedicates his remaining life to atoning for his mistakes, attempting to heal the blighted land and aid its slow, arduous recovery. The Red Kingdom is forever changed, its vibrant past a somber legend.

Elmsworth, living a simple, penitent life, finally understands the profound wisdom of moderation. "The Red Kingdom" serves as a poignant cautionary tale, illustrating how insatiable greed leads to ruin, while true, sustainable prosperity lies in appreciating what one has and recognizing the vital importance of balance.