Chapter 1: A Royal Birth and a Grand Promise

In the year Zhong 15678Gh of the holy God calendar, a wave of celebration swept across the Kingdom of Xia. After many long years of fervent prayers, offerings, and hopes, King Yorin and Queen Lyra were finally blessed with a child. On a warm, peaceful spring night, their son was born, his arrival marking a new chapter of hope for the royal family and the entire kingdom. The child was named Zhong, in honor of the kingdom's most revered deity, the God of Intelligence. His birth was not merely seen as the continuation of the royal lineage; it was hailed as a divine event, a tangible sign that the gods were favoring not only the royal family but all of Xia.

News of the birth spread like wildfire, reaching even the most distant corners of the kingdom. People gathered in the capital to celebrate, their hearts full of joy and reverence. The streets were lined with banners, vibrant with the kingdom’s colors, as citizens offered prayers of gratitude to the gods. The birth of Prince Zhong brought with it a renewed sense of pride and hope for Xia, as if the gods themselves had set their favor upon the land.

Inside the grand halls of the royal palace, a different kind of celebration unfolded. Nobles, advisors, and courtiers gathered in the opulent throne room to honor the newborn prince. King Yorin, a man of great stature and wisdom, stood tall, his gaze never straying from the small bundle cradled in Queen Lyra’s arms. Pride radiated from him, filling the room with a palpable sense of joy and optimism. This was not just the birth of an heir—it was a promise, a sign of prosperity and strength for the future.

As the court rejoiced, King Yorin made a bold proclamation that would forever shape the destiny of Xia. He raised his voice above the murmurs of the gathered nobility, his tone both commanding and filled with emotion. "My son," he began, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "shall receive a gift beyond imagination." The room quieted, all eyes turning toward the king with a mix of curiosity and awe.

"On his fifteenth birthday, my son will be given a castle made of diamond," the king declared, his words sparking a wave of murmurs and gasps. "A testament to the strength, wealth, and wisdom of this kingdom."

The notion of a castle made entirely of diamond was beyond anything the kingdom had ever seen or even dreamed of. A hushed awe fell over the court as the magnitude of the king's vision sank in. Such a structure would not only symbolize the kingdom’s immense wealth and power but also the brilliance of its future under the rule of Prince Zhong. However, among the nobles and advisors, there was also unease. The practicality of constructing such a magnificent fortress was daunting. The kingdom had never embarked on a project of this scale, and the thought of gathering enough diamonds to build a castle seemed impossible. The councilors exchanged anxious glances, their minds already racing with the challenges they would face.

Later that evening, King Yorin called for an urgent meeting with his most trusted councilors, determined to set his grand plan in motion. Leading the discussions was Councilor Marik, a man known for his sharp intellect and pragmatic approach to governance. They gathered in the king’s private chambers, pouring over maps and blueprints, discussing logistics well into the night. The challenge was monumental, but King Yorin’s vision was unwavering.

Councilor Marik, after hours of careful deliberation, finally spoke up. "Your Majesty," he began cautiously, "if we begin immediately, it will take twelve years to complete this Diamond Castle. We will need to summon the kingdom’s finest craftsmen, miners, and artisans. It will require resources from the farthest reaches of our lands. But," he paused for a moment, gauging the king's reaction, "it can be done."

A gleam of satisfaction flashed in King Yorin’s eyes. Twelve years was just enough time, he thought. "Let it begin at once," he commanded. "When my son turns fifteen, Xia will witness the unveiling of a wonder like no other."

And so, the work began. Word of the king’s ambitious plan spread quickly throughout the kingdom, stirring excitement and wonder among the people. Across Xia, whispers of the Diamond Castle filled the air, and citizens marveled at their king’s vision. The kingdom buzzed with activity as plans were drawn, resources gathered, and master craftsmen summoned from every corner of the realm.

The construction of the Diamond Castle became a symbol of hope for the kingdom, a project that reflected not only the grandeur of the royal family but the bright future of Xia under the reign of the newly born Prince Zhong.

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