Vikramaditya once again lowered Betal from the tree, placing him on his shoulder, and began walking. Betal started narrating his story. It was a long time ago. In the vast kingdom of Manikpur, King Punyavrat reigned. Kind and wise, he was deeply loved by his subjects. He was a great warrior, too, having conquered many kingdoms through his military prowess. The king also greatly enjoyed hunting.
One day, the king went hunting in the forest. He pursued a beautiful spotted deer deep into the jungle. Suddenly, the deer vanished from sight, and the king, lost, wandered deeper into the forest. Hours passed, but he could not find his way back. Darkness began to fall, and the king was exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Just as he dismounted his horse, he saw someone approaching, holding a lantern.
The watchful king immediately drew his sword, prepared for any danger. However, he soon sensed the approacher was there to help. The man came closer and said, "Your Majesty, I believe you have lost your way." "You are right," replied the king. The man continued, "I have brought you food and water. You are very tired. Rest now. We will find your way back tomorrow morning."
At the young man's request, the king accepted the food and water. As soon as he ate, he lay down beneath a tree and fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning, he saw the young man standing guard, holding a staff. Impressed by his devotion, the king asked his name. The young man replied, "Your Majesty, my name is Pratap." The king then asked, "Would you like to serve me in my court?"
Pratap readily agreed. Overjoyed, he served the king as a courtier. Time passed. Pratap, now content and happy, one day decided to return to the place in the forest where he had first met the king. Upon arriving, he saw a beautiful maiden. He fell in love with her immediately and proposed marriage.
Hearing his proposal, the maiden said, "I will let you know my decision tomorrow." Pratap returned home, lost in thoughts of the maiden all night. He couldn't sleep. The next morning, he informed the king of everything.
The king and Pratap together went to the forest. The maiden was waiting. She had no idea the king was coming. Seeing the king, she said, "Your Majesty, please marry me and become my queen."
The king and Pratap were taken aback. Pratap replied, "Your Majesty, this maiden is worthy of being a queen. If you wish to marry her, please do so. I will gladly give up my love for you." Pleased by Pratap's devotion, the king turned to the maiden, saying, "This young man loves you. I, as a king, cannot marry a woman chosen by a courtier, especially a devoted servant like Pratap. He will take good care of you. Marry him and enjoy royal pleasures."
The king arranged the wedding ceremony with great pomp and circumstance. Pratap and the maiden lived happily ever after. Betal concluded the story, asking, "Your Majesty, who was more generous, the king or his courtier?" King Vikramaditya replied, "Both the king and his courtier were equally generous. Pratap was willing to sacrifice his love for the king, while the king rejected it because his courtier had chosen the maiden for himself. The king could have easily married the maiden, being a king. But the king had b moral values. This is the glory of a king, and thus, the king's generosity was great."
Betal, pleased with the answer, freed himself from the king and flew away, clinging to a tree.
