Fresh off his triumph of unmasking the Shadow Treasurer, Roy K was riding high. His approval ratings had skyrocketed, memes of him wielding a cucumber as a sword were trending online, and his slogan, "Crime Doesn't Pay, But Cucumbers Do," had become a rallying cry across Cahaya.
But Roy's newfound popularity was about to face an unexpected challenge one that would shake the nation to its very core.
The National Cucumber Shortage
It started innocently enough. Roy was in his office, happily munching on a cucumber sandwich while Meowster batted at the crusts. Aziz burst through the door, holding a stack of newspapers.
"Sir, we have a problem," Aziz said, his tone grim.
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Relax, Aziz. I already solved the budget mystery. What could possibly go wrong now?"
Aziz dropped the newspapers onto Roy's desk. Every headline screamed the same alarming news:
• "Cahaya's Cucumber Crisis: Farmers Sound the Alarm!"
• "Nation Faces Unprecedented Shortage of Cucumbers"
• "Where Are All the Cucumbers?"
Roy blinked. "No cucumbers? But… but they're the backbone of our economy! And my diet!"
Aziz sighed. "That's the problem, sir. Ever since your budget speech, demand for cucumbers has skyrocketed. Farmers can't keep up, and now prices are through the roof."
Roy gasped. "How high are we talking?"
"Triple the usual price," Aziz replied. "And some markets have run out entirely."
Roy slammed his fist on the desk. "This is an emergency. Call it… the Cucumber Crisis!"
Emergency Measures
Determined to fix the crisis, Roy convened a national task force. Ministers, economists, and cucumber farmers crowded into the conference room.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Roy began, pacing dramatically, "Cahaya is in trouble. Our people are crying out for cucumbers, and it's up to us to deliver."
Pak Jamal, the Minister of Agriculture, raised his hand. "Sir, we're already working on increasing production, but it will take time. Cucumbers don't grow overnight."
Roy frowned. "Then we need to think outside the box. What if we import cucumbers from other countries?"
Pak Jamal hesitated. "That's an option, but imported cucumbers would be expensive, and they might not meet our quality standards."
Roy waved dismissively. "Details, details. Just make it happen!"
Aziz leaned over and whispered, "Sir, you're making promises you can't keep again."
"Aziz," Roy whispered back, "when have I ever not delivered?"
Aziz groaned. "Do you want the long list or the short one?"
The Cucumber Heist
Despite the task force's efforts, the crisis worsened. Black markets for cucumbers began popping up across Cahaya. People whispered of shadowy dealers selling "premium cucumbers" at outrageous prices.
Roy decided to take matters into his own hands.
"We're going undercover," he announced to Aziz one evening. "It's the only way to stop these cucumber criminals."
Aziz stared at him. "Sir, please tell me you're joking."
"I never joke about cucumbers," Roy said, donning a pair of oversized sunglasses and a fake mustache.
Aziz groaned but reluctantly followed.
Operation: Cucumber Sting
Disguised as "Roy Cucumberstein" and his assistant, Aziz "Not-A-Spy" Malik, the duo infiltrated the black market. Their mission: to track down the kingpin behind the illegal cucumber trade.
At a shady warehouse on the outskirts of the city, they encountered a burly man named Big Melon, who controlled the cucumber black market.
"What's your business here?" Big Melon growled, eyeing them suspiciously.
"We're… uh… cucumber enthusiasts," Roy said, adjusting his mustache. "Heard you've got the best in town."
Big Melon smirked. "You're not cops, are you?"
"Do we look like cops?" Roy asked, striking what he thought was a casual pose but instead resembled someone mid-cramp.
Big Melon shrugged. "Alright. Five cahadollars per cucumber, cash only."
Aziz whispered, "Sir, this is ridiculous. We're buying overpriced cucumbers now?"
"Shh," Roy whispered back. "It's all part of the plan."
The Kingpin Unveiled
As Big Melon handed over the cucumbers, Roy suddenly whipped off his mustache. "Aha! You're under arrest!"
Big Melon burst out laughing. "Arrest? You and what army?"
Roy grinned. "Funny you should ask."
At that moment, the warehouse doors burst open, and Cahaya's police force stormed in. Aziz, who had secretly alerted them earlier, stepped forward. "This is over, Big Melon."
Big Melon tried to flee, but Meowster, who had accompanied Roy, leapt onto the man's back, causing him to stumble.
Roy pumped his fist. "Good work, Meowster! Best undercover agent ever!"
A Hero's Return
With the cucumber black market dismantled, the task force finally regained control of the supply chain. Roy announced emergency subsidies for farmers to boost production and negotiated deals with neighboring countries to temporarily import cucumbers.
The nation celebrated Roy's heroic efforts. Cucumber prices stabilized, and the black markets vanished.
Lessons Learned
As the dust settled, Aziz reflected on the ordeal. "Sir, you do realize this whole crisis started because of your budget speech, right?"
Roy shrugged, slicing a cucumber for his salad. "Maybe. But look at the bright side,we saved the day, and now everyone loves cucumbers even more."
Aziz shook his head. "One of these days, your luck is going to run out."
Roy grinned. "Maybe. But until then, pass the ranch dressing."
Meowster meowed in agreement, and the Prime Minister of Cahaya enjoyed yet another improbable victory.
End of Chapter 13