The Vetāla addressed King Vikramāditya, renowned for his understanding of dharma, and posed a question: “O Vikramāditya, tell me, for the worthy woman Madhumatī is destined for Vāmana, the twice-born. The brāhmaṇa who gives life and is intent on virtue is like a father.” Once again, the Vetāla spoke to the illustrious king, Vikrama. He began his tale. In the splendid city of Varddhavan, bustling with people of many kinds, lived a learned garland-maker. His beloved wife was deeply devoted to serving him. Together with their son, daughter, and wife, the garland-maker sought a livelihood in the city. The king, hearing a little of their story, generously granted him a thousand gold coins every day. The garland-maker spent some and enjoyed the remainder with his family. To test her devotion, the wife wept bitterly in the cremation ground. “O best of heroes,” said the Vetāla, “go to the place where that sound is heard.” Hearing this, the mighty and skilled king went to the spot. He spoke gently to the grieving woman: “Why are you standing here weeping?” The royal lady responded to Vīrasena, “At the end of the month, I will meet my destruction; therefore I grieve, O strong one. By what merit do you have long life? Tell me the reason.” Vīrasena replied, “I too shall become long-lived; accomplish your master’s task.” Hearing this, the noble hero returned home. The virtuous woman, undaunted, spoke to her son, “So be it.” With his sister and mother, the son resolved, “O dear father, offer my skull to Caṇḍikā.” Vīrasena, hearing this, cut off his son’s head and offered it to the goddess. Witnessing this act, the army chief understood the entire reason from the beginning. Then, pleased by their devotion, the goddess granted the king life and spoke. Vīrasena prayed, “May his whole lineage attain long life.” Rupasena, serene in mind, and his daughter, who could assume any form, asked, “Among us, who has shown the greatest affection? Tell me.” The Vetāla explained, “The greatest affection was shown by the king, who gave his own body for the sake of a servant; the sister showed love as a relative, and the son as a dutiful child.” The wise Rupasena demonstrated great affection to the king. In another tale, there was a wondrous city named Bhogavati. King Rupavarma ruled this kingdom. In his house, within an auspicious enclosure, he dwelled. An excellent woman, suitable for Shuka, made a request. She was Chandravati, the auspicious daughter of the king of Magadha. Hearing this, King Rupavarma approached Ganesha, the best of the twice-born. Ganesha swiftly journeyed to the auspicious land of Magadha. He offered salutations to Shiva, the peaceful one, giver of all desires, who is of the form of Mrida and Ananda, remover of all suffering. When the brahmin had spoken thus, the auspicious Chandravati declared, “There is a certain man on earth who is suitable for me.” Hearing this, the goddess sought Durga, granter of desires. She offered salutations to the Mother of the Universe, who grants all aims. Thus, the Vetāla wove tales of virtue, sacrifice, and devotion, guiding King Vikramāditya through the mysteries of dharma and affection.