After the announcement, the banquet concluded and the evening shifted into a free-time segment. Rara felt drained and quickly made her way to the garden behind the banquet hall. Her face was pale and weary, and Yuyun, noticing her lady's condition, followed closely behind.
Upon reaching the garden, Rara sat down on the grass near a small pond. Gazing into the water, her mind swirled with questions and worries about her future. Yuyun approached gently, wrapping an extra shawl around Rara's back to offer comfort in the growing night chill.
"One more problem added," Rara murmured softly, her eyes still fixed on the calm surface of the pond.
Yuyun sat beside her, trying to offer reassurance. "My lady, perhaps this is all part of a bigger plan we cannot yet understand. Please trust that you'll get through this."
Rara took a deep breath, trying to find calm amid her turmoil. "I never imagined my life would change so quickly, Yuyun. I don't even know who Raden Dwijaya is. Is Grandmother testing me?"
Yuyun gently held Rara's hand. "No one knows what the future holds. But one thing is certain—you are not alone. I will always be here to support and help you."
A faint smile appeared on Rara's lips. "Thank you, Yuyun. Your presence means a lot to me."
The night grew darker, and stars began to appear in the sky. The gentle sound of water trickling from the pond filled the silence between them. Rara felt slightly calmer, though her heart remained full of unanswered questions.
"Yuyun, we must find a way to learn more about Raden Dwijaya. I cannot step into a marriage without knowing who he truly is," said Rara, her voice now tinged with determination.
Yuyun nodded in agreement. "Of course, my lady. How about tomorrow we begin looking into Raden Dwijaya? We must be careful, but we must know who is to become part of your life."
Rara nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Yes, we must. Tonight, speak to Mr. Tirta—let him know we'll be going out briefly tomorrow."
Yuyun nodded again. "I'll do it right away, my lady. Mr. Tirta is someone we can always count on in matters like this."
After a moment, Yuyun left to find Mr. Tirta, the loyal head guard and coachman. Rara remained by the pond, staring at her reflection in the still water. She knew the days ahead would be filled with challenges, but with Yuyun's support and Mr. Tirta's help, she felt a little more ready to face what was coming.
Shortly after, Yuyun returned with good news. "Mr. Tirta has agreed, my lady. He will make all the arrangements for tomorrow morning."
Rara exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Yuyun. Tomorrow, we begin our search for answers. I hope it all goes well."
The next morning, the air around Rara's residence was calm, though her heart beat anxiously. Along with Yuyun and Mr. Tirta, they planned their discreet departure. Mr. Tirta had prepared a modest horse carriage, free of any family symbols to avoid suspicion.
As dawn broke, Rara and Yuyun climbed aboard. The sound of wheels against cobblestone felt like a rhythm amplifying Rara's nerves. Mr. Tirta drove them swiftly toward the city.
Word around the city said Raden Dwijaya was the son of a highly respected royal official—his father held the important role of royal archivist, in charge of the kingdom's most vital documents and records. This made the Dwijaya family revered as guardians of royal history. However, there were whispers that Raden Dwijaya was rarely seen in social circles. His quiet demeanor and refusal to appear in public made him a mysterious figure among the nobility.
Rara listened intently as the carriage rolled through the now-bustling streets of the city. Her mind was filled with images of Raden Dwijaya—a man who rarely spoke, yet came from a prestigious lineage and possibly had access to the kingdom's deepest secrets.
"Is that why Grandmother chose him?" Rara wondered, trying to make sense of such a sudden and unexpected decision.
As they arrived at the city center, the hustle and bustle of the market greeted them. Yet amidst the noise, Rara felt a strange silence within. Perhaps it was because her mind kept replaying possibilities surrounding the mysterious Raden Dwijaya. Why did he keep himself away from crowds? Was he hiding something more significant, or was he simply a man who chose solitude?
Rara and Yuyun stepped down from the carriage, slowly making their way through the market alleys. Despite the crowd, every step felt heavy in Rara's heart. She knew that today might change her entire view of the future.
Mr. Tirta led Rara and Yuyun through the winding paths of the market until they reached a small shop at the end of the street, far from the main bustle. The shop looked humble, with an old wooden door and a small window clouded by dust. Above the door hung a faded sign: "Antiques and Rare Books."
Mr. Tirta stopped in front of the shop and turned to Rara. "This is the place, my lady. The owner, Ki Saka, is an old acquaintance of mine. He knows many things about the kingdom, including the Dwijaya family."
Rara nodded, nervous yet curious. Yuyun squeezed her hand gently to encourage her forward. Mr. Tirta knocked on the wooden door three times in a specific rhythm, as though it was a code agreed upon long ago.
The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man with white hair and a face full of wrinkles. His gaze was sharp despite his age. "Tirta," he greeted in a low voice, "it's been a long time."
Mr. Tirta offered a faint smile. "Ki Saka, I've brought her."
Ki Saka narrowed his eyes, studying Rara intently. He said nothing for several seconds, as if weighing her presence. "Come in," he said at last, allowing them inside his narrow shop, packed with antiques, scrolls, and rows of aged books.
After they sat at a small table in the corner of the room, Ki Saka began to speak. "Raden Dwijaya, yes? The son of a great archivist, but his life isn't what it seems."
Rara leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you mean, Ki?"
Ki Saka gave a faint smile and looked at Rara. "His father, the archivist, is respected for guarding the kingdom's secrets. But Raden Dwijaya… he's different. He didn't just inherit his father's role, but something darker. Rumor has it he discovered documents that were never meant to see the light of day—secrets that could shift the very foundation of power in the kingdom."
Rara gasped. "Secret documents? What did he find?"
Ki Saka let out a deep sigh."No one knows for certain. After he found them, Raden Dwijaya became even more withdrawn. Some believe he hides something that could shake the kingdom's foundation. Others think he's merely protecting himself from unseen threats."
Mr. Tirta, who had been listening attentively, finally spoke. "So it's possible he's involved in something much greater than simply being an archivist?"
Ki Saka nodded slowly. "That's right. But if you truly wish to learn more, you must be cautious. Many eyes are watching every move Raden Dwijaya makes. If you're too obvious in your inquiries, you might attract the wrong kind of attention."
Rara had heard enough for the day. As the afternoon neared its end, she rose with Yuyun's help and respectfully offered Ki Saka a small token of thanks. "Thank you for your help, Ki. This information means a lot to me," she said before stepping out of the quaint little shop.
On the way back, Rara sat quietly in the carriage, her eyes watching the dimming streets. From time to time, she glanced at the sky, now painted in hues of gold. Yet her mind was still filled with images of Raden Dwijaya and the secrets he might be hiding. Suddenly, she said with conviction, "Yuyun, take me to that place."
Yuyun nodded silently and relayed the command to Mr. Tirta. The carriage turned onto a different path—toward a place they hadn't visited in a long time. The evening breeze felt cool, and the crimson sky cast a calm over the scenery, though Rara's heart still churned with thoughts of what lay ahead.
Before long, they arrived at a narrow path overgrown with wild grass. Rara carefully stepped down from the carriage, taking in the tall trees and the thriving plants around them. The gentle sound of a shallow stream nearby brought back memories of her childhood—running through blooming flowers under the watchful eyes of her loving mother.
"This place always calms my heart," Rara whispered, her eyes scanning every corner of the old garden. It was here, beneath the shade of the large tree, that she used to sit with her mother, listening to stories full of warmth and wisdom.
Yuyun walked beside her, her emotions mixed. "Would you like to spend some time here, my lady?"
Rara nodded and made her way to the edge of the river. The plants and little flowers that bloomed along the riverbank looked just as she remembered them. The soft flow of water seemed to bring back the warmth of a simpler time, when life was filled with love and gentleness.
She sat on the grass, gazing at the shimmering river under the fading sunlight.
Night was falling when Rara was lost in thought. Suddenly, a noise came from the bushes not far from where she sat. Yuyun, ever alert, immediately stood and positioned herself in front of Rara, shielding her lady.
There was a faint sound of heavy breathing, as if someone—or something—was slowly approaching. The darkness had thickened, making the figure difficult to see. With trembling hands but steady resolve, Yuyun lit the small lantern she had brought. The soft glow cast a warm light toward the bushes, slowly revealing the mysterious shape.
The closer the figure came, the clearer the labored breathing became. Yet the identity of the person remained hidden. Rara's heart pounded, and Yuyun held her breath, ready for anything. Just as the lantern's beam fully illuminated the figure, a loud THWACK! rang out. A heavy blow struck the shadowy form, followed by the sound of a body falling.
Both Rara and Yuyun gasped in shock. Moments later, Mr. Tirta emerged from the darkness, his face serious, holding a piece of wood in his hand. "Lady Rara, are you alright?" he shouted, rushing toward them, his breath short.
Still shaken, Rara tried to collect herself. "I'm fine, Mr. Tirta," she replied, her voice slightly trembling. "What happened?"
Mr. Tirta approached and inspected the fallen figure.
Yuyun, still shielding Rara, slowly lowered the lantern and directed its light onto the man lying on the ground.
The man groaned in pain, clutching his head where Mr. Tirta had struck him. Rara, Yuyun, and Mr. Tirta watched him cautiously. But as Rara looked closer, she noticed something strange on the man's arm—a poorly wrapped bandage, with fresh blood slowly seeping through.
Without thinking, Rara moved closer. "Wait, something's not right," she whispered. She knelt beside the man and gently held his arm. "He's injured."
Yuyun held her breath, startled by Rara's reaction. "My lady, please be careful. We don't know who he is."
But Rara didn't listen. She focused on the wound. "He needs help. This wound could be dangerous if left untreated."
Mr. Tirta, though still cautious, relaxed his grip on the piece of wood. "Is he a threat, or just another victim of something we don't understand?"
The man winced in pain but showed no signs of resistance. He only groaned faintly as blood continued to flow from the haphazardly bandaged wound.
Rara did what she could with what little she had, tightening the bandage using a cloth from her satchel. But it was clear it wouldn't be enough. Realizing the urgency, Yuyun quickly suggested, "My lady, we must take him to the nearest healer. This wound needs proper treatment."
Rara looked to Yuyun, then nodded firmly. "You're right. We can't wait. Mr. Tirta, please help get him into the carriage."
Without hesitation, Mr. Tirta and Yuyun swiftly lifted the man into the carriage. Though they had no idea who he was or where he came from, Rara's instinct to help someone in need outweighed their doubts.
"To the nearest healer, Mr. Tirta. We must save him," Rara commanded, her voice firm but laced with concern. Mr. Tirta nodded and urged the horses forward, the carriage speeding down the path lined with trees and wild grass, racing toward medical help.
Inside, Rara held the man's arm, ensuring the bandage stayed in place. "Please hang on, we'll be there soon," she whispered, even though the man seemed barely conscious. Meanwhile, Yuyun prepared more cloth to press against the wound as the rumble of wheels marked their desperate journey.
The carriage sped through a small forest at the edge of the city. Mr. Tirta guided the horses with precision and speed, while Rara and Yuyun did their best to keep the stranger stable.
After several tense minutes that felt like hours, they finally arrived in front of a small house with a wooden sign indicating it belonged to a healer. Mr. Tirta jumped from the carriage and knocked firmly on the door.
The door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze—the local healer. "What happened?" she asked curtly but with concern.
"We need urgent help. A man is badly injured," Rara answered, her voice urgent.
The healer nodded and gestured them inside. "Bring him in. I'll prepare my tools."
Swiftly, Mr. Tirta and Yuyun carried the man into the healer's house, laying him on a simple bed in the corner. The healer went to work immediately, removing the makeshift bandage and examining the wound closely.
"This wound is deep, but not from a blade," she murmured, her face serious. "Looks like he was struck by something heavy."
Standing nearby, Rara felt relieved that the man was finally receiving proper care. But her curiosity continued to burn. "Will he be alright?" she asked, anxious.
The healer nodded as she cleaned the wound. "With the right treatment, he'll recover. But it'll take time."
Suddenly, Mr. Tirta tensed. He glanced out the window, watching the darkening sky. "Lady Rara, we must return to the Duke's residence immediately," he said, his tone filled with urgency.
Rara, still focused on the injured man, turned with a confused look. "Why, Mr. Tirta?"
"I just remembered—there was an order for all residents of the Duke's estate to gather before nightfall. I fear we're late, and it might raise suspicion." Mr. Tirta looked uneasy.
Rara sensed something wrong in his voice. "Very well. Let's go," she said, standing quickly and instructing Yuyun to get ready.
They hurriedly left the healer's house, ensuring the man was stable before jumping back into the carriage. Mr. Tirta drove with unusual speed, the carriage rushing back toward the Duke's residence.
When they arrived, they were met with an unexpected sight. In front of the estate, dozens of royal guards had gathered, their banners fluttering in the wind. Rara, Yuyun, and Mr. Tirta stopped at the large gate, staring at the tense atmosphere enveloping the place.
In the center of the courtyard, the entire extended family of the Duke sat facing a man holding a large scroll. Rara held her breath, sensing the heavy tension in the air. She didn't wait—she stepped forward, Yuyun and Mr. Tirta close behind.
They joined the gathering family, sitting quietly on the ground and folding their hands respectfully. The silence was thick with dread, and everyone seemed to hold their breath for what would be announced.
Without warning, the man holding the scroll began to speak, his voice loud and commanding. "In the name of the King, I deliver this decree to the Duke's household and all its inhabitants."
Everyone bowed even deeper, including Rara and Yuyun. They knew something grave was about to be announced. The voice of the herald grew sharper.
"The Duke and all residents of this estate have violated the royal court's protocol. Furthermore, there is an accusation that the Duke conspired with a high-ranking official in the embezzlement of royal tribute over the past three years."
The entire mood shifted to dread. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Rara sat frozen, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. Embezzling royal tribute? That was a deadly accusation. If proven, the punishment would be severe—not just for the Duke, but for the entire family.
Rara turned slightly toward Yuyun, who looked completely stunned. Their eyes met, filled with disbelief—but neither said a word. They waited for what would come next.
"For this violation, the King has decreed that all the Duke's family assets be seized, and the Duke, along with key family members, be brought before the Royal Council for judgment. Tonight, the Duke's residence shall be confiscated, and all male members above the age of fifteen shall be sent to the labor exile camp until further notice."
Cries and soft weeping broke out among the people around them, fear thick in the air. Some family members trembled, unable to lift their heads. Rara swallowed hard. Everything was happening too fast. She had never imagined her family would be caught in a scandal of this magnitude.