From behind the dozens of members of the White Hawk Sect, Barada walked forward with a smug expression. His sharp gaze was fixed on Arya, whom he hated deeply. Following behind him were four men, all around fifty years old, who stood in a line, staring in confusion at Arya and Ratnasari."Look at how arrogant he is, Brother. After injuring our members and knocking out my teeth, he hasn't made the slightest attempt to apologize. Instead, he's proudly challenged us all," Barada complained, trying to influence the four men beside him."Are you serious, Barada? He's just a young man, and you lost to him?" asked the man standing directly to Barada's left."No, Brother Gandara. He's the one who injured our members and left me like this." Barada opened his mouth and showed his missing front teeth.Arya couldn't hold back a laugh at the sight of Barada’s swollen lips and toothless grin."If you let yourselves be swayed by the drama of a coward like him, then you're all fools who can't think f

The royal city gate guards were startled by the arrival of the former advisor to King Damarjaya, who had resigned more than seven years ago.Although much time had passed, they still held deep respect for the founder of the White Eagle Sect."Greetings, Elder Wiyasa," said one of the guards, bowing respectfully.The other guards followed suit, bowing in respect to Elder Wiyasa."Guard the gate well. Don’t forget to inspect everyone who wishes to enter the royal city," Elder Wiyasa responded."Of course, Elder. We will not let our guard down in protecting the city. Do you wish to see His Majesty?"Elder Wiyasa smiled and nodded. "It’s been quite a while since I last came to the palace. The last time was around five years ago when I came to treat His Majesty’s daughter."The guard speaking to Elder Wiyasa glanced at three merchant carts approaching the city gates. "Forgive me, Elder... It's not that I don't wish to chat longer, but duty calls. Please, proceed inside," he said, then open

An inn located just seventy meters from the palace became the place where the three of them stayed for several days. Two rooms were rented—one for Elder Wiyasa and another for Arya and Ratnasari.Inside Elder Wiyasa's room, the three sat cross-legged on the floor, facing each other atop a woven pandan mat. Elder Wiyasa remained silent, trying to find the right words to describe King Damarjaya's current position.“Here’s the story,” Elder Wiyasa took a deep breath to fill his lungs with air, “After you two left the hall, King Damarjaya began to complain about the declining attention from the Sastrajingga palace. He felt he had shown unwavering loyalty—and that loyalty is indeed unquestionable.”Arya stroked his beard as he listened to the elder’s words. At the same time, his mind worked to analyze every sentence that came out of the old man’s wrinkled lips. Ratnasari listened too, while idly playing with her fingers on the mat.“I tried to probe him—what kind of attention did he expect

"Prime Minister, in your opinion, what is Prince Dewalaksana’s purpose for coming here?""I dare not be certain, Your Majesty. However, I sensed something unusual about his arrival," replied Prime Minister Aswamarman."So, you felt it too. What do you think it is?" King Damarjaya stroked his beard, which was covered in fine hair.Not wanting to dwell too long on the uneasiness he felt, King Damarjaya invited Prime Minister Aswamarman to meet Prince Dewalaksana.Without further words, the two of them quickly left the chamber and headed to the hall.Meanwhile, Prince Dewalaksana’s irritation, which had not subsided due to the rude treatment by the gate guards, was growing worse by the absence of King Damarjaya in the hall. He felt abandoned, left completely alone. After all, he was the son of King Dharmalaksana—whose rank was unquestionably higher than that of King Damarjaya.Not long after, the door to the hall opened. King Damarjaya and Prime Minister Aswamarman entered."Greetings, P

King Damarjaya did not immediately answer Prime Minister Aswamarman's question. He needed more time to reconsider whether he should reveal everything. Fear lingered in his mind—fear that the secret he intended to share might leak to others."If Your Majesty feels hesitant and burdened to speak, then it might be better not to tell me. Let that secret remain hidden until the time comes for it to be revealed. But if the burden is too great to bear alone, I am ready to listen and help find the best solution."Prime Minister Aswamarman’s words were well-crafted—gentle, yet subtly persuasive. King Damarjaya immediately yielded, and without further doubt, decided to disclose his conversation with Prince Dewalaksana. He simply couldn't handle the pressure of thinking it through alone.All he now felt was confusion and regret. The visit from the Kings of Ayodya and Karnakemala had only brought disaster.After a deep sigh, King Damarjaya finally continued. "Prince Dewalaksana is planning a coup