Subrata felt a hot sting of irritation at finding Aji standing there, but he forced himself to hide it; in his mind this was the perfect moment to finish the matter — to kill Aji outright. The Jayabaya carriage that had been their cover was nowhere in sight now; the road stretched quiet and empty beneath a sky that had gone mercilessly still.“Why are you so confident you can beat me, Subrata?” Aji said, a soft, contemptuous chuckle lifted at the corner of his mouth. “You forget — if I had wanted you dead earlier, you would already be nothing but a memory.”“You bastard… do you think I was mistaken? If that old fool hadn’t saved you, I would have killed you then and there!” Subrata snapped, his voice sharp as flint.“Enough, Subrata. There’s no point in arguing to prove who deserves victory. Words end here — now we’ll see which of us dies on this spot.” Aji’s tone was cool, almost indifferent, as though life and death were a simple measure of skill that could be read in a blade’s flas

“I can tell you’re hiding something from me, Aji,” Ratih said softly, her eyes searching his with quiet insistence. “Twice now, I’ve seen you close your eyes and shake your head the same way. What is it that you’re keeping from us?”Aji’s gaze softened. For a moment, he looked at her — truly looked — before turning away, as though her eyes might pierce deeper than he was ready to allow.“I can’t tell you yet, Ratih,” he said, his tone calm but edged with sorrow. “When the time comes, I promise I’ll share everything — my past, my reasons… all of it.”Ratih’s lips pressed into a faint line, but she nodded. “Very well. But you must promise me you’ll tell me one day.”Aji nodded solemnly, then turned toward one of the wooden chests. With practiced strength, he lifted it effortlessly onto his shoulder.Outside, Bargowo had already prepared a horse-drawn wagon to carry the provisions — sacks of grain and three heavy chests filled with coins. When everything was secured, they set out toward

“Don’t worry. I’m not afraid of facing those soldiers,” Bargowo replied confidently, his voice carrying a tone of defiance. His once hardened face now bore the look of a man reborn — proud, fearless, and brimming with newfound conviction.Aji smiled faintly at the sight. He could hardly believe this was the same man who once led a band of ruthless thieves. The transformation was remarkable — the glint in Bargowo’s eyes was no longer that of a man haunted by crime, but of one who had found a purpose worth fighting for.“Please, this way,” said one of the guards, bowing slightly. “The Duke has been expecting you in the main hall.”“Very well,” Aji replied. “Let us not keep him waiting.”Together, Aji, Rangga, and Ratih followed the guard through the narrow corridor of the small palace. Their steps echoed softly against the stone floor, the faint scent of burning incense drifting in the air. Though the interior seemed calm and ordinary — with walls lined by old portraits and bronze lamps

Duke Hanggareksa furrowed his brow, a shadow of confusion passing across his sharp eyes. As far as he knew, the name of Prince Dananjaya—half-brother to King Wanajaya—was one of the best-guarded secrets within the royal court. The late King Suryajaya had deliberately concealed the prince’s lineage, for Dananjaya had been born of a concubine, a circumstance that could easily spark political friction. Only those with intimate ties to the inner chambers of Candipura Palace would ever have known the truth.His curiosity about Ratih’s parentage finally overcame his restraint. With a calm yet probing tone, he asked,“May I know the name of your father?”The question struck Ratih like a blow. Her eyes flicked toward Rangga, searching for guidance or perhaps courage. A knot tightened in her chest—a weight she feared would grow heavier if she spoke the truth. Revealing her father’s identity might entangle him in the dangerous turmoil unfolding around them.Before she could speak, Rangga answer

Duke Hanggareksa furrowed his brows, clearly intrigued by the words Aji had left hanging in the air.“What task is it that you must carry out?” he asked, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.Aji answered with a modest smile meant to hide the unease fluttering in his chest.“It is nothing of great importance, My Lord. Merely a small duty—one that can easily be postponed.”“Very well then. Let us head outside at once.”Duke Hanggareksa strode toward the door without waiting for Aji to respond.Aji gave a slow nod and followed the duke’s steps, matching his pace as they exited the great hall.Once they were outside, the duke resumed speaking, his tone filled with the firmness of a ruler who carried too many burdens on his shoulders.“Here is what I have planned. After the situation in Tanjung Rejo is settled, I will bring the three of you to meet His Majesty, King Wanajaya. However, to avoid drawing unnecessary attention from the court officials… you, Aji, and also you, Rangga, must