After a while, Yuyun returned with several books in her hands. She carefully placed them on the bedside table next to Rara.
"Here are some books you asked for, Miss. I picked the ones that fell near you last night. Is one of these the one you were reading?"
Rara examined the books intently.
"Yes, this is the one," she said as she picked up a book with the exact same cover as the one she had taken the night before."This is the book I was reading last night."
Yuyun eyed the book with suspicion. "It looks ordinary, Miss. What did you find inside?"
Rara carefully turned the pages."I'm not exactly sure, Yuyun. But something in here made me faint last night. I felt a strange energy coming from the book."
Yuyun shook her head, unconvinced. "Strange energy? Could there be magic in it?"
Rara nodded slowly. "It's possible. This book feels different from the others. As if there's something hidden within."
As Rara continued flipping through the pages, her eyes landed on a page filled with ancient, hard-to-read writing."This looks like the page I was reading last night. There's a script here in an old language."
Yuyun looked at the page anxiously. "Can you read it, Miss?"
Rara nodded. "Yes, a little. My father taught me this ancient language when I was a child. These writings speak of hidden powers and ancient secrets. I feel like I'm reading something incredibly important."
Yuyun sat across from Rara, trying to grasp the situation."What should we do now, Miss? Should we tell Madam Kartini about this book?"
Rara paused in thought."No, Yuyun. Don't tell anyone just yet. I want to investigate this book further. Maybe it holds clues about what really happened to my family."
Yuyun nodded in agreement. "Very well, Miss. I will stay by your side and help with anything you need."
Rara smiled softly. "Thank you, Yuyun. I'm lucky to have you."
With firm determination, Rara resumed reading the book, searching for answers to the mystery of that night. Just then, a servant from the main house knocked on her door.
"Miss Rara, Madam requests your presence at tonight's banquet. If you need anything for your preparation, you may call on me," said the servant.
Rara turned her gaze toward the door and caught a glimpse of the servant's silhouette. Then, she looked at Yuyun in front of her."You know what to do, right?" she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, I understand. One moment, Miss," Yuyun replied promptly.
She stood and walked to Rara's wardrobe. She retrieved a beautiful long scarf of turmeric yellow and betel leaf green, trimmed with golden embellishments—an outfit befitting a formal banquet. Meanwhile, Rara closed the book carefully and hid it under her pillow, making sure it remained out of sight.
"This scarf suits the occasion well, Miss," said Yuyun, bringing it over. "Do you feel strong enough to get up and prepare?"
Rara smiled and slowly rose from the bed. "I feel better now. Thank you, Yuyun. Let's get ready."
Yuyun helped her dress with care. She combed Rara's hair and adorned it with elegant accessories. As she did, Rara's thoughts returned to the book and the secrets it might contain. She knew tonight, she had to stay composed and hide her worries from the guests.
Once she was ready, Rara looked at herself in the mirror and smiled."Thank you, Yuyun. You always know how to make me look perfect."
Yuyun returned her smile warmly. "It's my duty, Miss. I'm happy to help."
Suddenly, another knock came from the door."Miss Rara, are you ready? The banquet will begin shortly."
Rara took a deep breath and nodded at Yuyun."Yes, go ahead and tell Madam I'll be there shortly."
Yuyun nodded and went to deliver the message. Once the servant left, Rara took a moment to calm her mind. She knew the banquet was important and that she must present herself with grace.
When Yuyun returned, she made sure everything was ready."Miss, everything is set. Is there anything else I should do before you go?"
Rara shook her head."No, Yuyun. Thank you. You've done more than enough. Let's go."
With graceful steps, Rara exited her room and walked toward the grand hall. The residence had been lavishly decorated for the banquet. Every corner was adorned with beautiful ornaments. Hanging oil lamps cast a warm, enchanting glow. Fresh flowers in ceramic vases filled the air with a pleasant fragrance. Colorful silk drapes hung along the walls, adding to the room's elegance.
As Rara neared the banquet hall, she suddenly stopped. A girl stood in her path, about the same height as Rara, wearing a white jasmine scarf with orchid flower patterns. A soft frangipani scent wafted from her.
"Greetings, Young Lady. You've just appeared now?" the girl asked.
Rara glanced at her briefly, then continued walking past her.
"Sister Rara, at least answer your niece's question first," the girl said with a hint of irritation. She was Sekar Indrasari, the first daughter of Rara's aunt and uncle—the Duke's younger sibling.
Rara sighed and turned to face her.
"Sekar, it's time we head to the banquet hall. You wouldn't want to be late and appear disrespectful in front of Grand Madam, would you?" she said gently but firmly.
Sekar was stunned and fell silent. She looked down, slightly embarrassed for speaking so hastily.
"Alright, Sister Rara. Let's go together," she finally replied, following Rara's steps.
As they walked side by side, Rara felt a slight sense of relief. Tonight was an important night, and she needed to ensure everything went smoothly. Though her mind was still on the hidden book, for now, she had to focus on the banquet and maintain her composure.
As they approached the hall, traditional music began to play, adding a festive air. Rara and Sekar entered the hall, welcomed by the crowd and warm smiles from the guests. Rara put on her best smile, ready for the long and significant evening ahead.
They made their way toward an elegant seat at the far end of the hall, where an older woman sat with grace and dignity. Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma, their grandmother, looked regal in a golden silk kebaya, her eyes wise and authoritative.
"Greetings, Grand Madam. Congratulations on this special day. May Dewi Laksmi always bestow her blessings and virtues upon you and the Duke's estate in every lifetime," Rara said respectfully.
Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma smiled gently and nodded."Thank you, Young Lady. Please, have a seat," she replied in a calm, commanding voice.
Rara nodded and walked behind to find her seat. Meanwhile, Sekar remained and looked at Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma with pride."Grandmother, once again, congratulations. This year, I didn't come empty-handed. I brought a gift for you," she said, pulling a cloth-covered tray from her servant. She uncovered it, revealing an exquisite incense holder.
"This incense holder was specially ordered for you, Grandmother. It depicts the blessed path of your life and symbolizes the virtue of the Duke's estate," Sekar added proudly.
Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the gift."How beautiful, Sekar. Thank you for such a meaningful present. You chose very well," she said, smiling warmly.
Sekar beamed with pride."I'm glad you like it, Grandmother. I hope it brings blessings and joy to you."
After presenting her gift, Sekar joined Rara at their designated seats. Sitting beside her, she leaned slightly toward Rara.
"Oh, by the way, I think Grandmother will make a surprising announcement tonight," she whispered. Rara didn't look at her, only listened.
"Sister, if something happens, just follow Grandmother's lead, okay..." she added with a sly smile.
Yuyun, who had been watching closely, stepped closer to Rara."Miss, Lady Sekar has been bothering you all evening. Shall I report it to the Grand Madam?" she asked worriedly.
Rara shook her head."No, don't. As long as she doesn't go too far, let her be," she replied, staying focused on the event.
Meanwhile, Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma glanced repeatedly at the still-empty Duke's seat. She quietly called her personal servant,"Any word from the Duke?" she whispered.
"No, Madam. I haven't received any message," the servant replied politely.
Her face showed unease. Both her sons had yet to appear since the morning meeting, despite the special occasion at the estate.
"Very well, to the noble family of the Duke and our esteemed guests... I, as the head mistress of the Wiratma estate, have an important announcement to make regarding the future of this household. Young Lady, please come and stand beside me," she declared in a calm but firm voice.
Rara snapped out of her thoughts as all eyes turned toward her."Pssst... Miss! Quickly, stand beside Grand Madam!" Yuyun urged.
Rara quickly stood and walked toward Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma, confused and anxious about what was about to happen.
Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma addressed the guests with dignified authority."Esteemed guests, tonight I will announce something of great importance for the future of this estate," she said.
Rara looked at her grandmother with growing concern as she continued,"My granddaughter, Miss Rara, will be engaged to the son of a royal official—none other than the firstborn of the Royal Archivist, Raden Dwijaya."
Rara was stunned by the announcement. She had never imagined her engagement would be announced tonight—especially to someone she barely knew. Sekar, still watching from her seat, smirked, enjoying the surprise on Rara's face.
Nyai Dewi Sri Wiratma went on,"This engagement is intended to strengthen ties between the Wiratma family and the royal officials, and to bring blessings and honor to our estate. I hope all our guests will offer their prayers and support for a bright future for Miss Rara and Raden Dwijaya."
The guests applauded in support. Rara tried to remain composed and smile, even though her heart was full of confusion and uncertainty. Amid the celebration, she felt utterly alone, wondering how her life would change after this night.