
—11—
Rows of lantern flower poles lit up one by one, shining darkly along the streets of Pei Jin city with the beauty of its color. The city has now been replaced by a row of angkringan filled with workers returning from work. Tell each other about the complaints and comfort each other with the fragrance of snacks that plain seduce the tummy.
There, I found myself standing on the edge of a great bridge, gazing at the light of the Yggdrasil Tree that illuminated the night, replacing the stars and moon that had been snatched from the world.
Why did I help the boy?
The question circled my head because logic couldn't draw conclusions. Is it compassion that drives me? Or is it my pride that wants to be like Big Brother?
“Months who want to be the Mentari. Nonsense,” my murmur looks at my hand.
Hands that have hurt too many innocent people. The hand that has taken the future and love from this world. This hand shouldn't be worthy of saving anyone.
But can a sinner like me not do good?
“Aglorious your own hands?” asked Arthur who was suddenly present by my side.
“Aglorify hands with these dagger-like sharp nails?” my reply.
My eyes also saw a delicious parcel of the scent of the parcel in his hand.ah, this meaty smell, my favorite egg martabak.
“Mau?” bargain Arthur thrust the martabak.
But just as my hand was about to touch it, the boy pulled it back. With a calm face he smiled faintly and mocked me,
“This is for Luciel, not for you, Auntie who forgot to take her niece to the doctor! And so, I heard, last night, it was Luciel who helped me, not you. So it seems I owe him my life.”
“Gosh, this one irreverent brat. In that case, who dong brought you to Luciel?” I said laughing amusedly. Ah, for a moment, I forgot the turmoil in my heart.
“The boy likes his hammer egg one time. He said it was crisper,” I continued which made Arthur pale.
“U-Uh... A-I guess the more expensive the price, the more people like,” he said the nervous.
“Hahaha.. Luciel is a good girl. Whatever the prize, he must have liked it,” I continued to look back at the Yggdrasil tree and breathe deeply.
We both fell silent. Accompanied only by the sound of river ripples under the bridge and people passing by, enjoy the night feel of Pei Jin city and the presence of each other. Just like before, we enjoyed our time together in silence in the palace library.
Seven years went by. The two of us didn't seem to have changed much.
“Auntie has beautiful hands. Honey if Auntie does not like it,” said Arthur suddenly made me amazed, “And I believe, with that hand, Auntie can help many people.”
“H-Ha? W-just now, w-are you flirting with your own appointment? Duh, my Goddess Nyghtingale, please this niece of mine, it seems like the effect of the love potion is getting so-so!”
Like a boiled crab, Arthur was shocked and denied, “No! I-I'm just praising. Wrong, is it?”
“Well, I must admit, I am indeed beautiful and enchanting, but please yes, control the lust of your youth.”
“A-Jeez, who would be fascinated with a pessimistic, insensitive and forced person like you? Huh, it's only fitting until now still single,” Arthur scolded.
JLB!
Anxious, I also nagged Arthur and nagged, “You are ni ya, you brash base. Is that how you talked to your own aunt?”
“A-A-Ampuuun!”
Once satisfied, I let go of my pinch. Looking at each other, laughter broke out. Perhaps the yearning that had piled up now overflowed like a broken reservoir, providing a familiar and nostalgic warmth.
After laughing, I looked at Arthur and asked, “Why did you come here, Artie? I say once again, if you look for your mother's shadow in me, you'll only find Artie's disappointment.
I'm not Mentari.”
… And I have chosen to leave you first.
“I want to protect my remaining Family,” replied Arthur without a doubt.
Ha's? What is this kid, by the way...?
“You mean Lumina and your sontoloyo father?”
“Includes Auntie too,” replied Arthur who grasped his hand full of wounds, “... I do not want any more harm to the precious people in my life.
Hah.
I snorted too, “Artie, for the good of both of us, you better not think of me as your family,” I said.
“What does Auntie mean?”
“Soalya, if you consider me family, with the feeling of dust in your chest that is on me, there can be a hot scandal,” taunted me.
“A-Jeez, this again. I thought you were going to talk seriously. Geez, cape and I,” complained Arthur while I just laughed out loud at his funny response.
But I am serious about my words. It would have been easier if Arthur hadn't thought of me as his family. That way, when he finds out the secret about me and Mentari, Arthur will find it easier to hate me.
A little while later, passing through the closed market, across a small bridge of gutters in the Pariyastra district, we found a two-story house full of medicinal plants in its courtyard. Lantern Flower Shop, my home.
The warm lantern flower light had been waiting for me behind the window of the house, presenting a nostalgic sight to me. Going on a long trip, I miss the light of home when I get home. The shop was closed and I noticed that some of the merchandise had run out of its storefront. It seems like today was busy as usual, my heart was a bit guilty it felt like leaving Luciel to take care of the shop alone.
Hmm, looks like I should find new parts in this store. Oh yeah, is there Arthur? Hihahi. Free and efficient power, cool!
Suddenly the aroma of onions and garlic danced in my nose. Our tummy tummy took over the wheel and bewitched us into the kitchen. There, we peeked behind the door and found Luciel had conjured up the small kitchen like a cozy little resto.
Like a reliable Chef, Luciel cooks agilely. The slow rush of meat fat made him nod his head to his rhythm, dancing small in slow humming while poking at the potatoes and carrots in the mixture.
“The potatoes and meat are soft, savory too is fitting. Sip,” murmured Luciel who served the meat stew on the dinner table. Sitting himself looking at the clock on the wall while muttering,
“Waduh, it's 7 o'clock, but the two people haven't come home yet. Though Luciel nda likes to eat alone.”
JEBRAKY!
“I lpaaaang!” I shouted excitedly, immediately jumping up to the shocked little girl and rubbing my cheeks with hers, immediately,
“Oooh, Luciel won't eat alone will he? Luciel is lonely, huh? Awwwww, lutuna Homunculusku this one,” my god.
BUKS!
A death story I received in the head, rebuking me sitting at the dinner table with courtesy. But instead of continuing with the megnomel, Luciel pushed the chair and let Arthur sit there.
“A-I can come eat here too?” arthur asked confusedly.
Luciel nodded, “Bby. Mr. Dame family. From today, this house is also your home,” he said who also took rice for Arthur and myself.
“But that means young master Arthur has to work hard in this house, okay? Don't be the owner of the shop that gabbed and cross-numbered, ” continued Luciel who pointed at me with his lips.
“If I present this parcel, may I take a free ride for a few days, Miss Luciel?” asked Arthur who handed the warm martabak to the little girl.
In an instant, Luciel's eyes twinkled with excitement. A wide smile was on his lips, along with the ile that he immediately removed. Cheerfully the girl said,
“I-I-It's for Luciel, really, everything?”
Arthur smiled and nodded.
“W-Waaaahh!! How long has Luciel not eaten martabak? After buying, Luciel comes always late and his brother says it's over,” said Luciel who immediately ate the martabak greedily,
“Mmhh, the meat is very juicy. Although less krispy, but savory mantab,” continued the girl.
“If there's anything else I can do for Miss, just say it, I'm ready to do anything for Miss,” Arthur said shrewdly. Hmm, looks like playboy talent from his father is declining on Arthur.
“Really? Then...” Luciel fell silent for a moment and glanced at me. Suddenly she smiled sweetly and turned to Arthur, who was,
“Let's stay at this house, Mr. Arthur,”.
Just like Arthur, I was shocked to hear the little girl's request. The innocence of Luciel's smile makes it difficult for Arthur to reject the girl, especially with a debt of gratitude that holds him back.
That's why I don't like debt.
With my chin up, I also enjoyed seeing Arthur goofing around looking for reasons to reject Luciel. I don't think it's my right to interfere with the affairs of the two young men in front of me.
“S-Before I give a definite answer, b-can I consul first with my servant?”
“No way, Luciel wants the answer at this time.”
Well done Luciel. Never give a man time to answer, for they will surely use that time to find a thousand and one reasons!
Confused, Arthur finally sees me and codes for help. Araraa, really cemen. Just asked for help. I laughed and helped my nephew.
“Hush, hush, Luciel, Arthur already has his own house.Pushing someone to leave his house, is not a good thing,” I said who also enjoyed the martabak and continued,
“Except, if you two marry.”
“That's not a bad idea,” Luciel said.
….! Choked on me and almost died suffocating. Immediately I gulped down the water and hit my neck.
“Months disagree!” prevent me immediately.
Luciel laughs wit, “Luciel ebrcanda Dame. Don't be overprotective it's the same with me. Hmm, if for example Arthur does not live here... Instead,” said Luciel who then looked at Arthur and said seriously, 'Luciel,
“Will Young Master promise me, to always be by Ma Dame Clair's side?”
Without waiting for long, Arthur replied, “Of course. Miss Luciel can keep my promise.”
Seeing the two children smiling and eating together at this table, I hid the crack in my heart. The sweet scene is just an illusion that shows the warmth of the family. For I know that the warm relationship we have now is nothing but a falsity.