The event had ended. Guests were leaving, and the servants began tidying up the mess. Dirty glasses and leftover food were carried inside. In an instant, the place that had been lively and warm fell silent.
Raken stood upright, waiting for Kalaya to come out of the restroom. His eyes scanned the surroundings, one detail at a time, until a greeting pulled his attention. A young woman, likely the same age as Kala, approached. Her maroon dress was far too revealing for a chilly evening, making him think of Kala—was she cold in there?
"Mr. Raken, right?"
Raken remained still. He couldn't tell what the young woman intended. One thing was certain—he didn't like her. It wasn't just her inappropriate outfit, but the playful tone in her voice.
"I'm Rilen Mahatma. I've often heard about you from Kalaya." She extended her hand, but when he didn't respond, she pulled it back and clenched her fist in frustration.
"So it's true—you don't touch just anyone."
Raken stayed silent. In his mind, he silently hoped Kalaya would hurry out.
"There's no need for this, sir. Soon, I'll be your mistress. Please, don't be too harsh with me."
She didn't mean to be forward—the words simply slipped out. Where she had found such confidence, he couldn't imagine. It was almost amusing to see someone other than Ningtyas dare to ask for his attention.
"Even nonsense has its limits, miss." A faint smile curved Raken's lips. Humans shouldn't reach for what they cannot control; it always backfires, destroying more than they expect. What they grasp slips away, leaving only misery behind. Why couldn't they see? The destruction comes from themselves, yet they blame others for their own gratification.
Rilen's anger flared at Raken's words, prompting her to reveal a plan she had kept secret.
"Soon, Ningtyas will be ruined. You'd better find another cage before you get burned too."
Unconsciously, Raken drifted into thought, barely noticing that she had brushed his wrist while speaking before turning away.
"Think carefully, sir. I'm ready to welcome you by my side."
There was something he couldn't explain. A sense of warning hinted that something significant was about to erupt. He had to protect his lady even more carefully.
The scent of roses filled the air. The lush green lawn was so well-kept it was a pleasure to behold. Lavender lined the edges of the garden, and bright yellow tulips stood proudly in the corner. Fragrance wafted from every direction, making Kala want to linger. The backyard garden had become the perfect spot for a snack. Even though gray clouds loomed, threatening rain, Kala sat relaxed with Raken at her side. They sat close, watching the roses in full bloom.
"You still haven't told me why Rilen was touching you." A hint of irritation lingered in Kala's voice. She grabbed a chocolate biscuit and chewed it all the way down.
"I was thinking about you at that moment."
"Tch. That trick doesn't work on me."
Raken chuckled. "She said you gave me to her."
"Huh? That person's crazy." Kala grabbed three more biscuits and devoured them as a way to vent.
"Slow down." Raken's thumb brushed crumbs from around her lips.
"Annoying! Why would I give you to her? Ugh, so full of yourself."
"So… she lied?" Raken offered her a glass of milk, which she accepted immediately.
"Of course. How could you believe her? Besides, if I had really given you to her, would you have let her touch you like that?"
"Oh my. I'm not that cheap." Raken couldn't believe what Kala said. How could such a tiny girl think like that? "I imagined you abandoning me after hearing her words."
A gentle breeze blew, scattering Kalaya's long hair. Seeing her face partially hidden, Raken took a hair tie from his pocket. He gathered all her strands and tied them neatly. Kala remained silent, embarrassed for burdening him with her feelings. They shared the same fear, and it was oddly endearing.
"Don't go anywhere, Ken. You know I can't do anything without you." Kala admitted honestly. Nothing was truly okay if Raken weren't there. Her small hands couldn't even tie her own shoelaces. Her slender legs could only move when Raken held her hand. Her body and soul couldn't bear being left alone. She had lived a perfect life, always helped, never lacking, never truly alone. That's why she would be utterly helpless if Raken were gone.
"The same goes for me, Kala." His calm, deep voice reassured her. Raken would always be by her side.
A long silence settled over them. Both were lost in thought, enjoying the cloudy sky and fragrant garden.
Suddenly, noise came from inside. Raken and Kala turned at the same time, curious.
A tall man in a gray shirt stood there—Pramudya Mahatma. Hanganto was beside him. They laughed and talked, paying no mind to anyone else. Their boisterous voices carried outside.
Pramudya was Hanganto's younger brother. Though they had different mothers, it had never caused resentment. Pramudya and Hanganto cared for and provided for each other. Whatever Hanganto needed, Pramudya would give. Whatever Pramudya desired, Hanganto would fulfill.
Kalaya liked Pramudya. Since childhood, she had often been invited to play with him. Even though Rilen fussed and sulked, Pramudya always chose Kala. True, Rilen was the child of Pramudya and Inggit Mahatma. Pramudya wasn't the rightful owner of Ningtyas but the main heir of the Mahatma family.
From outside, Kala noticed that Pramudya had seen her as well. His smile remained gentle and pleasant. She raised her hand in greeting and stood to approach him. Raken followed faithfully, keeping a respectful distance.
"Kala, you're getting more beautiful every day." Pramudya's hand brushed her hair.
"Uncle Pra, you haven't aged at all."
"Using formalin," Hanganto teased. Laughter echoed between them.
"I couldn't make it to the high-society event yesterday, so I didn't get to see you, Kala. That's why I came today."
"Hah, lie. You really came to see Daddy, didn't you?"
Laughter erupted. Pramudya always ran out of words when facing Kala.
"I brought your favorite cheesecake. What more effort could I show?"
"Uncle wants to bribe me because Rilen was annoying yesterday, right? She made me angry."
"Yes, forgive Rilen, okay? I'm standing in for her. No more anger." Pramudya playfully poked her chin, softening her stubbornness.
"Alright then. Tell her not to force anything inappropriate."
Kala walked away from Pramudya and her father. Raken kept a careful eye on the interactions between Kala and Pramudya, which had happened many times before. But this time was different. In a single glance, Raken sensed an aura in Pramudya that had never been there before.