A1ma Goddess Two Teeth
Papepa 7: Behind the Match

*The Arrow Fighters (Papepa)*

It was only after Alma Fatara asked, that the two sons of the Duchy's Treasurer introduced his name.

When Arung Seto and Ariang Banu came to the residence of the Duke of Marak Wijaya and stated his intention, Alma Fatara quickly caught the existence of the tactic behind the intention. Therefore, Alma put curiosity and wanted to know more things that happened, especially he knew to be drawn into the game of the two handsome young men.

After permission to Colour Mekararum and Adipari Marak Wijaya, Alma decided to only bring Magar Kepang as a friend to go to the residence of Adya Bangira. Ayu Spekara was assigned to accompany Colour Mekararum, Debur Angkara was assigned to practice machete, and Garam Sakti was assigned to feed horses.

Adya Bangira and his wife, Aning Sulasih, welcomed the arrival of Alma Fatara and Magar Kepang. The two special guests, according to the version of Arung and Ariang, are served with a delicious lunch. Magar Kepang as the richest man in Parasemiris Beach, must admit that his wealth is still far below when compared to the rich as Treasurer Adya Bangira.

“Hahahak! Don't be surprised, Uncle, if you hear me like to laugh. This is due to the two Uncle's children who originally picked up a beautiful girl in the middle of the road. Hahaha!” said Alma Fatara who did not hesitate to laugh in front of Adya Bangira and his wife.

“Hahaha!” However, Adya Bangira and his wife, as well as his two sons, actually laughed carried away by the excitement of Alma laughing.

Precisely Magar Kepang more calm, he prefers to enjoy the food presented.

“I'm being honest, Uncle. We were surprised when Arung and Ariang came to the Duke's Residence to redeem my freedom and my friends, even though we had our own way,” said Alma Fatara.

Hearing that, smile malamulah Arung Seto and Ariang Banu, but not as shy as a cat.

“Number, we are very observant to take advantage of opportunities. So, when we saw you, Alma, we were immediately interested in forcing you to cooperate by way of instilling services first to you,” kilah Arung Seto honest.

“I suspect, you are not interested in working with me, but you are interested because I am beautiful, huh? Hahaha!” guess Alma Fatara, who again made the family laugh a lot.

“Hahaha!”

Although Arung Seto and Ariang Banu laughed, but they became dead because they were guessed by Alma.

“Try saying, what plan did you originally plan on me, Kakang! No need to hesitate,” said Alma Fatara.

Arung Seto and Ariang Banu looked at each other for a moment, as if asking for a silent agreement. A moment later, Arung Seto finally answered.

“This is all related to tomorrow's match which is the main prize of his daughter Kepal Kepeng.”

“Wait wait wait!” cut the Magar Kepang suddenly. Then ask him to make sure, “Gift main daughter Kepal Kepeng? So that is to say, the daughter of the richest man in the Duchy of Balongan, was made a gift to the one who won the match?”

“True,” Reply Arung Seto.

“Why is it so cruel this match?” ask Alma. Then then he said, “Ah, please Kakang continue Kakang explanation. I will listen while enjoying the great sustenance this time.”

“Hahaha!” low laughter Adya Bangira and Aning Sulasih.

“Every Arrow Fighter must be very ambitious to win the match tomorrow, especially the main prize is Ninda Serumi, the most beautiful girl in the Duchy of Balongan. The beauty of Ninda Serumi is well known. So this year's game feels tighter. Like Bandeng Prakas who never came, this time join the match. The strongest candidate is always the son of the Duke, namely Arya Mungkara,” said Arung Seto.

Apparently Ariang Banu also did not feel at home just silent, he also wanted to explain.

“Nah, after knowing that Commander Gendas Pati can you conquer with young until you can not stand, Kakang Arung has an idea. We released you for ransom, but you had to help us during the game, somehow. If one of us wins, then the one who wins will get Kepal Kepeng's daughter. After that, the prize was exchanged. Ninda Serumi will be handed over to the losers among us, and the victors will have you, Alma,”, said Ariang Banu.

“What? Hahahak ..!” shock Alma, but then he laughed out loud, until he covered his mouth so that the food in his mouth did not spill. Then he said to Adya Bangira, “I'm sorry, Uncle. I'm sorry, Auntie. I'm not polite when I eat!”

“It's okay, it's okay,” said Adya Bangira understood.

“If it is like that, then the winner will get nothing. Because no man can have me. I am beautiful, but I am still a child. Hahaha!” alma said to the brothers, making them become anxious to see Alma.

“But it was his initial plan,” said Ariang Banu defensively.

“I will not help a single person to cheat. I'm a swordsman. I don't know if you two are warriors or just noble children,” Alma said.

“Honor is more important than enjoyment. Isn't that right, Uncle?” alma then asked for the opinion of Adya Bangira.

“Betul, Alma!” The one who answered was precisely Magar Kepang without looking at Alma, he just nodded while poking the vegetables on his plate.

“I asked Uncle Adya, not to the Village Chief Iwakculas,” grumbled Alma.

“Hahaha!” their laughter together.

“I'm amazed, still like this Alma is already strong hold honesty. You two should follow his example,” said Adya Bangira.

“Iya, Father,” replied Arung Seto and Ariang Banu.

“I don't want you guys to embarrass the family name. Better to lose honorably, than to have to win by cheating,” Adya Bangira's message.

“But losing is painful, Father,” said Arung Seto.

“If you don't want to lose, you have to practice a lot. Do not want to be good, want a champion but do not want to work hard. We make mistakes, but it is others we blame. If only pursuing beauty, in this vast world too many beautiful women. If you can't get Kepal Kepeng's son, you can fight over Ayu Speak my best friend,” said Alma Fatara.

“Hahahak ..!” Exploded suddenly the laughter of Magar Kepang. Fortunately, his mouth was empty of food.

“But, I'm very uncomfortable with this match, Uncle. The most beautiful girl in the Duchy of Balongan, wants to be the main prize in a match. If he wants to be a gift, I question his wits.”

The words of Alma Fatara made Adya Bangira and her two sons to belittle.

“Why, Alma?” ask Arung Seto.

“I'm also a girl, Kakang. I am a human being, it is impossible to be made like a thing, which any man is free to have as long as he wins the match. If I were, I would be so offended. Let alone me, Kakang Arung and Kakang Ariang will also feel like that. What if the two legs are in the position of princess Kepal Kepeng?”

A momentarily silent the two handsome young men.

“I don't want to. Although all who compete are women, but I do not want to be contested then owned. What happens if the old lady wins?” arung Seto.

“Hahaha!” Laugh at them.

“Yes, I agree with Kakang Arung,” said Ariang Banu.

“In my opinion, this is definitely something wrong, Uncle. How could Kepal Kepeng put his beautiful daughter, freely touched by the hands of any man?” ask Alma.

“That happened upon the agreement between Gusti Adipati and the child voters, in this case it was Kepal Kepeng. The deal could be approved by Kepal Kepeng, certainly because there is a big lure of money in the deal. As the richest man in the Duchy of Balongan, do not make Kepal Kepeng satisfied ..”

“I'm sorry, Uncle. But, if Kepal Kepeng is offered a lot of money, it means that Uncle Adipati spends a lot of money for this match?” ask Alma to interrupt.

“No, precisely Gusti Adipati big profit. Because the money came from the bet of many nobles. Including my betting money,” replied Adya Bangira.

“Oh,” sigh Alma.

“The rules, before the game starts, dozens of nobles will deposit their bet money to Gusti Adipati. The bet can be money, other possessions, to a large land. Half of the money collected will belong to the owner of the girl. The rest will be split in half, half for the Duke, and half for the winner of the bet, not the winner of the match. The winner of the match will get only a little. If the number of winners bet a lot, then the obligation of Gusti Adipati increase the amount of the prize half of the ration. Therefore, usually Gusti Adipati cheat by helping to win the Arrow Fighters who are not seeded, so that the winner bets a little and the Ration Gusti Adipati is not disturbed,” explained Adya Bangira.

“If Uncle knows Uncle Adipati will cheat, why does Uncle keep betting?” ask Alma.

“For release of obligations as Duchy office. If I don't make a bet, maybe I will be removed as an official and Gusti Adipati will appoint a new treasurer,” by Adya Bangira.

“It's an untrue affair, Uncle,” said Alma with a slightly wrinkled forehead, indicating that he was thinking seriously. (BH)