Murder In The Old Castle
II. The Dinners
The dinner was solemn. The delicious tender beef really spoils the tongue of the writers. The sound of the clink of the spoon clashed with the expensive porcelain plates occasionally in the banquet.
“This is really delicious, Mr. Angga. The taste of this steak is unmatched. Everything is perfect,” compliment a bluish-black haired woman across the table. Her nose was sharp, very pretty like girls from Eastern Europe.
“She is Karina Ivanova. Ever heard?” whisper Cornellio on Tiara.
Tiara shakes.
“He is the author of classic novels, the romance between the prince and the princesses of the king, wars and such. Last year, a romance scandal with her own manager was revealed in the media. She is beautiful, right?”
“Iya. She is indeed very beautiful,” Tiara replied as she devoured such tender pieces of meat on the tongue.
Tiara had counted the number of writers invited at this birthday event. There were eight of them including him. So far there are four authors that he knows his identity.
Towards the end of the banquet, dessert that feels fresh in the esophagus begins to serve. Pudding assorted sweet-tasting fruit sweeps the mouth. There are some cakes that are so soft. Everyone was satisfied with the dishes served.
“Helen who cooked this all,” said Anggara Laksono
In Tiara's brain was immediately drawn by the middle-aged woman who welcomed her first. He tries to adapt to recognize an environment that is completely new to him. The people in this house look foreign, no one he knows.
Maybe just Cornellio Syam.
When Helen tidied up the leftovers, Anggara Laksono's Old Man fixed his seat. Look at the writers one by one.
“I will express my opinion about you. First, I will review the writing of Maira Susanti,” Anggara's eyes stared intently at the young woman sitting on her left side. The young lady smiled haughtily. Her hair is neatly arranged, with a butterfly-shaped hairpin.
“Maira Susanti's. Who doesn't know him yet? I love the style of the language and the storyline about the adventures of humans to other planets. He described the planet Mars very beautifully, not cratered. Full of greenhouses that are overgrown with purple flowers. I love it, Maira.”
“One thing of pride for me,” said Maira Susanti.
Tiara had heard of Maira Susanti. The author is best known for his work Adventure on the Red Planet. A futuristic novel packed with beautiful language.
“Next is a novel by Aldo Riyanda,” Anggara Laksono's gaze turns to the handsome young man sitting on his right side.
Her skin was clean, with a contemporary hairstyle. It's so pleasing to the eye.
Tiara had also heard the name Aldo Riyanda who languished in the world of writers with his work is quite phenomenal. The Warrior, a novel written by Aldo Riyanda was once a trending topic among writers because of his beautiful language style, and different story ideas.
“I love to read about the struggle of someone who is nobody to be the most famous person in society. He is so genius to play with the feelings of his readers,” Anggara praised Aldo Riyanda.
The young man smiled, and nodded.
Furthermore, Anggara Laksono reviewed one by one the novels written by each of the invited authors.
Michael Smith Artenton, with his brilliant detective novel, uncovers a serial murder case in New York City.
Adrianna Chen, the author of the winding romance of domestic life, is very indulgent to her readers. Adrianna with straightforward language, juggling a household problem becomes so epic.
Karina Ivanova, the classic author who is so well known in the story of Gwyneth and the Prince, is quite attractive to fans of fantasy stories that are scattered stories of dwarves, elves, dragons and witches.
Hans Christopher, the writer sitting across from Tiara, a cold-faced, expressionless man, is reminiscent of Edward Cullen in Twilight. Even when the novel was discussed by Anggara Laksono, not a smile he showed.
Tiara grunts.
Why is there someone this cold?
Hans Christopher wrote an epic fantasy novel. Greek myths combine with modernity. When Zeus disguises himself to the human world in his search for the heirloom contested by Hera. A novel that requires foresight.
The discussion then turned to the man sitting beside Tiara.
Cornellio Sham, a pure horror writer who tells about the supernatural world and its intricacies. Mysterious spirit realms and apparitions of terrible ghosts. His work is always awaited by horror fans in this country.
What author is this? Not even Tiara Laksmi's name has ever been in bookstores? I think most of the writers are there.
“He is a talented writer. The plot is good, but unfortunately it has not been ogled by a famous publisher. I accidentally read her novel at a roadside bookstall. The language is vulgar, but it is quite interesting ..” continued Anggara Laksono.
Tiara. Really, he doesn't deserve to be in this place. There were some writers who looked at him with harassing gazes. Tiara could accept that. He is really nobody.
“Why can Mr Anggara be interested in a writer of a class of fried beans like him?” ask Maira Susanti.
“Class of fried beans? You're wrong, Maira. He's not a hotcake. He is a diamond that has not been rubbed. Its brilliant light is still shrouded..,” bela Anggara Laksono.
“I hope you don't choose the wrong person,” said Maira Susanti smiling curiously.
Nyali Tiara Laksmi. His confidence collapsed tumbling down, strewn like cherry blossoms in the autumn. Even so, Tiara could accept. Compared to all the writers here, he was a grassroots level writer. His cheesy novels are read by a quarter of a million striped noses in this country. Drivers, building porters, manual laborers who want to satisfy their animal desires.
Now, Tiara felt like she had been skinned alive, unraveling all the disgrace that had enveloped her. The scornful gaze of other authors made his guts shrink even more. Like a little mouse at the end of a room, trapped in a cat's confinement!
“Tenace. He is indeed a writer who has a bad attitude,” whispered Cornellio soothing.
“I'm okay. Thank you.”
The night was getting late, but none of them were sleepy. They are still enthusiastic about listening to the story of Anggara Laksono the misterus. Coffee cups are still being distributed.
“Sorry. I don't drink coffee,” Tiara refused, as Cornellio held out a cup of coffee to her.
“Why?”
“I don't like caffeine,” replied Tiara.
“Caffeine will not spur your love interest,” Cornellio smiled mischievously.
Tiara.
Anggara Old Man still continues his story. His wife had died a few years ago, leaving no descendants. Cancer of the uterus has claimed the life of a beautiful woman whose painting is displayed in the middle room. Anggara Laksono hired a famous painter to capture his wife in a beautifully carved frame.
Anggara's property is so abundant, without knowing who will be given to him when he dies. Everyday, she is served by Helen, the housekeeper, Rania the personal assistant and Yoga, a gardener. He told me that he had written a will that had been signed by a notary, kept secret in his personal safe.
“Beautiful woman. Anastasia ...,” recalls Anggara Laksono.
He invited the authors to gather in the living room, by the fireplace, to observe the large painting hanging there. Painting women so graceful with a white dress like a wedding dress.
They enjoyed a long night. Until the end, Anggara Laksono said goodbye will rest.
“Their alerts to each room Helen. Make sure tomorrow, they wake up in a happy state, and bring another atmosphere. Tomorrow there will be a sweet surprise for all of them,” Anggara Laksono said with a meaningful smile.
Tiara could not grasp the meaning behind that smile.
Helen led him to a red door.
“May your rest be pleasant,” order Helen.
“Thank you, Helen.”
-
The night continued late. Tiara closed the room door, wanting to immediately rest her tired-struck body.
***