The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
Celebrations
"Right now, aren't we still having a hard time deciding who will be the messenger from Panjalu to go to China?
Why don't we just propose Panji Tejo Laksono as Panjalu's ambassador to gain recognition from the Song Dynasty? Isn't that the same as keeping Panji Tejo Laksono away from the throne of the Kingdom of Panjalu for a long time, Mpu Gandasena?", a sly smile engraved on the old face of Mpu Kepung.
"It's also your talk, Mpu Kepung.
That way at least for one warsa Panji Tejo Laksono will be far from the reach of Yuwaraja. We just have to prepare Mapanji Jayawarsa as best we can to deserve to be crown prince", replied Mpu Gandasena with a happy smile.
"Well, you finally understand, too, Mpu Gandasena..
We do not know what bad luck might happen and befall Panji Tejo Laksono during the trip because the sea is a dangerous place. That way we do not need to bother looking for a hitman to eliminate him", replied Mpu Kepung while sitting cross-legged beside Mpu Gandasena.
"But we should also not be too conspicuous of attention for this matter, Mpu Kepung..
One or two days ahead, let Panji Tejo Laksono enjoy the sweet fruit of his victory at the Lawor River. Tomorrow when routine pisowanan in the grand paseban hall, we just propose it ", said Mpu Gandasena immediately.
Mpu Kepung nodded in understanding. The two top officials of Kotaraja Kadiri Palace then rushed to leave the place.
Indeed, the issue of who the next candidate Yuwaraja Panjalu is always a debate between the people of Kotaraja Kadiri and the residents of the Kingdom of Panjalu in general. Some consider that Mapanji Jayawarsa is more fitting to be the next Yuwaraja Panjalu because he is the grandson of Prabu Samarawijaya, the first king of the Kingdom of Panjalu. Some consider that it is only a colossal mind that is not able to see the future of the Kingdom of Panjalu if you choose Mapanji Jayawarsa as a successor. This group is more likely to want Panji Tejo Laksono in the inauguration of Yuwaraja Panjalu next considering he is the eldest son of Prabu Jayengrana. Although Prabu Jayengrana is only a son-in-law of Prabu Samarawijaya, but he has a lineage of Darmawangsa Teguh, the father-in-law of Prabu Airlangga. He can rule without any significant obstacles, but for the problem of Yuwaraja Panjalu the opinion of the community seems to be split into two parts.
But the success of Panji Tejo Laksono to prevent the invasion of Blambangan Land against Kadiri will certainly be a plus for the young prince. Some people who doubted him also now began to open their eyes to the speed of Panji Tejo Laksono to become Yuwaraja Panjalu.
The journey back to Kadiri became the proudest moment for Panji Tejo Laksono and the Panjalu soldiers. How not, along the highway leading to Kotaraja Kadiri, thousands of residents welcomed their arrival with great respect. They lined up neatly on the side of the road while continuing to haunt them.
For girls and women, when they see the beautiful face of Panji Tejo Laksono, it is when they suddenly fall in love. Some even fainted from hysterics when they saw Prabu's eldest son Jayengrana waving his hands at them.
Once in the square Kotaraja Kadiri, Maharaja Panjalu Prabu Jitendrakara aka Prabu Jayengrana himself who came to greet them. Accompanied by the three empresses and the four king concubines, Prabu Jayengrana smiled proudly at Panji Tejo Laksono and the Panjalu warriors who came after winning the war. Some state palace officials such as Mapatih Warigalit, Mahamantri Jayakerti, Mahamantri Mpu Kepung, Dang Acarya Ring Kasaiwan Mpu Gandasena, Dang Acarya Ring Kasogatan Wiku Wikalpa, etc, The Pamgat Jnanaloka also high-ranking officers who specialized in protecting the city of Kadiri such as Tumenggung Sindupraja and Senopati Tunggul Arga also welcomed their arrival.
"Welcome to the Cattle Palace, my Son..
Congratulations on your success in expelling the soldiers of Blambangan", said Panji Watugunung aka Prabu Jayengrana while smiling knot when Panji Tejo Laksono and all retainers of Panjalu soldiers came and worshiped him.
"All this is thanks to the cooperation between the retainers of Panjalu soldiers and also the sacrifice of those who have died on the battlefield, Kanjeng Romo Prabu..
Without their help, Panji Tejo Laksono could not have done anything" replied Panji Tejo Laksono who was still squatting worshipping at Panji Watugunung.
Hearing those words, everyone smiled faintly especially the retainers of Panjalu soldiers who also faced that day. Except for some people who look like they're throwing their faces away.
"I know, Nakmas Prince Panji Tejo Laksono is indeed reliable. So you don't have to be that humble, Prince Nakmas" said Ayu Galuh, the Second Queen of Panjalu.
"Leres at Barudak Kasep..
Your tea is indeed worthy of praise from Akang Prabu Jayengrana. Ambu Naganingrum tea is proud of you", said Dewi Naganingrum, the Third Queen of Panjalu with a smile knot.
"For praise and appreciation, I think the retainers of Panjalu warriors such as Uncle Narapraja, Uncle Ludaka, Uncle Landung, Uncle Gumbreg, Uncle Jarasanda and Uncle Rajegwesi are more entitled to get it.
So I am only lucky because they are the ones who benefit us the most in this war" Panji Tejo Laksono replied while respecting the two kings empresses.
"You are my son..
This attitude of yours really makes me proud of you. Now stand my son, as well as you other Panjalu warrior officers", said the Watugunung Panji.
"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Prabu", replied the retainers of Panjalu soldiers while standing from his crouching place.
"Tonight at the Katang-katang Palace there will be a celebration to give thanks for the victory to drive out the people of Blambangan.
All of them are invited to attend ", said Panji Watugunung loudly.
Cheers rang out from the mouths of the Panjalu soldiers present in Kotaraja Kadiri square.
After the announcement, Panji Tejo Laksono immediately headed towards Keputran Kadiri to change clothes. Because Luh Jingga had obtained permission as a servant of Panji Tejo Laksono, then he was allowed to stay in Keputran Kadiri.
Once at Keputran Kadiri, Gayatri was waiting for the arrival of Panji Tejo Laksono.
"Congratulations on your success, Gusti Prince..
But I am really upset by your attitude" Gayatri said as she stared intently at Panji Tejo Laksono.
"Kog upset? Where was it my fault?", Panji Tejo Laksono was astonished by Gayatri's suddenly angry attitude.
"Gusti Prince why not take me to the war this time? Why would you be alone in the guest hall of honor? Hasn't Gusti Prince ever promised to take me on every trip? Is that all ka..."
Gayatri had not had time to express her regret because she was staying away from Panji Tejo Laksono, the young prince immediately stuck his index finger in front of his lips as a sign that he wanted Gayatri to stop his tirade.
"Let me explain everything. Now I'm going to take a shower and change my clothes because there's a celebration at the palace tonight. Just wait here.
Luh Orange,
"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Prince", replied Luh Jingga immediately. The beautiful girl from Penampihan hill immediately tailed behind the Panji Tejo Laksono. But before going inside, he had time to turn towards Gayatri and stick his tongue towards the daughter of the Duchy of Seloageng.
Upset was Gayatri with Luh Jingga's attitude.
'Rotten girl..
You think you're one step closer to Gusti Prince. I won't budge on you one bit', Gayatri grumbled in her heart.
Dusk began to fall covering the Kotaraja Kadiri region, bringing a comfortable atmosphere with a reddish glow in the western sky. The bats begin to come out of their nests to forage to fill their stomachs.
Panji Tejo Laksono yang selesai berdandan layaknya seorang pangeran, keluar dari dalam kamar peristirahatan nya diikuti oleh Luh Jingga yang juga sudah berdandan cantik dengan baju kuning kemerahan yang selalu menjadi ciri khas nya.
"Gayatri,
Are you still here?", asked Panji Tejo Laksono with a meaningful smile.
"Why should? Gusti Prince wants to expel me?", replied Gayatri who was still upset with the attitude of Panji Tejo Laksono.
"Hehehehe, stupid girl..
Who wants to kick you out Gayatri? You exist only. Don't use anger as a weapon to scare others.
Oh yeah, I owe you an explanation, huh? This is Gusti Putri Dyah Gayatri, I deliberately do not invite you to participate in this war because I do not want to endanger your safety. After all if there was anything, surely Uncle Sindupraja and Aunt Fencing must have blamed me. I still do not fully believe in my martial skills Gayatri" Panji Tejo Laksono said with a deep smile.
"Ah that's just Gusti Prince's excuse. Anyway from now on wherever Gusti Prince goes, I come along. No matter what the battlefield was, I just had to go", Gayatri gave off her stubborn nature.
"Haesshh... Yes, okay, next time I'll take you. Now we go to the celebration first, no need to fuss with something like this. Let's go", take Panji Tejo Laksono as he steps out of his residence castle.
Gayatri and Luh Jingga follow the steps of the young prince.
The atmosphere at Kotaraja Kadiri Palace is really lively. Dozens of ornamental penjor and yellow janur in pairs everywhere. In Paseban Agung Ward, Prabu Jayengrana sits on the throne of the Kingdom of Panjalu in the apit of his three consorts and the four concubines of the king. The four princesses of the king: Dewi Sekar Kedaton, Dewi Kencawangi, Dewi Wulan Sumekar and Dewi Sekar Tanjung attended the celebration. In addition to
Various kinds of dishes are served at a small table arranged in such a way that the middle of the ward becomes a stage show featuring the dancers of palace entertainers who become loyal servants of the Katang-katang palace.
The arrival of Panji Tejo Laksono immediately made the dancers stop his movement and pull over to give way to the prince.
After Panji Tejo Laksono worshipped Prabu Jayengrana and sat in his place, followed by Gayatri and Luh Jingga, the art performance was resumed.
Tumenggung Sindupraja who saw the arrival of Panji Tejo Laksono followed by his daughter Gayatri smiled faintly.
'There's no point in your stubborn Gayatri.. I don't mind if you marry Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono who will be the next young king', Inner Tumenggung Sindupraja in heart.
The celebration of that night lasted until late at night. Outside the Great Paseban Hall, various foods are served to the soldiers of Panjalu without exception. Everyone was happy in the good mood.
After a long night, the celebration was over. Beginning with the retreat of the Watugunung Panji from the throne followed by his wives and daughters, Panji Tejo Laksono also left the Great Paseban Hall with Gayatri and Luh Jingga.
Panji Tejo Laksono rushed to his residence castle in Keputran Kadiri. Once there, Panji Tejo Laksono looked astonished at Gayatri who was still following the young prince's steps.
"Gayatri,
Why are you still coming here? Shouldn't you go back to the guest hall of honor?", asked Panji Tejo Laksono immediately.
"I don't want to go back to the guest house anymore. Later Gusti Prince left me as good as udelnya", replied Gayatri with a smile knot.
"But what would people say if they knew you were staying at my place, Gayatri? We can be the subject of people's speech ", Panji Tejo Laksono looked at the beautiful face of the woman.
"That's right, Gusti Putri..
Gusti Putri better go home to the guest hall of honor. It is not good for a girl to stay at the place of a man who is not her husband", said Luh Jingga.
"Be quiet, Luh Jingga. This is not your place to interfere advising me..
Gusti Prince,
I don't care about people talking. The important thing is that I don't want to be away from Gusti Prince" Gayatri said with a meaningful smile.
"Duh Gusti Hyang the Great, why is this woman so stubborn? Auntie Fergarasasi cravings what the hell was your pregnancy??
My castle only has two bedrooms. Where do you want to sleep? One room where I rest, while one place for Luh Jingga", asked Panji Tejo Laksono immediately.
"I sleep wherever I can. Sleeping with Luh Orange is okay, sleeping here while holding a mat can also be. Just sleep here.
Or if Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono does not mind, we can share a bedroom", replied Gayatri casually.
HAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!