-26- (8)

I saw clearly, Minto walked closer to Manis so he might be able to be with Manis. My eyes widened when Minto's hand wrapped his arm around Manis' shoulder, and Manis just kept quiet. God damn it!

"Manis, I want to ask you ...," I said, walking then taking a position between them so that Minto's hand was off Manis's shoulder.

Manis glanced at me, while Minto was clear that he didn't like it.

"Payment for picking your tea yesterday, is it less?" I asked. Sweet's forehead wrinkled.

"I've been here for more than a week, what payment do you mean, Juna?" he asked.

Wow, I'm really stupid. Forget that Manis hasn't been in the garden for a long time.

"That--"

"Never mind, skipper. There's no need to make things up like that..." Minto said as if mocking me. How insolent this old man doesn't know himself! "Manis, come on in." he continued.

I was like a lackey who followed the steps of the two into the Manis's grandmother's room. The two of them stood closer to the bed. While I can only lean on the door. Looking at Minto with his crocodile gaze looking at Sweet at this time. Seriously, I really want to gouge out those damn Minto eyes.

"Grandma is sleeping. Grandma is really sleeping. It's been a while," said Manis, opening the conversation.

"Don't disturb, let your grandmother sleep," Minto replied with a strange look on his face. He really is like a lascivious bull.

"Arjuna, you're not coming home? It's already evening, isn't anyone looking for you? Maybe the courtiers or who is it," Manis's voice seemed to tremble. I was about to reply to her words, but again Minto held back my words.

"That's right, skipper. This skipper is a busy person, you know. Long time outside, there must be a lot of people looking for it. Moreover, it's already too late."

Like a guest, who was kicked out by the host. I'm like a really clueless person. In order to maintain my self-respect that was not dropped by Minto, I cleared my throat. Then I squinted my eyes as I looked at him.

"Who dares to look for me to discuss a matter when I'm visiting my friend's grandmother? Even the village officials wouldn't dare to do it...," I answered loudly. "I'll be here until tomorrow morning. Aren't you the one who should be busy taking care of the village affairs and your children, Minto? Why are you wandering around here?!"

Minto didn't answer. But, he nudged Manis's shoulder. Maybe he told Manis to kick me out. But, I don't want to!