After getting caught in his own sentiments Miguel pushed away his thoughts as he focused on the present.
But still over the course of his journey towards the orchards, passing through the royal garden, his head had been hung low the entire time. He did not speak or ask any question to the guide whose accompanying her. Two warriors with the same stature also acted as his guide.
And it did not take long before they reached their destination.
"We are here. please take what you need and leave. The Elders are strict about this place, not anyone could just enter. If not because you are the Apprentice of the Babaylan, the Dayang would have never allowed you to come." The servant interjected upon rearing a halt as Miguel slowly raised his head.
Miguel simply nodded, his thoughts had been interrupted. "I don't need you to remind me of that. woman." As Miguel said so, he shifted his gaze to the Moringa tree.
According to his little knowledge about this Moringa back in his previous world, it has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
That's what her wife had been blabbering about when she said that "Organic-based products are the best." He recalled his wife again in that instance.
But he wondered, "What could this tree do when it's all about the spiritual connection that they are dealing about? How come such a simple tree could help me recover?"
In his sight, the Moringa tree spreads his thin branches that loomed above Miguel's head. It is not particularly awe-inspiring, but in fact, it looked unappealing just like any normal wild plant found in the forest.
Miguel did not bother what leaf is the best to pick, he just pulled two branches directly with his bare hands, giving a look of disapproval from the servant as the servant clicked her tongue.
"Alright am done, I have to speak with the Dayang. Lead me there woman."
Which the Sulgosa answered with a shrug. Well, what could she do? She is just a servant...
But Miguel did not think in this way. He just had a foul impression of the servant, hence he acted more rudely than what he usually does.
.
.
.
...
"Our Ladyship, Dayang Haya, Argus wishes to speak with you." A servant wearing thin woven clothes appeared before the Dayang who is currently sitting anxiously in the hall.
The one apparent difference between the lowest class Alipin and a Sulgo can be traced in their clothing. Alipins either wore tattered clothes or simply wore nothing at their top, exposing their top body for everyone to see, regardless of any gender.
But for Sulgosa, they are usually presented more neatly than Alipins.
"Let him in." Dayang haya, softly spoke as she gestured everyone to leave except her and Miguel.
Appearing before the Dayang, Migue had already calmed himself. Bowing lightly to her, he observed the Dayang.
Dayang Haya constantly tapped her thighs, on the surface she looked calm but it did not escape Miguel's keen eyes to notice how truly worried she is. Some visible cold sweat is trickling down her forehead.
Although Miguel already knew as if teasing, he still asked, "What are you worried about Dayang Haya?" His eyes scanned the whole place as he stood tall without care, even sipping the wooden cup of wine placed near the table where the Dayang is placing her hand.
"I'm not worried!" almost like a reflex, the Dayang replied with a high pitched tone before transitioning it to a lower and much calmer tone... "I know you have a lot to ask about your father, and your tribe but... currently I can't spare any time to entertain you. Just know that I am not against you in staying here."
Miguel cast a piercing stare, he shifted his eyes from left to right surveying if there are any ears that would listen. Then after making sure that they are truly alone, Miguel came close to the Dayang.
Step by step and he made sure to make it really slow.
Dayang Haya at that time suddenly became afraid, she had forgotten that this kid in from of her harbors a grudge against their family. "How careless of me." She mutters.
Then, she quickly yelled, "What are you doing!"
Hearing the Dayang's frantic cry, Miguel chuckled. "Relax, Dayang... I simply want to come close and whisper something to you. I Am afraid that somebody else might hear it."
After which the Dayang calmed, but beside her skirt, she is already preparing to pull out the small knife hidden in her waist just in case that the Argus in front of him does anything that may harm her.
"I know your secret... Is that why you can't spare time for me?" His little face almost touched with the Dayang's cheeks. The sweet fragrance coming from the Dayang's hair is sniffed by Miguel and he was distracted for a bit before continuing to press some questions to this Dayang.
"The Datu is dead..." Miguel softly whispered.
Hearing Miguel's word, her eye's pupils dilated and it opened wide in shock. "What are you saying! this is preposterous! You are slandering the name of my husband!"
She is in shock from the words of Miguel. "How did he knew the truth? Impossible, he is just a lowly Alipin." as she inwardly thought.
She immediately tried to call out her guards "Guards! Guar—" but just when she was about to call them, Miguel tightly tied her lips. He placed his hands to the Dayang's mouth that is covered in veil as he pulled her in his arms. It looked like Miguel is about to flip the Dayang's head.
"You are a foolish ruler," Miguel whispered as he planted his lips beside the Dayang's ears.
"You sit here doing nothing while you pretend that you are calm but in fact, we both know! At this moment, some random group of sailors is about to come here and probably invade this land."
Miguel's voice was not that loud but it permeated through the Dayang's ear like a thunder's strike.
"He is right... I am pretty much useless without my husband. But he is gone..." The Dayang inwardly thought as he let Miguel touch him roughly, treating her as if nothing from what a royalty deserves.
Miguel became even bolder as he tightly gripped the wrist and hands of the Dayang, whispering in a mocking tone.
"What will you do then?"