The midday activity of savoring lunch while digesting every RSVP rumor slowly became a habit. Unbeknownst to them, RSVP had become a second idol since last year. A foundation that could serve as a reference for external influences on existing policies. Somehow, the trivial matters thrown by RSVP actually made all the perplexing things make sense. It allowed for a sense of understanding in the face of numerous decisions that scratched at humanity, although not the kind of understanding that brought peace of mind. It became a sort of affirmation of the unwritten rules that governed this world. Pity those who believe that stacks of literature can substitute for truly comprehending the way people think. Unexpectedly, RSVP now had its loyal customers who closed themselves off and had no intention of getting to know one another. A handful of them were the powerful ones.
Now, RSVP no longer accepted new requests for its premium application. A decision that was greatly favored by the loyalists and appreciated by those who had once casually tried the paid version of RSVP, not the free one. Rapidly, RSVP became a topic of discussion and a symbol of a delusion of non-disclosure. Many people became curious, attempting to find out who the loyalists of RSVP were so they could be ridiculed as ungrounded individuals since they still regarded RSVP as an excessive application. The displayed subscription fee for the premium package was US$500 per year. They merely thought it was an exorbitant price for information and invitations to upper-class parties, which they didn't even know the true nature of. Just as they never knew the types and nature of the rumors presented by RSVP. No loyalist shared any information with outsiders thus far. Moreover, this application had screen protection, making it impossible to capture and share screenshots. No matter how sophisticated or expensive the tools used by the loyalists were.
Alaric snorted, this round of RSVP rumors pertained to his family. The offshore companies via Luxembourg in the past. Certainly, this news was related to the release of information by those independent journalists who were stirring up the world with the Panama Papers this time. They had previously caused a stir with the Luxembourg Leaks as well. When it came to Tax Havens and offshore companies, the general public always thought it involved dirty dealings. But the RSVP loyalists were clearly not part of the general public: they understood matters like this. However, the mention of the name Dirdja would surely have an impact.
Today. 11:36 AM. ____Dharma Dirdja turned out to have registered his securities in Luxembourg in 2010. Remember 5, rue Guillame Kroll? Yup! The address that caused a sensation in the world in 2014. Along with Saratoga, also on Vanuatu Island. Let's see, what has the Dirdja family been busy with in the homeland with their holdings? Fortunately, they were not involved in land reclamation. It was wise of them from the start not to get involved with charitable hospitals. But they still held projects for local airports in Kalimantan and West Papua. Anyone curious about these Panama documents, does it make you reminisce about the Luxembourg Leaks?
Alaric jumped up from his seat, immediately leaving his room to find Aymard. Without any preamble, he barged in and was taken aback to find Aymard with a guest. Luckily, the guest wasn't a stranger.
"Wow, you still act like a kid. Bursting into Aymard's room without knocking," Marcello grumbled.
Alaric glared for a moment, "Open your work tablet, Mardi! RSVP!"
Aymard raised an eyebrow briefly before lazily complying with Alaric. Unlike Alaric and the other RSVP loyalists, Aymard chose to respond to the sizzling RSVP rumors with indifference. However, this time, he couldn't help but be affected by the news.
Today. 12:09 PM. ____ Heard that Dirdja was seen holding a gold box at Weathergrass. Sitting together with Lord Martin Ingmar. One of the two chosen young ones is the eldest Dirdja. The other one our Mischievous Darling from the Oz. Uhm, guess guess, peeps! They had a bad story in the past, didn't they?
Aymard stopped chewing. The food in his mouth remained unswallowed, and his throat suddenly felt unbearably dry. Unexpectedly, RSVP also held personal stories in its grasp. Aymard realized uncomfortably that his own issues became public consumption, albeit within limited circles. Alaric had read it too, staring at Aymard seriously.
"Just ignore it," Marcello remarked, folding his arms.
Aymard nodded, "Yeah, they're not bothering you."
Marcello chuckled, "RSVP needs something to talk about after all. It just so happens that the Panama Papers were released. Luxe Leaks resurfaced. And coincidentally, your family is under scrutiny due to the recent notable achievements of the Dirdjas."
Alaric saw Aymard toss his tablet aside. His face now unpleasant to look at. It was evident that his appetite had disappeared. He clenched one hand while reaching for the phone on the table. Without any preamble, he called Danti.
"Find out who runs RSVP," Aymard ordered curtly.
Danti widened her eyes, slightly leaning forward and asked, "I'm sorry, sir? What do you mean?"
Aymard gave her a cold look, "Find out who runs RSVP. Whether they're from the North Pole or the sewers of Muara Angke, find them!"
Marcello chuckled at Danti's bewildered expression. Of course, this was not Aymard's usual behavior. Danti turned to Alaric and looked at him for clarification.
"Alaric, sir. Is this your request?"
Alaric grumbled softly, "Don't be impudent, Danti."
Marcello chuckled, "Ignore them.This is just their temporal emotion. It's better if you go and investigate all the RSVP news about these young bosses, Danti. That makes more sense," he quipped.
Aymard snorted, "Damn them. How can they get rumors so quickly?"
Danti remained frozen, unsure of what to do. Alaric glanced at his buzzing tablet again. RSVP once more.
Today. 12:22 PM.____ Conclusion, AR remains mysterious. The matter is entirely in the hands of the Assistant. The gold box is held by 7 prominent names, plus two young individuals ready to take over power: Aymard Dirdja and Jayaprabhu Emyr. Well, people with flawless portfolios. But, oh, how we want to gossip about Aymard and Jaya Emyr alone this week.
Marcello laughed again, while Aymard ran his fingers through his hair. Alaric looked at Aymard, concerned for his brother. He knew all too well that when it came to Jaya Emyr, it could make Aymard feverish for days. It was a matter too personal, something Aymard wanted to forget. The mistake of past emotions that couldn't be controlled. A little love affair and arrogance that led Jaya Emyr's family to refuse entry to Aymard Dirdja.
"When it comes to this, my assumption is right, isn't it? RSVP is just a gathering of gossip from our own circle," Aymard whispered jokingly.
Alaric took a deep breath. The sound of a RSVP notification echoed once again.
Today. 12:27 PM.___ Watch out! We were all enjoying our lunch when the Assistant made an approval. Once again, a massive flow of funds from the Fed to BI. 10-digit US $ equity. No need for subsidiaries or partners as intermediaries, taxes go directly into the national treasury. The hunt has begun. It's interesting to find out who will be the first to captivate the Durlach heir, funded by them.
Marcello and Alaric were momentarily stunned, staring at their respective screens. Alaric cleared his throat, slowly turning to Aymard, who promptly grabbed his phone and gave numerous instructions to Danti. Marcello acted similarly, though not as frenzied as Aymard. Both seemed to forget that Alaric was still standing there, observing their busyness. Even Danti appeared far from relaxed. Alaric sighed, feeling somewhat disturbed by the fact that he was suddenly disregarded. He slowly walked out of Aymard's room with a sour expression on his face. Dharma always asked him to keep an eye on Aymard, but seeing everything Aymard did, Alaric couldn't comprehend it. According to Alaric, his brother's agility earlier was futile. Excessive, just to respond to the ongoing RSVP rumors. Business matters were only a small part of Alaric's concern. He cared more about the opinions of the loyalists regarding Aymard personally. The significance of it all was highly subjective to Alari who never strongly tied to his own work behind the desk.
"Where are you off to, Burik?"
Alaric turned as Aymard called him. He saw his brother holding his cell phone up in the air, with his free hand beckoning Alaric to come closer.
"I need your help. Get Dono to join us, and don't take it lightly. We can't afford anything that could make our prices drop again," Aymard said.
Marcello shook his head, "This Durlach Lady! Doesn't she realize the mess she's causing? Her alignment with the government makes me want to jump off the 27th floor!"
Alaric glanced at the pale-faced Marcello, "It's better to roll up what I have here and bet it all if that's the way to do it. Move to mainland China!" Marcello added.
Alaric didn't understand, while Aymard smiled knowingly, "Wait for the winds to change, my friend. Remember, the constellations haven't started shining yet. This is just a gift for one person at the party."
Marcello snorted, "My family only got a silver box. If this is how it's done, I have to get close to one of the gold holders? Ah, being a second option is painful! It's definetely hurts, Aymard!"
Aymard chuckled. Alaric sat across from his brother, trying to digest their conversation with Marcello Frey, Marianne's biological brother whom he dated for three months before being with Shafina. Alaric knew Marcello didn't like him. If it weren't for Aymard, Marcello would have certainly beaten up Alaric more than once.
"Burik, you and Dono try to find some side information, see where else Durlach is directing funds today," Aymard commanded as Dono entered.
Dono, with his disheveled hair and a slightly tired face, with his mouth still greasy from an unfinished lunch, raised an eyebrow. Alaric squinted at him and then shook his communication device, finally Dono understand. Rolling his eyes, Dono retorted,
"Oh, RSVP is causing a commotion, huh? That's why I always turn off everything during lunch. It disrupts my appetite."
Danti complained, affirming his statement. A dramatic expression of suffering escaped Danti's lips, although she hadn't even touched her lunch yet. The sound of repeated notifications filled the room as Dono activated his main device. Then followed by simultaneous chimes from everyone's devices in the room. They looked at each other.
"Wow, RSVP is really busy today. Apparently, it had a significant impact since last night's dinner," Dono whispered.
Today. 12:47 PM.___ Congratulations, AR Durlach! Your previous activities have stirred a sleeping giant to stretch. The acquisition of a renewable energy resource project owned by one of the copper-invited guests in Weathergrass has been delayed. It has been taken over directly by CorporatE, who always and only pockets gold or diamonds.
Aymard froze. He closed his eyes, knowing for sure that AR Durlach had chosen her first person. The one trusted to be a partner in this country. The one who could watch each other's backs. It was undoubtedly a choice that was not wrong at all. It seemed AR was very interested in securing her position. However, it was still disappointing for Aymard to learn that AR didn't choose a Dirdja as her first wolf. He sighed, feeling slightly annoyed as he glanced at Alaric. Regardless, Aymard was quite confident that Alaric's recent actions in St. Regis last month influenced AR's decision today.
*****