After dawn Berna was ready to wear a suit and tie. He also put all his clothes and belongings in the suitcase. He did not forget to bring an old book with "Ethias" written on it. Exactly eight o'clock in the morning, the sound of horse hooves was heard. Marudi and Merna were immediately greeted by Erma.
"You are very handsome," said Merna when she saw that Berna was already tidy.
"Soon you will have a new room," said Marudi.
"Come on please sit down. I have prepared the adoption agreement documents to be signed," said Erma while preparing a chair. He then opened a large envelope and took out several documents.
Marudi and Merna carefully read the contents of the agreement file. Then they nodded and Marudi pulled a pen from his coat pocket. He quickly signed the files.
"Thank you, Erma," said Marudi.
Erma just nodded then she put the files back in the envelope. Then she called Berna.
"Now, you are part of the Rombepayung family," said Erma with a smile. Of course the smile is fake.
Berna just craved because he was confused about what to express.
"Then, we say goodbye," Marudi stood up and greeted Erma. Likewise with Merna.
"Let's say goodbye to Erma and your friends," said Erma while holding Berna's shoulder.
"Se...goodbye friends and also, Erma," said Berna in a low tone.
Everyone was silent then Marudi and Merna said goodbye. Berna also followed the two of them walking through the door who was greeted by an old coachman with white hair.
"Let me carry Mr. Berna's suitcase," said the coachman as he lifted Berna's suitcase politely.
Hearing "Master Berna" made Erma hate Berna even more. He was jealous of Berna.
"Come on up," said Marudi.
Berna then climbed behind. It was the first time he had ridden in a horse-drawn carriage and it was the first time he had felt the seats wrapped in a very luxurious bright red silk. So comfortable when he sat down.
"Goodbye," said Erma, waving her hand.
The coachman then flapped the rope and then the two horses that were pulling him began to walk. The train drove slowly down the village road to the elite area. Less than half an hour they arrived at a large gate where in front, lined the large and luxurious houses belonging to the nobles. The coachman asked two gatekeepers to open the gate. When the gate opened, the carriage started to run again. Because the hood of this horse-drawn carriage was opened, Berna could freely see the rows of large and luxurious houses in front.
"Welcome to the elite area of the nobles, son," said Marudi, smiling at Berna.
"I…I don't know what to say," Berna huffed.
"Hahaha, you're so innocent," Erma laughed.
"From now on, you can call us mom and dad," Marudi stroked Berna's hair.
"Can I ask something?" said Berna.
"Of course," replied Marudi.
"Sorry if my question offended you. But don't you guys have kids?" suddenly Berna's heart beat fast. He was afraid that his question might anger Marudi and Merna.
"We used to have. But he died of illness," answered Merna.
"Sorry to remind you of your son," Berna lowered his head.
"It's okay, kid. It's natural for you to ask that," this time Marudi hugged Berna.
They then arrived at the gate of a luxurious house with yellow-cream paint. The gate was opened by a gardener wearing a round hat. Then the horse carriage passed through a flower garden with a fountain with a statue like a black fairy.
The horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of the double doors in front of the house. Not long after, the door was opened by two helpers who were dressed in black with white aprons.
"Welcome back sir and madam," they greeted almost simultaneously.
The coachman got down and opened the carriage door.
"Please come down," he said politely.
After descending, Berna was invited in and his eyes sparkled when he saw the large and magnificent family room. Above it hung a large chandelier that sparkled in its light. It's like looking at a diamond hanging from the ceiling. In addition, Berna also smelled the fragrant smell of this fragrant house. A fragrance he had never smelled before.
"Your room is upstairs," said Marudi as he walked up the stairs in front.
"Honey, I want to cook with our maids first," said Merna as she walked into the kitchen with the two maids who opened the door.
"Okay, honey," replied Marudi.
"Let me carry the suitcase," said the coachman as he walked up to the stairs.
"It's okay, Uncle. Let me take it," Berna took his suitcase.
Marudi smiled then he said, "You just rest, Remin."
"But I can still carry Mr. Berna's suitcase upstairs."
"Okay, you rest. Thank you for today."
Remin nodded then he said goodbye to rest in his room.
"Come on, Berna, let's go to your room," said Marudi.
They both then reached a door. When Marudi opened it, he saw a large room with a bed, cupboard, study table, and a window that directly faced the front yard of the house.
"From today, this is your room," Marudi put his hand on Berna's shoulder.
Berna could not speak anymore. He was so mesmerized by his new luxurious room. Even when he sat on the bed, he felt like he was in the clouds. Very soft and comfortable.
"You can keep your clothes in the wardrobe and your things on the study table. If you want to play outside, let Vesta, the gardener, open the gate first," Marudi said goodbye and closed the bedroom door.
Berna immediately put his clothes in the wardrobe. And his personal belongings in the desk drawer. He kept his old alchemist book neatly under the bed. Then he thought of Ellie. Sunday is still a few days away. Berna thought about giving Ellie a present.
"Perhaps, Zaru, Veda and Nandi will want to be friends with me if they see my current state," said Berna.
Lunch time has arrived. Suddenly there was a knock on Berna's door. It turned out that Marudi invited him to immediately go to the dining room. Berna rushed downstairs after he changed his clothes. When he entered the dining room, Berna was again fascinated by the majesty and luxury of the table, chairs, and cutlery on the table. There were already Marudi and Merna sitting ready to have lunch.
"Let's have lunch," said Marudi.
Berna shyly sat down and in front of him was a plate that was placed upside down. The spoon and fork are on the left and right sides of the overturned plate. It wasn't long before a maid came and turned the plate over and filled it with a spoonful of rice.
"Would you like some more rice, sir?" asked the maid.
"That's enough, I'll take it myself if I add more," Berna raised his hand.
"Come on, you choose the side dish you like," said Merna with a warm smile.
Immediately Berna was confused. In front of him a lot of delicious and luxurious food. Beef stews, grilled fish, vegetable soups and fresh fruits. Because Berna thought for a long time, Merna scooped up the beef stew and poured it over Berna's rice.
"Eat a lot," said Marudi.
Berna took a spoon and scooped out the rice and a few pieces of meat. Then he put it in his mouth. When the rice and pieces of meat combined with the gravy filled his mouth, Marudi felt happy. He had never eaten such delicious food.
"It's delicious," said Berna, continuing to chew.
Marudi and Merna who heard it felt happy.
"Next Monday, you will start school, son," said Marudi after he swallowed his food.
"I'm going to a school?"
"No, but the teacher will come to the house," Merna shook her head.
"So I won't be meeting many friends?"
"You can make friends with the children in this area," replied Marudi.
Berna was silent and continued to eat. Marudi and Merna did not speak anymore. They knew Berna had to adapt even more in his new environment. What's more, this new environment was very different from the previous one.
"I have friends," Berna said after a while they didn't speak and just continued eating.
"Where are your friends?" asked Marudi.
"In the village. Can I see her on Sunday?"
"Of course. Later, Remin will take you," said Merna.
"No problem. I can walk there," said Berna.
"Honey, walking there takes time. No problem. Let Remin take you to meet your friend," Merna smiled and looked at Berna.
Berna could no longer reason. But he also didn't want to stand out especially in front of Ellie. He wanted to be known to Ellie as the old Berna, not the current Berna. He didn't want any boundaries between himself and Ellie.
"Father, Mother, can I bring a present for my friend?" Berna asked.
"Of course dear, what gift do you want to give her?" asked Merna.
"Just bring this food. I want to eat with her in the village park."
"Later the maid will prepare it for you and your friend," said Marudi.
"Thank you," Berna nodded and bowed slightly even though he was sitting.
Berna's heart feels like a blooming flower. He couldn't even wait to meet Ellie. And also he hopes to meet Zaru, Veda and Nandi.
"Ellie, I can't wait to meet you," Berna said to himself.
To be continued...