A small tap on the shoulder startled Nalini. She hurriedly turned round and hid the mustard fruit behind her back. She saw several senior servants girdling their loins and surrounding her. Their eyes looked at her suspiciously.
"Namanu, Nalini? New waitress here?" asked the tallest one. His attitude was so arrogant, it made Nalini's heart sink.
The other two waiters joined in the intimidation. Their looks and gestures scared Nalini. The girl caught a glimpse of them and hurriedly bowed. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. That's right, my name is Nalini."
"What business do you have here?" asked the pointy-faced waitress. It was clear from his gaze that she did not like Nalini's presence in the place.
"I am here to learn medicine. Kanjeng Ratu Padma sent me here," Nalini replied. The girl mentioned Ratu Padma so that the senior servants would think twice before behaving badly towards her.
"Oalah, Queen Padma's messenger. Hmm, you think it's easy to learn from a great healer? You have to be hazed first," said the other servant. Her two friends nodded at each other and rushed forward, wanting to push Nalini.
"I heard you came escorted by Prince Arya? How dare you snatch our princess's future husband," growled the pointy-faced servant.
Nalini was surprised to hear that. She had only arrived a few hours ago but it was as if everyone in the place was already gossiping about her.
The young healer began to tremble. Her head felt dizzy facing the three arrogant embassies, especially since her stomach was empty, having not eaten since morning.
"I'm sorry. I really don't know. I really came here to learn, I have nothing to do with anything else," Nalini said defensively.
The three servants ignored Nalini's words. They surrounded her and demanded she hand over the mustard fruit she was hiding.
However, Nalini refused. It wasn't that she didn't want to share, but the trio's rudeness made her angry. Unfortunately, Nalini was outmatched. The three servants pushed her to the corner of the fence.
"Hand over the sapodilla. You have no right to eat it, it belongs to our Princess!" snapped the fat servant. She began trying to wrestle the fruit from Nalini's hands.
"Please don't, it's Prince Arya's gift, I must honour it," pleaded Nalini. Her face was now bright red. Her vision was no longer clear, tears began to cover her eyes.
The tall servant was impatient. She pushed Nalini's body so hard that she hit the wall. The girl fell down. The fruit she was holding scattered.
"Please... forgive me." Nalini began to sob, she didn't expect her first day at the great healer's house to turn into bullying for her.
The three servants laughed with satisfaction. They continued to kick Nalini's body who fell helplessly in front of them. "You can't mess around here. Otherwise, your life won't be safe. You won't be able to sleep well. Understand?"
Nalini quickly nodded. She repeatedly asked for forgiveness from the three senior servants. The three continued to laugh until a soft but firm voice snapped at them. "Servants! What are you doing?"
All three turned their heads in unison. Behind them stood a middle-aged woman with her arms crossed. Her eyes were angry and fierce.
Like deflated crackers, the three servants quickly bowed and left the place.
"How disrespectful. I don't know why those three servants have turned into such fools and have no customs!" the woman said angrily.
She bent down and picked up the mustard fruits that were scattered on the ground. "Get up. They're gone, they won't dare bother you anymore," she said, holding out the fruits to Nalini.
Nalini got up and repeatedly thanked him. "Sorry, madam. May I know who you are?" Nalini asked.
The middle-aged woman smiled. She extended her hand in a friendly manner, inviting a handshake. Nalini, however, was afraid. She hurriedly cupped her hands and saluted.
"Just call me Radmila. I'm the youngest sister of the great healer. But we don't get along very well." Nalini furrowed her brows. It was an awkward introduction for Nalini. That woman admitted to not getting along with her own sister?
"Ma-sorry, so Mrs Radmila is the sister of the great physician?" Nalini wanted to reaffirm the meaning of the woman in the green kebaya.
"Sshh, don't call me mum. I'm not married yet," the woman sulked a little. Her lips pursed playfully.
Nalini hurriedly apologised. In her heart she was a little surprised to learn that there was a middle-aged woman who did not have a partner. The woman standing in front of her was beautiful and must be wealthy.
"Especially for you, just call me Radmila's sister." The woman smiled broadly at Nalini. For some reason, she felt happy to find Nalini in this big house.
"Yes, Mbakyu Radmila." Nalini welcomed the woman's hospitality with joy. It was as if she had found a strong shield that could protect her from harm.
"What is your name? I heard you were sent by Queen Padma from the Kaputren palace?" Radmila asked with interest. She invited Nalini to sit on the terrace of the large building.
"That's right, Mila. My name is Nalini, I am an aspiring healer who has much to learn," Nalini introduced herself. Being close to Radmila, Nalini felt comfortable as if she was meeting an old friend.
Radmila observed Nalini carefully. A hint of admiration arose in her heart. "If you really want to be a doctor, I'm sure you'll be the most beautiful doctor in the township," Radmila said. The compliment felt excessive and made Nalini feel bad.
"Sorry, sis. Don't over-praise me, I'm just a girl from the village," Nalini shrugged. The girl frowned and pretended to frown.
"That's the truth, Nalini. It's because all the healers I know are old, hahaha." Radmila burst into laughter. She was happy to be able to play a prank on her new friend.
Replace Nalini who was now really frowning at this. "You've got something going on."
Nalini then held out the mustard fruit to Radmila. "Do you want some? I won't be able to finish all this fruit."
Radmila accepted one and smiled sweetly. "Thank you. My brother's sapodilla tree is in season. All the courtiers were supposed to enjoy it, but alas, the spoilt child kept it to himself. I only got a little."
"Spoilt brat? Who do you mean, Ma'am?"
Radmila signalled Nalini to come closer. She spoke softly, fearing someone might eavesdrop. "Tuan-Princess-Bintari."
Nalini was not too surprised to hear the name. She had even expected it. She had received an unfriendly impression from Bintari when she met her this morning.
"Have you met her?" asked Radmila as she threw away her mustard seeds. She came from a noble family but strangely didn't feel awkward at all gossiping with Nalini.
"Yes, Sis. I met Princess Bintari this morning but she only wants to talk to Prince Arya." Nalini felt her heart being pinched remembering Bintari's flirtation with Arya.
Radmila patted Nalini's hand gently. "You have to be patient here. Those people feel they are more honourable because of their high caste."
Nalini was intrigued by Radmila's words. This was the first time she had heard a noble dislike her own rank.
"Don't the nobles deserve respect and honour, Sis?"
Radmila shook her head hard. Her face turned more serious. "Not all, Nalini. Even their behaviour can be lower than animals, immoral and uncivilised."
Nalini gaped at that. She hurriedly signalled Radmila to shut her mouth.
"Shush, Ma'am, don't talk like that. If they hear it, we will be punished."
Radmila gave Nalini a witty look. She burst into laughter. "I'm not afraid, Nalini."
Nalini's eyes widened. The eccentric woman she had just met was completely unexpected.