Share
29 | The Emperor's Heir
ON the veranda, Benjamin seemed to pull something out of his shorts pocket. Apparently, he picked up a carved bamboo-ivory smoking pipe, a lighter, and a pinch of tobacco and cloves. Benjamin sat across from Vincent, who was busy observing the news clippings.
Benjamin's fingers looked lively when he mixed tobacco and cloves. He then put the herbal concoction into the end of the pipe that resembled a bowl. Benjamin then set fire to it with his lighter.
This old Chinese man closed his eyes and took a solemn inhale of the nicotine. The smoke that came out of his mouth was as much as the smoke of an old rickshaw exhaust.
Sucked up a smoking pipe, Benjamin looks more charismatic. But in my opinion, he was artsy too. The smoking pipe was indeed a legendary device. Based on its history, the device was in use long before the cigarette industry developed.
Benjamin then stood up and back to the living room. He called his maid. The one who was summoned arrived while
Related chapters
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 30 | The Attraction
FROM afar, I saw the traffic light turn red. I stopped the car behind a pickup, which was carrying many turbaned passengers. They seemed to be in a choir in Arabic, which I did not know what it means. The sound of tambourines blared over the traffic noise.After driving for a while, we entered Ahmed Jonnah Street. From afar, I could see the Emerald Exhibition and Convention Center building illuminated by spotlights aimed at the sky. Dozens of cars seemed queued up to get into the parking lot.For your information, Emerald Building was one of the most magnificent buildings in Surabaya. This building was usually used for big events, such as political party congresses, automotive fairs, and job fairs.The Emerald Building was also commonly used by wealthy people to hold receptions because of its super spacious ballroom and modern design. The facilities and technology were not inferior to the Wall Street building in the United States. Amelia said that. I never set m
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 31 | Curiosity
"Really, Mel," I asked in a half growl.Amelia did not answer me right away. Instead, she scolded Kacey for leaking her secret. In my opinion, playing the violin was not a skill that she should keep hidden.To process the latest information about Amelia, I said goodbye to these two girls. I felt I need to calm down outside the building. Meanwhile, these two beautiful girls continued their pretty chat. Even though I just wanted to smoke.Outside the building, I could see the lively Ahmed Jonnah Street. The lights from the headlights of the vehicle were zipping madly. In the sky, the airspace looked bright, showing the twinkling stars. I then imagine Amelia in the middle of the stage. She was playing the violin while being highlighted by the spotlights. How serene.In the middle of gazing at the sky, I suddenly remembered the twin shooting stars that had incarnated an angel yesterday. Yes, that angel was Julia. I checked my WhatsApp on my cell phone. Julia
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 32 | Allegro
I entered the four-man line lazily. Kacey took the initiative to take selfies for the four of us. We started posing according to the width of the camera screen.Not long after, a cellphone camera shutter sound was heard. Kacey then looked at the photos and admired them. At that time, there was a voice whispering in my ear."Is she your new girlfriend?" whispered Donnie to me."Don't start gossiping," I replied."Then, where is the one who wears a hijab?" asked Jameela in a whisper."Don't start gossiping," I repeated.Just as I was about to express my concern about Donnie's hate speech case, Kacey suddenly turned around and asked to leave. I then gave up that intention. Kacey and I then thanked Donnie and Jameela.Kacey turned around and started walking in front of me. At that time, Donnie pushed my ass until my Mickey almost touched Kacey's butt. Good thing I had Gianglugi Buffon's world-class reflex, so I could avoid the collision.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 33 | Crossover
THE sound of the strings rubbing against Amelia Limantoro's bow was really immersive. It was as if my mixed feelings tonight were represented by her magnificent violin playing. I feel there was happiness in the major scales, and there was sadness in the minor scales.Everything was intertwined in one great harmony to the point, I did not realize that my hand was holding Julia's hand.Even though I was surprised, I did not want to immediately let go of my grip on Julia. I still insisted on feeling the roughness of Julia's palms. My mind seemed to be connected, how hard and how often this palm was used till causing wounds and blisters.As a man, I certainly did not have the heart. Julia was a strong and tough woman indeed.As I remember, when we were little, I never touched Julia on purpose, even if it was just the palm of her hand. Even though Julia was a nagging person, I really respect her as a woman.But, I did not understand. Why did Julia not l
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 34 | The Tension
"JOHN!" called Shu Alex. "Get me a chair, bring it here!"The one who was summoned is obedient.When he got up from where he was sitting, I could see that John was tall and sturdy. Dressed in a black suit, he looks like Shu Alex's personal bodyguard.His short hair was neat, framing her oval face. With glasses, there was charisma as well as intelligence that radiates. I estimated he is the same age as Koh Vincent, Shu Benjamin's eldest son.John grinned, adjusted his coat collar, then obeyed his father's orders."That's the eldest son of Shu Alex," whispered Amelia to my ear.When Amelia whispered, I could smell the mint scent. I felt like I wanted to slide my cheek to meet her tiny lips.But, I wondered what my grandfather had done so that his grandson could receive the honor.By John, the chair he took was then placed opposite Shu Alex's chair. He then whispered to each other with his father. While waiting to be invited to ta
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 35 | The Album
THE serenity broke when the car I was driving stopped in front of Shu Benjamin's house. No more Koh Vincent's black Fortuner car. The streets and Amelia's home were quiet and dark. I turned off the engine of the car, then went out to the passenger door. I opened the door for Amelia. At that time, I saw her putting the handkerchief back into her ivory white oriental wallet.I also escorted Amelia to the front door of her house. She then turned towards me while clutching her handheld wallet in her stomach. But, her gazed fell to earth. In Hollywood romance movies, usually, moments like this ended with the male character straightening the female character's chin, looking into her eyes, then kissing her lips.And that was I also intend to.I took the courage to step closer to Amelia. I straightened her chin that fell with my index finger. Amelia complied, and then our eyes met. I dared to push my lips towards Amelia's tiny lips. As I got closer, I could see th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 36 | Old Friends
SUDDENLY, there was a crowd happen at the main door of the Emerald Building ballroom. Soon after that, there was a commotion. Dozens of Javanese dressed in batik clothes and cloth pants came in droves. There was a sinister aura enveloping this horde. Among them was a charismatic old man. He was like a Javanese with brown color skin but had narrow eyes.The figure of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed with smooth hair combed back then hugged Alex Limantoro warmly. It was as if they were throwing compliments to each other and then sitting next to each other. Cabernet Sauvignon poured into the glass. While laughing at each other, they toasted and then drank. They seemed very close.They continued a conversation, but I could not hear clearly from where I was standing with Kacey. But who was the old man of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed?"Who is he?" asked Kacey."I have no idea?" I answered her."That's Uncle Brody," said Amelia, who suddenly stood behind me.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 37 | Virgo Intacta
THE lights in the Emerald Building then started to go out one after another. Only one lamp remained highlight on the table with five people sitting in a circle. Laughter blared amidst the dark atmosphere. The bodyguards could relax too. On another angle, the task of catering employees has come to an end."Father!" there was a woman's voice. "It's time to take your medicine."Apparently, the woman was not alone. She was still wearing the same wedding dress. Cecilia, Adrian, Amelia, and several other Chinese people, walked to the table. Wait, was not this table coded with 'gentleman's code'?"Ah, it looks like our time is up, gentlemen," said Alex, "ever since my wife died, my daughter has taken care of me."Brody and Troy and laughed while I just smiled."This has not been over, gentlemen. We will continue it another time," said Alex.John then helped his father to stand up and gave him an engraved wooden stick. This old Chinese walked closer
Latest chapter
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
