"Thank you for all the trust and respect you have bestowed upon me, Your Excellency. However, I apologize in advance if I cannot fulfill your trust. My teacher has entrusted me to travel and spread goodness, and that is what I must do, Your Excellency." Dezo declined, while the Commander merely smiled, understanding and acknowledging everything the warrior had said to him.
"Very well, Brother Dezo, I understand and accept all that. We will appoint a Duke to replace Gopal to lead this area. However, before the Duke arrives, I hope you will not leave, as the new Duke will arrive tomorrow afternoon. I am concerned that troublemakers will infiltrate this area, so I will leave the security of this area to you temporarily," the Commander said.
"Very well, if that is what Your Excellency wishes, I am willing to stay here until the Duke's replacement arrives," Dezo replied, nodding his head.
"Then we and our entourage will excuse ourselves from returning to the Kingdom. By the way, Brother Dezo, what kind of reward should the Kingdom give you for your great service in saving the Agam region from Gopal's cruelty?" asked the Commander, who had risen from his seat.
"I'm not asking for any reward, Your Highness. I only hope that the new Duke will be truly trustworthy and wise in leading this region, so that peace and tranquility will be restored to the people of this region," Dezo requested, accompanying the Commander to his horse.
"In that regard, Brother Dezo, you don't need to worry. I guarantee that the new Duke who will arrive tomorrow will be a wise and prudent figure." With a smile, the Commander patted the warrior's shoulder. After the Commander mounted his horse, he saluted Dezo and all the residents.
*******
As evening approached, the Commander and the King's envoys arrived back at the Pagaruyung Kingdom. In the large, spacious room, several rows of benches lined the left and right sides. At the end of the row of benches in the center was a throne, where the King of the Pagaruyung Kingdom sat. The benches were also filled with trusted royal officials. Not long after, the Royal Commander and his entourage arrived.
"Your Majesty, I and my envoys from the Agam region have returned and come to see you," the Commander said, kneeling with several spears in front of the King.
"Have you carried out my orders? Where is the treacherous Adipati Gopal?" the King asked.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Before we arrived in Agam, the Adipati challenged a young warrior to a duel in the open field. The young warrior won the fight, and Adipati Gopal was killed," the Commander said.
"Hmm, who is this young warrior who was able to kill Adipati Gopal?" The king seemed to smile in admiration at the young warrior who had killed Gopal, for King Pagaruyung knew that Gopal Kaliang was not easily defeated.
"The young warrior's name is Dezo Wilis, Your Majesty. He hails from the peak of Mount Pasaman. He was given the title "Andalas Tiger Warrior" by his teacher, and he has also protected the people of Agam for the past few days from the brutality of Duke Gopal," the commander said, still kneeling.
"Why don't you invite the young warrior here? I will reward him and appoint him as one of the most important figures in this kingdom," the king said.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I have spoken to the young warrior myself. I even offered him the position of Duke in the region, but he declined, Your Majesty, wishing to continue his wanderings." The commander's words brought another smile of admiration from the king.
"He is truly a true warrior, performing great deeds without expecting anything in return." The King's words betrayed his admiration.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty. Since the death of Adipati Gopal, the Agam region has been experiencing a leadership vacuum. Whom should Your Majesty appoint as the new Adipati in that region?" The Commander asked. For a moment, the King of the Pagaruyung Kingdom glanced around the room, where his trusted aides were seated in rows.
"Brother Bima! I appoint you as Adipati Gopal's successor in the Agam region!" the King said as his gaze landed on the man he called Bima. Bima immediately rose from his seat and knelt in salute.
"Your Majesty's command will be carried out," Bima said.
"Very good! You are one of the finest men in this palace. I hope you can lead the Agam region wisely and prudently, as my people desire. Depart for Agam before morning!" the King said. Bima nodded and saluted.
*******
That afternoon, the sky was overcast. Although it hadn't rained yet, a light drizzle slowly dampened the leaves. A beautiful girl sat silently, transfixed in the corner of the veranda. Her eyes were glassy, and although she tried to wipe them with a handkerchief, she couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. It seemed the beautiful maiden was gripped by deep sorrow, as was evident on the faces of the people standing in a line in the courtyard. Ahead of them stood a handsome young man, speaking to a man dressed in royal attire.
"Adipati Bima, all the residents here are like extended family to me. I sincerely hope that Adipati can protect and guide them, so that the peace that Adipati Gopal had taken away during his time ruling this region was restored," said the handsome young man, who was none other than Dezo.
"Of course, my brother Dezo. They are all citizens of the Pagaruyung Kingdom, meaning they are also my subjects. As the successor Adipati, I will fully carry out the mandate given to me by His Majesty the King to lead this region," Adipati Bima reassured Dezo.
"Thank you very much, my brother Adipati. I am relieved to hear all this. Now, I beg your leave to continue my journey!" Dezo bowed. Adipati Bima nodded and embraced the warrior.
A middle-aged man, none other than Karim, stepped forward from the ranks of villagers and approached Dezo.
"Dezo, there's nothing I can offer you for all your service and kindness to our family and all the residents of this area. I hope these provisions will be useful during your journey." Karim handed Dezo a cloth package. He opened it, revealing several bags of silver and gold coins he had obtained from the villagers...