The journey to Pak Reno's home took only twenty minutes from the old palace. Pak Reno lived in a quaint village area. Although evening was approaching, the surroundings remained bright, revealing the picturesque charm of the countryside.
As Fariza stepped out of the vehicle, she gazed around in admiration. "Oh, Pak Reno, this place is truly beautiful and serene," she remarked. Hashim, equally captivated, took in the scenic splendor of the village, surrounded by towering mountains and lush green forests. In the distance, about fifty meters away, a waterfall cascaded down the hillside.
"This landscape is like something out of a painting," Hashim thought to himself. He recalled the words of a family acquaintance who had once visited West Sumatra. The acquaintance had described the scenery as reminiscent of a masterpiece, untouched by pollution and human damage.
Pak Reno, observing his guests marvel at the surroundings, invited them to enjoy some refreshments first.
"This is my wife, Sari Jamilah. We live here alone," Pak Reno introduced.
His wife welcomed them with boiled cassava and plain coffee. The peaceful and cool atmosphere heightened their appetite.
"Forgive me for asking, Pak, but do you have children?" Fariza inquired.
Pak Reno's wife answered, "We have three children, all of whom have their own lives in the city. They are all well-established in their careers."
"They have invited us to live with them in the city, but my wife and I prefer to stay here. This is where we grew up and met each other. Moreover, living in such a clean and tranquil environment keeps us feeling healthy and youthful," Pak Reno added with a chuckle.
It was evident that Pak Reno and his wife, both in their mid-fifties, looked much younger—like they were in their late thirties. Fariza couldn't help but compliment them. Pak Reno smiled broadly at the praise.
As they enjoyed the boiled cassava, Pak Reno began to talk about his wife. She was from a noble Minangkabau lineage. The local custom places great importance on preserving lineage, and many from noble families retain titles like "Sari" and "Siti Sari."
"So, is Sari Mananti a descendant of your wife, Jamilah?" Fariza asked.
Pak Reno and his wife exchanged glances upon hearing the question. Hashim observed them, waiting for the next reaction.
Fariza continued, "Yes, Pak, I mean Sari Mananti, the one you mentioned at the palace earlier..." She worried that Pak Reno's wife might misunderstand and think there was another Sari Mananti in Pak Reno's life.
Hashim shared Fariza's concern. They weren't particularly close to Pak Reno, and there was a chance that Pak Reno might not discuss his work with his wife. If suddenly a name of another woman were to slip from his lips, it could lead to a major conflict.
"Sari Menanti has many connotations... and I believe it does not refer to an individual," Sari Jamilah suddenly interjected.
Their unease about the potential slip of words dissipated with Sari Jamilah's clarification.
"So, who is Sari Menanti then?" Fariza asked, her curiosity piqued.
Siti Jamilah began to explain, "Here's my perspective. Pak Reno often seeks out information through his work, and we frequently discuss these findings at home. I compare these with the knowledge from our ancestors. I believe Sari Menanti does not refer to a specific person but rather to a 'hope.'"
Sari Jamilah continued, "If you observe, the name Sari Menanti or similar names can also be found in Malaysia. For instance, there is Mukim Seri Menanti in Johor, Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan, and even a village called Seri Menanti in Tawau, Sabah. In Negeri Sembilan, the royal town is named Seri Menanti. Although the locals might see Seri Menanti as a pleasant name or a reference to someone, we believe it signifies something deeper."
"Then what is the underlying meaning behind the name Sari Menanti?" Hashim asked eagerly.
"To us," Sari Jamilah clarified, "Sari Menanti symbolizes 'still waiting.' It represents a symbolic waiting for a leader who will return to govern the old kingdom."
"Hold on a moment," Fariza interjected. "Most of the territories or regions of the former kingdom are now part of modern administrative complexes. There are central and state governments, and those chosen from the lineage of past rulers continue their roles. Nothing seems to be interrupted or awaiting fulfillment. So why is the term Sari or Seri Menanti still used?" Fariza questioned.
"Let me explain further," Sari Jamilah continued. "This Malay land is sacred. It once stretched across various regions of the Malay world, crossing dimensional and worldly barriers. It was ruled with sovereignty, besmirched by magic, and influenced by both human and supernatural forces. In its glory days, this united land was renowned and feared by its enemies. Now, it is divided into smaller territories."
"This is why we believe," she added, "that the wise administrators of the ancient Malay kingdom foresaw the future's pitfalls and established this term. It was meant to give the descendants of this sacred land hope and a reason to anticipate the restoration of its former glory, whether in Indonesia or Malaysia. We are all part of the same kin and share the same faith."
"I'm trying to understand," Hashim said, struggling to find the right words. "Is there really an administration of the Malay world in some place... it seems like a myth."
"Somewhere that cannot be seen by the naked eye?" Sari Jamilah interrupted, sensing Hashim's struggle.
"There must be," she replied. "We are not the first beings to inhabit this Earth. Many of God's creations dwell in various corners of the world, including this sacred land. When our ancestors arrived, was everything empty? Did they just barge into others' homes and make themselves at home? Perhaps it is only the human rank that flows from Adam, and collaboration with other divine creations took place. The grand secrets of the founding of a sultanate are not widely known. I mean, not everyone can understand."
"Alright," Hashim said, "I find your explanation very rational. Moreover, Islam itself does not prohibit belief in the unseen. Regarding the unseen, Pak Reno mentioned he would only talk to 'the right person.' What if I'm not that person?"
"Here's the thing, Pak Hashim and Ibu Fariza," Pak Reno began. "From the start, we haven't faced any objections from you. We also cannot be certain whether what we're looking for is truly 'the right person.' However, if we only spoke of mystical matters, people would quickly dismiss it as superstition. What we are doing is part of the tale of Seri Menanti. There are descendants of the old kingdom who are expected to come and study these matters. So, it is our duty to share the story when needed. If it's not acceptable, it ends there. We will continue to wait for the rightful descendants to uncover the old tales. What is in their blood will lead them here."
Pak Reno continued, "Now, as promised, let's go to my room." He gestured towards the house with a polite smile and a royal air.
Pak Reno's home was modest in its arrangement. Hashim thought to himself, "simple and neat." Though it appeared small from the outside, inside it was spacious and well-lit.
Pak Reno led Hashim and Fariza to a room.
"It's empty, Pak," Fariza complained, her impatience showing. Hashim made a shushing gesture towards her, glaring slightly.
"Always so impatient," Hashim thought.
The room contained only a few empty wooden boxes and an old sofa. The floor was covered with an old woven mat.
"Please help me move these boxes," Pak Reno requested.
"These boxes are very heavy, Pak. What's inside them?" Hashim asked.
"There's nothing much, just hill stones. They need to be heavy to keep them from shifting," Pak Reno replied.
