While the King of Maespati is on his way, Sumantri waits with an uncertain heart in Gandapurnama field. He has not succeeded in dispelling his thoughts that he is, in fact, guilty of wanting to challenge the king whom he had originally intended to serve. Moreover, he realizes that he does not actually want to test Prabu Arjunasasrabahu's supernatural powers.
Around him, the kemuning (orange jasmine) are in bloom. He looks at the beautiful flowers and his heart becomes restless. Absorbed in his anxiety, he suddenly sees that Patih Suroto is standing before him. "Raden, Prabu Arjunasasrabahu, whom you have been waiting for, has come and awaits you. Prepare to face your fate.” Patih Suroto says, in a cold and disapproving tone. Without waiting for Sumantri's reply, he leaves. It is clear that he still harbors annoyance in his heart.
Sumantri exits the tent, walking with an uncertain gait. In a brief moment, he has arrived before the King of Maespati. Without hesitation, he bows to show his respect as befits a servant to his lord.
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"Sumantri, stand up. It is not the right place for you to show respect now. Why do you bow in respect for me? Am I not your enemy now?” says Prabu Arjunasasrabahu.
"Your Majesty, forgive me. I just wanted to challenge myself, whether I am worthy of serving your glorious Majesty," says Sumantri, still bowing.
"Be honest with yourself, Sumantri. Are you challenging yourself, or challenging me?” admonishes Prabu Arjunasasrabahu. Gently, he continues, "Even if you must challenge me, should you do so by pitting our supernatural powers against each other? Maybe I don't have supernatural powers like yours. However, why do you not wait patiently to see if, who knows? That beyond supernatural powers, I might have something that you don't have, but that you can appreciate?"
Your Majesty, forgive me. I just wanted to challenge myself, whether I am worthy of serving your glorious Majest
Sumantri is silent. His mistakes start to rake at his heart. He recalls his father's advice. It is unwise for a knight to measure all only by his supernatural powers. Haven't there been many stories in history of knights willing to serve their king, not because the king is more powerful than they, but because he is very kind, wise, generous, and protective of his people? His father Begawan Swandagni had advised that such a wise king would be worthy of his service, even if he did not have any supernatural powers. And beyond supernatural powers that can be measured by a contest of strength, wisdom is slow to appear and can only be experienced through patient devotion. If he is on the correct path of devotion, this fact will open before him, in which wisdom turns out to be more beautiful and noble than any supernatural power.
Sumantri feels guilty. It is evident that his chivalry comes only from his supernatural powers, not sincerity and loyalty that waits patiently until he becomes wise to the fact that he serves a wisdom that does not manifest immediately. He must therefore have faith that the king he serves is wise, even though he himself has not experienced this wisdom. Hasn't he actually heard many times that Prabu Arjunasasrabahu is a king whose wisdom became known everywhere until he was greatly loved by his people? Why is this not enough reason for him to believe in and want to serve the King of Maespati?
Sumantri realizes that he has actually known it all. Because this is all that was in his father's advice, which will always stay in his memory. But then why did this memory seem to fade until he ignored it? Could this have happened, not because he was unaware of it, but because his heart had turned to Dewi Citrawati? He is ashamed to realize this. However, this shame cannot wipe out all his feelings, that the decisions he had made were caused by the secret fact that he does not want to lose Dewi Citrawati. What was stored in his heart was revealed by Prabu Arjunasasrabahu's reprimand.
Indeed, no one knows except himself. He has been made aware that his desire for a battle of supernatural powers is actually his desire for Dewi Citrawati. Why has he become twisted like this? He is startled, because he does not in fact have any supernatural powers. Why is he acting like he does now? It was only because of Sukrosono, his powerful younger brother, that he was able to seize Dewi Citrawati. If his younger brother had not saved him from Prabu Darmawasesa, he would be dead.
Sumantri wants to regret all this. But before he can express his regret, he hears Prabu Arjunasasrabahu invite him to a context, which makes it impossible for him to take back his decision.
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"Sumantri, as you desired, this event is not a battle, but a show of supernatural powers. Anyone can watch this show. Let Dewi Citrawati and her domas girls come to watch this show so that they, too, can be witnesses as to whether it is you or me who is more powerful."
Sumantri is surprised, but at the same time happy to hear this suggestion. He does not think about how embarrassed he will be if he loses. He only thinks that this is the best opportunity to show his bravery in front of the Princess of Magada. This image makes him again forget that he has no supernatural powers.
No, Sumantri. At this moment, you are not my subordinate. You are my equal. With your chariot, you don't deserve to face me. I have brought you a chariot which is equal to mine.
"If that is Your Majesty’s will, I will simply obey," he says. Sumantri looks more confident. His courage grows until he feels as though he actually possesses supernatural powers. For him, this contest against Prabu Arjunasasrabahu is no longer a battle of supernatural powers, but a chance to win Dewi Citrawati's love. Love knows no defeat. He feels that love will certainly enable him to win.
"Sumantri, I brought a chariot for you. Climb up, and let us begin this show of supernatural powers," says Prabu Arjunasasrabahu while calling on Patih Suroto to pull the war chariot for Sumantri.
"Your Majesty, allow me to ride my own chariot," Sumantri says.
"No, Sumantri. At this moment, you are not my subordinate. You are my equal. With your chariot, you don't deserve to face me. I have brought you a chariot which is equal to mine," says Prabu Arjunasasrabahu.
This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.
