"So, we're going to need to get rid—I mean, we need to remove all of this grass from here until the forested area." It was only the first half of day one of working closely with Chi on his agriculture project, but having to keep my modern speech in reasonable check was making it feel closer to a week. "That shouldn't take more than a few days, or even just one or two, depending on how many people we can get to help us."
"That shouldn't be too hard. There are many men in the village who would be happy to have some extra work for a few days. What will we do after that?"
"We need to get the soil in good condition for whatever we're planting." I considered how to phrase this further, or if I even should continue on. How to discuss pH balance in Goryeo?
"I see." Chi saved me from having to answer my own question. "And what will we plant?"
"Huh? I thought you knew what you were planning to plant here." Goryeo-appropriate language out the window.
"I have some ideas." Chi's lips curved in a wry smile. "But I thought I'd ask an expert."
"Ah, I see." My cheeks flashed scarlet. "Well, I guess you want food? Flowers won't be much use to the villagers."
"That's probably right."
"Ok, hm. Well grains are high in protein—" I almost bit my tongue as I stumbled over yet another word that probably hadn't been invented yet. "Grains are very healthy. Some type of grain is absolutely the right choice."
"Grains it will be then. What type?"
I scanned the fields around me, checking out what was already growing, and considering the air quality of the climate. "Let's plant Anjeunbangji wheat," I finally decided. It was a little earlier in the year here than the modern Korea I'd left—more like spring than summer—which meant if we hurried, we could still start a crop. "It'll grow fast."
"That should be good, then."
"So, how long do you think it'll take to get some men to plough? It'll have to be soon, otherwise we'll miss the prime harvest season."
"I think we might already have a part-time hand. Seung-Ro!" Chi waved to someone behind me. I turned, squinting against the sun to see the long-bearded man that Chi had spoken to when I first arrived at the palace.
Seung-Ro returned Chi's wave. "Prince Chi!" He called out, quickening his pace to meet us. "And little Ha-Na! But forgive me." He flashed me an apologetic smile. "You're quite the grown woman now."
"No worries." I returned his smile.
"What are you and the young miss doing out this way?" Seung-Ro asked, although, something about his tone told me that he already knew and was edging out how much I knew. Since I didn't want to say anything that Chi hadn't revealed himself—although he and Seung-Ro seemed friendly enough—I waited for Chi to reply.
"Ha-Na was kind enough to agree to help me with our agriculture project." Although I knew that Chi must be referring to a project that he and Seung-Ro had come up with together, the way he said "our," gave me a sudden, swelling feeling of pride, as well as some other feeling I couldn't quite name. When I was in grad school, I always felt like I was working so hard, yet I was on the outside of what I was studying. It felt good to be a part of something again.
Seung-Ro patted my forearm. "Good girl. When Chi brought up his plan, I had my doubts, but I had hoped you would say yes."
"Of course. I'm happy to do anything for Chi." I felt the flush crawl up my cheeks as soon as I'd opened my mouth. Of all the stupid, implicative things to say. And then, just because Chi let me call him by his first name—no honorifics—it didn't mean that he wanted others to hear me call him that.
Before I could try to cover the royal faux paus, Seung-Ro reached out again and took my wrist. "That's why I had hoped that you would come back," he said. It was a simple enough statement, and it made sense—although, I would question anyone (read: me) who pledged their undying loyalty to a near stranger. But, at the same time, there was something in Seung-Ro's tone that felt deeper, for lack of a better word. Seung-Ro had known Ha-Na as a little girl, but it didn't seem like he had seen her since she'd left. What would make him think that she'd be the same, so much that he'd want her back?
The question stayed, but before I had too much more time to obsess over it, Chi spoke again. "What brings you here, Seung-Ro?"
With a twinkle in his eye, Seung-Ro shifted his focus from me to Chi. "I had a feeling that you might like some assistance."
He had a feeling, huh?
"We would. Ha-Na thinks that we could grow some wheat if we start now, but we need to recruit some of the men from the village to help us."
"Well, I'll certainly help with the recruiting business." Seung-Ro gave my hand one last pat. "Perhaps we could all go together now?"
********
A couple of hours later, we had at least a dozen men and boys who had volunteered their services. Although I'd been so dazed when I originally landed in Goryeo, I could still recognize some of them as the ones who had greeted Chi. Apparently, their affection for him still continued, since the recruitment process went quickly and easily. Personally, I was amazed at how my Korean skills were holding up. It was obviously by sheer magic that I was able to speak in English, yet have it come out as perfect Korean, and all I could hope was that the magic continued.
"That went very quickly." Chi came up behind me, placing a friendly hand on my shoulder. "I'm glad that Ha-Na suggested the wheat. We still have some seeds for a start, and we can send for more. The problem has always been finding the space to plant and having someone help us keep the plants alive." Chi shot me a grateful smile with his last words, which I returned. "I have to attend to a few errands before I return to the palace. Seung-Ro, could you walk Ha-Na back?"
"Of course."
My stomach sank a little. Not that I didn't like Seung-Ro, but I was used to Chi, and he didn't seem to notice—or at least pretended not to notice—my little period-inappropriate slip-ups. Spending time alone with someone else felt disconcerting.
"Ha-Na, I'll see you later." Chi gave my shoulder a little squeeze.
"Ok."
"He's very handsome, isn't he?"
"Hm, sorry?" I'd been so busy watching Chi walk off into the distance, that Seung-Ro's comment took a few extra seconds to register. "Oh!" My cheeks grew hot. "Yes, I suppose he is."
Seung-Ro chuckled, a deep, throaty rumble.
"He's a good prince. At least, I think he is."
Seung-Ro's expression grew more serious. "Yes, he is. You can always be assured of that, Ha-Na."
I mentally processed this. Seung-Ro had a habit of making comments that made sense on a surface level, but left me wondering if he meant something a bit more than what he was saying. Even more disquieting, his comments made me feel like he knew something more.
"I'm sure I can be," I nodded.
"Good." Seung-Ro's smile returned. "Come. Let's get you home."
We walked in silence for most of the way home. I wasn't sure if I should try to make conversation or not, so I decided against it. Seung-Ro was older than me, and a man. If he wanted to talk, I was sure he would take on the responsibility of carrying on the conversation. Less chance for me to say something stupid.
"You've already been a valuable help to Chi. I appreciate this, Ha-Na. The young man has faced many struggles in his life." Seung-Ro's sudden speech cut through the quiet between us like a knife slicing cake; quickly, and with startling ease.
"Oh…it's nothing. I'm happy to help."
"But it isn't nothing. Not at all." Seung-Ro's pace slowed, then stopped. I stopped too. "Chi will face many more challenges, throughout his life. Some will come sooner than others." Seung-Ro's gaze turned distant, almost as if he could see this misty future. "I know you'll do your best to help him through many troubles. But Ha-Na?"
"Yes?"
"Please know that no matter what happens, you were right in saying that he is a very good prince. He'll always do what's right. And," he looked straight at me. "I know you will too."
I swallowed, speechless. "What is he driving at?" I wondered. Finally, I nodded. "I will. I promise."