Chapter 6: Serving the Grand Prince

Song Seol opened the original book for a brief moment, then closed it almost immediately.

But Moon Hae-min’s copied manuscript he examined carefully, page by page.

Though he was reading the characters, Hae-min somehow felt as if he were being observed naked and exposed. Perhaps it was simply because Song Seol’s gaze was so intense.

“So this is how you’ve been using the writing materials you borrowed from me.”

“…Yes.”

“For what purpose?”

“Th-that is…”

“You would do well to answer truthfully.”

“…I needed money. That is why I did it. I apologize.”

Moon Hae-min lowered his head deeply.

If he asked himself what he had done wrong, he honestly wasn’t sure.

Working to earn money wasn’t a crime.

But the eldest grandson of a prestigious family would not make money by copying cheap novels. In a situation like this, Song Seol would either scold him, or grow suspicious.

And either outcome would be disastrous for Moon Hae-min.

Realizing that, Hae-min bit the inside of his cheek.

“Come out.”

With those words, Song Seol stepped out of the lending bookshop first. After giving the shop owner a silent bow, Moon Hae-min followed.

****

Song Seol walked without saying a word.

He hadn’t stated their destination, but Hae-min soon realized they were heading toward the prince’s residence.

Following silently behind him, Hae-min suddenly wondered:

‘What kind of relationship do we look like to other people?’

A criminal being taken away by the Grand Prince?

Or perhaps a nobleman and his servant?

Whatever it looked like, surely no one would think they were a prince and his concubine.

In fact, people might not even think they were together at all. They were walking five paces apart, anyone would assume they were simply strangers heading in the same direction.

Despite such distance between them, the fact that they lived under the same roof felt strangely absurd.

As they passed through the main gate, Hae-min unconsciously swallowed a sigh.

“Where are you going?”

Just as he turned to head toward his own quarters, Song Seol’s voice stopped him.

“…I was going back to my room.”

“Follow me.”

Song Seol changed direction.

Hae-min had thought the matter might simply pass since nothing had been said during the walk. Apparently not.

With a heavy heart, he followed.

Song Seol headed to the sarangchae, the reception hall where the master of the house stayed and important guests were received.

It was not a place someone like Moon Hae-min should enter.

“Sit.”

“Yes.”

Obediently sitting down, Hae-min glanced around awkwardly.

Beside a six-panel folding screen stood a small book chest. On top of it rested a white porcelain bottle.

At first glance the room looked simple, yet every object was exquisite. It had an elegant refinement that suited Song Seol perfectly.

“Have you studied arithmetic?”

“Yes.”

It was a sudden question.

But of course Moon Hee-yul, the eldest grandson of a noble family, would have studied arithmetic. Even Hae-min himself had learned some by watching from the sidelines despite being a concubine’s son.

“Then calculate this.”

Song Seol placed a sheet of problems and an abacus before him.

Moon Hae-min stared at them in confusion.

He had no idea why he was being asked to do this.

Even stranger, the problems were quite difficult. They seemed too complex for mental calculation.

‘That must be why he gave me the abacus.’

Since the stage had been set, he had no choice but to comply.

Hae-min began calculating.

Slide. Tap.
Slide. Tap.

In the quiet room, the only sound was the movement of the abacus beads.

Song Seol watched the pale, slender fingers manipulating the instrument.

Feeling the gaze on him, Hae-min swallowed dryly.

‘This feels like… I’m being tested.’

Tested for what, he had no idea.

Even if he could solve the problems, he could not guess Song Seol’s intentions.

“I’ve finished.”

After writing the final answer, Moon Hae-min set down the brush.

Song Seol collected the paper and carefully examined it.

“Moon Hee-yul.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you copy cheap novels?”

The question he had expected finally came.

Even so, it still made him nervous.

Clenching his hands, Hae-min replied:

“To earn money.”

“Do you need money?”

“…Yes.”

“For what reason?”

“There are several things I need to buy.”

“What things?”

Song Seol pressed him relentlessly.

With no choice left, Hae-min confessed:

“…A padded winter coat.”

He wasn’t even planning to spend the money on anything bad, yet he felt strangely embarrassed.

Fidgeting with his sleeve, he heard Song Seol say:

“The Moon clan of Geumcheon must be quite stingy. Did they send their eldest son away without even preparing a winter coat?”

“…Neither my father nor I realized Songdo would be this cold. If we had known, we would have prepared a thicker coat.”

“Even so, surely they gave you travel funds. You could have purchased what you needed.”

“Our family values frugality…”

“It seems they did not teach you the virtue of maintaining dignity. Considering you copied cheap novels.”

“…”

He had no reply.

Even to Hae-min, the situation looked suspicious.

Half resigned to whatever judgment Song Seol might pass, he sat nervously.

Then suddenly…

“I’ll pay you double.”

“…Pardon?”

“Whatever the bookshop paid you, I will give you twice that amount. If you do the work I assign.”

“What kind of work would that be?”

It was the first time in his life that even the promise of more money failed to excite him.

When he asked cautiously, Song Seol tapped the problem sheet with his finger.

“This sort of work.”

So, calculations.

Then the earlier test must have been to check his ability with numbers.

“Well?”

It was work he could do.

Even if it weren’t, refusing would hardly be possible.

Moon Hae-min’s answer was practically predetermined.

“…I will do it.”

****

From that day on, Song Seol began assigning tasks to Moon Hae-min.

Sometimes it involved calculations, as promised.

Other times it was copying documents neatly.

Before long, Hae-min realized the work was connected to state affairs.

‘Is this really alright?’

Even if the tasks were minor, could someone without an official post truly be involved in government work?

Since it was Prince Byeokran himself assigning the tasks, trouble was unlikely—but the thought still worried him.

Nevertheless, Hae-min did not stop doing the work.

Not simply because he could not defy Song Seol.

Truthfully, Moon Hae-min enjoyed working.

‘I never thought I would have anything to do with government affairs in my life.’

In a way, his dream had been fulfilled, if only indirectly.

By coming and going from Song Seol’s reception hall, overhearing various discussions, it felt as though his view of the world had widened.

And whenever Song Seol casually offered a word of praise, it somehow filled him with confidence.

Just like now.

“You did well.”

“…Yes.”

He never knew what expression to make when he heard those words.

Did he want to smile? Or not?

Feeling awkward, Hae-min pressed his lips together. His cheeks puffed out slightly like a squirrel’s, though he himself didn’t notice.

“Is the work difficult?”

“No, it isn’t.”

Though the numbers were large, they were ultimately simple calculations.

As long as he concentrated properly, it was quite manageable.

“I see.”

Song Seol reviewed the documents Hae-min had finished.

Confident he hadn’t made mistakes yet still nervous, Hae-min waited anxiously.

Fortunately, there seemed to be none.

Lifting his gaze from the papers, Song Seol asked:

“Do you know what you have been calculating?”

“I assumed they were regional specialty goods.”

“Correct. Then do you know what they will be used for?”

“I do not.”

Moon Hae-min answered honestly.

After all, how would he know matters of state?

Not knowing something beyond his place was nothing to be ashamed of.

“These are exchange goods to be sent to the Kingdom of Geum-o.”

“Exchange goods?”

“Yes. Gifts exchanged as a gesture of diplomatic friendship.”

Hae-min’s mouth fell open.

He had known the work must be important since Song Seol assigned it, but goods for international diplomacy?

That was far more significant than he expected.

Belated worry washed over him.

“Why that expression?”

“…Pardon?”

Hae-min touched his face, though he couldn’t see his own expression.

“You look like a child who secretly stole honey from his teacher’s jar and fears being scolded.”

“…”

He was fairly certain that was not the case.

Trying to look calm, Hae-min said,

“I was wondering if it was truly something I am allowed to do.”

“Why would it not be? Few people are better at arithmetic than you.”

Song Seol spoke plainly, as if stating an obvious fact.

Yet it was one of the most welcome compliments Moon Hae-min had ever received.

“…Thank you.”

Warmth spread across Hae-min’s face.

Watching him quietly, Song Seol suddenly added:

“By now, they must be loading those goods onto ships at Yesong Port.”

“I see.”

“What do you think?”

Blinking in confusion, Hae-min waited.

Song Seol clarified:

“I plan to go to Yesong Port tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?”

“Yes.”

The answer slipped out immediately.

Yet he still wondered, is that really acceptable?

As if reading his thoughts, Song Seol added,

“Seeing it in person will feel different from merely reading about it in documents.”

It was a subtle invitation.

Perhaps his earlier worries had been unnecessary.

Smiling faintly, Moon Hae-min replied,

“I would like to see Yesong Port as well.”

“Good.”

For a moment, Hae-min thought he heard a trace of laughter in Song Seol’s brief reply.

But the conversation had already ended, leaving him no way to confirm it.