Rashanin said something deserving of lightning. I glared at Rashanin, who had the audacity to say it was small while looking at Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Geunjeongjeon Hall.
Though Seoul was criticized as an impersonal city full of forests of buildings, it was a 500-year-old capital and had plenty of historical sites. Whether domestic or foreign, the first place to visit when touring Seoul was Gyeongbokgung Palace. He said there was no need to go to famous places, but the reason I thought of this place first to guide Rashanin was because I’m Korean.
It was spring and the day was clear. The antique building was wonderful and beautiful. Yet to say such a thing even after seeing a building representing a country. Patriotism I normally didn’t have surged up. Calling this small. Where.
I deliberately put on a smiling face and retorted argumentatively.
“Do you think it’s small?”
“Compared to the Summer Palace, it’s small.”
“The Summer Palace?”
“You don’t know the most beautiful palace in the world. It’s not me, but you who should travel.”
With one remark from him, I became a pathetic person who didn’t know the most beautiful place in the world.
“I’ve hardly ever left Korea since I was born, so there’s a lot I don’t know. Where is it?”
“Saint Petersburg. It’s a wonderful palace built by Peter the Great. It’s not a gloomy color like this, but the harmony of blue and gold is indescribably wonderful and beautiful.”
“Blue and gold. For someone like me who’s never seen it, it’s hard to imagine.”
“You can’t do it with imagination. Photos won’t work either. You have to see it with your own eyes.”
“That’s unfortunate. Rashanin-ssi is praising it as the most beautiful palace in Russia, but it’s difficult for me to leave this place.”
I deliberately changed “the most in the world” to “the most in Russia.” Then Rashanin lightly laughed out loud.
He’s a man who always wears a thin smile like wearing a mask, but still, this laugh seemed sincere.
I thought he was handsome from the first time I saw him, but surely when he laughs genuinely and pleasantly, the atmosphere changes. Though it’s not like a man lives off his face, I couldn’t help feeling both antipathy and being charmed at the same time.
Regardless of personality, or regardless of gender, it was certain that seeing a beauty was a feast for the eyes. It was the first time calling a man a beauty, but anyway, he was handsome and worth looking at. It was also a talent to fill in points deducted by irritating words and actions with a single smile.
“You have a good way with words. But your pronunciation is still bad.”
That damn pronunciation talk. It was already the second time. The rudeness of calling a country’s representative building small or the insensitivity of openly pointing out that my pronunciation is bad were the same.
The points he just earned for being beautiful were all forgotten and even went down to minus.
“Pronunciation isn’t something that changes overnight, is it? And it was Rashanin-ssi who designated someone like me.”
“Ah. Of course I know that well. But it would be good to make an effort.”
“I’ll make an effort. If you’ve seen everything, shall we go this way? Next is the king and queen’s bedchamber.”
Letting the nagging flow in one ear and out the other, I guided Rashanin to Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon. Rashanin moved without a word. From Hamweonjeon, Taeweonjeon, Hyangwonjeong to Gyeonghoeru. I went around Gyeongbokgung Palace according to the tour course.
After seeing Gyeonghoeru and making the audacious remark that this one was so-so okay, I told Rashanin that the Gyeongbokgung tour was over and asked what to do next. Rashanin said great timing and sat down on a shaded bench with a good view of Gyeonghoeru.
“I’ll be here, so you spend time as you please.”
“Pardon?”
“Surely you didn’t not understand?”
“I heard you’ll be here.”
“Right. Either stay next to me, or come back before sunset.”
I quietly stared at Rashanin who told me to come pick him up before sunset. He also looked at me as if asking what was curious.
“You’ll spend time here?”
“Yes.”
“If it’s not rude, may I ask why?”
“The sunlight is good, there are chairs to sit on, and there are many people. You remember the condition I mentioned last night? I don’t particularly have anywhere I want to go. As long as there are many people.”
“Then not here but somewhere else…”
“It’s fine. I like it here too. Because there are many people.”
When I asked why he designated me as a guide, Rashanin answered that he liked it here with the same feeling as when he answered that he liked me. I understood he was willful, but I thought this was too much.
“Rashanin-ssi.”
“Why do you keep being so impatient?”
“Well, since I’m the guide…”
“I said you don’t have to go around a lot. Have some leisure. The sky is blue and the sun is sparkling. The wind is blowing too. On days like this, you should give thanks to the Creator and enjoy leisurely.”
It was a stereotypical remark. Thinking that, I still shifted my gaze toward where Rashanin’s hand was pointing.
There was spring.
The yellow forsythia flowers had fallen and green leaves sprouted. The cherry blossoms were full of buds just before blooming. As Rashanin said, the sky was blue, warm spring sunshine poured down.
“Ah.”
A small exclamation naturally flowed out. It was a clear spring day like the day I heard the news that Rashanin was coming. Back then I lamented my situation saying I didn’t want to work and reality was too frustrating, but now I couldn’t recognize it even though it was right before my eyes. There was no other fool.
“Is your view clearing now?”
Only upon hearing Rashanin’s voice did I realize my face must have softened. When my eyes met with Rashanin who was grinning, I felt embarrassed for no reason.
Unable to grasp what to do, I ended up smiling awkwardly. As if I looked foolish, Rashanin’s face changed very subtly for a moment. But that was really just for a moment; he soon showed a deep smile.
“Let me make a good proposal.”
“A proposal?”
“Yes. How about thinking of this not as work but as being on vacation?”
“…?!”
“The entire schedule from now on is yours, and I won’t interfere. And I’ll take responsibility for all the costs. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Of course I understood. At the instigation to commit corruption since he’d turn a blind eye, I looked at Rashanin with surprised eyes.
“I give permission.”
Because of Rashanin using the word permission without awkwardness, a chuckle leaked out without me knowing.
“You shouldn’t encourage a civil servant to commit corruption.”
“I didn’t use the word corruption.”
“Isn’t it the same thing?”
“So?”
“I refuse.”
“This time too because it’s official duty?”
“Don’t ask when you already know.”
“You’re too inflexible. I said I give permission. The money and time are all yours.”
“It’s my personality. I can’t help it.”
“That damn personality. How will you live in the world being so upright?”
“I’m living well. Thank you for your concern.”
I replied with a smile. This time I wasn’t particularly hurt by Rashanin’s provocation. Because I somewhat understood his way of speaking. Speaking without hesitation was highly likely his original personality. And he enjoyed the other person’s reaction and led the conversation.
Looking at my reactions that had flared up until now, I thought I understood why he said he liked me. To put it badly, I would have been good to toy with. I was a bit angry, pathetic for only realizing now, and also amused.
“My, you really dodge well in every direction.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment that I’m skillful.”
When I replied politely, Rashanin laughed sincerely again this time. A clean laugh was definitely good to see.
Once I grasped Rashanin’s intention, my irritation toward him also greatly decreased. In fact, if not for my inferiority complex, he wasn’t a bad conversation partner.
“So what are you thinking of doing?”
“I’ll do my best at the work I’m assigned. Please stay here as Rashanin-ssi wishes. I’ll also be next to you.”
“I said you can go elsewhere and take care of business?”
“Since I don’t know what kind of incident or accident Rashanin-ssi might get caught up in, I can’t do that.”
Rashanin said it was fine, but I could only see him as a preliminary incident-maker. It couldn’t be helped. His conspicuous appearance was drawing attention even here.
Since it was the season it was, various people were coming and going at Gyeongbokgung. From domestic families to Chinese and Japanese group tourists, especially there were many children walking around in uniforms, perhaps having come for picnics or school trips.
