POV: Hae Na Ri
I gasp, horrified.
And he chuckles in response, holding up a hand. "That was just a joke! I didn't behead him."
It takes every single nerve in my body to not scowl. But I can't help glaring…
He stares back, hands clasped at the back and eyes still twinkling. He is clad in a cream turtleneck sweater and deep violet long coat. Even though I can't see any gel, I know that his hair has been styled back professionally. He is one of those men who are handsome enough to intimidate you.
Glaring at him only makes me nervous.
"Look at you glaring. Do you want to be beheaded too?" His tone is playful, but you can never be sure. Not with this type of man.
So I look away unwillingly.
I now realise all the seats around me are empty. Even the young girl behind the canteen counter is gone. Some guards, unmasked, are standing in different corners. Lee Sunwoo stands close to the main door, posture erect and alert. Her gaze is straight ahead, like all other guards.
I was so absorbed in searching, reading and scrolling that I didn't register anything at all.
It's disconcerting how easily he can get a place to empty.
He moves around, fiddling with and examining objects as if he's never been in a place like this before. "I shouldn't have made that joke. Now you will try to run away again."
I spring to my feet and take two steps away from him. "Your Majesty, I didn't run away."
"You didn't?"
"I was–I was just walking really fast. Your guards couldn't keep up," I think it's a pretty convincing excuse. "I don't know when I lost them."
He blinks blankly. "...I suppose Captain Kang isn't training them well."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Good thing you have found me. I have something important to tell you!" I clear my throat, mentally preparing myself. "Okay, this is going to sound ridiculous, but this is the reason you can't confirm my identity." I pause. "Actually there is some quantum mechanics nonsense going on!"
"Quantum mechanics? What's that?" He puts down the instant coffee stick he was checking out and gives me his whole attention.
"You don't know what quantum mechanics is? It's–well–I can't explain it very well; It's complicated science. But to simplify it, an object can stay in two states when it goes unobserved. Perhaps it has a different name in this world–"
A slight smile curves his lips. "Substate Dynamics in Threshold Physics. That's what you are talking about, I suppose?"
"I don't know. I would have to check it." I glance at the computer, the article still open. "But what I do know is, it's about the multiverse. According to it, multiple universes can exist." I take a tentative step towards him. There are still four safe steps between us. "It's going to sound crazy, but I am from another universe."
I think I see Lee Sunwoo twitch from the corner of my eyes, but there is no particular reaction from Ryu Hajoon. Is it my imagination or is he really smiling with his eyes?
"Is that so?" He says slowly.
"It's rooted in science. Though I don't know exactly how it happened, but I crossed the universe last night when I entered your garden and ended up in your world. That's why you can't find my identity in the system and the whole world is so different." I don't think I am doing a good job at convincing him.
However, I doubt there is any way right now I can use to sound convincing.
"So in your world it is the Republic of Korea and monarchy doesn't exist."
"Yes! Do you really believe me?" I scrutinise him.
Lee Sunwoo speaks from her place. "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."
"Speak up." He allows her, though his tone says he doesn't have good expectations.
"How about we look for any missing patient from psychiatric hospitals in the vicinity of the palace? Perhaps some patient ran away." She glowers at me as she says this.
"I am not crazy! I really am from another world. I have no proof and I have no idea how I crossed over but–" I glance around at everyone, becoming conscious of how crazy I sound. Even the passive standing guards must think me insane. This deflates me.
"As Hae Nari'sshi said, according to science multiple universes can exist," Ryu Hajoon comes to my defense. "So there is no reason to completely disregard her. I don't believe she is crazy. Now, would you say you want to look for two missing patients instead of one?"
"I dare not, Your Majesty." Lee Sunwoo says, her mouth set in a firm, distasteful line.
I lick my lips and sigh deeply. "I have no way to prove anything. I feel so lost."
Ryu Hajoon nods slowly and then as if suddenly remembering it. "Your family, they would be worried for you."
That's unexpected. "I don't have any family. It's just me." No one's worried for me. Maybe a few people, but no one's worrying themselves to death.
A look crosses his face momentarily. That look makes my stomach cold and I wonder if I did the wrong thing by telling him. I usually avoid telling people it's just me. Because there are a lot of people who take that as an invitation to hurt you. They know that no one would be coming after them to hold them accountable.
People like me– women like me are the ideal victims.
But then his brows furrow in concern. "Then you can stay at the palace for the time being. Till we find a solution to your situation." He steps closer and I take some steps back, nearly hitting the wall. He frowns at that, seemingly upset, but doesn't comment on it. I am supposed to keep a distance, my experience and his people told me that. "You said you feel lost. I will tell you about my world and in return you can tell me about your world."
I nod, unsure. I feel like I shouldn't go back to the palace. But he seems sincere. And it's not like I have a choice. Neither I have another place to go nor I know enough martial arts to fight his armed guards.
Ryu Hajoon nods to a guard. "Take Hae Nari'sshi to my car. We are going back to the palace for dinner." He moves aside and gives me way, like a true gentleman, despite his class and status. "After you."
Lee Sunwoo looks like she is holding back her protests. He is a royalty. People probably don't travel in the same car as him. Something strikes me as strange in this whole situation, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it's the fact that he is being too nice.
But what can I even offer him? I have nothing to give.
I quickly move, bow and get to the door. It's better to travel with him in his car. Under his protection. I will take advantage of his protection while it lasts.
Because I know it will not last for long. It never does.