Bab 241
u201cBerapa tidak menarik.u201d
Itu adalah kesan pertama Evelyn Rothschild saat Ia menghadapi Lee Shin.
u201cBagaimana bisa seorang manusia bisa mengemas begitu banyak pesona?u201d
Ia memiliki ringan dan berat sekaligus, imajinatif dan dekadent sekaligus. Kadang-kadang tampak polos, kadang licik. Lalu tiba-tiba menyelinapi kegembiraan seperti ombak. Artinya, Ia sudah jatuh cinta.
Apa yang kudugakan? Bicaralah dengan jelas.
Itulah perasaan Evelyn saat itu. Seolah-olah Ia bertemu makhluk yang tak terduga, tak bisa dijelaskan dengan bahasa manusiawi.
u201cAura ini semakin memperkuat.u201d
Ketika Evelyn melihat orang-orang, Ia tidak melihat orang itu, tetapi aura yang ada di sebalik mereka. Bagi yang kejam, aura berbahaya; bagi yang baik hati, aura hangat.
Aura ini seperti sidik jari—hampir tak pernah berubah. Bahkan lebih kuat dari sidik jari—kadang-kadang ia menelan tuannya sendiri.
Tapi Lee Shin...
u201cApakah Ia bermain-main dengan auranya...?u201cBerapa tidak menarik...u201d
Saat pertama kali ia mengejutkan Evelyn, terasa seperti cahaya sorotan terfokus di pukul-pukul di wajahnya, lalu ketika ia tersenyum lebar, rasa nyaman menyelimpiwir di sekitarnya.
Benar. Anak kemarihari ini tidak hanya mengubah auranya—ia menyusun kembali seluruh atmosfer di sekitarnya menuju pusatnya sendiri.
u201cSeandainya bukan aku yang menyaksikan ini, bahkan aku pun tidak akan percaya.u201d
Apa artinya ini?
u201cBenar ada seseorang di dunia ini yang bisa memaksa orang lain hanya dengan pesonanya...!u201c
Seperti Lee Sang-byeok, yang menindih lawan dengan karisma kuat.
Seperti Evelyn, yang membuat orang lain tergerak dengan kemuliaannya yang alami.
Pemuda ini sudah memiliki aura yang unik miliknya sendiri.
u201cLee Shin yang ada di layar dan Lee Shin yang ada di sini tak terbandingkan—seperti kunang-kunang dan matahari.u201d
Tidak ada kamera yang bisa menangkapnya sepenuhnya.
Tidak ada lensa yang bisa memuat seluruh pesona dan aura yang bersinar dari si anak itu.
Jujur, hingga kapan pun, Evelyn ingin melupakan pekerjaan dan segalanya, lalu sekadar menikmati waktu teh dengan si anak ini.
Jika ini bukan urusan keluarga, mungkin Ia pun akan melakukannya.
Hanya bermacam kalimat sama dia pun membuat bunga mekar di dalam hati yang sudah luntur Evelyn. Jika Ia menaruh harga diri, Evelyn rela membayar jutaan pound—mungkin lebih.
u201cKalau aku seperti ini, bagaimana dengan orang normal?u201d
Ia memahami dengan alami mengapa Korea begitu terobsesif dengan Lee Shin.
Lebih mengejutkan lagi, ia mencapai penilaian itu tak lebih dari lima menit setelah bertemu.
Ia berhasil mengingat wawancara lengkap dari lebih dari empat puluh tahun lalu dan membuat Evelyn tergeram, lalu secara tidak jelas—Ia tidak tahu bagaimana—ia mendapatkan wawasan tentang kenyataan keluarga Rothschild dan mengapa mereka begitu gila-menyukai pemburu dan batu mana.
u201cSegalanya melampaui ekspektasi. Jauh melampaui.u201d
Dan pelengkapnya adalah ia berkata, u201cAku minta maaf,u201d saat menolak tawaran terakhirnya.
u201cTerima kasih banyak sudah mengakui kemampuanku dan berbuat baik padaku. Aku juga memahami dengan baik bahwa tawaran ini bagus bagiku. Namun, aku pikir urutannya salah.u201d
u201cKita bertemu untuk pertama kalinya hari ini, bukan, Yang Mulia?u201d
Lee Shin berkata dengan senyum yang tidak berbahaya.
Satu pandangan membuat jelas—ini bukan perundingan murahan untuk meningkatkan nilainya. Lee Shin sunggu-sungguh memikirkan hubungan dengan Evelyn, bukan keuntungan yang akan Ia peroleh.
Meskipun kini, menunggu di depan hotel.
u201cBolehkah Aku memohon kehormatannya untuk menemani Anda hari ini, Yang Mulia?u201d
Pernahkah ada seseorang yang berani meminta kebaikan hanya sebagai manusiawi manusia?
Itu menyegarkan.
Ini adalah Evelyn Rothschild—lahir dari darah biru.
Tujuh puluh tahun lamanya, seumur hidup sebagai pahlawan keluarga dalam pertempuran yang dilawan tidak dengan pedang tetapi dengan tumpukan uang.
Ia berpikir tidak ada hal di dunia ini yang bisa terasa segar lagi. Ia telah hidup terlalu lama untuk merasakan kesegaran.
Itulah sebabnya Ia pensiun dan pergi bepergian dengan punggung terbuka.
Tapi sekarang—
u201cAku tidak merasa kebutuhan itu lagi.u201d
Jametnya berdebar-debar untuk pertama kalinya dalam lama-saat melihat tangan mereka yang bersatu.
________________________________________
u201cBagaimana dengan ini, nenek?u201d
u201cMari kita lihat.u201d
Evelyn dan Lee Shin bersandar di dinding kaca, matanya bersinar.
Mereka tidak sekadar serius—tapi tampak benar-benar serius. Apa yang bisa membuat dua raksasa seperti mereka begitu serius?
Betapa pun anehnya, itu adalah sepatu. Sepatu sneakers biasa yang bisa dipakai siapa saja.
u201cMenurutmu desainnya terlalu polos? Apa pendapatmu, nenek?u201d
u201cSederhana tidak berarti buruk, tahu.u201d
u201cDan warnanya? Aku suka putih.u201d
u201cPutih adalah pilihan yang aman.u201d
Di antara mereka, mereka memiliki aset setidaknya triliun, dan masih terus mendapatkan lebih banyak, namun di s situ mereka berdiri di depi toko sambil bertengkar hebat.
Jika mereka inginkan, mereka bisa menjadi pemegang saham tidak hanya toko ini tetapi seluruh brand. Namun di s situ mereka fokus pada satu pasang sepatu sama saja.
Lalu keduanya bertepuk tangan.
u201cMari beli.u201d
u201cBaiklah.u201d
u201cGo go!u201d
Mereka masuk ke dalam toko, dan beberapa saat kemudian, saat Lee Shin dan Evelyn keluar, keduanya mengenakan sepatu sneakers yang sama.
u201cOoh! Lebih nyaman dari yang kuduga! Setuju, nenek?u201d
u201cYa memang. Hanya pernah mendengar namanya tapi belum pernah mencobanya—lebih baik dari yang kuduga.u201d
u201cKenyamanannya lebih baik dari merek mewah. Sungguh pendapatmu sama?, neneku201d
u201cHuff, aku setuju.u201d
u201cLalu, lanjut ke sana!u201d
Lee Shin meraih tangan Evelyn dan ceria memimpin perjalanan. Evelyn mengikutinya dengan tersenyum lembut menatap semangatnya yang imajinatif.
Mereka berjalan di lantai yang kosong.
u201cIni adalah brand yang paling populer di kalangan pemuda dewasa akhir-akhir ini.u201d
u201cBenar? Mari kita cek.u201d
u201cBisakah kita mendapatkan yang hijau ini, nenek?u201d
u201cTentu tidak. Navy akan lebih baik, bukan?u201d
u201cNah, jika kita akan beli navy, lebih baik dapatkan yang hitam.u201d
u201cHitam itu membosankan.u201d
u201cItu okay. Wajah kita sudah menjadi pencahayaan sendiri.u201d
Mereka juga sama-sama beli pakaian latihan hitam di gerai olahraga lain.
u201cHmmm? Topi ini tidak buruk, pak Lee Shin.u201d
u201cAku jarang mengenakan topi.u201d
u201cMaka percaya padaku kali ini dan cobalah mengenakannya. Topi adalah keharusan bagi seorang pria yang sopan.u201d
u201cBolehkah aku mencobanya?u201d
Berdua berdempetan, masing-masing memakai topi tersebut.
u201cKami sudah berubah dari ujung ke ujung—sebaiknya kita ambil foto baru untuk mengabadarkan momen ini?u201d
u201cApakah ada foto studio juga?u201d
u201cAku yakin, tidak ada yang tidak mereka miliki. Lihat di situ.u201d
u201cOh? Memang benar mereka punya semua.u201d
n
Mereka juga mengambil foto puitis di studio pribadi sendiri.
Setelah menyelesaikan turnamen mode, mereka berjalan di taman yang ada di lantai atas gedung sambil memegang kopi.
u201cBisakah toko-toko di sekitar Korea ini punya taman juga? Aku bahkan tidak yakin harus menyebutnya toko departemen.u201d
u201cHaha, inilah yang dimaksud. Aku minta mereka membangunnya seraya sekala setahir mungkin.u201d
u201cApa yang membuatmu berpikir begitu?u201d
u201cHmm, mungkin karena aku tidak suka hal-hal yang biasa? Aku pikir ada keunikan yang datang dari skala. Bagaimana menurutmu?u201d
u201cBisakah toko-toko ini diletakkan di Eropa? Aku bertanya-tanya sejak tadi. Betapa hebatnya ini.u201d
Sebenarnya, Lee Shin telah merekonstruksi pusat perbelanjaan multi-kompleks yang populer di kehidupannya sebelumnya.
Karena bahkan ia, yang sering diam di rumah, pernah mendengarnya, ia yakin akan sukses—dan memang benar, sebelum dibuka, tempat ini sudah mendapat perhatian dari media.
Tidak hera bahwa Lee Sang-byeok ingin membuat u201cRoyal Fieldu201d sebagai nama brand itu.
u201cBerapakah kujupan pertama pelanggan Royal Field?u201d
u201cBenar. Aku akan ukirnya di piring penguku. Evelyn Rothschild menjadi pelanggan pertama.u201d
u201cOh tuhan-ku, betapa suatu kehormatan.u201d
Keduanya bersandar di jalan penahan, berbincang sambil melihat laut.
u201cApakah kamu menikmati hari ini, nenek?u201d
u201cBanyak sekali. Aku bahkan lupa kapan terakhir kali tertawa seperti ini.u201d
u201cSama-samanya. Aku senang bisa membawa kebahagiaan kepadamu.u201d
Lee Shin berkata sambil tersenyum lembut.
Evelyn terasa hangat mendengar senyum yang tulus itu. Anak ini benar-benar ingin mendekat dengan wanita tua ini. Ia hendak mengucapkan terima kasih atas kebaikannya, tetapi kata-katanya membuat mulutnya kaku.
u201dLain kali kita akan bermain di pantai, janji.u201d
u201c……Permisi?u201d
u201cKita sudah berjanji untuk saling mengenal, bukan? Apakah kamu tidak perlu melihat banyak hal tentangku?u201d
Mas masih banyak hal yang ingin kujungjung—tidak mungkin akan berakhir hanya dengan satu kali temu ini.
Ini baru permulaan.
Lee Shin mengetuk sepatu barunya di tanah dan tersenyum.
u201cMaka lain kali kita akan bersama juga.u201d
u2022
u2022
u2022
u201cAlfredo, batalkan jadwal di Turki. Sampaikan ke presiden juga.u201d
u201cYah, mengerti.u201d
________________________________________
Hari berikutnya, Lee Shin bertemu Evelyn di depan hotel seperti hari sebelumnya.
Mengenakan pakaian yang mereka beli kemarin, mereka naik Rollin seperti yang dijanjikan dan melaju ke pantai.
Mereka berjalan di jalur pantai sambil berbincang.
u201dDari sini, jalur ini melanjutkan sepanjang pesisir. Asyik, bukan?u201d
u201dAsyik? Luar biasa. Laut Korea memiliki daya tarik yang mulia. Tapi suasana hari ini berbeda dari kemarin—banyak anak-anak bermain dan banyak apartemen. Ini kawasan perumahan?u201d
u201dTepat sekali, nenek. Setelah aku membeli Yeongdo, hal pertama yang kudapatkan adalah mengatur kembali zona. Tempat ini punya pemandangan terbaik, jadi kubuat orang-orang tinggal di sini.u201d
u201dLalu sekolah itu—
Chapter 241
‘How fascinating.’
That was Evelyn Rothschild’s first impression when she faced Lee Shin.
‘How can a single human contain such a variety of charms?’
He possessed lightness and heaviness at the same time, cuteness and decadence together. At one moment he looked naïve, at another cunning. And then suddenly a wave-like ecstasy swept in. It meant she had already fallen.
What am I talking about? Speak clearly.
That was exactly how Evelyn felt right now. As though she had met an incomprehensible being impossible to explain with human language.
‘This aura makes it even stronger.’
When Evelyn looks at people, she sees not the person but the aura cast behind them. To one with violence, a dangerous aura; to one kind, a warm aura.
This aura is like a fingerprint—it almost never changes. Stronger than a fingerprint, even—sometimes it devours its owner.
But Lee Shin…
‘He plays with his aura…? How fascinating….’
When he first surprised Evelyn, it felt like pinpoint lighting was shining on him, and then when he gave a faint smile, a sense of comfort settled around him.
Yes. This boy didn’t just change his aura—he rearranged the entire atmosphere around him around his own center.
‘Had I not witnessed it myself, even I would not have believed it.’
What does this mean?
‘There exists someone in the world who can force others through sheer charm…!’
Like Lee Sang-byeok, who overwhelms opponents with powerful charisma.
Like Evelyn, who moves others with innate nobility.
This young man already carried his own unique aura.
‘The Lee Shin on screen and the Lee Shin in person are as incomparable as a firefly and the sun.’
No camera can fully capture him.
There is no lens that can contain every bit of charm and aura radiating from that child.
Honestly, by this time, Evelyn wanted to forget work and everything else and just enjoy a tea time with this child.
If it hadn’t been a “family affair,” she probably would have done so.
Just exchanging a few words with him made flowers bloom in Evelyn’s worn-out heart. If she were to price this feeling, Evelyn would gladly pay millions of pounds—perhaps even more.
‘If I’m like this, how would normal people react?’
She naturally understood why Korea was so obsessed with Lee Shin.
Even more shocking was that she reached this assessment not even five minutes after meeting him.
He recalled a full interview from more than forty years ago and moved Evelyn, and somehow—she had no idea how—he had insight into the realities of the Rothschild family and why they were so fiercely obsessed with hunters and mana stones.
‘Everything was beyond expectations. Far beyond.’
And the finishing touch was him saying, “I’m sorry,” as he declined her final offer.
— “Thank you sincerely for acknowledging my abilities and showing me kindness. I also understand well that the offer is good for me. However, I believe the order is wrong.”
— “You and I are meeting for the first time today, aren’t we, my lady?”
Lee Shin said this with a harmless smile.
One glance made it clear—this wasn’t a cheap negotiation to raise his value. Lee Shin was genuinely looking at the relationship with Evelyn rather than the benefits he would gain.
Even now, waiting for her in front of the hotel.
— “Would you grant me the honor of escorting you today, my lady?”
Has there ever been anyone who dared to seek goodwill from her simply human to human?
It was refreshing.
This was Evelyn Rothschild—born with blue blood.
Seventy long years, a lifetime spent as a family war hero on a battlefield fought not with swords but with stacks of money.
She thought nothing in the world could feel fresh anymore. She had lived through too much to feel freshness.
That was why she retired and went backpacking.
But now—
‘I don’t think I need that anymore.’
Evelyn’s heart was pounding for the first time in a long while, as she looked at their hands, held together.
________________________________________
“How about this one, grandma?”
“Let’s see.”
Evelyn and Lee Shin pressed against the glass wall, eyes sparkling.
They were not just serious—they looked deadly serious. What could possibly make these two giants so serious?
Amazingly, it was shoes. Ordinary sneakers that anyone wears.
“Don’t you think the design is too plain? What do you think, grandma?”
“Simple isn’t bad, you know.”
“And the color? I like white.”
“White is the safe choice.”
Between them, they owned assets worth at least in the trillions, and were still earning more, yet here they were in front of the store debating intensely.
If they wanted, they could become shareholders of not just this store but the entire brand. Yet they were focusing all their attention on a single pair of sneakers.
Then the two nodded.
“Let’s buy it.”
“Alright.”
“Go go!”
They entered the store, and shortly after, when Lee Shin and Evelyn came out, they were both wearing matching sneakers.
“Oooh! These are more comfortable than I expected! Right, grandma?”
“Yes, indeed. I’d only heard the name but never tried them on—better than I imagined.”
“The comfort is better than luxury brands. Honestly, you agree?”
“Hmph, I agree.”
“Then next, go go!”
Lee Shin grabbed Evelyn’s hand and cheerfully led the way. Evelyn followed behind with a warm smile at his adorable enthusiasm.
The two strolled through the empty floor.
“This is the most popular brand among young people these days.”
“Really? Let’s see.”
“How about this green one, grandma?”
“No. Absolutely not. Navy would be better, wouldn’t it?”
“Nah, if you’re going to buy navy, you should just get black.”
“Black is dreary.”
“It’s okay. You and I have faces that act as lighting anyway.”
“Oh my? Listen to him talk.”
They matched black training suits at another sports store.
“Hm? That hat isn’t bad, Mr. Lee Shin.”
“I hardly ever wear hats.”
“Then trust me this time and try wearing one. Hats are an essential item for a gentleman.”
“Should I?”
Side by side, they each put on a cap.
“We’ve changed from head to toe—should we take a fresh photo to commemorate it?”
“Is there a photo studio too?”
“I’m telling you, there’s nothing they don’t have. Look over there.”
“Oh? They really do have everything.”
They even took a cool commemorative photo at the self-studio.
After completing their fashion tour, the two strolled through the park on the rooftop with coffee in hand.
“It’s really amazing. In Korea, do department stores have parks too? Actually, I’m not even sure if I should call this a department store.”
“Haha, that was the whole point. I asked them to build it as large as possible.”
“What made you think that?”
“Hm, maybe I just didn’t like ordinary things? I thought there would be a coolness that comes from scale. How was it?”
“How was it? I’ve been wondering since earlier if we should build one of these in Europe. That’s how excellent it was.”
In fact, Lee Shin had recreated the massive multi-complex shopping malls that were popular in his past life.
Since even he, a homebody, had heard of them, he figured they'd succeed—and indeed, even before opening, the place was gaining attention in the media.
No wonder Lee Sang-byeok wanted to make “Royal Field” the brand name as it was.
“Then am I the first customer of Royal Field?”
“That’s right. I’m planning to engrave it on a plaque. Evelyn Rothschild sets the very first footprint. Dudung!”
“Oh my, what an honor.”
The two leaned against the railing, talking while looking at the sea.
“Did you enjoy today’s date?”
“Very much. I don’t even remember the last time I laughed like this.”
“I’m glad. I’m happy I could bring joy to you.”
Lee Shin said with a gentle smile.
Evelyn felt warm at that sincere smile. This child truly wants to become close to this old woman. She was about to thank him for his kindness but his next words sealed her mouth shut.
“Then tomorrow let’s go play by the seaside over there.”
“……Pardon?”
“We promised to get closer, didn’t we? Don’t you need to see many things about me?”
There were still so many things he wanted to show her—no way would it end with just one date.
This was only the beginning.
Lee Shin tapped his newly bought sneakers on the ground and smiled.
“Then let’s be together tomorrow too.”
•
•
“Alfredo, cancel the schedule in Turkey. Inform the president as well.”
“Yes, understood.”
________________________________________
The next day, Lee Shin met Evelyn in front of the hotel just like the day before.
Wearing the outfits they had bought the previous day, they rode the Rollin as promised and headed toward the seaside.
They walked along the coastal trail, talking.
“From here on, the trail continues along the coast. Nice, right?”
“Nice? It’s wonderful. The seas of Korea have a noble charm. But the atmosphere feels different from yesterday—there are many children playing, and lots of apartment complexes. Is this a residential area?”
“As expected of you, Grandma, to notice it right away. After I purchased Yeongdo, the first thing I did was reorganize the zones. This place had the best view, so I had people live here.”
“Then that school—is that something you built?”
“Technically, my grandfather built it. Elementary, middle, and high school—all in one. And for our guild members, all education is free. For reference, it’s also free for the employees of Choi’s Apothecary. Hehehe.”
“Huh…how interesting. Can you explain more as we walk?”
“As much as you want.”
If the first day was exploring the soon-to-open mega shopping mall Royal Field, then the second day was walking along the coastal trail and examining the residential district.
Children were playing in the playground, workers coming out of restaurants—every one of them full of hope.
It was a day marked by lively people and when it came time to part, another follow-up plan from Lee Shin.
“Grandma, you see that construction site? We’re going there tomorrow. You can look forward to it.”
That night, Evelyn returned to her lodging and said,
“Alfredo, cancel the Switzerland schedule.”
“Yes, understood.”
On the third day, as promised, Evelyn visited the site under active construction. Construction machinery constantly moving in, reinforced concrete rising block by block—and the most striking thing was the smell of metal.
“That’s a blast furnace…? Don’t tell me a forge?”
“Ding-dong-dang, correct! A forge where we can repair and modify equipment. For now that’s the scope, but once it expands, I’m planning to manufacture items too.”
“Manufacture? That won’t be easy. Items depend on facilities, yes, but the blacksmith is the key…”
“Hehe, that part I’m actually confident about. Do you know Master Akbong?”
“Wait—Akbong? The legendary craftsman who suddenly vanished? You mean that person? He’s still alive??”
“That’s a secret. I’m only telling you because you’re Grandma.”
“Oh, my, god……”
“Hehehe, then tomorrow let’s go inside that tented area. You’ll be shocked when you see it.”
On the fourth day, she was shocked by the construction of a completely different kind of “Second Arena.”
On the fifth day, they visited Choi’s Apothecary’s new research lab, and she received a full set of the newly renewed “Woojin Dan.”
By this point, Evelyn started to see something forming clearly in her mind.
Why Lee Shin called Yeongdo Island an empire—what kind of design he had in mind for his territory.
And the clearer the picture became, the longer her stay grew.
“Alfredo, cancel the appointment with the king of Saudi Arabia.”
“Cancel everything in Japan.”
“Cancel all schedules in China.”
“Cancel the South America schedule too.”
National-level schedules were being canceled one after another.
Alfredo even asked with concern if she was canceling too much—wouldn’t relationships worsen?
Evelyn answered firmly.
“That’s not what matters now. Alfredo, you still don’t see it? What’s in front of us? What that child is pointing toward?”
She sighed in frustration toward the bewildered old butler, then said:
“Contact the family. We need to rewrite the contract.”
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