Episode 5. Nouveau Depart (5)

Instinctively, I straightened my back. Up until now, I had been just watching, but if it was a condition related to plans for children, I had to listen. Moreover, Kwon I-do's words had the power to make people focus for some reason.

"There are two conditions."

His calm eyes leisurely looked around everyone. Past the faces full of anticipation, and even me sitting right next to him. The two eyes that met at close range had a soft light different from before.

"First, Mr. Jeong Se-jin will come and live in my house starting tomorrow."

Was he asking me to answer? I nodded my head in understanding. It was a very short moment, but a satisfied smile appeared on Kwon I-do's lips. He quickly erased his expression and spoke to his father this time.

"And second."

This was the moment when the future Min-jae had spoken of was being drawn. Spreading his legs and living with a total stranger, an alpha. The reason he was asking me to come into the house right away was probably to make it easier to have children.

"I will step down as the head of Haesin Group."

"… … ."

For a moment, I couldn't understand what Kwon I-do was saying. "That's all." His words that followed were the same. He added in a very merciful tone to us who were blinking our eyes in confusion.

"If you have any objections, I will listen."

"… … Mr. Kwon I-do."

I grabbed Kwon I-do's arm in a panic. It was a small gesture, but Kwon I-do, as well as I who had raised my hand, were surprised. Even though we had held hands throughout the engagement ceremony, we weren't close enough to be touched like this.

"I'm sorry… … ."

"You don't have to apologize, so let's listen first."

He firmly cut off the apology I was offering. He awkwardly placed his raised hand back on my arm. He furrowed his neat eyebrows as he met my gaze.

"You don't like the conditions?"

He had an expression that said, "I never thought you would do that." I don't know when he saw me and why he was looking at me like this, but there was only one answer I could give him.

"I thought you were going to talk about… … child planning."

I definitely thought he was going to talk about what he wanted out of marriage. Like how many children he should have, or how to handle custody. If he had chosen an omega that didn't match his balance, his only goal would definitely be a second child.

"Well."

But Kwon-ido narrowed his eyes and hesitated to answer. He tapped the back of my hand and curled the corners of his mouth.

"We'll discuss that later."

"… … the two of you?"

My jaw was blocked. Not because he said the two of us would discuss it, but because of the joke he added.

"There are still immature children, so I don't think it's something to talk about with the family."

Was this a signal to take care of it? Or was it a joke I couldn't understand? There was no problem with the fact that the two of them would discuss it. In order to decide on the details of the contract, they would definitely have to share the hit and rut cycles. In order to do that, it would be better to have a more private space than a gathering of many people.

The real problem was the second condition he put forth. My stepping down from the position of headquarters director would not benefit Kwon I-do in any way. Even if it was a marriage for the sake of succession, where on earth would they use me, who didn't even have the minimum position?

"… … ."

Oh, maybe that's the case.

There were some people who, with their old-fashioned way of thinking, wanted their spouses to just help out at home. Could it be that Kwon I-do thought of me that way, like the knight who tried to escort me?

"Ahem, Managing Director?"

The one who broke my stray thoughts was my father. He cleared his throat once and spoke in a hushed tone.

"If Se-jin, who is not just an employee, but a headquarters director, quits, wouldn't it be difficult for us too?"

His eyes were fierce, but his face was smiling brightly. It was clear that he didn't want to hurt Kwon I-do's feelings while appealing to his difficulties.

"Besides, originally… … ."

"Then let's ask Mr. Jeong Se-jin."

Third. My father, whose words had stopped, trembled at the corners of his mouth. For someone who pathologically hated being ignored, this seemed like a lot to endure. Leaving his father behind, Kwon I-do looked at me and asked.

"Mr. Jeong Se-jin, do you want to continue working as the head of the headquarters?"

It seemed like he was giving me a chance. As if he would readily say yes if I said yes. Of course, my answer was set.

"No."

"… … ."

"I will meet the conditions you mentioned."

Joy and sorrow mixed. Kwon I-do's expression was as expected, but my father's reaction was different from what I expected. My father, who had always known how to smile happily, frowned with a look of displeasure for some reason.

It was strange. My father always felt bad about giving me power. He only gave me the title of chief of headquarters because he was conscious of the eyes of those around him, and he probably planned to take it away himself when it was no longer useful.

"I see."

Kwon I-do's lips parted as if he was a big shot. His expression didn't change much, but his words were conveyed clearly. My father tried to keep a smile on his face and frowned.

"Still, quitting the job… … ."

"Chairman Jeong."

Fourth. My father's face cracked. Seeing his wrinkled eyes harden, I thought that Director Kim would have a hard time after this meeting. That became even more certain with Kwon I-do's question.

"Do you think I'm suggesting this?"

Kwon I-do didn't even try to imitate the courtesy that Vice President Kwon Sang-mi had given him. He just added in a calm voice, as if he was trying to clarify the relationship between the superior and inferior.

"I'm sorry if you thought this was a place where you could say no."

"… … ."

"It would be difficult if someone who is the head of a group can't make that kind of judgment."

The pretentious and friendly atmosphere was shattered in an instant. It would have been possible to stop their son's dictatorship, but Kwon I-do's family didn't impose any sanctions. No, perhaps it was a natural result since they weren't on equal footing in the first place.

"I think you understood it roughly… … Shall we have a toast?"

Kwon I-do raised his champagne glass without changing his expression. I tried not to look at my family and stroked the thin part of the glass. The expressions on their faces that showed their displeasure were not a very pleasant sight.

"We celebrated the engagement earlier, so for Chief Jeong Se-jin, who is retiring today?"

"… … !"

My father bit his lip. Not only was the insulting language not enough, but the sudden time constraint of 'as of today' was also a reason. Now, looking at his face that had turned red and blue, Kwon-i-do spoke in a brazen tone.

"Thanks to Chairman Jeong, I got a good opportunity."

Judging from my experience so far, it was a miracle that the table didn't spill. The way he urged me to drink quickly was clearly that of a provocative person.

"I'm glad you noticed… … I'm glad."

However, my father was a much more patient person than I had thought. I could tell by the way he barely controlled his expression and raised his glass.

The family members who looked unwilling and the members of the preferred group whose minds were incomprehensible. The unpleasant toast announced the success of the one-sided negotiation.

The meal continued until it got dark. It was around the time when the ground was getting dark in the garden, and the lights decorated with flowers were starting to light up the surroundings one by one. The beautiful scenery that was so blindingly beautiful was enough to soften the expressions of the family members.

"But Mr. Jeong Se-jin."

When I was halfway through the dessert, Kwon I-do's older sister opened her mouth. She was the vice president of Seonho Group and Kwon Hye-yool's mother, and she was a dominant omega who looked exactly like Kwon Sang-mi. Pushing her long hair behind her ear, she asked in a light voice.

"Isn't she an omega?"

I felt the gazes. The Seonho Group family members looked puzzled, my father and mother clicked their tongues, Min-jae looked as if he knew it, and Seo-young looked on.

"I heard you're an dominant omega, but I don't feel any pheromones at all."

"… … ."

So, even though perfume doesn't help at all.

"You're an omega. You're dominant."

I opened my mouth in the most calm tone I could muster. I had already simulated hundreds of times how to explain my flaws. I was also prepared to concisely appeal that there was no problem with the omega function they wanted.

"But I… … ."

"Your nose must have become numb to the smell of flowers."

But the moment he was about to continue, a nonchalant voice snatched the last words away. It was Kwon I-do, the only one who hadn't looked at him. Kwon I-do lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

"Jeong Se-jin's pheromones are similar to the scent of flowers."

His words were dreamy. He didn't seem like the person who had been pushing his father around until just a moment ago. An alpha like Kwon I-do wouldn't be fooled by something as simple as perfume.

"And… … ."

I stared at Kwon I-do's profile in a daze. Below his straight eyebrows, I could see his neat nose bridge. A face that no Korean could not help but recognize. Could it be an illusion that his cold face, so cold that not even a needle could enter, kept looking affectionate?

"There's no need for anyone else to know my fiancé's pheromones."

Kwon I-do said that, subtly asking for agreement. Isn't that right? At the light question, he nodded as if possessed by something. Kwon I-do's older sister also exchanged glances with her husband and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, if that's what you're saying, then it doesn't matter."

It was a simple solution that was almost absurd. The gazes that had been focused on me dispersed one by one, perhaps because they weren't particularly interested in me to begin with. My father smiled proudly (it seemed like he thought the perfume was effective), but I knew that it wasn't his fault.

"… … ."

Why did this person help me?

This is how Kwon I-do is described in the world. He is a cold-hearted person who is overbearing, authoritarian, and has a good sense of distinction between public and private. To be exact, it was an industry rumor, but it was clear that most of it was based on fact.

Kwon I-do was already showing me mercy for the second time. Once when I touched his arm, and another time a little while ago, from his older sister. And he even said something tickling, like my pheromones were similar to the scent of flowers.

"He had something to say… … ."

He must have been lost in thought, so he gave me a quick glance. He offered me a choice in a voice so small that only I could hear it.

"Do you want to do it now or tomorrow?"

"… … ."

Oh, tomorrow.

"… … It's nothing."

Did he tell me to come in tomorrow? I had to move overnight, but I didn't have any complaints. It was an abnormal process, an engagement ceremony where I didn't even know the other person, and living together before marriage. It was actually a rare normal process.

"Okay, let's talk about it later."

I didn't answer and just poked my dessert with my fork. My mouth was watering at the word "two." Was I actually someone who put other people's appearances important? My heart was throbbing to the point where I thought that.

About 10 minutes had passed since then. Kwon Sang-mi, who had put down her dishes, slowly got up and cleaned up the place. While Kwon Sang-mi and her father were shaking hands, Director Kim, who had been waiting, came over and put his coat on my shoulders.

"Would you like to go home?"

"Um, I was originally going to go to my parents' house, but… … ."

I glanced around at the faces of my family. Seoyoung was okay, but the expressions on the faces of the others were not good at all. Minjae in particular was glaring at me with more fierce eyes than usual.

"I think it would be better to go home."

"… … I'll prepare tea."

Director Kim couldn't deny it and lowered his gaze ambiguously. The words he had tried so hard to say were probably the best answer he could give. I tried to smile as a request, but I heard a voice calling me from behind.

"Mr. Jeong Sejin."

As if on purpose, Kwon Ido stood in front of Minjae's gaze. Director Kim, who had been watching his reaction, stepped back, saying he would wait at the entrance. The lights illuminating the garden dimly illuminated Kwon Ido's face.

"If you don't mind, would you like to take a walk?"

The walking path in the garden was designed to circle around and return to the restaurant. The landscaping along the flat stone path was a sight to behold as I walked. It was originally an open space, but I guess they had already done some work, and I didn't see anyone walking around.

Kwon I-do didn't say anything to me after I entered the trail. His last reaction was to check my coat, asking if I was cold. He was actually wearing formal attire without a coat.

"… … ."

"… … ."

The sound of footsteps on the stone floor was clear. Since the surroundings were quiet, I could clearly hear the small chirping of insects. Once at Kwon I-do's shoes, once at my shoes. As I slowly moved my gaze, I suddenly had this thought.

"… … The path is really nicely decorated."

I don't know why he suggested we go for a walk, but I was the one who had to initiate the conversation. It was all my job to try not to upset him and to look good to him.

"There's lighting… … so it's not that dark."

"… … ."

"It'll be prettier in spring."

I tried to smile as naturally as possible. I was more nervous than usual, but I wasn't immature enough to make a mistake. If I just acted a little friendly, at least I wouldn't leave a bad first impression.

"I heard they're planning on planting flowers when the weather gets warmer."

Kwon Yi-do opened his mouth in his usual soft voice, his eyes locked tightly. His voice, which matched the night air, was deep like his pheromones.

"Spring flowers in spring, summer flowers in summer, and fall flowers in fall."

"… … ."

"The landscaping isn't finished yet, so it's not completely finished."

If he hadn't been a member of the Seonho Group, wouldn't it have been okay to become an actor? Since he has a good voice, every word he says feels weighty in my ears.

"I should come once it's finished."

I rubbed the tips of my ears that had become cold and turned my head slightly. I felt Kwon I-do's gaze following the top of my head. I'm not short either, but Kwon I-do was half a span taller than me.

"Today… … ."

He quietly let out a sigh and took a moment to choose his words. No, to be exact, he seemed to be hesitating. He furrowed his brows slightly and spoke as if nothing had happened.

"The wait must have been long, but weren't you bored?"

"Ah… … It was fine. Thanks to you."

A look of doubt rose in his dark eyes. Thanks to you? As if asking that question.

"I didn't realize how much time had passed while I was looking at the flowers."

Seriously, it wasn't boring. I felt a sense of comfort like never before while looking at the various flowers.

"Thank you for the bouquet, too. If it's okay, I'll take it with me when I go home tomorrow… … ."

I don't know about the decorated flowers, but Director Kim took care of the silver bells. He had originally planned to take them home, but since he was moving, he was thinking about taking them with him. When I asked for permission, Kwon I-do's expression was really strange.

"… … Mr. Kwon I-do?"

"… … ."

He had a face that looked like it might collapse at any moment, just like when he first held my hand. Maybe because it was dark around him, he looked like he was about to burst into tears. He blinked once, twice, and barely managed to raise his lips.

"Mr. Jeong Se-jin."

"… … ."

"Let's meet tomorrow."

It was a new thing to say. We were going to live in the same house starting tomorrow anyway.

"I'll see you tomorrow at Mr. Kwon I-do's house."

We were naturally going to meet tomorrow too. Not only tomorrow, but the next day, and the day after that, and every day after that. Even if we didn't necessarily promise the next time, since we had promised to get married, it would be like that.

"This is how it is… … It's a little late, but let's make our names known again."

When I said it playfully, Kwon I-do's expression softened. I extended my right hand to him and repeated what I had said earlier.

"I'm Jeong Se-jin."

It was a handshake that I gave half-jokingly. It was to lighten the mood and relieve this awkward feeling.

"… … I'm Kwon I-do."

But he hesitated for some reason as he took my hand. He lowered his eyes slightly and smiled with a deep longing smile.

"Please take care of me, Mr. Jeong Se-jin."

"… … ."

I couldn't say anything in response to that. I just stared blankly at Kwon I-do's face, feeling a strange sense of foreboding. His softly curved eyes were warm, as if I was looking at a lover.