Episode 045

"grandfather-!"

Son Yu-ha runs as if she is about to fall over and hugs Chairman Wang. Although it was only a short time, it must not have been easy for the child. The hand that tightly holds his collar seems to be watching a reunion of separated families.

"Yonsuk, that's why I said I'll hold back and go with Grandpa."

Chairman Wang stroked his granddaughter's head. When he saw her like this, she was like a child. He loved her so much that he felt like he would do anything for her.

"Yuha, should I say hello to Hyun's grandfather too?"

Son Yu-ha raised his head in surprise. After checking Chairman Yoo, he wiped his moist eyes with his sleeve and quickly greeted him. His chubby cheeks were flushed, and he seemed quite embarrassed. He looked so cute that Chairman Yoo and Chairman Wang looked at each other and smiled. Anyway.

"Secretary Kim, why are there so many people at the airport?"

I'm not talking about ordinary travelers. I'm talking about security forces. At first glance, it looks like there are military units patrolling in addition to the airport police.

"I heard that many national dignitaries, including the chairman, are coming to the country for this competition. It seems that the Belgian side is paying a lot of attention to security."

On the other hand, Chairman Wang was curious. Just how many VIPs must be entering the country to be so enthusiastic about security? If you look closely, the Chairman's group also did not seem to go unnoticed. The bodyguards dressed in black suits moved in unison. If someone saw them, they would have thought they were mafia bosses.

*

The war of the stars.

"This is truly amazing."

It was a competition that had been a hot topic even before it started, with new talents from all over the world participating. However, Adam was more surprised by the people who had come to Brussels.

"Newbie, you're very lucky."

The newbie standing next to him swallows hard. Originally, an editor-level person should have come with him, but Adam brought him. He was a bit disappointing, but his motivation was clear. And don't they say that they give an extra piece of rice cake to someone they hate?

"It is a procession of masters that is rare to see even in the classical world for a lifetime."

It wasn't just one or two. The great masters of the classical world were gathering in Brussels as if they had made a promise. It would have been a mistake to think that this was the case even in normal times. Compared to the great masters, they were still rookies, and there were no cases of the great masters personally taking a plane to see their performances. It would have been different if it had been the other way around. I heard that even the wealthiest people in Asia came.

"Hey, editor-in-chief."

At that moment, the newbie's eyes trembled as if an earthquake had occurred. He seemed quite surprised to see the masters he had only seen in books in person. From the Queen of Strings to the pride of the London Symphony Orchestra, each and every one of them was a national guest. There were also some completely unexpected figures.

"The museum really comes alive."

There is even the legendary violinist Gustav, who opened the curtain on the 20th century with Jascha Heifetz. He is an old man who no longer plays the violin, but he is a master among masters who has already left a huge mark on the classical world. All the masters did not hesitate to show their respect to him.

Adam thought to himself that it was a great choice to attend the event while dismissing all the other editors. If Sharon found out, she might smoke a cigarette and swear.

The host walked out at a moment when the Beaux-Arts Hall was hotter than ever.

"Your Majesty."

Queen Elizabeth is a national event.

The King will be in attendance, as well as an audience of two thousand people.

"And ladies and gentlemen."

There was a slight tremor in the host's voice. That was probably because the audience members in the audience were all famous people. I have hosted Queen Elizabeth for decades, but have I ever received so much attention? Of course, everyone was thinking the same thing.

I really think there is a strange magic to Brussels.

*

"Anna, are you okay?"

Anna's face was pale and pale. Her already white face looked even more pale. She was the second youngest among them, including me, so it was understandable that she felt a great deal of pressure.

"Hyun, I'm sorry. I'm really okay."

Anna nodded with a forced smile. She seemed to think that she was causing trouble because of her. It seemed that she had grown very attached to her. Everyone in the waiting room looked at Anna with pity. Didn't they practice until their fingertips were cracked? They didn't want to see Anna, who was weak, collapse on stage.

"Anna, look at me!"

I stood up and made a funny face. Only then did Anna smile slightly. I felt much better. I could see her pale complexion gradually returning to normal.

"Relax and just look at the violin until the end."

Anna nodded her head firmly at my firm voice.

"Anna, look at me too!"

At that moment, Eric from Northern Europe jumped up from his seat and made a funny face. If a bear were to show off his skills, would that be what it would look like? Everyone, including Anna, burst into laughter at the same time. Mark, the headmaster of Chapel, who was sitting on one side of the waiting room, felt overwhelmed. He could not have imagined that such a warm atmosphere would circulate behind the stage, which was always frozen cold. His eyes were filled with the laughter of twelve violinists.

* * *

"The last performer is Korean violinist Kang Hyun."

The host's voice drew everyone's attention. Soon after, a boy walked up onto the stage, which was bathed in soft lighting. Not only was he wearing a suit that fit him well, but his gaze did not waver. It was as if he had swallowed up all the tension in the room. Furthermore, he was holding the Stradivarius 'Fantasy', the most famous of all instruments. The moment the rumor turned out to be true, the audience stirred.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Eden smile so brightly."

It was the legendary violinist Gustav. He sat in the relatively comfortable special seat for quite a long time. I wonder if his old body can endure it. However, Gustav's eyes were shining as if he was shaking off everyone's worries. His pounding heart must have been no different from Eden on the conductor's seat.

The moment the violinist takes his stance.

Eden's baton swung powerfully across the air.

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.

As soon as he heard the first melody, Gustav took a step forward. The orchestra's grand sound enveloped the violinist. Inexperienced violinists often lost their bearings in the gigantic tidal wave. But look at that child, isn't he embracing the orchestra's melody and making it his own? Eden's conducting was freer than ever. It meant that he trusted his collaborator.

Crunch.

Gustav clenched his wrinkled hands. Because Eden's words were not a lie. Didn't he say that there was a violinist who resembled him? At first, he didn't believe it. It was a miracle that such talent could be born again. But when he listened to that melody, it really felt like Jascha Heifetz had returned.

Could this be a twist of fate?

Yasha also performed Bruch's G minor piece with an orchestra when he was young. It was not only Gustav who was intoxicated by this ecstasy. The judges were also captivated by their eyes and ears, and they were like an audience. I don't know, but if Bruch had seen this performance, he would have opened the coffin lid and stood up and clapped his hands. With a pleasant smile.

After the collaboration was over.

Only free songs remain.

The audience fixed their gazes on the boy, as if time had stopped. The lingering emotions and the thrill that ran through their entire bodies were still vivid. They wanted to shout bravo, but everyone held their breath at the sight of the violinist with his eyes closed.

"Unaccompanied?"

It was an unaccompanied performance. The orchestra members put down their bows and became one audience, and so did Eden. The boy holding the illusion under the soft lighting was so beautiful, like a masterpiece. He was even smiling faintly. As if he was enjoying this moment. It was a decision that could not have been made in front of thousands of people without great confidence.

As the boy slowly opened his eyes, the silver strings flashed fiercely. At that moment, the sharp tip of the bow was slowly raised.

Jiing―!

The red curtains, bathed in moonlight, fluttered.

*

"Hmph!"

Son Yu-ha ran to me with a very excited look on her face and hugged me. She was so nervous that her legs were shaking because she had performed and presented an award in front of thousands of people, and she almost fell backwards. I consoled Son Yu-ha, who was shedding tears, and greeted Chairman Wang and her grandfather. Her parents were also very moved.

"That was really cool, son."

My mother wiped away her tears and spoke. Suddenly, I remembered my past life and my heart was moved. I put Yuha down and hugged my mother. While my grandfather and father looked at the scene happily, Chairman Wang stared at me with a complicated and subtle feeling. Looking at Chairman Wang, I remembered the homework I had forgotten.

'I have to somehow get my hands on this fantasy.'

It wasn't called a famous singer for nothing. Doesn't it make me sing along as if it were reading my mind? I should cancel my promise to borrow it only for a short while during the competition. I didn't care how much I got. The problem is that I have to convince Chairman Wang. Hey, let's think about it when we get to Korea. Right now, other things are more urgent.

"Mother, may I go say hello to the others for a moment?"

The judges, of course, and the violinists who were on the final list, and those who flew in to see me. Even among the thousands of people in the audience, the two stood out. Even the elderly man in the special seat caught my eye. His eyes were so sharp that they stayed in my mind.

That was when.

"hyeon!"

Anna appeared with her platinum blonde hair fluttering. She caught everyone's attention in an instant because she looked so good in a pure white dress. Anna caught her breath with her green eyes shining. But why did she come running? I was planning to come and say hello later anyway.

"Wow, congratulations on your award!"

"Thank you, Anna."

I can't say thank you enough. The days at Chapel were like turning points in my life. I felt a lot of emotions towards Anna, who was a part of it. Moreover, they were my friends who helped me achieve the task of exemption from military service. I couldn't forget this favor even after death.

"Please stop by Moscow later!"

Was it a formal invitation? I nodded willingly. After all, there was nothing better than a trip guided by a local.

At that moment, Anna hesitated without being able to continue her words. Moreover, her face was completely flushed. Was she feeling unwell again?

"Now, and······."

uh?

"Thank you for helping me."

side.

Anna suddenly kissed my cheek lightly. The people around me looked at me with surprised expressions.

It's clear that my attractiveness index has changed since my last life.