PRT | Chapter 1.4

After the suppressed plea, a cheerful voice rang out. Heeseo, sweating cold, took a step forward. If Hong Taebin didn’t retract his ability, the only way out was to escape it himself. He pushed his way into the illusion.

“Are you that happy to dive in? You should’ve said so earlier.”

There was no malice in Hong Taebin’s voice, which made it even more unsettling. Heeseo, fumbling for direction, moved slowly but without stopping. Finally, he grabbed the doorknob. Click, as the door opened, the dreadful afterimage also disappeared. Then, a sound expressing regret came from behind.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re going. See you next time. The food in the cafeteria today is good, so make sure to have lunch!”

Bam. The heavy door closed, erasing the sight of Hong Taebin waving cheerfully. Heeseo, covered in sweat, burst into a wry smile but had to lean against the wall due to dizziness. His fingertips trembled.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The espers from the headquarters, including Hong Taebin, would sometimes intrude like this, shaking up his barely managed daily life. The reasons were always absurd, as it was in this case.

“They’re out of their minds.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He felt repulsion towards the character who could do such things so casually. He was also angry at himself for being disturbed by this harmless action. He was dumbfounded, feeling like he wanted to gouge out his eyes and scrub them clean if he could.

“…I’m not like that.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

More than anything, the murder suspect treatment that had become routine was both miserable and unfair. The attitude that didn’t even allow him to speak his innocence drained his strength. The emotion that crept into his weakened heart made his throat ache.

Heeseo stood for a long time to calm down before finally stepping outside. The cool wind helped clear his mind. He buttoned up his coat and moved aimlessly. His drooping energy soon recovered.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Not dwelling on past events was one of Heeseo’s strengths. Knowing that only he would suffer if he got depressed, he smartly tried to move on. Trying to stand up even if he stumbled was a continuation of that.

How long had he walked under the bright sun?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The phone in his pocket vibrated slightly. He quickly took it out, and a familiar number appeared on the screen. Unknowingly, Heeseo lifted the corners of his mouth and brought the phone to his ear.

“Yeah, Mom.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

– Son, did you eat? Can you talk now? Are you not busy?

“Even if I’m busy, I have time to talk to Mom. The food here is really good, so I ate a lot. How about you?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

– I ate too. How’s work? Are you getting along well with your colleagues?

“Of course. Everyone treats me well.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Heeseo, lowering his gaze, answered quietly. The call was long. Throughout his slow walk, affectionate questions poured out. Since the only family they had was apart, there was no break in the conversation.

‘Your family will be moved to a mansion owned by the headquarters as a precaution against any potential threats.’

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The headquarters’ proposal, which had an air of compulsion, was more like a leash than goodwill. Heeseo acknowledged this but agreed. At the time, ensuring his family’s safety was the best option. It was enough that his mother didn’t know the truth.

– It’s nice to hear my son’s voice after so long. Make sure to eat well and take care not to catch a cold. Always be careful.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Don’t worry about me, make sure you eat well. I’ll visit soon.”

Ending the call filled with well-intentioned lies, Heeseo let out a long breath. As he put away his phone, he realized he had walked to a back alley behind a building with few people around. There was not a single soul in sight.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“There’s a place like this.”

After the incident, he had been avoiding crowded places, but this spot was quiet and to his liking. As he walked, stepping on the light rays filtering through the tall trees, he suddenly stopped at the faint smell of tobacco.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

…Wasn’t there supposed to be no one here?

Heeseo, puzzled, checked beyond the building and was startled, quickly hiding himself. His heart raced at the unexpected encounter. He never thought he’d run into Seo Yigyeom…

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“What should I do?”

Just as tension was rising for an unclear reason, a low voice gently tapped his ear.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“I can’t fix you.”

It was a single sentence that sounded both indifferent and kind, a contrast to the Seo Yigyeom he had vaguely imagined. Curiosity piqued, Heeseo inadvertently peeked out to observe Seo Yigyeom.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom was crouched down, looking at a scruffy dog. He must have been smoking as he changed the direction of the smoke with one hand. The other hand was surprisingly offered to the dog.

The dog, covered in wounds, sniffed and then bit his finger. Even from a distance, it was clear how it was gnawing. Seo Yigyeom didn’t push it away but let it bite and lick to its heart’s content.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“If someone bullies you again, bite them. Okay…”

It was hard to believe this was the same man who had smashed an unregistered’s head, he was so relaxed. He could even give praise… Heeseo, watching this softer side of him, inadvertently held his breath.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

At that moment, a scent carried by a cold wind filled the air. Is it the smell of roses…? The subtle yet heavy fragrance evoked thoughts of winter. The scent, which felt elegant and refined, suited Seo Yigyeom.

“It doesn’t seem like you need Guiding.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As he was chasing the lingering scent, the gaze from one direction responded.

“Do you have something to say to me?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Seo Yigyeom’s gaze, moving past the dog, landed precisely on Heeseo.

Ah. Got caught.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

For a moment, his actions stopped, and his thoughts slowed down. Only his body, beyond his will, trembled.

The person who had taken another puff of the cigarette exhaled smoke silently. Between the smoky veil, silence and gaze mingled. Just a few seconds. The moment felt like an eternity to Heeseo, who swallowed hard. Judging by Seo Yigyeom’s disinterested eyes, it seemed like he had noticed him long before.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Was he waiting for a response? No. More like… he seemed to be gauging the direction of judgment. Even though he hadn’t committed any crime, tension rose. The ruthless image he had witnessed last time walked free in his mind.

How was Seo Yigyeom when dealing with unregistered Espers? Monster. Demon. Devil. Just as others described him. He even showed clear contempt, faint as it might be.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

…So much for being gentle.
When he finally faced the person, the fact that he had chased and thought about him made him tremble with laughter. He would be devoured. All he could think of in front of those emotionless eyes was that.

Heeseo, who had been hesitating, soon stepped out in front of the building one step at a time. Thinking he must not be underestimated, he approached with as composed an attitude as possible. Seo Yigyeom’s attention was already on the dog.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Hello.”

The voice that came out was surprisingly calm, unlike his worries. As the dog, sensing his presence, came clinging to him, Seo Yigyeom also shifted his gaze. He looked at Heeseo while exhaling cigarette smoke as if it were breathing.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Your face looks familiar.”

The one word that came after a while was slow, like recalling a memory. He doesn’t recognize me. Gaining this assurance, Heeseo felt slightly relieved and bowed again. Having rushed out and left his ID card behind, greeting was the best he could do.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m Kim Heeseo from the Field Support Team 1.”

“Ah.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The reply was just a short grunt. Without any attachment, Seo Yigyeom flicked away the shortened cigarette and stood up. He took out a new one, and just when Heeseo thought he would light it right away, he paused.

“So, what’s the matter?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The cigarette hanging from the edge of his red lips wobbled as if it might fall. His opponent looked at Heeseo in a relaxed manner. Heeseo also looked straight at him, his eyes narrowing under the sharp, direct gaze.

“Why were you eavesdropping like a rat?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“I didn’t hear anything.”

Feeling unnecessarily guilty, Heeseo denied it before he could continue his thought.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“If you say so.”

Seo Yigyeom didn’t point out the reflexive response. He just smirked mockingly and lit his cigarette. His face, with a fleeting smile that appeared and disappeared, looked like an artwork intricately crafted.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Want a cigarette?”

The person who tilted his head slightly and took a deep puff asked, lifting only his eyes.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Ah, I don’t smoke… Thank you.”

Shaking his hand lightly while bowing, Seo Yigyeom’s blink slowed for a moment. He stared blankly, like someone witnessing something curious, then belatedly gave an answer close to a murmur.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You do look like that.”

Before Heeseo could ponder over the vague statement, a sharp “Yap!” sound thumped his ears. The dog, making its presence known, spun around biting its own tail and then clung to him as if asking to be hugged.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Does it hurt? I’m sorry, but I don’t have the ability to heal…”

Unable to ignore it, Heeseo sat down, making eye contact with the dog and whispering softly. The problem was the surrounding silence. The one word he uttered, borrowing Seo Yigyeom’s previous statement, was practically a confession.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Heeseo, realizing this too late, flinched and watched Seo Yigyeom’s reaction. Seo Yigyeom merely flicked off some ash without saying much. The small creature, in the meantime, responded with whines and licked his hand.

“You don’t seem to have much talent for lying.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The final comment was far from a rebuke; there was only a light breath that might have been mistaken for laughter. Seo Yigyeom, having said this in a low voice, soon lost interest, turned, and walked away.

“Shall I give you some advice?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As he walked with a straight gait, he turned back just before rounding the building.

“If you keep picking up things so carelessly here, you’ll get in trouble.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”

“Whether it’s your tongue or your hand, you’ll lose them.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Tapping his ear, Seo Yigyeom added, “There are more than a few dirty folks around here.” Then, before Heeseo could respond, he vanished. The last look Heeseo caught seemed to have a twisted smile.

Left alone in an instant, Heeseo blinked. Was he worried? No way. Then…

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…If I eavesdrop again, he’ll cut off my tongue or hand?”

Shuddering at the most plausible answer, Heeseo licked his dry lips while petting the dog. Puzzled by Seo Yigyeom’s incomprehensible behavior, he still pondered his words.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Thus, silently spending time, he unknowingly absorbed the lingering scent of Seo Yigyeom in the air.

In a place where no one called him, Heeseo busily tried to find his own worth. Each day was incredibly hectic. Reality was like a cliff, so he was running around hoping for anything to serve as his lifeline.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The first task was to catch a clue about the real culprit.

Currently, he had no information in his hands. He didn’t even know if the person was an unregistered or an Esper from the headquarters. The only clue was that they were a pyrokinesis user, and even that was merely a guess.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

‘Can I check the identity of an Esper from the headquarters?’

‘Impossible.’

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

His request to the headquarters was immediately rejected. The documents he could access were limited by his authority. Revisiting the scene, the only remnants were the faint burn marks.

It was nothing short of bad luck blooming all at once.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Because it was a junction with only outdated CCTV. Because it was a foggy day. Because there was not a single useful piece of evidence left. Because he happened to pass through at that time. Because. Because…