PRT | Chapter 1.8

Thud. The pen 58542bf33a he was 03f70503ac holding fell f6eb8841d4 from his 99b68fcbcb hand. Startled by 08868f15ca the small 5adc506a43 sound, Heeseo d7e258d8af lifted his e2f89a55d1 head slightly, fe3c0f1865 scanning his 1938822afe surroundings like 42ddf7e540 an animal cb1205323b on high cee20da67b alert before e821e892d4 lowering his 0bbe13ff61 body again.912e232fd318d955

Lately, days like this c972d30f79 had been continuous. There was no respite 03fda59a4d from the turmoil in 8db7b9441a his body and mind. He exhaled 6258d76d36 a long 8ecb75584e breath, appearing dbb1623056 gaunt after e2b63c1e2e just ten 39531754f6 days. Despite the rare ef44ca531b moment of tranquility, fd7630fd0c his mind was f476bcfee7 restless.5aa50f888e597a41

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”a96a30cd79ffeb50

The cause of 32e7de527e breaking this silence db9122d5bb was undoubtedly Seo 3529f6fc63 Yigyeom. The confusing 6fabdbf77d conversation, the cd919a3de3 atmosphere, the d30b9521b5 sensation of 2ab71d619c being touched, a42bb5f4ad all of aa9efee2bc these refused e001af8856 to fade 0a1b08272b from memory. Even days later, the c3821dd6cb encounter with him was 67c7ffed20 vivid.3017539068dd8d32

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It wasn’t a pleasant start to their meeting. He thought Seo Yigyeom would be angry, perhaps even threatening as he had warned. Yet, Seo Yigyeom deviated from expectations, acting gentlemanly instead. He did not interrogate or threaten.e47edc40f58cb56a

‘I’ll think about it too, so Esper Kim Heeseo should think about it. We’ll continue this conversation later.’d3df745616f60ebf

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He asked for my opinion. Ridiculously, he was the first person here to ask for my thoughts. His actions and words were ambiguous, yet Heeseo couldn’t help but be swayed by him. Despite the strange aversion he felt towards him.45920b4c5beb3802

He hadn’t been able to give an answer to that question yet. Fortunately or unfortunately, he hadn’t met Seo Yigyeom since then, leaving the matter in limbo. It was said that Seo Yigyeom had gone on a business trip to another region, ignoring all calls from the headquarters, taking only one confidant with him. People whispered about him.f27ffd582a970d4d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

On the opposite side of the seemingly peaceful headquarters, harsh words floated around. In this atmosphere where Heeseo found it hard to blend in, he just pondered what he would do if he met Seo Yigyeom again. In reality, Seo Yigyeom hadn’t given a proper answer either.2f2173f6f3436083

“You didn’t answer either.”9a2e8d65f7528fda

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just as he was ba082fb17e grumbling in frustration, feeling f45aa8abd6 unfairly treated.783108d2e32f7ef3

“Who are you talking about?”cb54a32e75ab7ac4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Heeseo’s shoulders jumped at the sudden voice. Startled, he turned around with a yelp. There stood a man with sunglasses, laughing without a care.8c0d8b14458833d4

“Sorry for startling you.”f6f3acbb6588be29

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The man murmured, taking off his sunglasses even indoors. The eyes that were revealed were very bright, almost mysteriously so, enough to send a chill down one’s spine.6a154e32c78e88c4

“…Who are you?”f669881cd4d7a15a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“We haven’t met before, have we? Nice to meet you. I’m Kwon Joon. You’re the new member of our team, right?”c5006cde0779ba52

Ah. The partner of 1d6862b6b4 Hong Taebin, who 65bb2eb9d5 was on vacation. Heeseo bowed his f8b885f6b7 head in greeting 47666f42dc after recalling the a62fee35b1 memory.11c6deb9bf3fe119

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Hello. I’m Kim Heeseo.”088198577d946d38

“Why are you here alone? Where are the others?”c9ee3863cbb8dcec

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Well…”1d5111f00c185a4c

Heeseo ambiguously stretched out his words in response to the innocent question. Even though they were on the same team, he hadn’t heard from them in a long time. Now, even Lee Chilhyeon wouldn’t inform him about meeting schedules, causing inconvenience.f4c93de7ddc64e48

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Instead of f2240af7af asking more, c93597bb08 Kwon Joon ad6f26a49d turned his bd397e3ee2 attention to 6726fb21f5 something else. To the Post-it notes bc7eac035e sticking out from one ffa05cb29c side of the desk.80da695e02b728cb

“Ah, that’s…!”0a8b1db6d3b768ff

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Heeseo reached out 01599e798e quickly, but Kwon e929cb8fc8 Joon had already 44b88633ab scanned the contents.68f75fac3b82e1d7

[ 1/9: Ability X Guiding X
1/11: Ability O Guiding O (Not very effective…)
1/15: Ability O Guiding X
1/17: Ability X Guiding X ]

“You’ve only recently awakened. What’s your ability? Oh, by the way, mine is this.”82052d1acb28895d

A black shadow 51d49e7afc flickered at his 9d8cb98dda feet, clearly indicating af4d3279bb he was quite 93fed92391 skilled. It was odd that 09163a0987 someone with such a cf31c42c55 bright disposition could wield aa1ce3c9d3 such a dark ability.eab0d0a558e2f7a9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Mine is space distortion.”61f64eeef7cac03b

“We’ll probably go out to the field together, so I’ll look out for you then. But for now, how about we go grab some food?”76fc99a31d2d02bf

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What? Oh, I’m fine…”67d3760a6770ddd8

“Huh? Come on. I’ve been craving Korean food since I got here. I hate eating alone.”558d140c1fe2e936

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Kwon Joon was rather forceful, making Heeseo get up with his cheerful insistence. Reluctantly, Heeseo followed him out of the office, his steps slow since he wasn’t keen on the company.7387e74f3b3944ec

“Has that mutant bastard Seo Yigyeom finally kicked the bucket this time?”eae6a63041f13c4f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“How long will that great ability of his last?”86673f0f2f7fca4b

Heeseo’s steps stiffened the moment he heard Seo Yigyeom’s name. He inadvertently turned his head, his eyes lighting up. Perhaps sensing Heeseo’s presence, Kwon Joon, who was ahead, paused as if measuring something before speaking.1f6bb8d5a7604a4e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You know Seo Yigyeom?”7023cb2dd3d73c96

“…Are you close?”aefbf3b1fc7ad4ac

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’m usually close with everyone.”e3ff772eb4daad03

Unable to affirm 25dfe55320 or deny due c14bb22a28 to the sudden 91ca49de19 question, Heeseo asked 487efa4efe back, and Kwon c70960f18b Joon shrugged nonchalantly.c76fb0e863b6182a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I thought you were just shy, but maybe you just didn’t like me.”f7b739f27bd30066

“…”6a320bccd3372b29

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Your eyes sparkled when you heard about Seo Yigyeom.”fc1dbcb864539399

Heeseo, unaware that d6a2f4fdc0 his action might f9ab5c4a14 have confirmed something c1acd187ce to the other, 9bd0ddb491 touched his eyes ceeaacdee7 at the teasing 808449ccea remark. Kwon Joon just laughed b0a368ef9a brightly without further comment.4f0db82d7ee066fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Honestly, Heeseo had initially put up a wall with Kwon Joon as well. Most Espers he’d met here were cold, ruthless, and sometimes heartless. The learning from sharp disdain was like a defensive mechanism of doubt.9266775779341006

“You seem very interested. Do you want to be close with Seo Yigyeom? Oh, is it because of guiding?”6fe1e31b364803e6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Kwon Joon seemed to c6f0dcd5cf have remembered what he 6020bed9e6 saw on the Post-it ba746c137c notes and answered his 9141014b67 own question. While Heeseo just 555ec19505 listened silently, the f5b0704540 talk about Seo 18b4adaef3 Yigyeom continued nearby, b54ce95128 stirring a one-sided 73ce4ca8fd sense of camaraderie dbf4628175 in Heeseo.e21652e2ff9cd9b7

“Well, S-rank is rare, so it’s natural to be curious. And it’s true that no one can touch him with his abilities.”e2bac71b7b30a73a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Like the others who gossiped, Kwon Joon also acknowledged Seo Yigyeom’s formidable abilities. The words got stuck in Heeseo’s ears. Not just guiding but the way he seemed to neutralize an Esper’s ability was undeniable.90728a174fcfc2c6

“But guiding will be tough. Seo Yigyeom is famously picky. Won’t it be hard for you, Heeseo?”03c63b5bf11db2d2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The words e42d00b097 that assessed 9f83b2df97 his worth 0b821ff4dd felt gentle 15c5540258 yet rude. With his fingertips 835d613cb9 trembling like they 33bed3712d were pricked by dc71ab2843 a sharp pen, d4eb5ced8c Heeseo looked straight c8a75d39b6 at Kwon Joon.1e9ef37b097c8b43

“He did guide me.”d7e0e63f4a8226f7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“He did?”e3fe43327dabe31f

The surprise in d155b390b3 his voice was c043d79e07 clear. The man with disbelief 361aafe002 in his eyes let 2949d1cc27 out a small gasp.c5ab950b12076162

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Did he get a bit nicer when I wasn’t looking…? So, are you waiting for him?”f8186ce8a92f5b52

“It’s the opposite, actually.”9c43679fd0c508d0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh.”d838a40004efd7a1

Kwon Joon lowered his eyebrows in sympathy, his gaze shifting slightly. Heeseo, suddenly feeling something off, instinctively heightened his senses. What was behind him? An empty office. The emergency stairs. And there was an executive elevator…a23b9bdb85d645fd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I waited quite a bit, but it seems you haven’t, Heeseo.”32c9749b95183d77

A low voice 3aa665693e put an end 54e60e80f2 to the speculation. Even without looking back, 6c0026a768 Heeseo knew. It was Seo dbcca58936 Yigyeom. The sound of dc42ac60fd his shoes came 474f2bcd74 closer.f835b50be906a94b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Jung-o, head up first.”a20dfebe33cd20d8

“Yes.”59a824634f6cabe2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The man called Jung-o bowed and left. “Jung-o, it’s been a while,” Kwon Joon acknowledged him before turning his attention back to the front, or rather, to Seo Yigyeom standing behind.38e0410345e44ee5

Heeseo deliberately didn’t turn around. He felt embarrassed for being caught gossiping. Aware of how much such talk could hurt, he found himself being cautious.124729337b35c6e9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The sound of footsteps on marble stopped close by. Maybe just one step away. If he moved even slightly, they would touch. Heeseo slightly turned his head and met Seo Yigyeom’s eyes.d00f6bee36038780

“…”93cc7666dc5c423f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Seo Yigyeom was 60a80f43b5 looking down at f38d2e900c him with a e626c4c75c cool expression. After ten days, 4e37a81767 he still looked b312404185 impressive, just a b7043df855 bit more tired c071f423f0 than before.0403817e3618d341

“I guess we’ll have to eat next time.”5020ca7e725d8a3a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

At Kwon Joon’s words, Seo Yigyeom glanced at him briefly. Kwon Joon looked back at Seo Yigyeom and said one thing.ff9237bf0bd41de0

“I’d like to ask for guiding too.”16ea3378e303aa69

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“If you’re worthy.”999a7dda97ee0534

It was an answer reminiscent of their previous conversation. Kwon Joon raised an eyebrow, said, “I’ll go ahead?” and then disappeared. Only then did Seo Yigyeom step forward to stand in front of Heeseo.ab1596b491c6efb3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The surroundings were quiet. Even those who 8747250d52 had been wandering ade5726192 about held their a6aad0d858 breath, casting subtle fd883f8bbd glances. The looks scanning 4fcd477189 the two of 6c88181d98 them seemed different 7cd3cea9b1 yet similar. Heeseo straightened his 626321c81e shoulders, which were 24f43b1c8c tempted to hunch f821858d71 under the suffocating 329496006e situation.6247f8632108532d

“Let’s move somewhere else.”22e3cb8c7049e61f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With a brief notice, Seo Yigyeom led the way. Fortunately, Seo Yigyeom seemed uncomfortable too. Although he didn’t show it, Heeseo, who had felt uneasy, this time willingly followed him.cb9f4cad057430b4

They headed to Seo Yigyeom’s office, a place wide and stylish, fitting perfectly with its owner. Stepping inside, Heeseo was reminded once again of Seo Yigyeom’s status within the headquarters.b40b595209188981

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Who else but Seo Yigyeom could have such an elegant personal office? Of course, being the only S-rank Guide, his influence wasn’t limited to just within the headquarters.60fb4f18e88db5d5

Receiving unique treatment and 4becd154d8 indeed having that influence, 1882b6f7f0 Seo Yigyeom wielded significant 0dbeedb35e power. He stood shoulder efab52e403 to shoulder with b2f1f362a7 the S-rank Espers b827409a5c just below the 886ebde5a8 head of the 9fb43c3096 division, the only fada3a6fef non-combatant to reach 2d145bb488 such a position. It was c0886ebdf8 a natural 52af845d59 outcome for 6b2416c50c someone smart 674099217a with exceptional 49428a8f2e abilities. Thinking about him, it 57ff780820 seemed clear why Seo 14a880c53f Yigyeom could ignore all 8d6f203b17 summons from the headquarters.422e0a792779b84b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Sit down.”15fa28b4b7ef573f

Seo Yigyeom, looking 1cca4ab169 particularly sharp, loosened d4a2072448 his tie as 42d6dafc05 he sat on c6333f9249 the sofa.e8ee4ed98f05ea10

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I wasn’t… gossiping just now.”df4fc55c35fd4594

“You could have.”f244956ccb3eb251

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Heeseo confessed preemptively, feeling guilty, but Seo Yigyeom’s response was flat.010e219d93494dfb

“I did, though. Some background checks.”8416b8fd2f7740dd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

On the 31535a109c contrary, he f47b81339b was brazenly 301f2f6dae calm, almost ca2b554ec9 shameless. At his confident c5650907c0 statement, Heeseo momentarily e2c1fd99c5 froze. The ease with e0497bcc63 which he could e675fde861 conduct an investigation ea2495157f that Heeseo could 5591732e2d never finish made 50311303e1 him bitter.98d12588105f4e53

“…I won’t tell anyone about what I heard that day.”aadf61da3c5a57b0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I find it hard to trust that, given our lack of trust. I’m very suspicious.”b0900c9445b60385

Seo Yigyeom 8a7082bd1b tapped the 496ef86817 armrest lightly, 3cf27fe826 his leg 8eea0bf2b0 crossed, showing 1186e8306d a firm 50bab944d7 will at e73787543c the end 6ed4b7a7dd of his 4cb60edb48 sentence. His attitude 48cadb22e7 was so 15f808fc70 arrogant it 5973f02ff0 was hard 92cd76ea47 to see 609d60ddd4 him as eff68ae521 someone whose 60cf021f6e weaknesses were 7efb5920f4 exposed.153fd6488e9edcf6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I tried to hold some cards like Kim Heeseo, but… there was nothing much.”440e472972cb47bb

No way. Heeseo felt a 0a3d5e384c surge of injustice 136cc4524b but bit his 5b90686c5a lip to stop cc0d4502cb the unrefined words 43b9ab3d95 from spilling out.0270f13130d95642

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The background 7b8a63162b check meant bcff4b7529 he knew cdae06cd46 about the 0223ce45ab murder accusation 878c4b5c62 he was b0181ba301 unjustly burdened b4a389b120 with. Of course, a851319c23 to Seo 6a6c95e092 Yigyeom, he 76e0e1abde might just bcb2967b8c seem like eefa068501 a killer, 8af4c476ff but it 3512a8cca8 was frustrating 476b230f97 that his 17ddff659c biggest shame 9f7fc36fb2 was seen a7fb25f3b1 as truth.38ac4c7bcee282e0

“I talk a lot behind people’s backs.”45c2a346c8bf3306

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Only me?”f2c17fb12bf42a1a

A faint emotion 6bf3dd52c0 colored the small b39e7a8969 voice, followed by 10fa6abc28 a low reply.fdfa97d575deca05

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“As I said, I’m very suspicious. I’m not content with just a few words on paper.”4fed6faad20069f5

Their gazes locked as Seo Yigyeom spoke in a disinterested tone. Heeseo’s face, clearly showing disturbance, was reflected on the still surface of his eyes.5695cde8ba71f995

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Last time, you asked for my thoughts.”2c85c703a7ed10c1

What did he mean 1ffe69e036 by that? A faintly 03b598f15e trembling statement 543ed00d93 echoed through cc5c40107d the space.737271c40c01d1b4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I want to hear your thoughts. What exactly do you want?”71b267a5af054e86

“You’ll have to hear that too now.”bd1f386bf76d7229

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom chuckled lightly, 370a11e496 his voice full of 4a750136b7 mockery.c51bdf896f0041a3

“How many people do you think can ask for my thoughts?”2da18de5b3610b8a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”cb7e4567a98fa2e0

“Knowing won’t help you. All I have are thoughts too sordid for a kid to hear. Here, give me your hand.”b31f71c2a3f01382

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Seo Yigyeom casually changed the subject and grabbed Heeseo’s hand before he could even react. The sudden warmth made it feel like electricity was running through him.dc3319e3ad0ef5c6

“What…”d7ddf220e7a2f1fd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Your energy was all over the place. Taking care of your own body is basic. You need to maintain this before you can climb.”3baa7f0eab36c777

“Tsk,” Seo Yigyeom clicked his tongue, speaking in a tone of exasperation. The slightly tilted gaze made Heeseo feel even more scolded. He tried to pull his hand away from the unwanted guiding, but Seo Yigyeom wouldn’t let go.9842f7ddc841c63d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I didn’t ask for guiding.”6eda2f88ef4815e2

“Really? I thought I heard you. Then let’s say it was an auditory hallucination.”86010b73ba6c6e39

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley