PRT | Chapter 1.8

Thud. The pen he was 4dfeea7db5 holding fell from his c34c3be284 hand. Startled by the 07e784593a small sound, Heeseo 2885f80a34 lifted his head d690beb733 slightly, scanning his e6ef733cd7 surroundings like an fee2deda64 animal on high 950c0fded7 alert before lowering c55b892f12 his body again.890baaee1af3974e

Lately, days like this 1a41c5ba48 had been continuous. There was no respite 63da5357dd from the turmoil in be4c961146 his body and mind. He exhaled 923ce12d7c a long 5ab8230103 breath, appearing 97dd0a3655 gaunt after 1a19ba09cf just ten 055d954db3 days. Despite the d19c99e0a6 rare moment 61eab4f0a4 of tranquility, 2400c51e2d his mind baf09ca8b0 was restless.7195207921728bea

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”6a1b36c7f834ee44

The cause of breaking 15e9af7260 this silence was undoubtedly fa45c13f93 Seo Yigyeom. The confusing conversation, the e9613b42b2 atmosphere, the sensation of ac1db3580f being touched, all of a35811a221 these refused to fade 0fcaa394a2 from memory. Even days a0d2ed5847 later, the b1df236006 encounter with 3337b5d9c1 him was d991d54f2f vivid.49707779ddbd3ca3

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.eb340b0b689083d8

‘I’ll think about it too, so Esper Kim Heeseo should think about it. We’ll continue this conversation later.’0571bdbc125f1a27

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

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.e52d29e13ad037d3

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.306ffc69511dcd83

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

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.7cbb8fb74aee0d28

“You didn’t answer either.”f978b4eae61d0715

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Just as he was 45fadf92f5 grumbling in frustration, feeling 9950c521d1 unfairly treated.eff2e9f00b81836f

“Who are you talking about?”41eb8dab0602d6c8

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.48e7cedfccc56b53

“Sorry for startling you.”8284610aa584cf67

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

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.c8fa65d718fbd5c1

“…Who are you?”8d091fb481494547

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“We haven’t met before, have we? Nice to meet you. I’m Kwon Joon. You’re the new member of our team, right?”b78e190ba6def9bf

Ah. The partner of Hong 5c53f2094c Taebin, who was on 426a1e2c80 vacation. Heeseo bowed his 6c72ed5fa1 head in greeting 556ad1edff after recalling the 7ba5c8a831 memory.eef897f68396975b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Hello. I’m Kim Heeseo.”0451a340794616bf

“Why are you here alone? Where are the others?”e25203428597559e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Well…”702c4ab4435af31c

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.afd49dfdb68a8f06

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Instead of asking cfc0ea274d more, Kwon Joon 5515b59958 turned his attention 9443b1140c to something else. To the Post-it 43dd9448a7 notes sticking out 0d4b010990 from one side 1f452ff07c of the desk.6569a27a4eae6d87

“Ah, that’s…!”028dcbc02a2918f2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Heeseo reached 0ce8248707 out quickly, 90a049fa6e but Kwon c24ed8baeb Joon had 70c8333e6c already scanned 17f34f0923 the contents.903d09e1c395cdfb

[ 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.”1a205ccc12a30848

A black shadow 0672ee10ac flickered at his 78225b4e15 feet, clearly indicating 716c9f7591 he was quite 13f78f723e skilled. It was odd a07d09042b that someone with 42d0ccc7f1 such a bright 0bf20a8b02 disposition could wield 1abde07e6c such a dark 1e20731aa2 ability.03a78bb88077b831

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Mine is space distortion.”278478077b50da1f

“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?”5eeff0e53a212079

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What? Oh, I’m fine…”6770ec97e29c978d

“Huh? Come on. I’ve been craving Korean food since I got here. I hate eating alone.”67457bbdbb716c7b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

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.c4185506c705266c

“Has that mutant bastard Seo Yigyeom finally kicked the bucket this time?”5aa32abd8e9eb1b8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“How long will that great ability of his last?”b233b26d91f2c5ee

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.735e09defb7ff64f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You know Seo Yigyeom?”81f1ebddb71012ad

“…Are you close?”6cad67c4a5118d01

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’m usually close with everyone.”f8308da90c512295

Unable to affirm c11c9b8629 or deny due a4185e9399 to the sudden 04e55f9314 question, Heeseo asked f21f18cb7e back, and Kwon 63ce41229c Joon shrugged nonchalantly.a8689584863fa047

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I thought you were just shy, but maybe you just didn’t like me.”36c4bce22e8f013c

“…”50b056710229c2da

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Your eyes sparkled when you heard about Seo Yigyeom.”c911c923014e2931

Heeseo, unaware 1fc1a3d0e1 that his 64cd5fd1f6 action might 700c877251 have confirmed 296709c7de something to 07c906c2aa the other, 3c8089fce3 touched his d2a272f8a5 eyes at 3c306f8e9c the teasing d308395ca6 remark. Kwon Joon just laughed ee91911ea4 brightly without further comment.63371e520e263d1e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

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.b9e2a4569d99aa08

“You seem very interested. Do you want to be close with Seo Yigyeom? Oh, is it because of guiding?”0ebc6f99547f8ca3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Kwon Joon seemed to 16fef8455e have remembered what he af545d888d saw on the Post-it ca34c2791d notes and answered his ad052cedb5 own question. While Heeseo 44de0241f4 just listened 5f343eaf40 silently, the d5941b6f6d talk about e57720392c Seo Yigyeom 417c2ae28a continued nearby, d964bb027f stirring a 6a44ab1d6b one-sided sense 2932da8313 of camaraderie aca9be25ae in Heeseo.f5e15d1e66849f1b

“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.”bb13f8d045f8e097

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

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.5a18507f7c150abb

“But guiding will be tough. Seo Yigyeom is famously picky. Won’t it be hard for you, Heeseo?”a1cb21cf0f8267a7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The words that assessed da69832560 his worth felt gentle 402c23f30f yet rude. With his fingertips aeec6f4a99 trembling like they 4387e15c1c were pricked by e9ae11bd8c a sharp pen, 1f277fe847 Heeseo looked straight 91d374f81c at Kwon Joon.4e87287c88447d35

“He did guide me.”b62327e47184f2e3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“He did?”0489df99d024ccbe

The surprise in 452fdf1176 his voice was 02eedb703e clear. The man with 440ca4954a disbelief in his dc709903bf eyes let out 1b56390a1c a small gasp.2ce31bba08dc86a5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Did he get a bit nicer when I wasn’t looking…? So, are you waiting for him?”6a30e8d6c741226f

“It’s the opposite, actually.”89e2865919298183

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh.”fa4d00b038ea9dc3

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…9d0068b0ede2a874

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I waited quite a bit, but it seems you haven’t, Heeseo.”ae186905d97744fd

A low voice put 5e39c60b32 an end to the 9a0abff2fb speculation. Even without looking 3306a3281e back, Heeseo knew. It was Seo Yigyeom. The sound of eacbbf39fb his shoes came 9ff9aeee3b closer.299ccdf5934a4a64

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Jung-o, head up first.”ae61395ce6f91558

“Yes.”906438111d2d6ff2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

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.d31ea0577de6b60c

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.fb56ae6fdb1be1f4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

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.e75919a277cde9d0

“…”46ede434819da225

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom was looking fdd5dd753f down at him with 6438ae3fe1 a cool expression. After ten days, de5d9f951b he still looked e3e5a2d3ad impressive, just a c1a39d9410 bit more tired 2dfe148564 than before.3e01528e95a9ebca

“I guess we’ll have to eat next time.”9d67952b2fe4dded

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

At Kwon Joon’s words, Seo Yigyeom glanced at him briefly. Kwon Joon looked back at Seo Yigyeom and said one thing.abdf2e869ffca754

“I’d like to ask for guiding too.”711a3a9f94131821

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“If you’re worthy.”27b3bced2388a14b

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.bb01ef9f746c1600

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The surroundings 1509acde03 were quiet. Even those who 00f74d4400 had been wandering 4630f95086 about held their 922eb2a973 breath, casting subtle feb3ee0270 glances. The looks scanning the dd067b68b4 two of them seemed 6e3ebcdd88 different yet similar. Heeseo straightened his shoulders, e14db653eb which were tempted to a3cf9edeaf hunch under the suffocating 35340aa202 situation.fa0d9f2fdea910d6

“Let’s move somewhere else.”783245515bc54eb9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

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.53d6844e684ea74c

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.76154f3f33c5b1f4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

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.3e6491a64d5b0187

Receiving unique treatment and d5d8e3b490 indeed having that influence, 7e5481e4e5 Seo Yigyeom wielded significant 14c13165e5 power. He stood shoulder to 3702f0887d shoulder with the S-rank 1b91bdfc5e Espers just below the af63d6b6b2 head of the division, 6d0841e01c the only non-combatant to 99f956d3f2 reach such a position. It was a35beaa673 a natural fa125425b2 outcome for 743fdf71eb someone smart 740dde3623 with exceptional 9588a54ace abilities. Thinking about him, 7a769ed603 it seemed clear 495c13e3d0 why Seo Yigyeom d5cee8c379 could ignore all c8bca6a8f9 summons from the c4481bbb73 headquarters.d947ba22b8c5945a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Sit down.”f27142051b55dc4f

Seo Yigyeom, looking 2d3e5ecd79 particularly sharp, loosened 1b64ca5df7 his tie as 04d4b11596 he sat on 9329ed13bb the sofa.fb20a55f2db5374e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I wasn’t… gossiping just now.”a47ccdc3fa0e124e

“You could have.”11ea63322ea5e8b0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Heeseo confessed preemptively, feeling guilty, but Seo Yigyeom’s response was flat.1dd09141dfeaac5d

“I did, though. Some background checks.”847eb088efd017db

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

On the contrary, c502dca685 he was brazenly 64a2ddd4e1 calm, almost shameless. At his 306880d78b confident statement, 0c01537ddb Heeseo momentarily 765cf76dcd froze. The ease with which 747e281080 he could conduct an f4061b73dc investigation that Heeseo could c59fbda622 never finish made him 0f405f9cb0 bitter.5624510e47a29ec6

“…I won’t tell anyone about what I heard that day.”a2c065b6adc69780

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I find it hard to trust that, given our lack of trust. I’m very suspicious.”098065cffaa8fb98

Seo Yigyeom tapped the dd45706d7b armrest lightly, his leg 27b9f7aeef crossed, showing a firm 1444d7972e will at the end c0a66b22f4 of his sentence. His attitude was so 1a3f5c1294 arrogant it was hard 552c0d20dc to see him as ace89481bc someone whose weaknesses were 6823d79378 exposed.cd9de92450d1c723

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I tried to hold some cards like Kim Heeseo, but… there was nothing much.”51adaaa2ca1ef1be

No way. Heeseo felt 75e81129f5 a surge 5ef673064b of injustice ef724a6575 but bit d68fc7ab6b his lip 7b8c270969 to stop e8ad9143f0 the unrefined dd617a4cd9 words from a9b8893826 spilling out.608c6b72c07fbd76

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The background check c77438b383 meant he knew baa364d270 about the murder 3ff62aec45 accusation he was 668dce6ce1 unjustly burdened with. Of course, to 20b3d2f5cc Seo Yigyeom, he 722dfa379f might just seem 2e7ed26794 like a killer, 92f8768301 but it was e0dc7b8c21 frustrating that his 774c2c827e biggest shame was f213a3fdaa seen as truth.11922b56ff74e650

“I talk a lot behind people’s backs.”289a22f8a124ec12

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Only me?”28d6eaab2985a859

A faint emotion 921d0c0c76 colored the small a4497ae719 voice, followed by 1031fb4947 a low reply.b55bff8b72783238

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“As I said, I’m very suspicious. I’m not content with just a few words on paper.”100a4fb6ddbd5865

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.3f235aab2d300f04

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Last time, you asked for my thoughts.”1a9af997866a8417

What did he 686ac6e0ef mean by that? A faintly 27a3bf4a00 trembling statement cdf6041fc5 echoed through 0b145a3f83 the space.4b09c085cbbb8e96

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I want to hear your thoughts. What exactly do you want?”9f59415bcd3b3216

“You’ll have to hear that too now.”d27503e0027b1d5a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Seo Yigyeom chuckled 011543fa08 lightly, his voice e496131075 full of mockery.e51a2f210a1532ba

“How many people do you think can ask for my thoughts?”d4bff07babc1e766

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”d84be6262f13e851

“Knowing won’t help you. All I have are thoughts too sordid for a kid to hear. Here, give me your hand.”cb533227b2803ade

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

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.8e996fd9a5b30e3e

“What…”f535864df480a808

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.”04f4d1e14cb0f18a

“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.0ab7067963689eed

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I didn’t ask for guiding.”23a7d4dc55adf17c

“Really? I thought I heard you. Then let’s say it was an auditory hallucination.”8399fdbb4d5bd66f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley