# Chapter 78
After Jaeha’s guiding video spread, people began attempting guiding as a joke.
Under the assumption of “What if you were awakened and I were a guide?”, people playfully shook hands at company dinners or between friends, and some cases actually resulted in guiding, making them realize they were Espers and guides. People recorded challenge videos, and handshakes became trendy in schools.
As interest spread quickly among the public and discussions about guides continually emerged, some guides affiliated with the Association began sharing their experiences. These included intimate stories. A streamer broadcasting live while attempting guiding with a lover let out suspicious moans.
Seeing physically superior Espers becoming undone at the hands of ordinary guides brought joy and empathy among ordinary people. Many who viewed Espers like celebrities added fan enthusiasm and flocked to take guide tests.
To such people’s questions, Seo Jaeha gave strange answers, making him either a skilled liar or an unusual guide.
Although this could have caused misunderstandings, before people’s misunderstandings grew, interest among guide aspirants reached its peak with news of an actual guiding demonstration.
After the press conference and a brief meeting with guide aspirants, Jaeha was mentally exhausted and went to sleep without dinner. Because of this, he woke up in the morning unaware that new information about him was spreading.
Perhaps due to fatigue from the previous day, Jaeha didn’t feel like cooking and was opening a snack bag when he looked worriedly at Cheonoh entering with a gloomy face.
“Today’s schedule includes a light meeting with a ministerial-level official and an internal guiding demonstration.”
The schedule Cheonoh announced didn’t seem like much to Jaeha. Someone at the ministerial level must be a high-ranking person, but he wondered if that was why Cheonoh looked so gloomy.
“Are you very afraid of this minister person?”
“You have no reason to be afraid in an official meeting.”
He said there was nothing to be afraid of, but his expression suggested otherwise. While crunching on a snack, Jaeha checked about the other item on the short schedule.
“By demonstration, you mean performing guiding in front of people, right?”
“Yes, it’s a primary guiding demonstration.”
Cheonoh’s expression darkened further as he answered. Seeing his reaction, Jaeha tilted his head in confusion.
“Cheonoh, is there something worrying you?”
“I think it’s unfair to… force guiding on Guide Seo Jaeha in front of people.”
Cheonoh seemed more concerned about Jaeha performing guiding than meeting the high-ranking official.
Jaeha, enjoying the crunchiness of his snacks with two in his mouth at once, asked lightly.
“How many people do I have to guide?”
Cheonoh’s expression worsened at Jaeha’s question, which was almost innocent.
Cheonoh visited the laboratory daily to check for new materials, wanting to serve Jaeha well as a guide. Though he couldn’t access Jaeha’s information, he could obtain data on those who awakened as guides during the second awakening recruitment. It was established fact that Espers and guides experienced sexual stimulation during guiding. There was a reason why guiding rooms were designed to be invisible from the outside.
“Probably after demonstrating with Espers available in the afternoon, if time permits, there might be brief guiding with volunteers.”
“That’s definitely doable. I’ve had plenty of sleep too.”
“Are you really okay performing guiding in front of people, Guide Seo Jaeha?”
It was certainly embarrassing for grown men to hold hands in front of many people, but having already performed secondary guiding with his brother in an emergency, this seemed manageable.
“It’s a bit embarrassing, of course. But it can’t be helped, right? Espers need guides.”
Cheonoh had witnessed many times how Jaeha sacrificed a lot for others. If Jaeyoon hadn’t intervened, Jaeha would still be caring for Joo Dojoon’s family.
Cheonoh found Jaeha both pitiful and admirable.
“I will protect you.”
“That’s reassuring. By the way, would you like some snacks?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
As the peaceful morning passed and lunchtime approached.
News arrived that the Minister of National Defense along with officials from national institutions would visit the Association. With main Espers out, Jaeha, who had been mentioned frequently recently, put on his uniform and headed outside. Thanks to mana suppressors installed not only inside the Association but also outside, he could walk out safely by himself after a long time.
“Hello, Guide Seo Jaeha.”
“Ah, yes. Hello.”
“Stay strong today, Guide!”
“Yes, sure.”
Even in the short time walking through the lobby, Jaeha’s head kept bowing at greetings from many people who recognized him. Moreover, the scene outside made it hard to tell if this was the Association or a marketplace.
“One hour until lobby opening time. Those without number tickets, please visit again tomorrow.”
“Bored of waiting? Soothe your hunger with Gangwon-do corn.”
“Cool water for 1,000 won~ Cola for 2,000 won~”
“Esper badges for sale! Only 5,000 won!”
Merchants reminiscent of a tourist spot in peak season and endless lines extended beyond the open area.
“What… what is all this?”
Anxiety about magical beasts, admiration for Espers, and the existence of guides who seemed relatively safe led to people’s interest in visiting the Association. Many had already visited for guide tests, and those who couldn’t enter stayed, interested in occasionally passing Espers or viewing the Association building.
Where people gather, merchants are sure to follow, so stalls naturally appeared everywhere. The Association seemed to view this positively as they weren’t even regulating it.
“Get a magical beast keychain. It will bring you luck.”
“Ah, give me one Golden Turtle please.”
“I want a turtle too!”
The merchant waving a Golden Turtle keychain was at peak excitement.
“Their business tactics are crazy…”
Common turtle keychains were selling well as so-called “magical beast keychains.”
Perhaps due to the influx of people, an additional door had been added to the Association entrance. This made it easy to view outside, but even as time was running out, the ministerial delegation was nowhere to be seen.
Thinking they might be late due to their busy schedule, Jaeha nodded, when a helicopter in the sky caught his eye.
“Ah, no way.”
Only then did he hear through the communicator asking why he hadn’t yet come to the rooftop. Though wondering who didn’t specify the location when telling him to go greet them, Jaeha rushed towards the elevator.
Even inside the elevator, he stomped his feet impatiently and ran out as soon as the door opened. Despite the distance not being far, tension made him breathless.
When Jaeha opened the rooftop door gasping for breath, contrary to the information, there was only the Vice Minister alone instead of several people.
“Our Minister is such a busy person… I see you were late to greet me, knowing I came instead.”
“I’m sorry for being late!”
Hearing the Vice Minister’s sarcastic remark clearly even to his own ears, Jaeha hastily apologized. The guards and staff already there turned around simultaneously. Though the focused attention was burdensome, a middle-aged man with a sharp impression showed a smile full of goodwill, and Jaeha’s briefly paused steps quickened.
“Wow~ The rumored guide has come to greet me personally.”
Whatever the rumor was, the benevolent smile provided some reassurance.
“Your red cheeks look very nice.”
“I mistakenly waited in the lobby, thinking that was the place.”
“Oh dear. Perhaps because systems aren’t established yet, common sense seems a bit lacking.”
Who says it’s common sense for ministerial-level officials to always fly in helicopters? And the one who arrived was the Vice Minister, contrary to expectations.
Additionally, the benevolent smile seemed fake, as the Vice Minister’s grating attitude was utterly arrogant.
‘Then I’ll just play dumb.’
“Yes, there’s a lot I don’t know. It would have been better if a knowledgeable Esper or the Association Chairman had come out, but unfortunately, an ignorant guide like me came instead. Since things got complicated because of my inadequacy, please don’t misunderstand.”
He wouldn’t see this person again anyway, whether Vice Minister or Minister. Judging by his appearance, he seemed like a strict professor type, so Jaeha thought it best to simply submit. The Vice Minister, who had been observing Jaeha closely, extended his hand.
“I like people who know their place. Nice to meet you.”
“Haha, yes.”
The Vice Minister’s attitude was so arrogant that if Jaeyoon or Haeil had been here, they would have hidden Jaeha behind them while showing displeasure. Thinking it was fortunate that he came out instead, Jaeha shook hands with the Vice Minister.
“Ohh…”
Jaeha, who intended to shake hands lightly, missed the timing to pull away as the other held on a bit strongly. Wondering if handshakes were usually this long, he remained still, but felt a chill when the thumb stroked the back of his hand.
“Now, Minister?”
“I’m the Vice Minister. For now.”
“Ah, yes. But my hand…”
“You only deal with high-ranking Espers, don’t you?”
“Excuse me?”
As the Vice Minister took a step forward while still holding hands, they became close enough to almost touch. Since there was no reason to stand this close unless they were close friends, Jaeha felt repulsion and tilted his head back, and the Vice Minister’s cold snake-like eyes examined him.
“I awakened long ago, but lacked time, so I visited in place of the Minister to also take the awakening rank test today. But…”
His voice gradually became quieter as if about to tell a secret, and despite his discomfort, Jaeha leaned in to listen.
“Unlike those trash who presented themselves as guides, you’re very… intense. Enough to make me want to taste you properly.”
At the whisper with clear intentions, Jaeha felt disgust and stepped back. During this, whether the other intentionally breathed on him or not, a chill ran up his nape, making it unbearable.
Moreover, having thought the other was an ordinary person, he hadn’t been managing guiding, so he quickly blocked it. The Vice Minister’s smile disappeared at the suddenly ceased guiding.
“What are you doing? Resume immediately.”
“Let go of this, please.”
Though Jaeha desperately tried to shake off his hand, he couldn’t overcome an awakened person’s strength. Cheonoh stepped forward and grabbed the Vice Minister’s wrist. Then, the security guard standing behind the Vice Minister also moved forward and grabbed Cheonoh. As people became entangled, Cheonoh quickly warned.
“We can apply special law if harm is done to a guide.”
“You mean the law that hasn’t even passed yet? I wonder if you know what kind of relationship I have with the Minister of Justice when you say that.”
“This is the Esper Association. Should I tell you what is closer than the law?”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
