Chapter 62:
Today was the last day to persuade Baek Joo-won.
Baek Joo-won emerged from the luxurious suite and looked Grayson up and down.
“I’m surprised you can still walk after that beating.”
“Thanks to the regenerative abilities of an S-rank Esper. Well, Won-yeong showed some mercy too.”
“Seo Won-yeong wouldn’t be merciful enough to spare someone who tried to take away her sister’s lifeline.”
It seemed Baek Joo-won had also gotten to know Seo Won-yeong well.
“You’re right. It means Won-yeong had a reason to show mercy.”
Grayson grinned, seeing Baek Joo-won’s puzzled expression.
“Curious about the reason? Then spare me some time. It’s an important story.”
“…Come in.”
This was the first time Grayson had visited Baek Joo-won’s suite since their initial meeting.
But something about the room had changed. Grayson’s eyes widened, noticing the strong floral scent.
“Wow, my goodness.”
Vases filled with flowers were placed throughout the room. Colorful roses, peonies, callas, hydrangeas, and even strange-looking flowers he had never seen before. The room was a blooming garden.
“Where did all these flowers come from?”
“Seo Jae-yi gave them to me.”
“She only gave me a single wilted yellow rose… I’m envious. Can I take a bouquet?”
“No. They’re all mine.”
Grayson pouted at his firm rejection.
“What did you want to talk about?”
They sat facing each other at the same table where they had their first conversation.
But unlike that day, a fragrant flower adorned the table today.
It was a bouquet of yellow roses, the same as the one in Grayson’s room, but these were in full bloom, far more beautiful.
“I’ll get straight to the point. It’s been a week, so you must have made up your mind. Baek Joo-won, will you come to the US with me?”
“You’re asking that after getting beaten up by Seo Won-yeong because of this? What if you actually die?”
“It’s fine. Once I’m back in the US, even Won-yeong wouldn’t dare touch me… I hope.”
Of course, knowing Seo Won-yeong, she would probably kill him for taking Baek Joo-won and then kill herself. He shuddered at the thought and kept it to himself.
“I like the offer you made. Only the US can offer that.”
A luxurious mansion, a top-tier salary – those were insignificant compared to the US offer. They were just basic benefits.
“To assign an Esper with spatial abilities as my personal bodyguard… I have to admit, it’s tempting.”
An S-rank Esper with spatial abilities, one of only three in the world.
The US had promised to assign him as Baek Joo-won’s bodyguard. It meant they wouldn’t interfere with how he used his abilities.
To have an Esper who could transport him anywhere in the world, as long as his overload level was stable. It was an offer anyone would covet.
“He’s a truly talented individual. He can not only teleport but also craft spatial items. Jae-yi has a spatial pouch, right? Have you seen it?”
“Ah, that pouch.”
The pouch Seo Jae-yi often used to carry dungeon plants.
“The US spatial ability Esper gave it to her. Or rather, I gave it to her as a gift. He’s my friend.”
“Your friend has an impressive skillset.”
“He’s the next US Esper Association Head; this level of connections is only natural.”
Grayson smiled.
“I can show you the contract right now. It’s all settled once you sign. We’ve even agreed to accept your refusal of citizenship.”
“That’s unexpected.”
It was indeed unexpected.
It meant the US wouldn’t have any grounds to punish Baek Joo-won if he suddenly disappeared with the spatial ability Esper. Even finding him would be difficult.
Yet the US had accepted his terms.
“Because we have countermeasures. We won’t be easily exploited.”
While China had the most Guides, the US had the most Espers.
And some of them had special abilities, so they could track down a Guide who had escaped with a spatial ability Esper.
“So you just have to make a decision. Will you come to the US?”
“…”
Baek Joo-won scrutinized Grayson and then asked an unexpected question.
“I’ve noticed that you genuinely care about Seo Jae-yi. I’m good at reading people. So I want to ask you this. Do you really want to take me with you?”
“…”
“Knowing that Seo Jae-yi will die if you do? Is your country’s gain more important than your friend’s life?”
Grayson smiled, as if he had heard a strange question.
“I’m the next US Esper Association Head. It’s only natural for me to choose what benefits our Espers.”
“…”
“Do I seem heartless? But I can’t help it. With you, we can save countless Espers.”
He had to sacrifice a friend for that.
“And you’re also hesitating, knowing that Jae-yi needs you. You’re the only one who can save her.”
As Baek Joo-won remained silent, Grayson continued.
“In the end, we’re all the same. Selfish humans who are willing to sacrifice a single life for greater gain.”
Grayson chuckled. It wasn’t his usual carefree, playful smile; it was a self-deprecating smile.
“But don’t worry. If people criticize you for your heartless choice, the US will gladly break their fingers. We have that power. Only we have that power.”
“…”
“Your ability is too valuable to be wasted in this small country. You saw it today, didn’t you? What the government is doing to Jae-yi. You’ll be treated the same way if you stay here.”
Grayson extended his hand.
The US’s will was contained within it.
“So come with us. The US will fully support you.”
Baek Joo-won looked at his hand.
The US had been consistently showing him sincerity. They had even offered a special condition, allowing him to freely use a spatial ability Esper.
But the Korean government still hadn’t offered anything. They had only tried to force a Guide with a 48% Matching Rate on Seo Jae-yi.
Perhaps, as Grayson said, they would eventually try to coerce him as well. The answer was clear.
“I decline your offer, Grayson. And the US’s offer.”
But he refused. He made an irreversible decision.
“I’m not going to the US.”
He made his stance clear.
It was a ridiculous, even foolish decision. It wouldn’t be strange for Grayson to look at him with contempt.
“I see. Can’t be helped. Then I have no choice but to give up.”
But his reaction was unexpected.
Baek Joo-won’s eyes widened in surprise at his simple reply.
Grayson smiled at him, his usual smile, and repeated.
“I respect your decision.”
He gave up cleanly, without a hint of regret. Or rather, it was as if he had never had any expectations to begin with.
Baek Joo-won had expected two possible reactions from Grayson after his rejection.
He would either try to persuade him with a sly smile or whine about how great the US was.
That was the Grayson he had known for the past ten days.
‘But I never expected this reaction.’
There was no disappointment, no regret, no resentment on his face as he sipped his coffee.
He even seemed… as if he had never expected anything in the first place.
“Are you really okay with this?”
“You wouldn’t change your mind even if I begged, would you?”
“Of course not. But I’m a bit surprised by how easily you’re giving up.”
Grayson chuckled at Baek Joo-won’s question and countered, “I’m curious too. Why are you rejecting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a spatial ability Esper at your disposal? The US offer must be more attractive than what Korea has offered.”
“Are you saying you won’t answer my question unless I answer yours?”
“I’m not being that heartless. I just need to explain why I’m returning empty-handed.”
He was asking for a reason so the US wouldn’t send more people to bother him.
Baek Joo-won was silent for a moment and then answered calmly.
“…There’s something I want. I left everything behind and came all this way to see it, so I have no intention of leaving.”