The Saint Wants to Rest - vanish into fiction

Yoon Tae-gyeom understood the President’s sentiment. North Korea was in shambles, and pressure from other nations showed no signs of letting up. In such a situation, the emergence of another S-rank Awakened in their own country was indeed a welcome event. However, there were still stories he hadn’t heard.

Yoon Tae-gyeom stared at the President without moving a muscle. This was not something that could be glossed over or brushed aside. In the silence, only the ticking of the clock’s second hand echoed through the room. After several minutes passed, the President spoke again.

“He says he came from another world.”

“Another world, sir?”

Anyone else hearing this might have thought it was utter nonsense. However, Yoon Tae-gyeom possessed information that others did not. He had heard what Ian said through Hong Seo-yun. Ian had claimed that during the five years he was missing, he had been living in another world.

Yoon Tae-gyeom struggled to maintain his composure. Chronologically, the gap between Ian’s return and Vermouth’s appearance was not large. Perhaps Vermouth came from the same world as Ian. If he brought the two together, they might recognize each other. However, he had no intention of doing that just yet.

First, he had to determine if Vermouth knew Ian, and if so, whether he was an enemy or an ally.

“Do you believe those words, Mr. President?”

Thus, Yoon Tae-gyeom acted as if he knew nothing.

“We live in a world where monsters pour out of Gates. Is it really so strange for someone from another world to appear? I’ve talked to him about many things. He lacks even the most basic common sense regarding this world.”

“Anyone can tell a lie.”

“That is why I called in someone from the National Intelligence Service.”

The NIS had one Awakened capable of reading the thoughts of others. Vermouth simply stood there with an unchanging expression, listening to their conversation.

“Do not worry. He consented to it as well.”

“Even so, you shouldn’t trust him completely.”

“I know. But right now, we need more power. I’m asking this of you.”

Since he went this far, Yoon Tae-gyeom could no longer argue. Or rather, he didn’t feel the need to. After all, he was only feigning ignorance while knowing the full context himself.

“I understand. Then I will take Mr. Vermouth to the Management Bureau and measure his abilities.”

“I’ll leave it to you.”

With that, Yoon Tae-gyeom left the Blue House with Vermouth. The moment they stepped out of the President’s office, all eyes gravitated toward Vermouth. Yoon Tae-gyeom was handsome in his own right, but Vermouth was on an entirely different level.

Yoon So-ra’s reaction was no different from the others.

“Wa… wow?”

Seeing her standing there dazed with her mouth agape, Yoon Tae-gyeom gave her shoulder a sharp pat.

“Snap out of it.”

“Ye—yes, sir!”

Yoon So-ra trembled slightly and corrected her posture. To think she had shown such a pathetic display in front of her strict cousin. She was overwhelmed with embarrassment.

“But, who is this?”

“A guest of honor.”

Yoon Tae-gyeom defined Vermouth with a single term.

“I’m taking him to the Management Bureau.”

“Yes!”

“Contact the Bureau ahead of time and tell them to clear out an ability measurement room.”

“Yes, I’ll pass that along!”

Yoon So-ra moved briskly. Meanwhile, Yoon Tae-gyeom studied Vermouth intently. Conversation wasn’t the only way to learn about a person; minor, unconscious habits could often provide clues.

Even though Yoon Tae-gyeom had guided him to the front of the car, Vermouth simply stood still.

“You grab the handle and pull to open the car door.”

He explained kindly, but Vermouth only continued to smile enigmatically. Seeing this, Yoon So-ra hurried over and quickly opened the door for him.

“Thank you.”

Only then did Vermouth offer his thanks and step into the car. He looked like someone deeply accustomed to being served by others.

“It’s nothing!”

Yoon So-ra replied energetically and climbed into the driver’s seat. It seemed she thought she should drive since Yoon Tae-gyeom was her superior and Vermouth was a guest. Her driving skills were strangely poor for an Awakened, but there was no other choice right now. Yoon Tae-gyeom decided to spend the time observing and keeping Vermouth in check rather than driving.

“Departing now!”

With those words, the car began to move. Vermouth naturally crossed his legs and gazed out the window. He didn’t seem interested in talking to Yoon Tae-gyeom at the moment. The Management Bureau wasn’t far from the Blue House. During the journey, Vermouth did not open his mouth once.

When they arrived at the Bureau and exited the car, a staff member was already waiting to guide Vermouth directly to the measurement room. They were quick on the uptake. It was a testament to how well Yoon Tae-gyeom had trained his people.