I Refused To Be Reincarnated

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Julius woke up at dawn, impatient to explore the city with his big brother and friends.

However, he found out he was the only one awake this early. Unable to wait any longer, he gently shook his brother awake.

As he felt the gentle tugging from the dream place, Adam opened his eyes and said, "Good morning, boy."

"Morning, big bro. Let's explore the city today!" Julius answered, pointing his finger outside the room with a smile.

"Sure. Go wake up Arun and ask Asha to look over Louise." Adam answered.

He wanted to discover the exotic city and its wonders as well.

Nodding in agreement, Julius walked to Asha's room to propose Adam's idea.

After a short negotiation, she reluctantly agreed to stay home for the morning but asked him to be back at midday.

Then, they walked to Arun's room to wake him up. However, the boy slept like a log and was unwilling to be awakened. Fortunately, Asha came to Julius's rescue.

"Wake up now, or it might not be five anymore when you do..." She said in a low voice, close to Arun's ears.

"Why are you guys so cruel? We just arrived. Let's just recuperate from the travel today." He said, his frustration evident on his face.

"Yes, yes. Could you please cook breakfast for us before going? Asha turned to Julius and asked, ignoring her grumbling fiancé.

"No problem," Julius answered, walking to the dining room.

Once done with their breakfast, Julius, Arun, and Adam left the house under the bright sky.

Despite the early hour, the city's paved streets already welcomed a few people.

The trio observed them bartering and purchasing local specialities such as fresh olives and dates.

As they made their way towards the business district, passing through the market, the scent of spices and vegetables wafted through the air. Merchants screamed their prices loudly, drawing the peddler's attention.

Enchanted by this exotic experience, Julius turned to his brother and whispered, "It's so different from the markets in the Belloria kingdom."

"Indeed. It's a first for me as well." Adam answered while gazing curiously everywhere.

After a short walk, they reached a large avenue, contrasting with the small and intricate streets composing the market.

"This is the business district. Let's drink something before looking around." Arun explained, guiding them to a luxurious cafe filled with people.

As they sat on the terrace, a young waitress came to take their order with a smile.

"Two cups of mint tea with sugar." Arun declared.

The waitress nodded, then returned after a few minutes with their beverages.

"Nothing beats a cup of mint tea under the sun. Taste it." Arun said to Julius, accompanied by Adam's nods as it was one of his favorite drinks.

Julius' eyes lit up as he savored the delicious and sweet hot drink.

After spending half an hour in the cafe, they headed to the shops.

"You can find anything you want here, be it common or magical items," Arun said, showing and describing what each shop was selling while passing them by.

After passing in front of a smith's workshop, Adam suddenly asked, "Do you have a few silver coins?"

Astonished by the question, Julius nodded and retrieved a single silver coin from his pouch. He had been saving it for emergencies.

"Nice, enter the workshop and buy a metal and a silver chain," Adam said, making Julius frown in response. Why did his brother need those chains?

Although puzzled, Julius halted Arun and invited him to enter the shop.

"No problem. If you see anything you fancy, take it. I'll pay." Arun declared, curious to see what he wanted to buy.

As they entered the shop, Adam's voice chimed in. "Don't let him pay otherwise, buying them would be useless."

Julius nodded in response, trusting his brother's choices, and walked to the counter.

"I need a metal chain, a little long and a shorter and smaller silver chain," Julius said to the smiling merchants.

Noticing how richly dressed Arun was, the merchant expected a large purchase. However, Julius only requested two common and cheap items, which disappointed him.

"Tch, you can look for the metal chain in those barrels." He answered, showing the barrels, his smile disappearing from his face.

"Choose any silver chains from the shelves. If they're too long, bring the shortest one. I'll cut it for you." The merchant added before taking a book out and reading it.

After all, in a city filled with wealthy noble heirs, why would he waste time speaking with the poor?

Julius didn't mind the merchant's attitude. He was used to this kind of treatment after four years of menial labor.

However, as Julius walked towards the barrels, Arun's angry voice resounded in the shop. "Is that how peasants treat nobles in this city? Tell me. Should I get you fired or make this shop close?"

Unbothered by the threat, the merchant raised his eyes from his book and observed the youth who threatened him. Soon, his eyes landed on Arun's family's emblem hanging from his neck and shivered.

He recognised the emblem as one of the honorary teachers at the college used the same. Subsequently, he quickly jumped above his counter and ran to the barrels and shelves, getting what Julius asked for.

Before Julius could even reassure Arun, saying that it was alright, the merchant was already done gathering his items and bowed his head respectfully.

"I'm sorry for my behavior. The total for the two items comes to one silver and fifty bronze coins." The merchant said as humbly as he could.

Hearing the price, Julius shook his head in disappointment and confessed. "I only have one silver."

Hearing that his friend lacked money, Arun proposed to pay once more. After all, what was one or two silver to him? But Julius stubbornly refused.

Then Arune suddenly turned to the merchant and said, sounding like a thug. "Didn't you say that you were sorry? Or were your excuses empty words?"

"I, hum... Did I say one silver and fifty bronze coins? I just realised I made a mistake! The price is one silver. Thank you for your purchase. See you next time." The merchant answered, catching the clue.

Buying a Duke's son forgiveness for fifty bronze was a cheap price he was willing to pay.

After paying for his items, Julius left the shop with Arun and explored the vicinity a bit more before heading home.