I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Arun quickly stood up and ran to Julius with glowing eyes, happy by his friend's gesture.

"Wow, what a ferocious-looking necklace. Does the eye come from the serpent?" Arun asked while putting the chain around his neck in excitement.

He didn't mind the modest silver chain; it marked the first time he had ever received such a thoughtful gesture from a friend. Furthermore, he could always replace it later with better materials. He valued the gesture more than the item's monetary value.

Moreover, considering the serpent's eye as a tier two material, Arun contemplated enchanting it. That's why he planned to seek his father's assistance in imbuing the eye with magical properties. That way, he could transform this symbol of friendship into an artefact.

On the other hand, Asha slowly examined her bag, her brow furrowed in concentration. She manipulated it, searched its interior, touched the material to get a feel of the texture, and went as far as to sniff the bag's leathery scent.

After finishing her inspection, Asha's expression turned serious. With a final glance at the bag's craftsmanship, she shifted her attention to Julius. "We need to talk," she said firmly, her eyes ablaze with determination.

Arun stepped back, recognizing the determined look in his fiancé's eyes. He knew she was about to switch to merchant mode. Thus, he decided to silently observe their discussion, while Julius, still puzzled by Asha's sudden seriousness, awaited her next move.

"Are you the one who designed this bag? How many people have seen it so far?" Asha asked, her tone sharpened with curiosity as she focused on Julius.

She really liked the handbag's aesthetics and practicality. Moreover, she thought it had great potential as a commercial product.

"Hmm. My brother designed it. Besides the two of us, only the craftsman who helped us knows about the design," Julius replied, scratching his head in confusion at Asha's sudden seriousness.

"Great!" Asha said, clapping her hands with a radiant smile. "I want to buy this bag's design and production rights from your brother."

Julius looked at her doubtfully. Why did she want to pay to produce this useless item? In his opinion, a pouch could almost do the same job, took less space and could be tied around the belt. Meanwhile, this bag had to be carried over the shoulder, which was less practical.

As he was about to refuse, he suddenly remembered that his big brother was willing to sell the design to Khalid earlier. He wouldn't be mad if he sold it to Asha then, right?

"Sure, I don't really know the prices, though," Julius replied pensively.

"I won't take advantage of you. What about ten per cent royalties on each bag we sell?" Asha suggested, ready to engage in fierce negotiations with Julius.

Following Asha's proposal and Julius's moment of indecision, Arun, perceiving an opportunity, intervened, "How about twelve per cent, Asha?" He grasped Julius's uncertainty and recognized the chance to negotiate a more advantageous deal for their friend.

"Alright, twelve it is," Asha answered, unbothered by Arun's intervention. In truth, she would have been disappointed if he didn't try to help his only friend.

"Deal," Julius answered, extending and shaking Asha's hand. He didn't understand much about what happened and didn't really care. For him, the bag was useless. He would already be happy if he could earn a few silver coins thanks to the royalties.

As the negotiation concluded with a firm handshake, Asha's excitement bubbled within. She wasted no time expressing her eagerness to finalize the contract. Unfortunately, she couldn't sign it here; enchanted paper and ink were required, a detail she hurriedly explained. Determination filled her voice as she announced her intention to draft an official magic contract with her mother at home.

The urgency in her tone startled Arun and Julius, but they nodded in understanding as Asha made her way to the door, her impatience evident in the quickness of her steps.

"I've got a clear vision for this," she added, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Once we sign the contract, we'll be ready to bring this handbag to market."

With that, she hurried out of the house, her determination propelling her through the nearby streets towards the Gate.

Julius and Arun watched in confusion as her small figure left the house, running through the nearby streets and heading to the Gate.

With Asha finally out of sight, Arun pivoted toward Julius, a questioning expression on his face. "I appreciate the gift I received more. But seriously, what's the big deal about a bag?"

Julius scratched his head, mirroring Arun's confusion. "I'm not sure either. A pouch or pockets seem more practical to me."

Despite their scepticism, both men couldn't fathom Asha's sudden interest in the bag's design. Arun leaned in, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Do you think she has a plan already?"

Julius shrugged, uncertainty clouding his features. "I have no idea. She's always full of surprises."

Arun nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Asha's knack for strategic thinking. He knew that if she wanted to invest in something, she likely had a solid plan and was sure she could make immense profits.

Despite not possessing the same level of wealth as his own family, Asha's family ranked among the top five in their country, and a mere handful of gold coins wouldn't move her.

As Julius pondered the unfolding events, he couldn't shake the feeling that his big brother had orchestrated everything behind the scenes. Amidst their expressions of gratitude for the couple's hospitality, Adam subtly forged a business partnership with Asha, a move that went unnoticed by everyone, even Julius himself.

Julius felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him. What elaborate plans had his big brother concocted, and how deeply was he involved? Furthermore, why was he kept in the dark?

Sensing his friend's unease, Arun offered a comforting squeeze on his shoulder. Despite the gesture, Julius couldn't shake the lingering feeling that they were venturing into a realm filled with unexpected twists and turns.