I Refused To Be Reincarnated-Chapter 645: A Hand to Hold

As Julius felt her face on his shoulder, her warm breath a centimetre from his cheeks, and her long hair tickled his hands on her firm back, another chunk of the anxiety haunting him faded.

’Was this why big brother told me he wanted to see me marry and be happy in the future? Does one contribute to the other? But he also said no romance before eighteen...’

The questions echoed in his mind for a second before he relaxed. It wasn’t unusual for commoners to marry young. The reason was simple: incertitudes. Who knew when one would die when poverty, beasts, or illness could take them away at any time? And their situation was damned uncertain for sure.

Even as Duke and Marquis’ heirs, Arun’s and Asha’s marriage had long been planned for their sixteenth birthday.

’We have time to figure out our emotions. I hope it’ll work.’ He pulled back, subtly looking at her missing right arm. ’It’s not the first time she suffers because of me. I owe her a lot.’

As his lips curled into a soft smile, Asha raised her fist in triumph.

"Well done, sis! Your patience paid off." Her face turned red as a tomato as she lunged into Arun’s arms. "I’m so excited! Finally, some good news after these two horrible weeks."

However, they all froze as an unexpected voice echoed. "Youth is so wonderful. I wish you happiness, kids."

They snapped toward the bed opposite Louise’s as the white curtain hiding it rose to reveal Shepard’s smiling face.

"Director Shepard?!" Julius quickly helped Louise back on the bed, his eyes widening. "How old are you to eavesdrop on your students?"

"I told you I’m not the director anymore. Anyway, it’s not my fault if you speak before my bed." His eyes slid to the many white-bloused mages and wounded, gazing in their directions with soft smiles. "Don’t you think you picked the wrong place if you wanted intimacy?" freewebnoveℓ.com

While Julius grumbled, Louise’s light chuckles filled the infirmary. "I didn’t want to wait any longer. Please, everyone, give us your blessing."

"Of course we will!" One of the wounded coughed as he clapped his hands.

A second followed a split second later, a bright smile stretching under the bandage covering his bloodied scars. "I’ve seen you two fight to protect the ship. You’re both courageous and strong."

Another nodded. "We wish all the best to the new couple!"

A cacophony of claps and eager wishes covered the grim place in a hopeful atmosphere. After all, no one wanted to torture his mind with their situations, and this budding romance was the perfect recipient of their future gossip.

Despite the warm acclamations, Julius couldn’t help but lower his burning face. "Shepard... You know I don’t like to attract attention."

However, his shock only increased as Shepard laughed for the first time in months. "Many already consider you a hero who gave up on his privilege of standing at the back to fight. It’s not just the council or me. Everyone wanted you to rest for the past three days."

Everyone nodded at his words. Amidst the despairing battles, not a single teenager didn’t draw inspiration by glancing at Julius’ unbending back, Arun’s powerful fire spells, or Louise’s uncommon mix of swordsmanship and earth magic.

"A hero?" he muttered, confused by their reactions.

If there was one thing his brother had always hated, it was being called a hero. But him? It caused his chest to tighten around his drumming heart. His eyes sparkled as he felt their recognition and respect.

And he enjoyed the feeling.

Seeing his wistful grin, Arun winked at him. "Let’s become stronger than Shepard and etch our name in history as the youngest heroes. Think you have what it takes?"

He chuckled. "Don’t slack off, or you’ll bite the dust."

They exchanged a grin while Shepard frowned. "As if, you brats! Take Louise with you and leave the infirmary." Yet, a smile tugged at his lips. "Meet Elena. She has a mission for you."

With a nod, Julius helped Louise up as Asha wrapped her in a clean college robe. Then, he walked to the exit. "See you later, Shepard."

However, a cough forced him to look back and raise a brow. Why was Louise shaking her fingers in his direction?

Confused, he glanced at Arun for help.

"Oh! I know that one. She wants to hold hands." Arun shook his head with a sigh. "You’ll have to learn their codes because they won’t directly tell you what they want most of the time. Man, it feels like another language altogether."

"Eh?" A deep furrow creased Julius’ brows. "Why would I hold her hand? I’m not a kid anymore."

Asha, who had been excited by the romance, slapped her forehead as the entire infirmary laughed.

She pointed at Arun, clicking her tongue. "Why are you as clueless as him?" She gripped his hand and shoved it in Louise’s. "Just do it if it makes her happy."

As if to show him, she shook her fingers toward Arun, causing him to roll his eyes as he took her hand. Then, she nodded with a satisfied smile. "See?"

Seeing Louise’s cute smile, he scratched his head. "I... understand. Let’s go to the council room."

He walked out under the wounded and healers’ amused smiles, still wondering why she didn’t just take his hand or ask... But it was true that holding her hand didn’t feel bad...

A moment later, they entered the council room. Only Zeph, Maya, the two former deans, and Elena sat around the table.

Gwen, Aurelius, Anya, and Morgane, wearing sparkling armor that shone through their somber robes, stood before them alongside three other groups he didn’t know. But he noticed their closeness and the emblems hidden beneath their robes, especially one representing a white tiger.

Elena stood up and waved her hand in a commanding gesture. "The final group has arrived. Let the briefing begin."

Zeph nodded and continued. "We’ve left the province and are in uncharted territory since yesterday. We avoided a reinforced border city and have already located the next town. The mission is simple: infiltrate it and research the local culture."

Maya leapt on his shoulder and smiled. "Ayaya. We’ll land nearby, so return at the slightest sign of danger."

Elena placed five devices that looked like magical walkie-talkies on the table. "Take those communication tools developed by our tech division. We’ve tested their range and concluded they’re efficient enough to reach the town’s walls, where Shepard will wait for your reports."

Everyone nodded as she ended the briefing with the core of the mission. "The primary information you’re looking for is how to enter their major cities and settle legally. If you understand, spread out and return with good news!"

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