I Refused To Be Reincarnated-Chapter 656: Louise’s Duty, Julius’s Care

The following day, Misha broke through the foundation-building realm.

While Adam congratulated her, Xie Lian marvelled at her qi’s abundance and purity. She felt as though Misha had just begun unearthing a well of liquid gold that would soon surge into a gushing spring.

She now understood why her friends had delayed cultivation despite their talents and even if she was glad for her, a tinge of jealousy couldn’t help but scratch at her racing heart.

With such a powerful starting point, Misha would breeze through the realms without experiencing bottlenecks until the soul transformation realm. Still, she grinned and ruffled the energetic girl’s hair in congratulations.

Her gaze drifted to Adam, his potential shrouded in a blinding elemental veil her violet eyes failed to pierce. If Misha’s foundation defied logic, how monstrous would his be?

The question made her shudder, but she rapidly hid her impatience by stuffing savory food into her mouth, the blend of peppered sauce and fish mitigating her curiosity. She’d get her answer in a few years. And by then, she’d hopefully graze his genius with her new technique.

After breakfast, Adam worked on the fortress’ design, refining his cells into qi vortices, while she cultivated with Misha until they reunited at nightfall.

Amused laughter and warmth covered the palace in a positive atmosphere as the gentle sun rose and dipped nineteen more times in the blessed land.

But in the Realm of the Four Monarchs, Julius saw the two suns dissipate the night’s darkness only now. He pinched the bridge of his nose as the kingdom’s long history, surreal hierarchy, and the world’s division sank into his mind.

But lingering on the knowledge wouldn’t help. Warning Shepard and Elena came first. Then find out how to settle everyone without drawing the kingdom’s attention.

With his priorities set, he closed the book and focused on the small library.

Rhythmic snores and soft breathing filled its walls as he glanced at his friends. Arun’s eyes still sparkled as he devoured another book’s content, undeterred by the dark circles spreading on his fair skin.

Beside him, Asha’s head rested on her forearms, Arun’s robe covering her rising and falling back.

Finally, he saw Louise’s thin eyebrows furrow like two swords next to him. Her eyelids sagged, almost raising the white flag after hours of boring reading. But she refused to succumb to sleepiness despite the promise of sweet rest.

Yet, her dedication caused his lips to twist in worry. She didn’t have to push herself, not after recovering—never.

He gently placed his hand on her shoulder, feeling it tense in surprise. They locked gazes, the sunlight illuminating their emerald and hazel eyes as he smiled. "I know you’re doing your best, but I don’t like to see you exhaust yourself. Please, rest when you’re tired."

A pensive frown creased Louise’s brows before a brilliant smile sublimated her charming features. "I want to stand by you, Julius. It’s as much about discipline and duty than about my feelings."

Noticing the cute blush on her cheeks, Julius scratched his hair. "I respect that. But you don’t have to prove anything." He pointed at Asha, chuckling. "Take time for yourself like she does. Arun doesn’t mind—I wouldn’t either."

She brushed his hair, an amused smile curving her lips. "I guess you got something wrong here. Asha isn’t slacking off. She memorised her part of the library already." She paused, her face rising in pride. "You know we’re from a matriarchal family. Because of her smarts, our grandma’s expectations shot through the roof. That’s why she invested in her education and political marriage without counting."

A brow raised, he glanced at Asha again, then refocused on Louise. "I knew she had a keen business mind, but I might have underestimated her intelligence." He helped her up, remembering Asha’s strict behavior with Arun. "Perhaps that’s why she pushed him to study until he called her a devil. Anyway, we’re done here. Let’s pass the information to Shepard and return to the ship."

She nodded, heart drumming as he wrapped his firm arm around her shoulders. Despite her burning cheeks, a contradictory sense of inner peace accompanied each of her steps toward Arun. The slightest contact—even just hearing his caring demands made her wish to extend the moment forever. Unfortunately, safety came first. However, she hoped their relationship would progress after settling.

Meanwhile, Julius caught Arun’s attention with a soft tap on his shoulder.

His face snapped out of his book, his eyes softening upon seeing his best friend’s smirk. freёnovelkiss.com

Then, he noticed the sunlight warming his back, realising night had faded into the morning. Yet, the echo of the spells and body-reinforcing techniques he had read pounded at his mind, causing him to sigh. "Man, how can our knowledge be so outdated? Even a town’s ridiculous library is better than the college grimoires..."

He flexed his arm, smirking. "But I won’t start from scratch thanks to Adam’s mentorship. Magic and body cultivation? No problem!"

"Lucky you." Julius patted his back, a knowing smirk splitting his face. "You won’t refuse if I help you train with his methods, right?"

Remembering the traumatic experience, Arun paled. Anything but Adam’s hellish training! Never again!

He coughed, stuttering. "I-I’m fine training by myself." He grabbed his fiancé’s shoulders and shook her awake, clearly changing the discussion’s flow. "I hope you got enough rest, Asha. We’re leaving."

"Mhh?" Asha’s eyes fluttered open. She stretched her limbs, noticing Arun’s robes as she yawned between her fingers.

"How sweet of you." She handed the robes back and kissed his forehead. "Morning, everyone. Are our mercenary cards ready?"

"Morning, Asha. We can ask Jack." Julius observed the sofa, only to roll his eyes upon seeing the sprawled man and understanding where the snores came from. "Is that how you watch us? We could steal the entire library and flee!"

Jack’s eyes snapped open, his figure blurring to his feet and his hand tightening around his blade’s hilt. Acting as if nothing had happened, he snorted dismissively. "What do you know, brat? I just rested my eyes to test your honesty. Congrats—you passed."

Yet, Julius saw the subtle trembling of his cheeks, the almost imperceptible evasive gaze, and the slight dryness in his tone—not to mention the snores that wouldn’t fool a toddler. What test? He was really sleeping...

"Alright." He sighed. "Do you know if our cards are ready?"

Jack frowned, his voice dripping with cynicism. "They should be. But you, little devils, can’t appreciate a gesture of goodwill. Serves me right for not fixing a time limit. Let me check you and get lost."

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