I Refused To Be Reincarnated

"MHHHHHHH!"

Yann roared against the mana gag. He had to do something—anything, to stop the information from spreading.

He glared at Robert with murderous intent. Silencing the branch guild leader would be the easiest way, but... thinking about the consequences also made him bite on the mana rope harder.

Because of Adam, that foolish lad, too many witnesses knew about their shared family name. The receptionist and her colleague could testify, too, making the solution far from ideal. Enforcers would investigate, and the Crystal Quill Consortium would spare no expense, all to find who dared to murder one of its branch guild masters. And to make him pay. Robert wasn't even relevant; it would be a matter of pride for the guild—a show to remind everyone that no one could mess with it.

But if silencing wouldn't work... what other solution did he have?

None. His face darkened, and his gaze sharpened.

The moment Adam freed him, he'd kill Robert. At worst, they could live among crooks and outlaws. He didn't want that future... It was still better than being chased by dozens of magi, and perhaps even his grand-f—the college's mad rector.

Seated across from him, Robert gripped the coat—a marvel of craftsmanship, trembling in his hands—scared yet fascinated. This was something he had never held and would probably never hold again. No...

He raised his gaze toward Adam, his mind racing with possibilities. As long as he struck a deal now, he would not only hold one coat but sell many more. Raising his branch standing to the top three of the Crystal Quill Consortium would be a given, and by extension, his wealth and fame would follow.

The idea of enslaving Adam crossed his mind for a split second, but the itches and red marks at his neck and mouth—a reminder of the mana ropes that had bound him a minute ago—quickly reminded him it was impossible on his own. Contact bigger branches? He'd be lucky if they didn't call him a lunatic, and even if they agreed, they'd take most of the profits from him.

"Tricky," he muttered, his hands firming around the coat's smooth fabric. He gazed at Adam, who sat with the same nonchalant posture, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips in a silent taunt.

He could almost hear it. "This is the real deal, and the price is beyond your wildest dreams. So, what will you do, Robert? Aggression or cooperation—I already know."

Robert took a deep breath, his eyes closing. They reopened with a steely glint as he reluctantly placed the coat back on the half-burned table. A choice had been made.

Hopefully, the best.

"I've thought about your offer. A million Prestige is... beyond my branch's current means."

Adam raised his palm, his tone dripping with mockery. "Do you mean my craft isn't worth a ridiculous million Prestige?"

Robert shook his head. "Don't misunderstand me, sir Adam. A million is indeed an extremely favorable price. It's just..."

He massaged his brow. Even if the other branches didn't gnaw on his profits, they would ultimately belong to the consortium. Why would he give them a dime when he, Robert, took all the risks?

"I have a better idea." He continued, his voice coming out with the firmness of a seasoned merchant. "One that will maximise both our profits."

"Now we're talking. Tell me about your idea." Adam's smirk widened, old memories of assembled nobles in grand buildings resurfacing. Hands raised, voice cutting through the hubbub of the crowd, and sparkling items displayed on a broad scene.

And Robert's answer was precisely the one he had expected.

"An auction. Not in Port Vaelora—we won't get the best price. In the capital."

Adam clapped. "What a wonderful idea. But isn't it a one-time solution? Unless you plan to..."

Robert nodded, the chandelier casting dancing shadows on his face. "Keep your identity secret. Forget about obtaining a sales permit or signing a contract with the Consortium. They'll both expose you to everyone's greed."

"Aren't you the most greedy here right now?" Adam sneered as he folded his coat and placed it atop the other ten inside the invisible bubble hovering beside him. Then, he laughed at Yann, whose constricted pupils trembled as if telling him: "That's how you make deals."

"Perhaps." Robert twisted his lips. "But that's our best option."

"Best or not, I want guarantees." Adam leaned toward Robert, shoving a finger in front of his eyes. "Death through a magical contract if you ever spread my name would do."

"That's..."

Before Robert's determination could be blunted, Adam cut him off with a wave of his palm, like he was throwing imaginary coins. "Thirty percent of each sale. That should be motivation enough, right?"

A tense silence engulfed the room for a moment. Robert shuddered, his merchant's experience screaming to refuse. Adam's identity was a powerful leverage, a blackmailing tool, or a source of future wealth once their paths diverged. After all, auctioning his full name at a noble gathering was not impossible in the madness-filled capital.

But thirty percent... Even if he couldn't assess the coat's enchantments and therefore couldn't be sure about its final price, using Adam's one million as a benchmark, he would earn three hundred thousand Prestige. A single sale—more than a year's salary.

It was impossible to refuse!

He coughed into his fist, his eyes gleaming. "I can sign such a contract if you don't add more restrictive clauses. In addition, I want you to provide at least one magus-level item to sell per month for five years."

Adam sighed. "You're indeed the greediest." He shook his head. "One year. Unless you agree to my other terms."

Robert raised a brow, his voice growing solemn. "I'm listening."

"You'll pay for our capital journey, two places." Adam raised two fingers. "You'll also provide free lodging for a month."

Robert frowned, but nodded. It was pocket change, an initial investment.

"There is one more thing." Adam continued, interlocking his fingers beneath his chin. "Since you can't deliver a sales permit, you'll arrange and pay for half of my college enrollment fees. Only then can we 'cooperate' for four years."

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AN: Adam, the negotiator, is back?

AN2: It's a contract like the one Julius signed with Asha years ago.