I Refused To Be Reincarnated

"Didn’t we part ways about five minutes ago? Get lost, Yann," Adam snarled, cracks spreading on the teacup he just placed back on the table.

The guild master closed his open mouth, swallowing his question about knowing each other. Clearly, they shared a... complicated relationship. He was old enough to know that letting things unfold on their own would get him more information than asking direct questions. Therefore, he caressed his moustache and fixed his curled, white hair, and anticipated Yann’s answer.

Unaware of the master’s thoughts, Yann massaged his temples. "We did. Not for the right reasons. But it’s not too late to stop." He stretched his palm toward Adam. "Return with me. I’ll negotiate for a better price if the previous one wasn’t good enough."

"No."

"No?" Yann’s pupils constricted.

And Adam waved a dismissive palm. "You’ve already proven your incompetence. I don’t need you." Then, he turned toward the guild master. "Back to business. Will you give me a sales permit and buy my coats or not?"

Before the guild master could answer, Yann gripped Adam’s shoulder with a trembling hand. He spoke in a hoarse, guttural voice. "You don’t understand what you’re asking for! A sales permit granted directly by a branch guild master happens once or twice every decade. All eyes will turn to us—both of us."

Mana flashed in Adam’s eyes, mana threads weaving into ropes. They shot at Yann, binding his hands behind his back. Yann tried to speak, but another rope gagged his mouth in a heartbeat. He could only bite on it, his muffled voice unable to talk Adam out of a mistake they would both pay dearly for.

"I hate to repeat myself." Adam focused on the guild leader, making him realise his words were aimed at him, too.

"Of course, young man." A drop of icy sweat dripped down the leader’s spine as he clapped his hands. "But as your... friend said, delivering a permit is a rare occasion that needs the right justification. After all, why would our students spend decades learning in college if a few words could get them a permit?"