I Refused To Be Reincarnated

As the sun rose the following day, casting its golden rays across the sleepy streets of their neighborhood, Julius and Arun were awakened by the maids, who carried joyous news; Louise finally woke up after such a long time.

Despite the healer's visit, the young girl showed no sign of waking up in the past week, leaving the trio filled with worry and uncertainty about her condition. Each day seemed to drag on, the air heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs and the room bathed in the soft glow of candlelight as they watched over her.

After catching wind of the news, the two boys sprang into action without a moment's delay. Their hurried steps echoed through the house. Anticipation fueled their every move as they raced to the girl's side, eager to extend their heartfelt thanks for her invaluable help.

However, as they reached Louise's room and caught a glimpse of the girl inside, they couldn't help but be shocked by her appearance. The unremarkable Louise they knew had transformed into a youthful and stunning woman.

"Are you really Louise?" Arun voiced his doubts with a frown while Julius nodded, agreeing with his question.

"Yes?" Louise replied, her head tilting as her long black hair fluttered around her. Initially failing to comprehend the question, she was happy to see them before something clicked in her memory.

Her emerald eyes darted left and right in panic, searching for the necklace she always wore. She soon found it lying on the table next to her bed and sighed in relief. The wind howled behind her as she dashed to the table and attached it around her neck in a flash.

After she put the necklace, a magical scene greeted the two boys. Louise's body metamorphosed. Her eyes dimmed and turned brown, her silk-like long hair became short, and her figure became slimmer under the boys' shocked eyes.

"What just happened?" Julius asked, gazing at the now familiar appearance of Louise with his jaw wide open. It was the first time he assisted at such a weird scene.

"Her necklace is most likely enchanted," Arun commented before adding with a tinge of disbelief in his voice. "Probably with a tier four illusion spell."

He struggled to grasp how a simple guard in the middle stage of the first tier could have acquired such an expensive and rare item. Reflecting on this, Arun's suspicion of her deepened. Initially, he considered her a potential spy planted within Asha's escort, but he quickly dismissed this idea. Asha and her mother were too sharp to fall for such schemes.

As Arun's suspicions of Louise's identity and motivations intensified, Julius walked towards her with a wide smile. He didn't really care about her appearance or the reason leading her to hide it. What mattered to him was that she had nearly died saving him from the monstrous Marco.

"I'm glad you finally woke up. Thank you for saving me." Julius said, bowing his head respectfully towards Louise to show his appreciation.

Glancing at him, Louise felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw that he had survived, even though the fight had been incredibly unfair.

"I'm just glad to see you safe. Where are the young lady and my two colleagues?" Louise asked, impatient to see everyone. However, she imagined the worse as she saw Julius' and Arun's faces grow somber.

"Asha left yesterday. She should be back in a few hours. Concerning your colleagues..." Arun answered, remembering the brave warriors who fought until the end.

Louise's bright eyes dimmed after hearing the news. However, she understood how low their chances of survival were in the first place. After all, she almost died after being hit once by the monster. At least Asha was safe.

After Julius summarized what she missed in the past week, Arun asked what he felt was the most important question, "Can you explain how you came in possession of this necklace and why are you hiding your true appearance?"

Louise let out a sigh as she pondered the question. Revealing her true appearance was strictly connected to Asha's family, a matter she had intended to keep discreet. Yet, considering she had already been seen by Arun, who was Asha's fiancé, she felt she could share the whole story.

"Me and my two colleagues," she confessed, her voice weighted with the gravity of her revelation, "are the illegitimate daughters of Asha's father. To avoid suspicion, we rely on enchanted items provided by our family to conceal our true appearance. In return for this secrecy, we're permitted to serve and reside within the manor."

Arun gazed at Louise in shock after her revelation. He would have never guessed that Asha's guards were, in fact, her sisters. He now understood why she was so sad after two of them died and why she went as far as to bring a tier three healer to help her recover.

He still had to confirm that everything was true with Asha. However, for now, he cast his suspicion away and decided to trust her. After all, he noticed how she looked like an older version of his fiancé without the necklace's effects.

"I bet you must be starving after sleeping for so long," Julius said with a smile after sensing the conversation take such a serious turn, "Want to have breakfast?"

Louise nodded at Julius with a smile, her eyes regaining light. She was grateful he didn't treat her differently despite learning about her origins. After all, in the noble community, nothing was more shameful than a bastard.

As they sat down for breakfast, the atmosphere lightened. Louise, now relieved of her secret burden, shared tales of her past with Julius and Arun. Laughter echoed through the room, breaking the tension that had lingered for days.

Just as the morning sun bathed them in its warmth, the door burst open. Asha stood in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise at the awakened Louise. The room fell silent as everyone awaited her reaction.