Chapter - 2 (Encounter)

Getting out of the predicament of his thoughts, Eric headed to the shower and changed out of his blood-stained clothes. Despite the change, the fear lingered. Considering Eric's demise from poison, the haunting idea of sudden death loomed.

Contemplating a visit to the clinic, he hesitated, deeming his condition not dire enough yet. Instead, he retrieved a needle from the drawer, held it in his hand, and with half-closed eyes, pricked his index finger. A small drop of red blood emerged. Witnessing the crimson hue, a wave of calm washed over him, reassured that the poison's effects were null.

"I am safe," he breathed a sigh of relief, applying a bandage to his index finger.

....

A week later, clad in a hat, a long coat, and pants, with black boots, Mukesh, now adopting the name Eric Lancaster, strolled out of his rented house in the lower block. Affording a house was beyond his means due to exorbitant fees, so he shared accommodations with others.

"Good morning, Uncle Smith," he greeted his neighbor, hands tucked into his coat pockets, as he made his way toward the streets.

"Good morning, Lancaster. Going to find a job?" Uncle Smith asked with a smile.

Returning a bitter smile, Eric continued walking. Revealing his failed graduation might elicit laughter from his neighbor.

Over the past week, Eric had focused on improving his mental state and socializing to grasp the intricacies of the world he found himself reincarnated into. Memories were one thing, but firsthand experiences painted a more nuanced picture.

Having lived in the modern era, Eric found himself struggling in this medieval period. The inhabitants were peculiar, clad in western attire, presenting an adventure for someone accustomed to an Asian culture. While he hadn't encountered westerners in his previous life, the people here all seemed to embody a warrior-like demeanor. They seem to have a body made of steel. They are never tired from any work, lifting some loads seems to easy for them.

Despite being twenty-eight in his past life, Eric's current age in this new body was nineteen and a half years old. As a young man, he had to navigate this world with the vigor and demeanor expected of his apparent age.

"Eric!

Eric!"

Suddenly, I heard two familiar voices behind me calling. Turning back, I recognized two familiar faces in front of the black carriage. It was them!

As memories rushed back, I identified the two people in the same attire. Linda and Michael?

Surprised to see these friends, Eric realized they hadn't met for a month, not since the exam results were announced. Linda and Michael had passed, while Eric had faced the disappointment of failing the exams, a plot set by the professor.

"Where are you guys going?" I asked while greeting both of them. The greetings felt awkward after not meeting for a month. Since I initiated the greeting, it seemed they were friends of the previous Eric. So be it.

Linda and Michael hailed from the upper block, attending the same private university near the Four Streets. Given their upper backgrounds, there might be a touch of arrogance.

At the Four Streets, they took me to this fancy Sunshine Restaurant. After chatting for about half an hour, Michael pulled out a red paper from his pocket.

"Eric, this is the invitation letter from Elizabeth. Tomorrow night is her birthday, and she'll be celebrating her graduation. We came to deliver it to you, and meeting you on the way makes it easier for us." Michael explained, placing the letter into his pocket as he spoke. He didn't seem to have thought to give the letter to Eric.

Eric chose not to comment on the invitation letter. After today, he had no desire to engage further with these seemingly arrogant individuals.

Meeting them today, I sensed a level of arrogance from the start. Despite that, considering they were friends of the previous Eric, I didn't react. But now, it's too much. How the hell did Eric tolerate such friends for the last ten years? They probably assumed I couldn't grasp the hidden meaning behind their words. Even the restaurant they chose is the most expensive on the entire Four Streets. And the letter meant for me, they nonchalantly tucked it into their pocket. I felt the urge to give this guy a swift slap.

Though Michael's words irked him, Eric managed to quell the sudden surge of anger, opting for calmness.

As soon as Elizabeth's name was mentioned, a certain image from memories emerged—a white haired, slender, and beautiful girl. They had been friends since middle school. In contrast, Linda and Michael entered Eric's life during university.

Now, he had a hunch that he failed in graduation because of her, the professor failed him, a peasant closer to the sky, a noble. The professor was always opposite to our relationship as a friend. He didn't want a peasant to become close to a noble. This will become an embarrassment for the nobles.

After a while, Linda and Michael indirectly mentioned it was getting late and stood up to say goodbye. As I remained silent, Linda awkwardly took Michael's hand, and they headed towards the exit. Since you don't show courtesy, I won't be polite. Do you two expect me to greet you when you are leaving? Idiots! He cursed silently.

Exiting the restaurant, Eric hailed a carriage and settled inside. "Head towards the grocery store," he instructed once inside the carriage.

In this world, money held significant value, with single gold coins equivalent to a hundred silver coins. Monetary transactions were carried out through coins and notes. Coins were further categorized as silver coins and gold coins, while notes were referred to as Rupees, and some colloquially called silver coins "Paisa."

Fifty silver coins could sustain a poor man's household, while gold coins were a rare sight for many. Even his parents' monthly salary, totaling five gold coins, was dedicated to his education (three gold coins) and their living expenses (two gold coins).

The obstacle to buying a house was clear – money. With five gold coins per month, purchasing a small plot for a house, priced at a minimum of five hundred gold coins, was an unattainable feat. More expensive properties ranged in the thousands or even millions of gold coins. To accumulate enough for a house, saving for more than eight years would be the only feasible path. Then, how would they live their life for more than eight years, it was impossible to live without eating.