[Ch. 53] A Pest Named Mino (Past)

The next day we waited on the beach to greet Mona's brother.

I had calmed down from the day before, but I was still a bit irritated when I saw Raylon. I glared at him as he rubbed his bandaged arm. Korph went to my side, "The elders would like to meet you tonight before the banquet."

"Mmn."

After waiting a while, a boat slowly approached. Finally, the boat docked and a large man jumped ashore. He had grey eyes with shorter brown hair. He had numerous scars covering his skin which was tanned from being in the sun for too long. He wore a grey colored yukata with the Peony flower on the back of it. I suddenly realized that Raylon and Michiya were the only two without some sort of flower etched on their yukatas.

Mona rushed out with open arms, "Big brother!"

He happily picked her up and twirled her around. He nuzzled her affectionately, "My little Mochi! I've missed you so much!"

She giggled as he put her down. He looked at everyone nodding before finally standing in front of me. He saw my expressionless face and was immediately angry, "And this is?"

Everyone froze in anticipation. Mona chuckled dryly, "This is Lady Moao and Miss Amanda. Lady Moao, Amanda. This is my big brother Mino."

"Moao? As in the daughter of the tyrant baron?!" He snickered while checking me out, "I was told she was a big breasted beauty. She's not bad, but she certainly isn't no beauty. I've seen port whores better looking than that."

He gave a smug smile and expected to see me cry from his insult. However, I just looked away uninterested. This only made him more angry.

Mona shouted in embarrassment, "Brother!"

"It's the truth. You can't be upset with me for speaking it." He continued with a wicked smile, "She's probably even worse than those port whores. I bet I could buy her with half of a meat bun. Anyone would be stupid to be interested in that. I bet you couldn't even sell her to slavery!"

The atmosphere turned tense as the breeze got colder.

I'm going to break him into pieces.

A faint smirk appeared on my lips. Time to break out my secret weapon.

I moved to Raylon, grabbing onto him suggestively. His face burned with desire and embarrassment as I pressed my breasts against him. I spoke in a chilling voice, "Stupid you say? I guess your darling brother is stupid then."

He stuttered out with a wide-open mouth, "W-what?! Why would my brother be stupid!?"

I giggled and leaned my head onto Raylon's shoulder, "Are you dumb? I'm saying your brother likes me."

"Y-You! Liar! LIAR!"

I pouted as I looked at Raylon, "Aw, it seems like he doesn't believe me. Perhaps a kiss will convince him?"

I placed my arms around his neck and pulled him close. Raylon was completely flustered and confused as he allowed me to toy with him. He stuttered, "K-kiss?!"

Mino had never seen Raylon act like this around a girl before and exploded in anger. Unable to take it any longer, he pulled out his katana. I pushed Raylon away as he swung it between us. Mino screamed, "You ugly *****!"

I sneered, "You should calm down, Prince Mino. Or should I call you big brother Mino? Since we will become family soon."

"AHH!" Mino swung at me once more while I dodged it effortlessly. The spectators watched with bated breaths. It was obvious that Mino had brute strength on his side, but I had agility.

Korph watched them, "Haven't you noticed that Moao barely speaks, but when she does, she's a bit snarky?"

Tama scratched his head, "So who had their money on Moao's attitude?"

Mona smiled smugly, "I told you this would happen."

I eventually got bored from dodging and pulled out my weapon. Hanging off the hilt was Raylon's mother's strap. Mino caught sight of it and swung his katana down seething with anger. I stopped his blow using my scythe. My scythe flickered under his strength and I redirected his force to evade. I continued to dodge his attacks.

It was true he was physically stronger, but I had the mental advantage. In my third life, I became skilled at deceit and strategy.

I flicked my wrist, causing a yellow light to burst from the ground. The sand morphed into hands which held his feet down. He gritted his teeth and used his strength to break free. I didn't wait for him to recover before flying at him and swinging my scythe down.

He blocked the blow, but I continued my attack.

Each swing grew faster and faster.

His eyes could barely keep up. Noticing he was being pushed back, he put his strength and parried my blow causing me to fly backwards.

I clicked my tongue, "Annoying."

I knew I could use magic to easily win this battle, but I simply didn't want to. I didn't feel like putting any effort into a battle that I didn't benefit from. Plus, I wanted to see his face when I beat him at his own game.

He swung the katana down, forcing me to block it with my scythe. I struggled to shove it away. If I blocked any direct attacks with my weapon, it could dissipate under the pressure. I tsked as I saw him swing again. I wouldn't be able to dodge it this time.

Without any option, I threw my hand out and caught his weapon midair. My gaze turned fierce as a smoky gray cloud was released from my hand and encircled his katana. In a burst of light, the blade disappeared, throwing him backwards. He quickly stood up and tried to summon out the katana blade, but it never came.

He wore a constipated look before turning to me with anger, "You! You *****! What did you do?!"

The spectators watched in confusion. Tama spoke out loud, "Uh, what just happened?"

Mino shouted, "She absorbed my magic!"

"What?!" The group shouted in shock.

Mona spoke hesitantly, "B-But, aren't only demonic beasts able to do that?"

"Mmn." I straightened my back as I answered, "But I redirected it, not absorbed it."

"So..." Taishiro spoke aloud, "Doesn't that mean Moao won the fight?"

Mino glared at him, "Won the fight?! She cheated!"

"I'm not sure if I would consider it cheating." Michiya finally spoke up, "I'd say... Outsmarted?"

Mino glared at Michiya who looked away regretting having spoken. Mino shouted, "Fine! Then I'll just have to beat her with my fists!"

He charged at me, but I didn't really care. I held out my hands causing ropes to rush out from my palm, tying him up. He fell to the ground and shouted while he struggled to get out. I looked down at him condescendingly, "You will stay like this until you've calmed down. This much anger will make you go bald and die prematurely."

He shrieked, "Hey! Are you trying to threaten me?!"

Too loud!

I bent down and placed my hand over his mouth. Before he could react, a blinding white light burst from my hand. I pulled away as he continued to try to scream. He blinked realizing no matter how hard he tried, nothing came out of his throat. Korph looked at him in pity as he knew firsthand how that spell felt.

Mona looked at the group with a large smile, "Well, Lady Moao won and the fight started due to her attitude. Pay up."

Raylon walked over to me nervously, "So…. Earlier you mentioned.... Ahem. A kiss?" I looked up at his darting eyes. I pulled him toward me and firmly bit down on his lip. He shouted in pain and held his swollen lip, "She bit me again!"

I walked away with a triumphant smile.

Tasty!