Chapter 6: The Little Pink Chicken is the Most Hateful.

“Little sissy, you can’t talk to your big sister like that~ If I get mad, I might just let slip that the last of the Astreya family is a cross-dressing pervert. Imagine the waves that rumor would make across the Kangkela Empire~”

Enough was enough. Flo’s face burned redder than any love confession. He was always helpless against this nemesis—couldn’t beat her in a fight, couldn’t outtalk her either.

But as a seasoned boss strategist, Flo had studied his archenemy Ifrora for ten years. He knew how to turn the tables.

“Who’s a sissy? Little Pink Chicken, when rumors about me spread, I bet everyone will love hearing how the Phoenix family’s young lady wet the bed at ten!”

The air froze. The customers’ chatter turned murky.

The girl before Flo flushed, her eyes brimming with killing intent. Her left hand, usually tucked behind her, clenched unconsciously.

The strange aura seemed ready to swallow Flo into endless darkness.

His hair stood on end, his hand instinctively gripping his newly bought green-tier daggers.

She was triggered—Flo was sure of it. But at what cost?

Honestly, he didn’t know. Maybe this would end his miserable second life?

Thankfully, the oppressive air didn’t last long. Her smile softened, less menacing than before.

Flo could feel how stifling the atmosphere had been. Now, even the air flowed freely.

He’d have to watch himself. Next time he pissed off Ifrora, it might be his last.

Damn it, she started it! He just brought up old dirt, and she got mad. Women!

Her cherry lips parted, her enchanting voice reaching Flo’s ears.

“Better than a certain Pointy Ears crying over a soft bait worm at sixteen, begging me for comfort?”

“Can’t imagine you’re really a boy. Scared of those cute, squishy little things you could squash with a finger—and now shopping for dresses?”

“You, you, you…” Flo stammered, unable to retort.

They’d been rivals since they were six, knowing each other’s most embarrassing secrets.

The soft bait worm incident? Those were squishy, pink critters loved by fishermen, hence the name.

They were adorable, not even scaring timid girls.

But Flo was different. His fear stemmed from Edith Astreya, his mother…

Edith was a gentle, elegant saintess on the surface, but secretly a devil who teased her child, with a playful personality.

Flo’s bond with her was deep. Despite her constant teasing, he didn’t mind at all.

That was why he searched for her so desperately. He believed they’d reunite someday. He wasn’t some tragic hero from a novel like Sulo.

Lost in fond memories, a stunning face suddenly appeared inches from his, their noses barely a finger apart.

He could feel her warm breath.

His memories shattered. Little Pink Chicken was the worst!

“Spacing out while we’re bickering, Pointy Ears?”

“You’re too close!” Flo stumbled back.

“Hmph, too bad~”

“Too bad? Hah, didn’t you say I was in the women’s section? Here’s the answer! I’m buying clothes for my girlfriend, how’s that? Jealous?” Flo lied through his teeth, face steady, no trace of his earlier flustered self.

The familiar oppressive aura hit again. Flo shivered.

But this time, it wasn’t aimed at him.

He realized something…

Oh no, was Little Pink Chicken about to steal his thunder again? Though Aphrosia wouldn’t be stolen—she was his rival, after all. Rivals turning lovers only happened in novels. Flo knew his hatred for Little Pink Chicken was crystal clear.

“Oh? Girlfriend? Tell me more, Pointy Ears. She’s not imaginary, is she?”

Flo was speechless…

She saw right through him…

But! He’d never admit defeat!

“Believe it or not~”

Ignoring her, Flo seriously picked out clothes for Aphrosia. Her measurements?

Thanks to that wretched goddess, he knew them perfectly after that night’s torment.

He could only cry in a corner over it.

Ifrora, fuming at being ignored, knew pressing further was pointless and left.

Before she was out of earshot, her ears twitched, catching Flo’s voice. “This one, that one, and that one. I’ll take them. Please wrap them up…”

“What? Ten gold coins!” Did they calculate his entire fortune?

Buying those three dresses would bankrupt him, but Flo thought it was worth it. They suited Aphrosia perfectly. Not as fine as the goddess’s gift, but he couldn’t let Aphrosia wear just one outfit, right?

Ifrora glanced back, noting the dresses’ styles, then left the Silver Moon Chamber.

Shortly after, a woman in black appeared beside her.

“Find out who Flo’s been with lately,” Ifrora said, her tone shifting to one of unyielding authority.

The woman bowed respectfully. “Yes, my lady.”

Meanwhile, Flo handed over his last coins.

The clerk politely took them, passing him the wrapped dresses.

Before the Silver Moon Chamber, clothes were all custom-made. The chamber revolutionized retail, displaying designs for all to see while still offering customization.

This business model reminded Flo of his past life, fueling his suspicion that the chamber’s president was a transmigrator or backed by one.

Reflecting on today, Flo felt he’d won some and lost some. He called this round a draw. His record against Little Pink Chicken: 7693 wins, 7712 losses, 3421 draws!

Little Pink Chicken was the worst!