Chapter 148

Chapter 42 What is it that you truly desire?

“Miss, I strongly disagree with your decision to interact with that person. It’s too dangerous!”

A few minutes prior, Sebastian, the elderly butler in the black luxury car, had watched as Ash walked out of the store entrance with deep distrust.

Having served the family for many years, Sebastian had accompanied Arius’s father, becoming his right-hand man. Now, he devoted himself fully to looking after Four-Leaf Arisu. His experience in understanding people and navigating society was extensive.

Even without exchanging more than a few words, Ash conveyed an atmosphere that made the old man’s hair stand on end, appearing harmless yet occasionally revealing a terrifying aura that would leave Sebastian uneasy about letting Miss Arisu converse with him.

After all, Arisu was someone he had seen grow up; she might as well be his granddaughter. Moreover, he had ruthlessly defeated the Pretty Cures twice recently. If it weren’t for Arisu’s persistent efforts to stop him, he would have confronted Ash.

“What do you mean? That person hurt Arisu! He must be bad!” argued lance, the fluffy bear-like fairy. Lancing simple-minded nature saw the world in only black and white. Given how often Ash had stood against the Pretty Cures and spouted nonsense, he was viewed as nothing but a bad guy.

Nonetheless, despite her companions’ disapproval, Arisu had her own considerations.

“If communication is necessary, I could convey messages on your behalf,” Sebastian offered eagerly.

“No, Sebastian,” Arisu replied with a shake of her head, declining the offer.

“I need to speak to him myself for it to count as sincere. Otherwise, our dialogue won’t be taken seriously by him.”

And genuine sincerity was essential to further discussions. At least, that’s what Arisu thought.

Indeed, she was correct—had the conversation been handled differently, Ash likely wouldn’t have given it any notice, believing they were treating him poorly.

Now reassured, Ash dug his ears.

Although he had minimal contact with the green or yellow version of the Pretty Cure, he was not unfamiliar with her. As the daughter of the famous Typhoon Corporation’s head, she held a status akin to a princess of a medieval kingdom.

It was impressive to see such a high-born lady casually form friendships with ordinary girls like Ai Aida and the other Pretty Cures.

“Surprisingly, Lady Arisu of the prestigious Four-leaf Corporation actually takes interest in someone like me—why do you think that is?”

“Because you yourself stated that if the Selfish Organization makes a mistake, they want to hire you at a higher price.”

Arisu picked up a thick-looking bag from her seat, and Ash did not doubt its contents included money.

“You have a good eye. Indeed, I am a unique character.”

“However, I am not someone who can be persuaded through friendship alone. In short, I don’t need money.”

Though he hadn’t specifically sought them out, items obtained from dark organizations’ warehouses and treasuries had accumulated to a considerable amount.

These non-combat valuable items could easily fetch plenty of money, enough for whatever he wanted.

Moreover, his philosophy was to spend just what was needed. After all, hoarding money meant little to someone destined not to stay in one place, like buying houses or raising kids.

“If there’s something else you need, I could assist,” she maintained calmly as she put the case back. “What exactly does Mr. Ash want?”

What do I want? I want to know where I come from and where I’m headed.

“What you seek, you cannot get from us, the righteous comrades.”

There is no way you can provide all that.

Fundamentally, the pure darkness derived from the Selfish Organization’s corruption can be converted into Dark Resonance quite efficiently, and the ease of acquiring it is why it captivates him so much.

Indeed, he had collected quite a bit of Dark Resonance from the Pretty Cures before, even if the quality was high, the yield was still questionable.

“Could Regina give you what you need?”

“Just because you perceive me as a bad guy, you shouldn’t expect special mercy in battle, right?”

Scowling eyes landed upon him, yet he shrugged off the irritation.

He had long grown past the point of being offended by ill intentions. If every person were to look at him with murder in their eyes as “sub-man,” he wouldn’t live very long.

“Mr. Ash.”

Arisu opened the door and stepped outside alone, facing Ash directly.

“You’re from afar, correct? Are you enjoying your life in Great Pia City?”

His brows furrowed. Her question left him unsure of her true intention.

Contrasted to other worlds, where happiness felt unfamiliar, living here wasn’t unpleasant when he wasn’t battling.

So, he nodded affirmatively.

“Since you’re different from those like Belu of the Selfish Organization, who can appreciate beauty in the world, why not embrace this reality?”

Arisu was bewildered. Unlike the selfish organizations, which originated from evil and inherently despised beauty, Ash should share the same appreciation for beautiful things as others.

If that were true, then why conceal oneself and approach the selfish organizations anyway?

“Is it merely for what you need there?”

Doesn’t that make you miserable?

“It appears that whether this world can tolerate something like me is the question.”

Ash’s expression dimmed upon hearing this.

“What do you mean?”

Of course, he enjoyed the beautiful things and comfortable lives. Thus, he freely chose to battle heroes according to his whims.

Yet, what defined his survival was the endless journey of collecting Dark Resonance, knowing he would someday die somewhere, in some corner.

That’s what I’m doing!

Even if past actions are now meaningless, do you intend to deny them?

“As I said, if possible, I’d like to be friends with Mr. Ash. So, like this—ouch!”

In an abrupt move, Ash bent his arm over her and forcefully smacked the window behind Arisu, causing cracks. The sudden action startled her.

“Neither you nor Mana nor anyone else has the authority to dictate my choices for living!”

For Ash, any path he took had no need for meddling by others, regardless of remorse or determination.

Seeing Ash’s angry face, Arisu felt overwhelming sadness. Is he struggling internally? She wasn’t sure.

“Mr. Ash, what is it that you desire?”

“My desires? Didn’t I mention this before during our first meeting?”

Aside from the Dark Resonance, there are heroes shining with light that I aspire to see!

Although heroes typically criticize me like everyone else.

Ash let go and reined in his anger, then smiled at Arisu.

Let’s see what she would reply.

Arisu looked toward Sebastian, already poised for action, shook her head, and called upon her partner’s name.

“Lance-chan, this next part could be handled by you, right?”

“For Arisu, I’ll give it my all!”

Taking the transformed phone-like fairy Lance, Arisu refocused, her eyes unyielding as she faced Ash once more.

“If you wish to battle with the Pretty Cures, Mr. Ash,”

“Then let me fulfill your request!”