Chapter 133

The Twenty-Seventh – Make the Little Girl Cry

Adventure Red, who had completed the mission, glanced meaningfully at Ash and disappeared in a gust of wind.

“Ma—ko—to—”

The fairy’s call in her ear grew fainter.

Her eyelids felt heavy, she couldn’t feel her limbs, pain tore through her chest… She was so tired, she just wanted to sleep…

Why, even though it was a battle she must win, why did I still lose?

Makoto’s thoughts drifted back to when the Poker Kingdom still existed, everything hadn’t happened yet, and she was still singing the song of peace for everyone.

At that time, as a princess, she admired her own song, said she needed her, and that her voice contained power to bring happiness, wanting to share it with more people.

Touched by this, she vowed to become the strength for Princess An, passing the trials of the Poker Kingdom to become a Pretty Cure — Cure Sword, serving as both her guardian and dearest friend.

Though endowed with the legendary title of a warrior, even after training with the Poker Kingdom warriors, Makoto’s performance in battles proved she wasn’t cut out for fighting.

She excelled only in earnest, heartfelt singing.

Even though Princess had done so much for her, when wanting to help her, she failed right from the first step.

Is it because of my incompetence…?

Where is Princess…?

Just as Makoto was slipping into despair’s deep pit, ready to be consumed by dark shadows, that infuriating voice echoed again.

“What? You can’t handle this? Your princess is still waiting for you.”

Ash wanted to use his powers freely, fight for enjoyable things and his happiness, make life fulfilling, and every moment more “dazzling.”

The heroes he met, including Pretty Cures, mostly fought to protect something, and even if their motives stemmed from personal desires, they were nobler than Ash’s selfish heart.

While not exactly in harmony, they were at least in conflict.

Even though he often argued on principle and dismissed their ideals with logic, it didn’t stop him from truly enjoying those heroes’ company.

After all, during battles with these heroes holding beautiful, naive beliefs, the emotions conveyed through fists and the clash of ideals always left an unforgettable feeling, refreshing in a winter-like manner.

Now it was the same; despite joining the Selfish Organization, viewing himself as Pretty Cures’ enemy, he didn’t dislike these girls he often called “fools.”

Who wouldn’t love forever optimistic, sunny little girls?

Seeing Makoto now in a state of “useless, hopeless,” Ash realized he perhaps overdid it, not expecting such fragility.

Not just his lack of interest in losing faith, even completing tasks assigned by the system to collect darkness echoes, which requires patience and persistence—touching dark energies frequently ensures results, time being the only factor.

Only when it comes to taking others’ lives or heroes/antagonists losing faith or identity recognition do they bring no benefit to him.

Ash was in doubt.

But wait, usually shouldn’t he jump in rage at himself?

Then he remembered, though strong, Pretty Cure was merely a group of junior high school girls.

He was never good at comforting others, but he had another approach—just shift focus.

So Ash started spouting nonsense.

“It seems willpower alone can’t change facts.”

Although heroes may rely on idealism, it’s not omnipotent—crossing over impossible feats instantaneously isn’t feasible.

Of course, inability could be due to lack of idealism, but that thought isn’t within Ash’s scope.

“Someone like you—”

A sobbing Makoto wanted to curse at this detestable guy, but words stuck in her throat. Only then did she realize she couldn’t swear.

“Guh… Uhhh… I’m sorry… Princess…”

Unable to speak, she lay on the ground, weeping quietly.

“Hey, stop crying.”

Ash felt that it was already settled—he gave her a chance, defeat was inevitable, fairness assured. So, what’s the point of crying now? Hearing this made him uneasy.

He wanted to bark, “What’s the point of your tears?” but remembered she was just a junior high girl compared to his encounters with various heroes, her experience far less.

“Never fail until you admit defeat. Are you giving up already?” Ash hinted, trying to stir interest.

So, let’s make one last effort, huh?

“Enough! Anyway, you probably just want to see Makoto suffer! Stop pushing it, Dabi!”

Purple cat-fairy Dabi spread tiny arms in front of Makoto, loudly scolding the other.

At this, Ash was taken aback.

Forget it, the mission to the princess is done, time to go home and sleep.

Acting nonchalant, Ash whistled and vanished down the alley, returning shortly.

Seeing Makoto still lying on the ground, he rubbed his thumb in frustration. This was partly due to a spur-of-the-moment decision; abandoning her made him uneasy…

If he left right away, dealing with aftermaths like looting bodies would be unsettling, even for someone like Ash, who considered himself not great.

So, he bent slightly, extending his hand.

“Lying there might give you a cold. Need a hand?”

“No… Don’t need your pity…”

Voice muffled, sound choked, Makoto sounded nasal lying prone.

Who knows what you’re up to now?

“Are you going to the hospital, or should I take you home? Wouldn’t other people think I’m kidnapping you?”

However, Ash didn’t hear resistance or refusal; he was considering next steps.

“You agreed for Dabi despite everything…”

Previously willing to sacrifice herself to protect Makoto, the spirit was now utterly confused.

Indeed, Makoto couldn’t understand this man.

Bad guy, good guy, where do you stand?!

“Besides, who’d tell suspicious people like you their address!?”

“That’s unfair bias. I consider myself quite responsible.”

As they bickered, Ash prepared to carry Makoto when a familiar voice echoed behind him.

“Great job, Ash! You did well!”

Regina?

Without turning, Ash knew the bratish tone belonged to the princess who declared him her knight.

“Y—You! Daughter of the Selfish King!”

Makoto gasped in surprise, obviously recognizing her as well.

“How rude, my name is Regina. Better remember!”

Seeing Makoto defeated, Regina approached with a wicked grin. From the side, Ash recalled a famous scene, “That jealous look.”

“Because you spoke ill about me in front of Mana, I had Ash teach you a lesson.”

“Learn your lesson, stay away from my Mana, or else.”

Facing Regina’s provocative words, Makoto retorted furiously.

“Don’t talk about Mana as if she’s yours!”

“I’ve been generous, making Mana my friend. So, she should be mine.”

Grasping Ash’s unretracted hand, Makoto bore the pain in her chest, clinging to his arm for support.

“Whatever you plan by touching Mana, I won’t let it work! You destroyed my home, Poker Kingdom. No forgiveness!”

“What am I supposed to care? This isn’t my issue.” Regina lacked interest. “Dad did it, not me.”

“You…!”

Before Makoto could continue, Regina’s sharp eyes noticed her clinging to Ash’s arm, growing displeased with a threatening tone.

“And you, so close to Mana, now holding Ash’s arm. Ash is my knight, mine! No touching!”

It seemed like two girls vying for his affection, making any man imagine things, but Ash felt like a toy being snatched around.

Such an unpleasant situation at work, Ash sighed.

Fight all you want, why drag me into it?

Am I some stuffed animal kids are arguing over?