Chapter 199

Chapter 96: The Girl’s Discovery

“Mr. Ash — you’re really going too far like this!”

If earlier Arisu was just angry at Ash’s actions, hearing his conditions or threats made her pure indignation.

If this were a GALGAME, now would be when Yotsuba Arisu’s affection meter drops drastically.

“Hmm? I’m sorry, but I’m the antagonist right now, so if you’re upset, that means I’m doing a decent job as one.”

Ash showed no regret for the girl’s fury, even seeming rather proud, much to Arisu’s chagrin.

“I can’t believe… Mr. Ash, you’re actually like this!”

“No, wait.”

Seeming to feel Arisu’s indignation, Ash moved closer. He slipped his hand behind her back under her armpit while leaning forward despite her already leaning back in her chair. His face got dangerously close to hers, breathing in her breath.

Arisu’s indignant expression turned red, feeling flustered as she saw him laugh at her discomfort.

“What do you think I should be like?”

“You said it yourself. All I care about is my own happiness; nothing else matters. This is just the consequence of your unrealistic fantasies about me.”

No!

It was precisely because Ash was saying this that Arisu, trying to calm down, realized something truly amiss.

The old Ash, although he said similar things, still had his limits and held back unreasonable impulses, otherwise, he wouldn’t have spared her mercy during their last battle!

Back then, Ash was kind to both Regina as his friend and to the Pretty Cures as heroes!

But now, Ash seemed to have abandoned his sense of responsibility, losing all his limits completely. This couldn’t be the real you!

Suddenly, Arisu found her purpose here. She was determined to act.

In the end, however, Arisu bowed her head in acceptance of Ash’s unreasonable demands.

After all, she didn’t want everyone to worry.

Today was the annual festival in Daibei City’s shopping street. Knowing business would be bustling, Ai Aida’s parents, famous cooks in the town, left early to prepare ingredients. On their way, they glanced worriedly at the half-open room, their concern unmistakable.

Normally, Ai would be full of energy, pulling her friends into the festivities. Today, however, she locked herself in her room, appearing both physically and mentally drained.

“Is Mana okay?”

“Mana always worries too much about others, suffering more than we do.”

It wasn’t just her parents who worried about Mana; Rikka and Makoto did too. Though their physical injuries healed quickly thanks to their Cure forms, emotional ones took longer.

After Arisu was taken away, Ai, already gloomy, was unexpectedly pleased to see her return. Believing Ash had repented, she joyously went to hug her, but Arisu kept her at arm’s length. She explained that due to an agreement with Ash, she could not interact with Ai.

What used to be a great friendship now felt like strangers. That small distance between them created a huge chasm in their hearts, filled with hidden sadness.

“Rikka, do you know what’s wrong with Ai?”

Faced with Kentaro’s question, the best friend Rikka only shook her head. Both issues with the Pretty Cures and Ash were untold secrets.

“But I believe Mana will pull through.”

“That’s good. I noticed her relationship with Arisu seems to have worsened lately. Maybe you could help improve it.”

“Ha! But perhaps this adult is just too sentimental; let the young handle their own affairs.”

“We’ll do our best to help!”

Rikka and Makoto sighed, their dislike for Ash deepening.

“What are you doing, Mr. Ash?

“Mana, you haven’t eaten in a day. Eat something; your body needs it!”

Holding her knees, Mana shook her head, having no appetite.

“Mr. Ash…”

Before assuming that strange form, Ash had thrown away the card case he used to transform. In the end, it returned to her hands, yet Ai preferred to give it back so long as he came back.

Thinking of inviting him to be a friend, performing skits together, and promising better food, Ai wondered why their relationship, which had improved, suddenly soured again.

She believed it was due to the selfish king’s influence on Ash, yet seeing her purification moves rebound, Ai didn’t know how to save him.

Maybe he needed saving at all?

Ai buried her face in her knees, her grip on the card box creaking.

“Mana, hurry up, the sun is shining on your butt!”

The door burst open. Ai rubbed her eyes and yawned at Rikka’s appearance in casual clothes.

Despite the student council workload lightening up recently, Ai felt more tired than ever.

“Mana, it’s the festival today! They say it’s a human world party time, so let’s go!”

“Mm,” Ai nodded weakly. “Regina, go play with Rikka; I’ll come later.”

Regina saw disappointment in Ai’s eyes. The impact of Arisu distancing herself seemed greater than she thought. Regina puffed out her cheeks indignantly.

So the girl took off her shoes and jumped onto the bed, sitting across from Ai, meeting her gaze resolutely.

“I won’t go unless Mana goes!”

“Regina, please don’t be so stubborn.”

“Mana is being stubborn!”

Unable to bear it, Regina pounded the bed, regaining Ai’s attention momentarily.

“Ai, are you obsessed with this?”

“But… but! Arisu is my friend!”

For the first time, Ai, who usually helped others, felt intolerable about losing a friend.

“I’m starting to dislike Ash.”

“Good, I hate him too! Now!”

Heard Regina, Ai instinctively exclaimed, stunned. She didn’t expect Regina to say such things.

Weren’t you close with Ash?

“Why not, Mana, are you afraid of the games Ash asked you guys to play?”

“I don’t know…”

This time, it was Regina comforting Ai.

“If he took your friends, take them back next time! Easy!”

“You’re a Pretty Cure, Cure Heart!”

“Heh, Regine, that seems a bit much.”

Hearing Regina’s words, Ai finally smiled again.

“If you’re still mad at him, I’ll make him pay next time!”