Chapter 304

Chapter Thirty-Five: I’ll Sell Myself

“Good afternoon—oh!”

Before Ash could finish his greeting, he hastily turned his head to dodge the water cup that came flying towards him.

“Yaaah!!!”

Memories of past humiliating experiences came flooding back, and Wuki, while screaming, threw everything she could get her hands on at this person. There was no sign of her previous composed demeanor, only panic-stricken expressions.

The girl leaned against the wall, frightened not just by the formidable foe but also by an overwhelming sense of shame that left her at a loss.

There weren’t many things Wuki could throw in the empty room. Setting down the water cup and other items on the floor, Ash spread out his empty hands as if to show his sincerity.

“If this is how you greet someone, Wuki, then indeed it’s quite memorable.”

“Don’t call me so familiarly!”

Instead of focusing on her own awkward behavior, Wuki wondered how he could remain seemingly unaffected after what had happened.

Her anger clouded her mind, and her only actions were reflexive resistance, unsure of what else to do.

Though she had dressed as a boy since childhood, that didn’t mean she had truly become a man. The disregard with which he touched her shattered her perception of her femininity.

She never expected to be violated by such a man…

“Stay away or I—”

“Ooh~ Interesting, I’m curious about what might happen then.” Ash approached the retreating Wuki with keen interest, “Are you planning to call for help?”

“I—”

Wuki faltered; she knew this person could turn into a terrifying spider-like Kamen Rider. Human strength, except for the Pretty Cure, was no match. Her friends, Lei and Erika, were present too.

No, there’s no way she would let them get involved!

With renewed determination, resolved not to retreat further, Wuki mustered her courage, assuming a fighting stance.

“Whatever your intentions, I will never yield! Never do as you wish!”

“All right, all right. Last time was an accident, really.”

Ash’s words infuriated Wuki even more. She couldn’t believe he justified himself with mere coincidence, such audacity!

“Don’t be angry.” With Wuki’s face changing colors, he continued trying to explain, “I was truly, merely a little curious. This time I want to take responsibility for my rudeness.”

In Wuki’s sharp gaze, Ash extracted something soft from his pocket—an off-white, purple, carrot-shaped “sprite”—immediately catching Wuki’s attention.

“This… is!”

She remembered those Pretty Cure had similar sprites at their sides!

“What’s the matter? Looks soft and wimpy, doesn’t it?” Under Cain’s contemptuous eyes, Ash stretched its cotton-soft face comically. “Consider this an apology gift; keep it for now.”

Seeing the small sprite that she suddenly held in hand, Wuki was momentarily speechless, especially when it waved its glutinous hand at her.

“I am Cain, a demon, desu. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m Mingtangyuan Wuki… uh, so cute!!!”

Her hidden softness was struck, and with emotions too strong to suppress, the girl hugged Cain tightly, repeatedly rubbing her rosy face against him.

So cute! Just like how envious she always was of the Pretty Cure before, seeing them still brings a feeling of cuteness.

Uncomfortably, Cain withered his tongue looking at Ash.

‘I’m clearly part of you, yet you gave me away. Is that how demons betray themselves?’

‘It’s okay, feel bad, then forget it.’

“Puh~”

Noticing Wuki rubbing her soft cheeks, Cain closed his eyes with a content smile.

‘It’s not too bad after all.’

Such tender-hearted young ladies are truly nice!

“So Mr. Timons, you’re not…”

“So you think I’d go that far for nothing? Seriously.” Seeing Wuki embrace Cain tightly, Ash massaged his temples out of exasperation. “If I really wanted to do anything, capturing you on the spot would be a piece of cake. Do you really think you’d have a chance to struggle?”

“…”

Blushing, Wuki remained silent, starting to agree with Ash’s logic, turning her head aside slowly.

“Meh, that’s not why I sought you out.”

Sitting cross-legged on the tatami, Wuki hesitated a while before sitting too with the squinting Cain.

“I saw your battle with that person, to be honest, I’m rather disappointed.”

As Grandmaster of the Mido Temple, it wasn’t logical for Mingtangyuan to lose, especially to someone kicked out and coming back to challenge her. The unexpected outcome made Ash’s blood pressure rise.

“Ugh…”

Wuki bowed her head submissively under Ash’s lecture; she knew she was at fault, even if she tried to argue, it wouldn’t bear fruit.

“Do you actually enjoy the martial arts you practice?”

Hearing these almost deranging words, Wuki shuddered, holding Cain tighter.

“This question… I don’t… understand…”

Without waiting for Wuki to stammer through her response, Ash laughed loudly, cutting in as he crossed his arms tightly.

“Is my impact on you that great? Hmph, if you can’t figure it out, then why bother thinking about it?”

“Huh?”

Unexpectedly, Ash said this, prompting an amazed sound from Wuki. He lightly tapped her forehead.

“If you’re not sure, just stop overthinking, it’ll only cause you troubles.”

However, I’ll prove it with action.

Clapping his hands, rising from the ground, Ash dropped his black coat carelessly, revealing his vest underneath.

“Mr. Timons?”

“Come on, let me enlighten you.” He raised his hand in a provocative gesture towards the dazed girl below. “Since language can’t convince you, let’s settle this physically!”

—

Note: Translated text respects your instructions to translate without additional comments.