Chapter 346

Seventy-Eight: A Failed Attempt to See Maids Uniforms for Ash

“Momoka, wake up!” Pushing her pink-haired friend who was lying in despair on the adjacent seat, the blue-haired female student was on the brink of tears. “What’s wrong?!”

“Could it be that there is poison in the coffee?!” The yellow-haired girl beside her looked at the coffee emitting steam before her eyes, instantly filled with a fearful expression.

“No… this coffee— It’s terrible!”

My tongue… feels like dying.

“Can it really be this horrible?!”

“Oh… I see a bridge where grandma is waving at me, with beautiful red flowers on both sides…”

“Oh no! Momoka, don’t go over!”

Seeing another curious person try the taste and collapse, Tsukikage Lily heaved a long sigh. She had given hints and signals to Ash countless times, yet every time he would smile and act as if it didn’t happen, never showing any intention of changing his ways.

Nasta Cafe’s coffee remained as terrible as ever, if not worse. It seemed as if he was challenging someone to ask why he was running the shop.

Given the revenue barely covers maintenance and wages, though she wanted to complain, after filming the interior and understanding its actual worth, she decided to stay silent.

If it weren’t for Ash showing no interest, she would suspect him as a spoiled brat targeting her and Lei. Maybe running a cafe was just for fun… This last part might be true.

“Why am I so anxious?”

He isn’t worried, how could I be?

“Yo, Lily!” Sliding down the stairs from the second floor and sliding down the handrail, seeing Tsukikage in the new uniform lifted Ash’s spirits. “Erika has good taste; the dress is lovely.”

“Mam, this is during work hours.” Lily held the tray before her chest, her emotionless face covered by her reflective glasses. “Please do not harass the staff during working hours, or I’ll call the police.”

“Hahaha, Lily, you’ve got quite the sense of humor!” Ash leaned casually against Lily, patting her shoulder despite the girls’ growing disapproving glances. “This isn’t harassment; it’s my honest thought, consider it sincere praise!”

“Manager, your nose is drooping off your face.”

“I’m not Pinochio.”

Seeing Ash actually reaching for her nose, Lily could not help but curve a faint smile at the corners of her lips.

After several students who dared to taste for the first time fled out of sight, they began their daily cleaning. Because it wasn’t their shift to clean, Erika slumped into a soft sofa, a softer look than the sofa itself. Similarly believing no one would return, Ash casually crossed his legs opposite Erika, speaking about the uniform again with his unique insight.

“Though what Erika picked is pretty decent, I prefer maid outfits.”

Ash actually felt regret over having lost the chances to wear maid uniforms, often mentioning them occasionally.

“Indeed… maid uniforms suit well.” Following Ash, Erika pulled a page from a fashion magazine from the bar, revealing a traditional maid dress.

“Classic maid dresses are lovely, the 19th century apron style with simple black and white combinations bring a fresh look; the simplicity with elegance is stylish, especially the Edo-era kimonos, but…”

Erika, blushing like an apple, turned the page and showed Ash a micro-skirt maid dress. Those aware of this fact, other than Umi who had just arrived, turned their heads away in varying degrees of embarrassment.

“Why did you choose such a short skirt! The dress is too revealing…”

Thinking back to when Ash held such a dress seriously, announcing intentions to change everyone’s wardrobe, even Erika felt unbearable embarrassment. “This is clearly to please you!”

“Yes, without even pleasing us, how can guests be satisfied?”

“Why are you so persistent with maids’ uniforms?”

“Well…” Ash lowered his leg after pondering for a moment and answered Erika.

“I once saw a pretty maid outfit, it was beautiful.”

“So I want to see more; oh boy!”

“Fool! Say it less straightforwardly, this perv manager!”

Frustrated, Erika threw the magazine at him, which he easily avoided and read some comic instead.

I should really report him… Wait, no, I’ll hurt Rei.

“Geez, despite being handsome enough to be a model, why is he such an disappointing adult?”

“Because I’m not relying on looks alone.”

“What a shameless way to talk about yourself.”

I wonder what Rei finds appealing about you!

Exactly…

A spark ignited in Erika’s mind. Once an idea sparked, it can’t be easily quashed.

Reflecting carefully, Manager Ash is indeed handsome, albeit in a wild, free-spirited way different from idols. Though he wears clothes often considered un-fashionable like leather jackets or trenchcoats, his sharp demeanor transforms him into a charming mature man. His slightly frizzy, standing-up hair, especially his black color, adds to his appeal.

Even though he seems unreliable, he volunteered to assist Pretty Cure. This alone is commendable.

Although he doesn’t pay us, we can freely snack, comfort injured Lily, provide support when needed.

He deserves praise.

Rei may be prone to infatuation but isn’t anyone good enough.

Reflecting, he turns out to be a decent guy… No! What’s Erika thinking?!

Realizing her thoughts, Erika shook her head, clearing her focus, why start thinking about him?

DING DONG.

As Erika felt conflicted, the doorbell brought relief. But upon opening, seeing who arrived nearly stopped her.

“Welcome— ah, big sis!?”

Seventy-Nine: Momoka Umi’s Hostility

“Hey, Erika, it’s big sis~”

Removing sunglasses to reveal her identity, the ultra-popular fashion model Uma Umika walked into Nasta Cafe today, despite the narrow alleyways.

“You actually work here!” Seeing a pretty uniform worn by her round-faced, beautiful sister, Uma seemed surprised.

She’s wasted, the manager is handsome but employs child labor.

“Erika in uniform is unexpectedly cute!”

“Stop that, big sis Umika!” Erika batted away Umika’s hand, forming a puffy face. “I’m not a kid, stop touching my head as childhood fond memories!”

“Oh no, Erika’s lost cuteness! Lily, come comfort me.”

Fake crying, Uma turned to Lily in uniform, wrapping her arms around her.

“Wait, Umika.”

Caught off guard, Lily almost stumbled as she faced Uma’s face. Uncomfortable with such closeness, Lily turned her face away.

“Not done cleaning yet. Don’t hug me so suddenly.”

“It’s rare to be close with friends. Why not?”

“Alright.”

Recognizing Uma’s nature, Lily sighed, putting down the broom and tapping her back gently.

“Hehe~”

She started feeling this place might be alright; with friends around, she could relax without worry.

“Ma’am.” A male voice from behind dampened her spirit. “Please refrain from harassing our employee.”

“Ugh, fine.”

She began disliking the place again.

“If Lily wasn’t here, I wouldn’t come.”

Despite her friends working, Uma disliked the cafe because of its manager, Ash.

At first, finding out friends were working, Uma felt indifferent. But learning about high wages made her suspicious.

She knew about the financial trouble in the Tsukikage family. This situation made Ash’s high offer highly attractive. Misgivings arose from this unreasonable exchange.

Without reason, he couldn’t be trusted, she thought. Likely, Ash, attracted by Lily’s beauty, used high salary as bait to make her comply with shameless demands.

Believing this, Uma rushed to observe Ash’s character. What she saw confirmed her suspicions—Ash looked at Lily with raw desire. Clear signs of expectation made Uma certain.

I knew it, Lily must have felt it too, why haven’t you reacted?!

Just because you are handsome and have money? Don’t think you can take advantage of girls so easily. If you treat Lily carelessly, I will stop you.

Uma was knocked down by the first cup of coffee, causing a misunderstanding about the quality, resulting in her failing to defend herself initially.

“Do you not stop staring at Lily and also aim for others?”

Up till now, Ash’s intentions weren’t clear, but his intentions towards others made Uma furious.

Ash, without embarrassment, responded boldly.

“I usually get what I want.”

Ash guessed she misunderstood something, unwilling to interpret ordinary people’s thoughts.

“Are you threatening me?” Uma restrained herself, seeing no loophole.

“How do you treat customers?”

Calming down, Uma adopted a new approach.

“I’m just a customer.”

“But, treating customers rudely? I wouldn’t let Lily continue working.”

“No problem.”

Facing Uma’s question, Ash stood calmly and called for assistance.

“Erika, serve the guest.”

“Okay.”

Handing the menu to Uma, Erika lacked interest.

“Select what you like.”

“This place only serves sweets?”

Uma opened the menu frustrated.

“Umika, do you often meet male idols? So, what makes a perfect idol in your eyes?”

Erika, despite her thoughts, remained curious.