Chapter 425

The One hundred sixtieth Heart and Jealousy

“Is this the reason?”

Listening to Ash’s words, not only Rei, who was in front of him, felt dizzy with excitement. Mikage Geki also recalled her own experience.

After all, it was Timons who lent a helping hand, guiding her onto a new path, only to personally sever that relationship later on.

“Just to pursue our strength…”

Now the results were clear; Ash was Timons, which meant…

“So back then, this was your reason, hence you treated me kindly despite being Timons?”

“Oh, of course. I saw your remarkable potential. Since you had the possibility to become a Pretty Cure, there was no way I could ignore it.” replied Ash honestly.

It was heartbreaking because Ash saw her this way. She couldn’t accept it.

But…there was also joy because she knew Ash’s intentions weren’t fake.

“So, you would be so happy even when we were enemies… You really are!”

Pressing her hand to her flat chest, Mikage looked miserable, her face trembling continuously.

Back then, when Ash chose to reveal his identity, the person least affected emotionally was Mikage, who could still control her heart. Unlike others deeply connected with Ash, she first fell for the unreliable Knight—Timons.

However, from another perspective, Mingtangyuan Geki was also among the most unfortunate. Unlike others whose hearts suffered severe damage once, Mikage had been betrayed by this man twice.

Seemingly due to an overly emotional reaction, causing her to inhale pollen, Mikage’s vision blurred, and her thoughts gradually dulled. Even though her head was spinning, she felt no discomfort, only genuine happiness.

‘Mikage, there’s no need to struggle anymore.’

Oh, is it Brother?

Hearing a familiar voice from a close relative, but now Mikage couldn’t immediately be with them because she wanted to tell this person, who had abandoned gentleness and voluntarily plunged into the abyss,

“Why are you a fool, man!”

Her eyes blurry, the final image Mikage actually saw was his smile?

“Haha, I’m clearly a genius…”

Following Erika, who had unknowingly succumbed, only Rei and Lily remained steadfast in Hope Flower City.

“I understand… I know what you mean, Ash…”

Ash tightly clutched her arms with his sharp claws, even piercing her skin, yet Rei showed no intention of giving up.

“Haha, if you understand, then why refuse?!”

“Do you think just saying it’s for my sake justifies this cruel method!”

“Isn’t this just bullying me and everyone? It’s too cruel!”

Tears still flowed down the girl’s eyes, but never fell.

“Is that all you can say?”

“You have talent; otherwise, you couldn’t have made it this far. Instead of hesitating due to the pain caused by me, why don’t you try challenging yourself to surpass me!”

“Listen! Feel it with your whole body, think with your mind, and judge with your heart! At that moment, everything will become clear!”

Due to excessive force, Ash didn’t notice that the sharp claw pierced the girl’s arm, fresh blood flowing down her clean arm.

The blood spilled over her elbow, staining the small yellow flower at her feet with a vivid red, both painful and deep.

It hurt, oh how much it hurt! The arm was cut and pierced so deeply that tears almost welled up! But it could still be endured, because she refused to retreat here!

She didn’t want to be defeated by such a shallow belief in immediate strength!

“Enough!”

In the end, it was Tsukikage Lily who pushed everyone away.

Scanning around, her teammate was only Rei left. The visible light yellow pollen, driven by the wind, gradually converged on them, trapping them helplessly.

But in such circumstances, losing any escape routes, Lily approached Ash, who was crossing his arms. If this was the final moment, she would tear off this bastard’s mask!

“What do you plan to ask?”

“How far do you intend to bully Rei?” Lily’s tone was cold, but not mocking as before when discussing the manager’s strange actions. It seemed she truly discarded the past and saw Ash as a single enemy, purely and simply.

“Until it ends.”

“Don’t you want our strength? Is a hopelessly broken-up Tsukikage Lily not enough for you?!”

“I’ve already witnessed that Pretty Cure isn’t just one person achieving miracles; you’re too obsessed. Instead of worrying about her, consider your own unstable situation.”

Such indifference appeared on Ash, showing no concern for those present, calmly narrating his words as if he was indifferent to Lily.

Only, Lily felt increasingly enraged by Ash’s show of contempt.

“Whose fault do you think this is? Whom do you see as obsessed!”

Moonlight Magic Rod stabbed through the gaps in protective armor, right at Ash’s chest. If he didn’t negate the ability attack in time, Lily’s next move would likely severely injure him.

“Do you remember? Did you think you could manipulate others freely with your mindset? If you’re after something to satiate your twisted desires, wouldn’t my sacrifice and Mikage’s already suffice?!”

Lily didn’t believe Ash hadn’t noticed Rei’s feelings. She absolutely refused to allow Ash to drag Rei into his game!

Ash silently held up two fingers.

“One, maybe initially so, but during my time as manager, my intentions were genuine.”

“!”

Rei’s ears quivered slightly, Lily’s hold loosened, and the gathered power in the magic rod dissipated instantly.

“Two.” Lowering to one finger, through the red and blue visor, Ash’s inexplicable gaze filtered out from beneath. “Are you jealous of Rei, Geki? How embarrassing if that’s the case.”

“—”

Lily wanted to refute loudly, but for some reason, her widely opened mouth couldn’t close, the dry throat unable to produce even a word, her hands and feet feeling numb as if they couldn’t move. Watching helplessly, Ash pushed her backward towards the pollen cloud.

“Poor thing, why don’t you go to your dreamscape?”