The Sixty-Fifth Chapter – Mana’s Preemptive Strike
“Sigh… Maybe we are getting old and can’t keep up with the times.”
“You can’t say that, husband. Think about what your daughter requested from us earlier. Mana is serious about it. As long as she is happy, we, as her parents, should just bless her.”
“What a lucky guy!”
Looking at the couple whose backs seemed somewhat gloomy, Ash was momentarily confused.
“So, what does this have to do with Mana? Could it be that they…”
Thinking back on what Kentaro had told him, a sudden spark of realization zapped through Ash’s head.
Although he usually wouldn’t think along those lines, he wasn’t completely oblivious. With the couple’s hints, he started thinking in a direction he hadn’t considered in 20,000 years.
Could it be that they misunderstood my intentions towards marrying Mana and mistook my former excuses for actual romantic plans?
What is this about? Just because of that… wait!
He began to carefully recall how he interacted with Mana. Sure, they hadn’t held hands, but they had hugged a few times and often spoke romantic words to each other like typical protagonists would.
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Mana had expressed sincere concern for him. In this world, he had opened up to others for the first time, and mutual understanding should mean there were no barriers between them.
Mmm…
Reaching for a silver spoon from the utensil box on the counter, seeing “Mana专用” on it, Ash absentmindedly tapped the handle, producing a clear sound.
Closing his eyes, he could see Ai Aida’s and Cure Heart’s charming expressions before him.
“Ash~!”
Cough!
“At least I am a man… What am I doing?”
Striking his own face to steady his nerves, Ash turned and prepared to leave.
“Take it easy.”
Suddenly, a voice stopped him. Opening the door, he saw Ai carrying numerous boxes, and the items looked quite familiar.
“That’s mine!”
The top box in Ai’s arms contained his newly received DX Dragon God figure!
The other girls also entered carrying their boxes. Looking around, they were indeed all his belongings.
“Did you… move here?”
And moved my stuff!
“Because Mana is someone who acts immediately when she has an idea.”
Setting down the box filled with several of her identical coats, Arisu began to instruct her butler to unload more.
“How did you get into my house?”
Rikka jingled the spare key in her hand, smiling silently.
“Isn’t Ash no longer part of the Selfish Organization?” Ai stood confidently with her hands on her hips, proudly proclaiming: “Not only that, but Ash suddenly fainted, and if there was no one to take care of him, something bad could have happened. So, to avoid any unfortunate events and as partners of Pretty Cure—”
“It’s better for Ash to live here. We will see him often.”
“Are you serious?!”
Every time Ash thought she’d stop, she’d throw out a new curveball.
“Of course, my pigtail inn is not just a restaurant but also has accommodations. And since the guest room has been empty for a while, after cleaning it, Ash can stay here.”
“I’m not talking about that…”
“Isn’t that great!” Regina, who had lived with Ai before, encouraged. “Come on, living with Mana is never boring. It would be even more fun with Ash!”
“You guys… come on, say something to her! Otherwise, she’s going to go overboard!”
Just as Ash was about to ask for help from the others, the girls collectively looked away.
“Oh, isn’t this fine too?” Arisu accepted a cup of tea from the butler and took a graceful sip.
“After all, you won’t really do anything. If it’s safe enough, isn’t it better now that the outcome is clear.” Makoto said with a sly smile, enjoying seeing Ash squirm.
“I think it’s pretty good too. Shouldn’t you be happier about getting a good deal?” Akuri savored some delicacies prepared by Ai, feeling blissful.
“Isn’t this great?” Rikka, the blue-haired woman who seemed to exert intense pressure, supported her with a flawless smile, gazing at Ash.
“These people…”
What about my opinion?
“From today on, this house is your home!”
“Well,” Holding his forehead with his hand, he knocked his finger lightly against it, producing a clear sound. “Do we trust each other that much?”
“Is that so?”
Ai questioned in a matter-of-fact manner, sinking Ash’s hopes.
“You know… I understand now why so many people are attracted to you.”
Despite the somewhat comical antics, Ai’s sincerity was clear.
Such a person is both self-indulgent and hard to refuse.
“It’s too late to realize now, Mr. Ash.” Hearing his earnest statement, everyone laughed.
“Now that you’re on board, there’s no turning back!”
Rikka couldn’t hold back and chuckled, nudging Mana in the side with her elbow, exclaiming loudly, “So let’s ask Ai Aida, now that this has happened, what do you have to say about your previous arguments?”
“This, this isn’t it!…”
Ai, who had been calm and composed until then, widened her eyes and turned red, flustered.
“All of this is for his sake!”
“Are you sure there was no abuse of power?”
Ai, whose face was heating up from dizziness, argued: “This is helping others… isn’t serving as student council president a form of helping others?!”
She continued with obscure statements like “As student council president, my power is unlimited!” and “One must strike the wooden block!” causing everyone to laugh heartily. Only Ash, who didn’t quite grasp the humor, felt like an outsider.
“Ha ha, truly amusing!” Laughing along, ignored opinions or not, Ash pulled the girls close, repeatedly rapping their heads in jest, finding joy in Ai’s “pitiful” cries.
“My luggage, did you pack it all?”
“…
