Kamen Rider Plays the Villain in Pretty Cure

"That's right."

Hearing Mana's words, everyone else breathed a sigh of relief. So that was how this round worked.

"I see."

"As expected of Ashu."

"Ash would definitely be proud that you inherited him, I guarantee it~"

"Is that so?"

The pink-haired girl smiled even more gently as she gracefully thanked them amid everyone's praise.

"Thank you for your praise, ladies. Nothing would make me happier than being able to surprise Father."

The air that had just relaxed abruptly sucked back in, catching cold in everyone's throats.

Ah...

Huh?

Wasn't she trying a little too hard to keep this up even at a time like this?

"I heard that you used to secretly call yourself Ash's girlfriend."

Megumi stepped forward at that moment. Since stereotypes had already placed the bad woman hat on her head, she didn't mind stepping out at the right time to play the villain.

"I know you'll use that as an excuse to try again, but we're Pretty Cure!"

"We'll definitely win! We'll prove what true love and Ash's true feelings really are!"

Ashu seemed somewhat startled by this, but she didn't react as Megumi had expected. The composed girl merely bowed to her once more.

"I also know how much the ladies love Father. However... when it comes to Father, I hope you ladies will show mercy afterward."

This time, Megumi was genuinely stunned.

I was only pretending to be the bad guy this time?

"..."

An overwhelming sense of wrongness hung around everyone, refusing to fade.

The collective silence on everyone's faces instead frightened Ashu into a panic. Afraid that she had made them look so uncomfortable, she hurriedly added,

"I'll work hard from now on! Whether it's becoming an elegant lady or a qualified Pretty Cure! As long as it helps everyone and