Kamen Rider Plays the Villain in Pretty Cure

"I know. Ashu, by addressing everyone so formally, you're trying to maintain a respectful relationship with everyone, right?"

With her hands behind her back, Mana paced lightly as she lectured in an exceedingly mature tone beneath Ashu's admiring gaze.

"But excessive respect like that can instead become a sign that you're afraid to communicate with the other person."

Come to think of it, I used to only know how to shower people with goodwill in order to make friends. It was only after your father taught me that I understood such a simple truth.

"What Ash is probably annoyed by is precisely that overly respectful attitude of yours. Sometimes, interacting more casually is what lets both sides lower their guard!"

Sincerity for sincerity—it was really that simple.

"I see. So that's how it is."

"So, Ashu."

Rikka, standing nearby, joined the discussion alongside her best friend.

"Of course I want to be friends with you too, so friends only need to call each other by name."

"Hishi... Miss Rikka?"

Hehe, being addressed like that didn't feel too bad.

"And Miss Ai..."

"But forms of address can be quite profound too!"

Before the girl who had begun to understand, Mana finally revealed her true intentions.

"Ashu considers herself Ash's daughter, while we're also Ash's lovers, right?"

"Y-Yes, that's right?"

"So~ Ash doesn't want you calling him Father."

With a smile spilling across her lips, Mana raised a hand and pointed at herself.

"But you can call me Mother! I'd be very happy to!"

I'm ready. I have no objections!

"..."

Ashu quietly took a step back.

"I also want to take good care of Ashu, so come..."

"No, Aida-fujin, I think this is fine."

Maintaining her businesslike smile, Ashu took another step back.

And as usual, Primum, who had taken up