"So that was what he meant. We could just enjoy it with a clear conscience~"
"I see."
After hearing Erika's explanation, Itsuki nodded in understanding.
"Looks like Ash had shown his far-sighted side this time. I wonder what he's busy with now..."
"No idea. I just saw him heading toward the kitchen."
At that moment, Ash, whom they had all been talking about, slowly opened his slightly reddened eyes, cleared his throat, and changed back into that long-unworn uniform.
"What was it? Did you miss me?"
"Ash... Ah."
When they saw his long-familiar outfit, the four HeartCatch Precure froze.
No, at a time like this, they suddenly wanted to call him by another name from the past.
"Manager?"
161
You're Not Ash—Who Are You?!
After Ash left, the Nasta Cafe—which had once been destroyed and rebuilt—was transferred to the five of them as shared property through a series of arrangements he made afterward.
Whether in practical terms or sentimental ones, this cafe, which carried far too many of their memories, held immense importance for the HeartCatch Pretty Cure. Yuri or her mother mainly ran the place, while Rei and the others occasionally helped out as waitresses or proprietresses, just like when Ash had still been around.
With sound management plans and gimmicks like the "cool beauty proprietress" and "young, pretty waitress," Nasta gradually regained its reputation in Hope Flower City. Its business was ten times—no, even nine times—more booming than when Ash had run it!
After all, customers who had come in intending to buy drinks had all entered upright and left sideways. That was rather beyond imagination for a cafe.
However, when regular customers came as usual today, they found a sign at the entrance saying the place had been reserved. Among the customers clutching their chests and stomping