octanoll | Yume100 Fanbook #2: Criteria of an Adult

This is a short story that was published in Yume100's Fanbook vol. 2. Translated by Suzu, commissioned by me.

CRITERIA OF AN ADULT

Upon receiving a tea party invitation in Wondermea. Rika and Martin show up while bringing their best snacks that would go along with the tea. In this adult’s only tea party, what Hearts found is!?

Princes appearing in this story:

#1. Madhatter:
A prince who is also a hatmaker in a shop called Maison Madness. Although he’s prone to saying things logically, he also enjoyed doing wordplay. However, he’s generally a gentleman.

#2. Hearts:
A prince who belong in a clan that always follows every Queen of Hearts decision. He’s at an age whereas he becomes a bit energetic and loves putting himself in a spotlight. He also has a tendency to ignore people’s warning when he’s getting too excited.

#3. Chrono:
A prince who was part of the white rabbit clan who were tasked with protecting the time. He’s the one with the most common sense in a country full of weird people like Wondermea. Although he’s a timekeeper, he’s also a huge “my pace”-type of person.

#4. Rica:
Often seen talking with a straight face that it sometimes scares people, however, he’s by no means doing it out of bad intention but rather because he’s overly honest. That’s why once he started getting friendly with someone he will forever think of them as his good friend. Although having an ore-sama personality, he’s rather a lonely person.

#5. Martin:
A prince with a sociable and playful trait. Having a mature composure and competitive personality, he enjoys playing various games and sports. He’s most skillful at playing darts.

The Mysterious country - Wondermea, Madness…
At the corner of the lined-up building that were so tall, you can’t even see the top of it. There’s a particular shop called “Maison Madness”. A hat store owned by the prince of this country, Mad Hatter. Today at that shop, it seems like some particular guests have come to visit…

Mad Hatter : “Welcome, and thank you for coming after such a long journey.”
Martin : “The pleasure is all mine, thank you for the invitation as well.”
Mad Hatter : “I’m glad we could meet each other again. Back then, I’ve seen various splendid goods made in Vanbileur and Chocorute that I cannot help but to take interest in it.”
Martin : “That made me very happy. I too have often heard the rumors regarding Maison Madness’s wonderful hat collection.”
Mad Hatter : “Oh no, we’re nothing of extravagant like that. To tell you the truth, I managed to acquire a rather fine quality tea from Dajeelberg recently, so I’d like to hold a tea party in near time.”
Martin : “Woah that’s a good idea. Incidentally, I brought some snacks that might go along with it.”
Mad Hatter : “Oh my, now that’s something to look forward too. Despite my appearance, I’m actually very interested in other countries’ foods you see.”

As Martin and Mad Hatter exchanged greetings, Hearts were unable to hide his sparkly eyes as he peeked through these two figures from afar.

Hearts : “M-Mad Hatter-san is so cool… so this is how an adult’s conversation looks like! One day… I’ll be able to become like that…”
Rica : “... Oi, You’re in the way.”
Hearts : “Uwaaaa!!!”

Being called unexpectedly by Rica who is holding a small box, Hearts hurriedly jumped away from the direction of the sound.
Beside Rica, there’s Chrono who is currently holding a tea set as his ears slightly swaying back and forth, signaling his happy mood.

Chrono : “Rica-san brought some chocolates! They’re all very cute you know~!”
Rica : “It’s Chocorute’s high-quality product. I’m the one who picked it so I can totally guarantee it.”
Martin : “Rica-chan’s tongue is good at picking out the good stuff after all. Even though you rarely made one by yourself.”
Rica : “I told you already, don’t call me Rica-chan. Also, that later part totally has nothing to do with all these.”
Martin : “Well then, why don’t we start this tea party already then.”
Rica : “You totally didn’t listen to me at all…”

After that, each of the princes went to sit on their respective chairs and started tasting everything that was presented on the table.

Chrono : “This rabbit-shaped cookie is my own creation!”
Martin : “Oho~ how cute. It’s so cute that I felt sorry for eating it, but… as expected it’s really tasty!”
Chrono : “I’m glad you like it! These macaron Hearts-kun bring are also very tasty.”
Hearts : “Right !? I got it from the shop who were part of mother’s purveyor company. After all, it’s Mad Hatter’s tea party! I gotta bring out the coolest treats too!”
Chrono : “Everything looked so delicious! It makes you unable to decide which one to take!”

While observing the currently excited Chrono, Mad Hatter started his usual mystery-solving question to everyone.

Mad Hatter : “By the way, Chrono. What do you think is the most essential thing in order to have the best tea party?”
Chrono : “Eh….umm let’s see… it’s uhh…”
Hearts : “Oh!! Mad Hatter-san I know the answer! It’s having a cool and amaaazing conversation!”
Mad Hatter : “I see, I guess that’s also a one way to put it. How about prince Rica ?”
Rica : “Ah? Maybe laz- ah not this one, it’s to have more time to relax, isn’t it. You can’t enjoy it if you’re busy after all.”
Hearts : “O-Oh… I see…”
Mad Hatter : “I’m interested in prince Martin’s answer as well, so how about it ?”
Martin : “Me ? Hmm if you asked me, then my answer is definitely this !”

After he said it, Martin brings out a certain fancy looking bottle.

Mad Hatter : “Oh my, Isn’t that Vanbileur’s Brandy.”
Martin : “For a hot tea’s company, the mellow flavors from this would definitely added more taste to it. I’d say it’s not a bad combination.”
Mad Hatter : “Well then why don't we have a taste of it now?”
Rica : “I wanted to try it too.”
Martin : “Okay okay, here you go Rica-chan. How about you Chrono-kun ? do you want it too ?”
Chrono : “Is it okay !? If so then just a bit…”
Hearts : “Uuu… you guys are so lucky…”

Hearts who were unable to drink alcohol yet can only sulk silently.
Suddenly, Mad Hatter reaches out to his silk hat and grabbed a certain something and handed it down to Hearts.

Mad Hatter : “For someone as young as Hearts, that would require an equally appropriate drink as well. Wouldn’t that also count as a small step to adulthood for you ?”
Hearts : “...! I see. You’re right Mad Hatter-san! I’m going to behave nicely then, in order to become like a proper adult !”
Mad Hatter : “Fufu… one day, let’s drink some tasty alcohol together, prince Hearts.”

With just that one sentence, Hearts face immediately brighten up just like a newly bloomed flowers.

Hearts : “...Yes!! When that time comes, I’m sure I would become a fine gentleman just like Mad Hatter-san! Wait no, I Will become like one!”
Martin : “Ou, then this old man cannot lose either.”
Mad Hatter : “Ahaha, you’re right. But I wonder how I would looked like once Hearts reached adulthood though…”

With a calm composure, both Mad Hatter and Martin looked at each other then laughed in a quiet manner.

Hearts : “E-Ehh, why both of you laughing ??? But somehow, both of them looked so elegant it’s so cool! Kuh- I wanted to be an adult already!!”
Rica : “Somehow it became so noisy now…”
Chrono : “Fufu, whenever Hearts-kun is around it always gets so lively.”
Rica : “...Well, it’s not like I don’t understand the feeling. To be honest, I also thought someone like Martin would be a pretty cool guy too.”
Martin : “Oho, Rica-chan. You sounded pretty honest today eh ?”
Rica : “I’m always honest though ?”

After the two’s exchanges, everyone was enjoying their tea time again until...

Hearts : “...U-um, Mad Hatter-san! There’s something I wanted to asked since a very long time!”

Hearts suddenly put on a serious expression, and began to ask Mad Hatter.

Hearts : “How, How am i able to become a fine adult gentleman like you !?”
Mad Hatter : “...”

As he slowly pulls back his lips, Mad Hatter tips down his hat like he’s trying to hide his eyes from Hearts.

Mad Hatter : “Unfortunately prince Hearts. I cannot answer that question.”
Hearts : “But why !?”

Mad Hatter peers into Hearts’s sight through the shadow of his hat, and started whispering bewitchingly.

Mad Hatter : “Because being an adult means having a few secrets, right.”
Hearts : “!!!!!”
Martin : “That’s true. A man’s true color should only be shown toward someone they liked after all.”

Saying it with a carefree tone, Martin visibly winked.

Rica : “...What a show off.”
Chrono : “Fufu, truly someone to be admired for!”
Mad Hatter : “Did you finally understand the criteria to be a proper adult now ?”

Hearing those responses, Hearts was feeling overjoyed then started asking again and again…

Hearts : “H-How exciting !! I too will do my best to become a cool and refined-looking adult!!!”

Having renewed his goals, He swung out his fist on impulse.
At that moment, it accidentally hits the table making it swayed a bit.

Martin : “Oopsie, oopsie.”
Chrono : “Ahh! Hearts-kun, the tea will get spilled over!”
Hearts : “A-Ah… I’m sorry!”
Rica : “...Looks like you still have a long way to go.”
Martin : “Haha, well isn’t it fine. Being an adult is not something you should rush into anyway.”
Mad Hatter : “That’s true. Before being an adult… your time as a child is important too after all.”
Hearts :”E-Ehhh~....?”

As the young man tilted his head (in confusion), The (senior) adults watched over him while smiling meaningfully…

THE END.