Title: Happy Birthday
Characters: Jade, Kalim
Tsum 2 is such a joy I can’t wait to get my grubby old hands all over it
Part 1
Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue
Jade
The presenter who was nominated by the Magical Pendulum should be arriving at any moment now.
Hehe. The idea of being interviewed makes me utterly nervous. I have to be careful not to make any blunders later on.
???
Err… This should be the place I think?
HEEEEY, JADE! I'M HERE!!!
Jade
My my, this energetic voice must be…
Kalim
Happy birthday, Jade! Are you enjoying your birthday so far?
Jade
So it truly was you after all, Kalim. Yes, I am. I was able to have a splendid time today thanks to everyone who extended their well wishes to me.
Kalim
That's great, then! I'm also gonna do my best to spice up your birthday more than ever before!
I'll start the interview now, then. The first question is…
"If you could use your flight skills to go anywhere you want to, where would you like to go?"
Says you don't need to think about your mana reserves too.
Jade
I see. With that prerequisite in mind… I would like to visit The World's Famed Peaks.
Kalim
Famed…Peaks?
Jade
Essentially, it refers to beautiful and famous mountains.
Kalim
I see! Having flight could let you get all the way to the mountain peaks in one swoop so that sounds convenient.
Jade
Hehe, I'm certain it could make the journey as easy as you mentioned, Kalim.
However, the reason I wish to visit the Famed Peaks using flight is not for the sake of conserving my strength…
…but to enjoy a different view of the mountains from what is typically seen from the paths I currently take instead.
Kalim
Hm? What do you mean by "a different view"?
Jade
For instance, I could fly high up in the sky and look down at the steep precipices beneath me which are forbidden from entry…
…or even revel in the sight of the mountain in its entirety, unobstructed by anything.
Typically, these views are only possible through the use of a helicopter or a drone…
However, if I were to polish up my flight abilities, I could enjoy the sight of these mesmerising mountains with my very own eyes without having to depend on machines to do so.
With the skill level I possess presently, it would be difficult for me to fly to such heights or to cope with the mountain gales near the peak…
Jade
But just thinking of the possibilities fills me to the brim with thrills.
Kalim
Being able to look down from the sky at the cliffs is definitely nice!
Jade
Right? Furthermore, this question supposes that mana reserves are not a concern…
So it means that I could also admire the ever-evolving beauty of the landscape, crafted by the weather and time, all day long to my very heart's content.
Kalim
All day long?! Wouldn't you get tired of being in the same place that long?
Jade
Mysteriously enough, I actually would not. Viewing nature alone already fills my heart with satisfaction…
On top of that, I can enjoy it in even more ways if I were to photograph the sights or make sketches and the like.
Kalim
I see~ You sure love the mountains, don't you Jade!
Jade
Yes, so very much. Imagining them is all it takes for my dreams to grow even further. Thank you so much for the wonderful question.
Part 2
Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue
Kalim
Okay, moving on to the next question! Uhhh…
"Which class do you excel in?"
Jade
The class I excel in… In terms of grades, I suppose Potionology is the one I do exceptionally well in.
Kalim
Potionology?! That's amazing, Jade!
I've gotten scolded by the prof countless times 'cause I'd somehow break the beakers and fail the experiments and all that. Ahaha!
Jade
Oh my, please take care so that you do not get injured. Moreover, I do not believe that my grades are a praiseworthy achievement in the slightest.
It just so happens that my personal interests were linked to my grades in Potionology lessons. That is all there is to it.
Kalim
Your personal interests…?
Jade
Yes. That is because I would research about a potion or make it by myself based on the occasional whim.
It is delightful to be lauded for doing something I am fond of.
Kalim
Ohh~! So you're studying about it even when it's not class time? I didn't think you'd like Potionology that much, Jade.
Did something kick off your obsession with it?
Jade
Well… I suppose the spark which ignited my genuine interest in the subject was the first time I drank my transformation potion.
With a single potion, my merfolk body changes into that of a human's… The awe I felt in that moment is unforgettable.
At the same time, I thought that it might be possible to make much more fascinating things happen if I were to study Potionology.
While we have many lessons in our first and second years that involve creating basic potions using a small number of ingredients…
We will create much more complex potions and many more once we advance to the next grade. I am already eagerly looking forward to the day that becomes a reality.
Kalim
Wha-?! I find the second year classes challenging enough on their own, and you're saying you're fine with even harder ones?!
Man~ That's so impressive. I gotta stop with the "I don't get it"s and work hard too!
Jade
Please, by all means. It would be a delight to know that I could open your eyes to the joys of Potionology, Kalim.
Kalim
By the way, is there any potion you wanna try making?
Jade
Hmm… I would love to try creating the potions that were said to have been concocted by the Sea Witch herself someday.
Like the wonder drug that could cure any throat and tongue illness, for instance.
Kalim
Sounds like a drug that all sorts of folks would wanna have…do you not know its recipe though?
Jade
Unfortunately, no. Jellyfish is apparently involved in its making…from what I have heard. However, the exact details are said to be lost to time.
Well, the very idea of a wonder drug that no one has been able to successfully create is, too, a worthy challenge in itself.
Please do keep me updated if you ever come across any information that sounds useful.
Part 3
Octavinelle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue
Kalim
Oh! The next question's gonna be the last. Alright, I'm gonna give this one my best shot…
"Tell us how you spend your days off"!
Jade
My free days, is it… The way I spend them differs wildly based on the occasion at hand, so I am actually unsure of where to even begin with.
Kalim
You change up how you spend them that often?
Jade
Indeed. There is just so much here on the land which piques my interest… No amount of time would ever suffice for me.
Kalim
Wow~ So what did you do over the last break?
Jade
For the most recent days off… Ahh, I did some tea blending.
Kalim
Ooh! That's nice, I do that too sometimes. It's pretty fun, right!
Jade
Yes, it is. Even if you were to use the same ingredients for blending, you can witness changes to the tea's aroma, flavour, and its resulting tint from pouring the hot water in just by tweaking their amounts…
And the end result would often betray one's expectations. The art of tea blending is quite profound.
Kalim
I get you! If you get the amount of tea leaves wrong, it could become suuuuper bitter, or have a weak scent and all that.
Jade
Exactly. Its unpredictable nature is also fascinating in its own right, however.
Kalim
What kind of tea leaves do you use for blending, Jade?
Jade
I am not particularly picky about the origin, harvest period, or grade of the tea leaves I use. I personally believe that adventure is key to success, after all.
The unusual ones I have used also include the plants which I picked by my very hand during my Mountain Lovers' Club activities.
Those which are known as weeds can even be utilised as ingredients once you dry and roast them.
Kalim
Wha-?! Weeds too?!
Jade
Hehe, unthinkable, isn't it? Moreover, the same plant's flavour can also change based on the environment it was grown in.
Being able to enjoy such minute changes is the true appeal of preparing your own ingredients.
Kalim
Wow~ That sure sounds like fun! I'll probably try gathering my own ingredients for blending next time too.
Jade
Please, go ahead. For plants that can be sourced from the college compound, I would recommend thyme and cleavers.
Using only those two varieties has felt lacking as of late, so I am also growing some plants on my own to serve as raw ingredients.
I was thinking of using the flower I had ordered before to add fragrance to a blend since it appears to be blooming very soon.
Kalim
You're going that far for this?! That's so incredible. You're really passionate about tea blending, Jade.
Jade
That is because I am apparently the type of person who would yearn to pursue something to the ends of the world once it catches my attention.
Ah, right. If I ever do create a satisfactory tea blend in the future, my intention is to serve it in the Mostro Lounge.
When that time comes, please do stop by for a sip, Kalim.
Kalim
It feels like I got to know a lot about you today, Jade. Thanks for chatting with me about all that!
Jade
And I you. I was able to have an enjoyable time thanks to you, Kalim.
If I am not mistaken, what comes after the interview is the journey along the Birthday Road via flight, correct?
Kalim
Yeah! Here you go, it's the broom prepared for you.
There's lots of blue and white flowers among the ones used as decor around the bristles, so it has a super refreshing look to it. It suits you real well!
Jade
Hehehe, that is quite the honour.
Kalim
So woosh off to everyone with the broom and get tons of birthday wishes before coming back!
Jade
Alright. I'll be sure to head off with a woosh, wholeheartedly accept everyone's sincere wishes and make my way back here.
Jade
I am reluctant to fly in front of crowds…but I shall ensure that my responsibility as the birthday boy is duly fulfilled.
