Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text -Flashbacks
J. Hook - Prince of Eton - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Ocean Calling
Neverland, Eton... When I arrived at Neverland after receiving an invitation from the prince of Kensington, Peter Pan, I stepped into Eton that was near Kensington before meeting up with him.
(What a pretty town...)
Underneath the blue sky, there were rooftops of adorable houses that were lined up next to each other. When I felt the breeze against my cheek, the refreshing scent of the ocean was mixed in it.
(Is there an ocean nearby?)
As it felt like the coming and going seagulls were guiding me, I continued walking down the stone path...
......
At the shoal of the ocean, white clouds were soaring up high...
(! This feeling... A royal ring?)
When I followed the presence of a royal ring, there was a very dark cave up ahead. When I found a ring in the cave, I went up to it and gave it a prayer... The next moment, a tall handsome looking man was standing there.
??: My head hurts...
MC: Um, are you okay?
??: Hey, who are you!
Once he saw me, the man readied himself to intimidate me. That threatening look made me take a step back without thinking.
MC: I-I'm MC. I found you sleeping in the cave and then...
??: So, you're saying that you saved me?
Soon after he squinted his eyes questionably, he made an odd smile.
??: Sleeping? How idiotic! Do you have any idea how idiotic it sounds for someone like me to be sleeping?
MC: Uh...
(Does he not remember getting attacked by dream eaters?)
??: Hmm... More importantly, why am I in a place like this? ...Ah!
After showing a serious expression while thinking, the man widened his eyes as if he had realized something.
??: Dammit! That Peter Pan, this is surely his doing! I won't let him get away with this!
MC: Eh? Peter Pan...?
While I was taken aback, the man strides roughly towards the entrance of the cave.
MC: Wait, your name is...?
??: ...Remember it well.
Soon after I asked that, the man responded deeply without turning around.
??: My name is James Hook. The prince of Neverland, Eton!
(Hook!?)
What he told me was the name of the ferocious pirate that was the enemy of Peter Pan in the fairytale.
(Who would've thought that the prince of Eton was Captain Hook...)
As the red coat that he was wearing was getting further away, a deadly silence returned to the inside of the cave. That meeting with him was the start of my adventure in Neverland...
Chapter 2 - Hook's Commands
-Flashback-
??: Dammit! That Peter Pan, this is surely his doing! I won't let him get away with this!
-Flashback-
After waking up from the ring, he got the wrong idea that Peter Pan was the one who put him to sleep.
(I need to explain to him properly that it was the dream eaters that put him to sleep!)
When I returned to town while following Hook-san, I couldn't find him anywhere.
(I lost him...)
As my shoulders dropped, I sat down on a nearby bench... Suddenly, a large shadow descended upon me.
MC: Ah...!
Hook-san reached out towards the back of the bench and looked down at me as he had me in his clutches.
Hook: Hey, woman! Don't go following me around in secret!
MC: ...!
(He noticed that I was following him.)
Hook: Answer me. What are you dazing off for?
MC: Um, I...
Pressed by his overbearingness, I became hesitant to speak.
Hook: Do you perhaps want me to thank you for saving me? I'm going to say this, but you're a hundred years too early to be blackmailing me!
When he said that mockingly, I...
///Choices///
- Enough already (☼)
MC: Enough already!
Hook: Heh, you mad? That's nice. It's better than holding back every little thing that you want to say.
For some reason, Hook-san narrowed his eyes in satisfaction when I talked back at him.
- You've misunderstood (☽)
MC: You've misunderstood. That's not what I'm-
Hook: Hmph! If that's not it, then what is it?
When his expression instantly turned stern, Hook-san glared at me in irritation.
///Choices///
(How can I get through to him...)
Hook: Well, it doesn't matter, I have more important things to do. I don't have the time to be dealing with you. Just to let you know, your suspicious movements gave you away. You're too sloppy, isn't that why you lost sight of me so easily?
(Sloppy, he says...)
Even so, what he said was true, so I couldn't say anything back at him.
Hook: Anyway, give up on following me.
Once Hook-san straightened himself up, he threw a heavy looking pouch right next to me. Inside the pouch, it was tightly packed with beautiful jewels...
Hook: This is for saving me. It's your reward.
MC: I can't... accept this.
When I responded confusedly, Hook-san paid no mind and puffed his chest out arrogantly.
Hook: Eton is my territory. It's a place that you can't walk around in so carefreely. Go back to where you came from. Don't step in here ever again.
After saying that coldly, Hook-san turned around and left.
(What a random person...)
As his back was getting farther away, I didn't move from that spot as he disappeared from my sight...
Chapter 3 - Meeting in the Forest by Chance
After the impactful meeting with Hook-san, I returned to Kensington to meet with Peter Pan. When Peter Pan welcomed me, he showed me around the territory that he manages. After a while, the satisfying days in Kensington have passed, but...
(I still haven't cleared up the misunderstanding about Peter Pan to Hook-san.)
Feeling uneasy about him hurting Peter Pan, I became restless...
......
Neverland, Kensington... A small flowing river was gently streaming between the cluster of trees. Early this morning, Peter Pan took the children to an isolated island for an adventure.
(He said that he would be back by noon, but... How should I pass the time until then? I know, I'll go pick some fruit in the forest. They all should be hungry by the time they come back.)
Once I thought of that, I headed to the forest with a basket in hand.
......
In the Kensington forest, it was filled with a refreshing atmosphere. As I was enjoying myself by quietly picking some fruit for a while, I heard someone talking.
(Is somebody there?)
With curiosity taking over, I quietly approached that voice. Then, I saw a tall man sitting on top of a meadow while holding a baby tiger.
(Is that... Hook-san?)
As Hook-san was gently petting the tiger's head, he took out some jerky from his breast pocket. While looking at the side of his gentle face as he fed the tiger, I couldn't believe.
Hook: Here, eat more. Eat a lot, so that you can hurry and become big and strong, there, there...
(I thought that he was a scary person, but... To think that he has this kind of side to him.)
Just as I broke into a smile, Hook-san's wariness rose...
Hook: Who's there?
(He noticed me...!)
When he said that creepingly, my body stiffened up.
Hook: If you don't want to become prey of this hook, hurry and come out.
When Hook-san threatened me by holding up his claw, I nervously showed myself from the bushes.
Hook: You again?
I readied myself for his strong words, but Hook-san only shrugged his shoulders uninterested.
///Choices///
- So, you remember me (☽)
MC: So, you remember me.
Hook: You... Are you mocking me?
- Why are you here? (☼)
MC: Why are you here?
Hook: I don't have the decency to explain myself to you.
///Choices///
Hook-san closed his mouth displeasingly from my words.
(He really does look like a friendly person.)
Baby Tiger: Meow~
After finishing eating the jerky, the tiger cried out affectionately.
MC: It looks like this little guy is going to fall asleep.
Hook: He's going to sleep because his stomach is full. What a gullible fella.
As Hook-san rubbed the tiger's stomach soothingly, it started sleeping peacefully soon after. While the tiger was sleeping on top of a flat rock, Hook-san slowly got up.
MC; Where are you going?
Hook: This guy is still small. I need to build him a place that'll protect him from the rain and wind, so that he won't get eaten by beasts.
(He's going to build a small pen for the tiger.)
MC: ...Then, can I help too?
Hook: You want to help? Hmph, you can just wait at that rock over there!
As Hook-san squinted his almond shaped eyes, he looked at me from head to toe as if he was evaluating me.
///Choices///
- I can do it properly (☼)
MC: If I'm helping you, I can do it properly.
Hook: Oh, I see. Then, try picking up that rock.
When Hook-san pointed at the huge rock next to him, he showed a mean smile.
- You don't have to say it like that (☽)
MC: You don't have to say it like that...
Hook: Hmph. Then, should I leave it all to you?
When Hook-san pointed towards the depths of the forest, he smiled provokingly.
///Choices///
(Why does he only say things to mess with me?)
As I was looking down silently, I heard him laugh from above me.
Hook: Geez, you're a strange woman.
When Hook-san approached me, he strongly patted my shoulder as he passed by me.
Hook: I'll leave him to you. I'll be back soon.
MC: Eh?
(Is he talking about the tiger?)
Before I could ask him what he meant, Hook-san went into the forest soon after.
(...I don't get it. Just what kind of person is Hook-san?)
As I still couldn't understand him completely, I thought about him... When I sat on top of the grass, my fingers petted the sleeping tiger's fluffy fur...
Chapter 4 - His Past
The gentle sunlight was shining through the gaps of the thriving trees... As I was watching the tiger while waiting, Hook-san finally returned with a lot of wood in his hands.
(When I told him that i wanted to help him earlier, he didn't want to deal with me, but...)
When he started making a house for the tiger, he let me help without saying anything. Even though we didn't speak to each other much, we make a pretty good team strangely...
MC: There! Finished!
Once we finished making the tiger's pen, I said that happily.
Hook: You can tell that much from just looking at it.
Hook-san sounded cold as usual, but his expression turned really soft.
MC: By the way, is this little guy a tiger? His fur pattern is a little different though...
Hook: No. He's a kind of leopard cat.
MC: A-A leopard cat...?
Hook: It's understandable that you didn't know.
As I blinked repeatedly from the unfamiliar name, Hook-san made a somewhat satisfied look.
Hook: They're a species that originally lived in the mountains of a distant island kingdom. They get hunted down for their rare fur color and sell it as high-quality goods. A few years ago, I saved them from some pirates in the ocean. Since then, they've been running around freely here. I just happened to meet him here by chance today.
(Is that so?)
MC: Then, this little guy's family is...
Hook: ...
Hook-san didn't respond as he looked down with mixed feelings.
(...I see. It's most likely that they're not around anymore.)
///Choices///
- He must've been trying his best (☽)
MC: He must've been trying his best by himself.
Hook: He had it rough. It was thanks to both of his parents that he was saved.
Despite his cold words, he looked at the wildcat gently.
- It's a good thing that you met him (☼)
MC: It's a good thing that you met him today.
Hook: Yeah. These guys are pretty lucky to have me looking after them.
Hook-san crossed his arms and laughed proudly.
///Choices///
(He really is a thoughtful person.)
While I was spending time with Hook-san, a warm feeling filled up my heart. Although...
(If it was a coincidence for Hook-san to reunite with this little guy... Then, his real reason for coming to Kensington is...)
Once I readied myself and asked him what his reason was, his expression instantly changed.
Hook: Isn't it obvious! It's so that I can finish off Peter Pan! Did you think that I would overlook him after going through all that?
MC: No. Hook-san, you got the wrong idea about Peter Pan.
Hook: Call me, Captain Hook!
When he said that scornfully, Hook-san glared at me.
Hook: Also, me getting the wrong idea about Peter Pan is I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E. It's obvious that it was his doing.
(To think that he would go that far to decide that...)
MC: Did something happen between you and Peter Pan?
Hook: Hmph, it's pointless to explain it to you.
Preventing me from pressing into it, Hook-san turned his face away.
///Choices///
- Is there something I can do to help? (☼)
MC: If you tell me, I could help you in some way.
Hook: Cut it out. You don't know what kind of person I am. Don't meddle with other people. You'll end up destroying yourself.
- Why are you acting that way? (☽)
MC: Why are you always acting so coldly?
Hook: Why do you want to know? The answer is simple. I have no need for anyone's help.
///Choices///
Hook: Go. You have already meddled in the affairs between me and Peter Pan enough.
Hook-san sounded sharp as usual, but he wasn't as cold as the first time we've met.
(...Hook-san must've not realized it.)
MC: What if I tell you who it was that put you to sleep, Captain Hook?
Hook: Huh?
MC: Peter Pan didn't put you to sleep. The dream eaters did.
When I told him that clearly, Hook-san widened his eyes in surprise...
Chapter 5 - Doesn't Want to Get Along
-Flashback-
MC: Peter Pan didn't put you to sleep. The dream eaters did.
-Flashback-
Hook: Dream eaters? What's that?
As he furrowed his brow puzzledly, Hook-san looked straight at me.
MC: They show up in various kingdoms and devour people's dreams. Also, the people that get attacked by them would fall into a deep slumber... In that cave, you must've been attacked by the dream eaters.
Hook: ......Just who are you?
MC: I'm MC, the Traumerei Princess.
Hook: Oh? Traumerei... I've heard of it. So, you are the princess of that kingdom. Someone like you, who can't even carry rocks right, is saving the world?
MC: That's...
///Choices///
- I don't know (☽)
MC: ...I don't know about that.
Hook: I see. Then, why are you telling me something so pointless?
- I'm trying my best (☼)
MC: I'm trying my best to put in the effort.
Hook: Hmph. You just say whatever you like.
///Choices///
Hook-san lowered his long eyelashes as he made a tense look.
Hook: ...Ha, interesting. Okay. I'll believe your words.
(Good. Now, I don't need to worry about Peter Pan and Hook-san getting into a fight.)
Hook: Why do you look so happy?
MC: Ah... Well, it's because you were mistaken about Peter Pan. I'm just glad that I got it all cleared up.
Hook: Why are you supporting him? Are you perhaps on good terms with him?
I wanted to tell him honestly, but Hook-san was pressing me with questions even more.
MC: I guess so... I did come to the Neverland Kingdom because he invited me here. He's been looking after me in Kensington this whole time. That's all. I don't think he's the kind of person that would cause harm to you, Captain Hook.
After I said that, it felt like I infuriated Hook-san unintentionally.
Hook: Ha! You sure say a lot from just a small question. I get it. Are you his woman?
MC: H-His woman...! What are you saying?
Hook: Hmm, well, it's fine if you don't want to admit it.
When he murmured that apathetically, Hook-san raised my chin with his fingers.
Hook: I know, you should leave Peter Pan. Starting from today, I'm making you, my woman.
(...)
Despite his words, his gaze was cold. I felt a bottomless fear as I distanced myself, but Hook-san grabbed my chin in return and kept me in his chest.
Hook: What's wrong? Are you scared of me right now?
When he whispered that to me, it felt like my ear was being filled with a sweet poison...
MC: L-Let go of me...!
Wildcat: Me~ow~
Just as I was squirming around frantically at that moment... We heard the wildcat crying near our feet. When Hook-san became distracted by that, I escaped from his arms...
(Hook-san might really be a dangerous person.)
As I felt my fast heartbeat, I left and rushed into the woods...
Chapter 6 - Separated in the Moonlit Night
Ever since our second meeting in the forest, I haven't seen Hook-san... As usual, I was spending the days with Peter Pan and the children. Although, I would sometimes think about Hook-san.
(I thought that he's a dangerous person, but why am I thinking about him?)
Unable to come up with an answer to that at the moment, the day for me to leave Neverland was coming close...
......
In the vast night sky, the large moon was shining... On the night before I was going to depart Neverland, I was sorting through my stuff in the treehouse.
(Ah, this is...)
When a familiar pouch caught my eye, my hands stopped packing. I slowly opened the pouch and inside it was some jewels that were shining faintly in the moonlight.
-Flashback-
Hook: This is for saving me. It's your reward.
-Flashback-
As I remembered my first meeting with Hook-san, I became overcome with a warm nostalgia.
(Before I leave this kingdom, I want to say farewell to Hook-san.)
Once I've thought of that, I picked up a lamp and left the treehouse...
......
In the silent forest, only the sound of trees rustling from the wind were heard... I stepped into the forest, where we looked after the baby wildcat together.
(He's not here... I guess so. At that time, we've met by coincidence. What am I doing?)
When I looked down at my feet, I broke into a wry smile.
Hook: What are you smiling for?
MC: !
Just as I heard that familiar deep sounding voice, I looked up in surprise.
Hook: Hmph, have you given up and become interested in becoming my woman?
As Hook-san was leaning against a large tree, he smiled boldly...
///Choices///
- Don't say anything (☽)
(How should I respond...)
Hook: There's no need to hesitate. I'm stronger than Peter Pan after all.
MC: That's not the problem.
I shook my head listlessly, but Hook-san only snorted coldly.
- Deny it (☼)
MC: That's not it...!
Hook: Haha! I just wanted to see your reaction.
MC: ...Please don't tease me.
I sighed after I denied that, but I didn't mind him at all.
///Choices///
Hook: Well, this conversation is meaningless. More importantly, what are you doing? A sheep going around aimlessly at this time of night would get eaten by stray beasts.
After saying that exasperatedly, Hook-san walked over to the front of the wildcat's pen. Then, he started to replace the wildcat's drinking water with a fresh batch.
(He came here to take care of him.)
When the wildcat rubbed it's head against him, it looked like it had really taken a liking to him.
Hook: ...You're a strange woman.
MC: Eh?
Hook: You look at me in a daze, but you get all stiff and nervous when you're talking to me. Are you scared of me?
MC: That's...
I couldn't come up with an immediate answer to Hook-san's question.
(On the outside, he looks so intimidating and angry, but... I already know that he has a nice caring side to him.)
As I gripped my fingers, I softly spoke.
MC: Actually, I came to say goodbye. I'll be leaving this kingdom tomorrow.
Hook: Wha, you're leaving Neverland...?
Just as he suddenly turned around, he made a really surprised expression.
MC: To be honest... I thought that you were a scary person at first. But, you weren't just scary, you have a kind side too. I'm glad that I was able to know about that. If you could, please don't hate Peter Pan so much. I'm sure that you'll be able to get along with him well.
Hook: ...
As Hook-san had his mouth closed at the moment, he listened to my words with a serious look.
(Hook-san...?)
As I was feeling uncomfortable from the long silence, I nervously approached him and...
MC: Ah...!
Hook-san grabbed my shoulder and strongly pulled me towards him.
Hook: What are you trying to pull? You've been selfishly monologuing since earlier.
A burning rage was dwelling within his amber-colored eyes.
Hook: I can't let you go.
MC: ...!
Just as I heard him say that somewhat sadly, I became swallowed by darkness at the same time... The next moment, my consciousness got sucked into a vortex of deep sleep...
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