Studies, swordsmanship, magic, and even a rigorous diet. Since the moment I was reincarnated, I have charged forward with a single-minded determination to become the ideal older brother.
However, even an aspiring ideal brother requires a moment of respite. On rare occasions, I find myself venturing out into the streets to catch my breath and clear my head.
And yet, whenever I do, I am met with a familiar sight: the good folk of the town desperately averting their gazes the moment I come into view. Ah, yes. I tend to forget sometimes, but I am technically a villainous character in this world.
Before I took over this body, the original Kraut was the sort of rotter who would kick a child for simply crossing his path, skip out on restaurant bills, and smash shop displays for sport. It is no wonder they won't look me in the eye. It is quite depressing, really.
Consequently, as part of a grander strategy to repair my public image, I decided about a year ago to throw my weight into charitable works.
One might like to say that a noble should naturally provide for the suffering masses out of the spirit of ¹Noblesse Oblige, but truth be told, that sort of high-minded aristocracy is a rare breed indeed.
Most nobles seem to believe their primary duty to the realm is consuming fine delicacies and draping themselves in expensive silks. My parents are a prime example of that particular school of thought.
If a Kraut of the Weltheim house suddenly started a charity, the common consensus would likely be, "It's just another whim of that spoiled brat." I feel a profound sympathy for the Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Thus, I chose to operate under a shroud of anonymity. I selected a few trustworthy vassals and servants to handle the heavy lifting—supporting orphanages and running soup kitchens in the slums.
The pseudonym I chose for the representative was ²Nard... It appears that while I might have some talent for the blade and the arcane, my sense for naming is utterly non-existent.
Securing the funds was the easy part; I simply had to squeeze it out of the scoundrels who were skimming off the top of the estate's budget. Once I started digging, I found a veritable ⁴Embezzlement Brothers' association. It was like a family reunion of fraudsters.
My father might be content to let the management of his own territory slide into sabotage, but these people shouldn't think for a second that their clumsy accounting tricks would work on someone who survived the rigors of university entrance exams!
Which brings us to today. I received word that the reconstruction of a dilapidated orphanage had finally reached completion, and so, for the first time, I decided to make a personal appearance.
* * *
"Master Kraut... thank you so very much for everything," a voice said softly.
Inside the carriage rattling toward the orphanage, the petite maid sitting opposite me bowed her head deeply. Her name was Laps. She was one of the maids at the ducal manor and, as it happened, a former resident of the very orphanage we were visiting.
She wasn't a flamboyant beauty, but she possessed a sort of dainty, endearing quality that made one instinctively want to protect her. She was definitely the type to have a secret legion of admirers.
Since she had been instrumental in coordinating the charity's efforts for the orphanage, I had requested her company for today's inspection.
"There is no need for thanks, Laps. You were the one who did the hard work. If anything, I should apologize as the future Duke for leaving the orphanage in such a wretched state for so long," Kraut said.
When I spoke, she shook her head slowly, her short, silken brown bob swaying with the movement.
"There is absolutely no reason for you to bow your head, Master Kraut. Everyone else simply looked the other way, yet you were the one who reached out to help us. You truly are a paragon among nobles!" she exclaimed.
Not quite, dear Laps. I started this to fix Kraut's reputation, not out of pure, unadulterated altruism. Well, I suppose I would help anyone I saw in trouble, but still.
However, I couldn't bring myself to say that to Laps while she looked at me with those shimmering, adoring eyes. I am a former Japanese citizen, after all; saying 'no' is practically against my religion.
Ah, and there sat Heliotrope beside me, looking thoroughly exasperated. You try sitting here and taking this gaze head-on, madam. Her eyes are sparkling like something out of a vintage girl's manga!
By the way, while my family owns several ostentatious, over-decorated carriages, we were traveling in a larger, much more understated black coach today. The windows were fitted with bamboo-like blinds to ensure we remained incognito.
This wasn't a journey for Kraut, but for the mysterious benefactor, "Nard." My cover story was that of the young heir to a certain merchant guild—very much like a certain ³Echigo's Chirimen Wholesaler's foolish son.
It's the kind of setting that makes the middle-schooler living in my soul ache with embarrassment. I almost felt like embarking on a journey to right the world's wrongs, though I suspect that if I tried, I would be the one getting 'corrected' as a villainous noble. Ah, such is the tragedy of life.
Lost in these thoughts as the carriage swayed, a brand-new building finally came into view on the outskirts of the town.
It was a magnificent two-story structure, only slightly smaller than a minor noble's villa. The pristine white walls were almost blinding in the sunlight.
As the carriage came to a halt and Laps, Heliotrope, and I stepped out, a young woman came sprinting from the building.
"You came, Laps!" she cried.
"Chrysalis!" Laps shouted back.
The two girls embraced with pure joy. They were clearly old friends, likely having grown up together in the orphanage.
Chrysalis had a vivacious air and a bright, sunny smile; she looked like the sort who could make friends with anyone in an instant. She probably had just as many secret fans as Laps, albeit for very different reasons.
"Ahem. Laps, your Master is present," Heliotrope noted sharply.
At Heliotrope's correction, the color drained from Laps's face. I wasn't particularly angry, but she was technically on the clock.
"I-It was my fault! I called out to her! I am so sorry!" Chrysalis stammered, bowing her head in a panic. She looked terrified that Laps might be punished. Don't worry, girls, I'm not going to do anything horrible.
"Rest assured, the Master is not the sort of person to dole out punishments for such a trifle. However, Laps, do try to remember your station as a maid," Heliotrope said calmly.
"Yes, I understand," Laps replied.
"Th-thank you so much!" Chrysalis added, looking relieved.
As expected of Heliotrope, she handles things perfectly as my representative. Although, I did find myself wondering what happened to that 'awareness as a maid' back when she was trying to take my head off.
...I'm joking, I'm joking! That was entirely the old Kraut's fault, so please stop glaring at me.
"So, um... is the person over there...?" Chrysalis asked tentatively.
Having calmed down after learning Laps wasn't in trouble, Chrysalis began stealing glances at the carriage. She was clearly curious about the mysterious benefactor known as "Nard."
This was it. My grand entrance. I found myself becoming surprisingly nervous.
"Indeed. This gentleman is the very benefactor who supported this orphanage—" Heliotrope began.
"Oi! Is that Nard fellow in that carriage?!" a rough voice barked.
Before Heliotrope could finish her introduction, she was cut off as a group of quintessential thugs suddenly swarmed out from the surroundings like cockroaches.
What on earth do you lot want? I wondered silently.
Summary:
Kraut reflects on his previous villainous reputation and initiates a secret charity to improve his public image under the pseudonym 'Nard.' He funds this by reclaiming money from corrupt officials within his own household. To celebrate the completion of a newly rebuilt orphanage, he travels there incognito with his maids Laps and Heliotrope. Upon arrival, Laps reunites with her friend Chrysalis, but the peaceful visit is interrupted. A group of thugs arrives, demanding to see the mysterious benefactor.
Character Insight:
Kraut's transition from a loathed villain to a benefactor highlights his pragmatism; he acknowledges that pure kindness isn't his sole driver, yet he finds himself unable to disappoint those who look up to him. Laps serves as an emotional bridge, grounding Kraut's high-level reforms in real-world gratitude, which complicates his self-image as a 'villain.' Heliotrope continues to act as a stabilizing force, balancing professional maid standards with her knowledge of Kraut's past and present growth.
Behind the Scene:
The title and Kraut's internal monologue heavily reference 'Mito Komon,' a classic Japanese period drama where a high-ranking lord travels incognito as a merchant (a 'chirimen wholesaler') to punish corrupt officials. The song 'Ah, Life Has Tears' is the iconic theme of that show.
T/L:
1 ↩ Noblesse Oblige: The unwritten obligation of people from high social ranks to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.
2 ↩ Nard: In the original text, Kraut uses the word 'Otaku,' which he considers a poor choice for a heroic secret identity.
3 ↩ Echigo's Chirimen Wholesaler: A famous cover story used by the protagonist of the Japanese TV show 'Mito Komon.' He pretends to be a simple merchant while actually being a retired high-ranking lord.
4 ↩ Embezzlement Brothers: Likely a play on the 'Dango San-kyodai' (Three Dango Brothers) song or similar Japanese pop culture references to groups of three/brothers, implying a widespread family-like network of corruption.
Notes:
• Kraut - The eldest son of a Duke's family (9 years old). He has blue eyes, a straight nose, and short silver hair. Handsome and now he is slender.
• Laps - A petite maid serving the Duke's house and an alumna of the orphanage Kraut is sponsoring. She has a cute, protective charm with short brown bob hair.
• Heliotrope - Kraut's exclusive maid, fifteen years old (six years older than Kraut). She has long black hair reaching her waist and a cool, beautiful face. She is a 'slave battle maid' who was formerly a noble lady from a fallen northern country. She wears a Victorian-style long-dress maid outfit.
• Chrysalis - A young woman at the orphanage and a childhood friend of Laps. She has a bright, cheerful personality and an active vibe.