SIDE: ? ? ?
In a vast, dimly lit room, the only sound to be heard is the rustle of me turning pages.
I read through the report in my hand with utmost seriousness, making sure not to overlook even a single character.
There are only two people in this room: myself and one other. In this space, lit only by the desk lamp, I cannot even discern their expression.
I place the finished report on the desk and face the person in front of me.
"...I see. Based on this report, he can be considered a beneficial individual for us."
A voice of agreement. It seems they think quite highly of him.
Certainly, his achievements over the past few years have been remarkable. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he embodies our ideals.
However, I still couldn't bring myself to fully trust him.
Kraut von Weltheim, the eldest son of the Duke Weltheim house¹.
* * *
The first time we met was when he was five years old. It was at a certain party I attended with my parents.
My first impression... was the worst, to put it mildly.
A round, bloated physique, a vulgar way of speaking, and an attitude that looked down on others. I was almost impressed that one could become like that at such an age.
The words he spoke to me when we exchanged greetings are so shocking that I still remember them clearly to this day.
"You're as cute as I heard. Fine, I'll marry you."
Don't mess with me~desuwa! Even if I am in a position where political marriages are a matter of course, you are the one person I absolutely refuse.
...Since I couldn't say that, I just smiled and brushed it off.
Far from rebuking him, the Duke and Duchess behind him even prattled on, saying, "First comes the engagement. When would be a good time for you?" They are parent and child beyond any doubt~desuwa.
My parents, standing behind me, were visibly fuming, but we managed to dodge the conversation for the time being.
* * *
However, after that, every time we met at parties and similar events, he continued to say the same things.
As long as we both occupied positions that required attending social gatherings, crossing paths was inevitable. But even just seeing his face was agonizing.
My indirect words of refusal and social pleasantries were simply interpreted in whatever way was most convenient for him.
In the end, he was even going around telling his sycophantic noble followers, "She's already head over heels for me"... What!?
Don't f-f-f-f-mess with me~desuwa!!!
Who would ever fall head over heels for a baby Orc like you?
It's not that I judge people solely on appearance, but regarding you, both your looks and your personality are out of the question.
A noble is one who protects the people. There is no way in heaven or earth that I would be attracted to someone who scorns the commoners while indulging in every luxury!
As expected, I asked my father to handle this matter and had it dealt with.
* * *
However, about three years ago, the opportunities to run into him suddenly vanished.
Even when I attended parties or was invited to tea ceremonies, that figure who had been growing fatter every year since we first met was nowhere to be found.
His followers seemed bewildered, but for me, I could only feel relieved that one of my headaches had disappeared.
But shortly after that, unbelievable rumors began to circulate.
They said that after hitting his head, his personality changed to become calm and kind.
They said he had transformed into a beautiful boy like something out of a story.
They said he cut off the heads of corrupt officials and lined them up in front of an orphanage.
They said he gained three younger sisters and became a siscon.
I heard many other rumors, and it was impossible to tell which were true and which were false.
...It makes no sense.
No, I can understand the words, but it's more like my brain is refusing to comprehend them.
Calm and kind? A beautiful boy from a story? A siscon? Just who are they talking about?
C-Could this be some new scheme to catch my attention!?
...Let's stay calm; these are just rumors. Yes, since they are rumors, I must verify their truth.
It was with that background that I had requested a trusted individual to conduct an investigation...
* * *
"In the end, almost all the positive rumors turned out to be true."
It seems the bits about lining up heads or having three sisters were nonsense, though.
In the room where I am now alone, I read through the investigation report regarding him once more.
Yet, the more I read, the more I find it impossible to believe. He is too much the exact opposite of the man I knew.
"The stories about the orphanage, the talk of territory reform. If this is true, he is undoubtedly an invaluable individual."
That said, I don't believe that person would submit a half-hearted report. More than anything, they seemed to quite like him.
If I just keep reading the report like this, I'll surely be going in circles. If it has come to this—
"I suppose I have no choice but to actually meet him...~desuwa."
A sigh escapes me involuntarily. Even if I hear good things, the version of him inside me remains the same as he was three years ago.
However, if he truly is the person the rumors suggest, I must steel my resolve.
"For that is my duty as the Second Princess² of this country, Lilie von Blumenkranz³.
Summary:
Princess Lilie reviews an investigative report about the dramatic transformation of Kraut von Weltheim. She recalls her traumatic childhood encounters with him, where he was an obese, arrogant boy who forcibly claimed they would marry. Despite hearing rumors of his newfound kindness and beauty, her past experiences make her deeply skeptical. Ultimately, she decides she must meet him in person to fulfill her duty as royalty.
Character Insight:
This chapter highlights Lilie's internal conflict between her subjective 'Dark Past' with Kraut and her objective duty as a princess. Her trauma is visceral—manifesting in her verbal slips and intense denial—showing that Kraut's past behavior left deep scars. However, her willingness to investigate and eventually meet him despite her fear demonstrates a high level of maturity and dedication to her national role.
Behind the Scene:
The title refers to the Japanese concept of 'Kokurekishi' (Black History/Dark Past), often used for embarrassing memories one wishes to erase. The use of 'desuwa' by Lilie marks her as a stereotypical high-class 'Ojou-sama' character, though her internal monologue is far more aggressive.
T/L:
1 ↩ The Weltheim Ducal house is one of the highest-ranking noble families in the kingdom.
2 ↩ Being the Second Princess implies she has significant political weight but perhaps more freedom than the first-born heir.
3 ↩ Blumenkranz translates to 'Flower Wreath' in German, fitting the floral naming convention often used for European-style fantasy royalty in Japanese media.
Notes:
• Kraut - The eldest son of a Duke's family (Now 14 years old). He has blue eyes, a straight nose, and short silver hair. Handsome and now he is slender.
• Lilie - The Second Princess of the kingdom. She has long-standing trauma regarding her childhood interactions with Kraut von Weltheim.