Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Volker - Prince of Recordo - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Position with a Heavy Responsibility
Kingdom of Memories, Recordo, December... Recordo, the kingdom that manages all the memories around the world...
(How mysterious... It looks so modern, yet there's so many old-fashioned buildings.)
As I was looking at the mysterious streets, I went to visit the prince that I've awakened from a slumber, Prince Volker. As soon as I arrived at the elegant castle, a tall slim prince greeted me...
Volker: Princess MC. Welcome to the Kingdom of Memories, Recordo. You must've gone a long way, but I'm glad that you came. Let me welcome you.
When he elegantly bowed, I was surprised by how beautifully refined he was.
MC: Thank you for inviting me.
Volker: I'll be your guide, Princess. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask.
MC: Thank you.
(What a kind person...)
As his hair softly fluttered, I gazed into his beautiful eyes. Although...
Volker: Now then, let's hurry.
After greeting me, Volker-san straightened himself up and began to talk bluntly soon after.
Volker: Let me explain this kingdom to you.
With a strange look in his eyes, he turned towards the outside of the unfamiliar castle just now.
(Somehow, it feels like the atmosphere has suddenly changed.)
His behavior felt somewhat indifferent.
Volker: Since this kingdom governs all the memories around the world, I'm in charge of the memories that are related to magic. All the magic in various kingdoms gets jotted down here.
(Jotted down? What does he mean...?)
As I was unable to understand the meaning behind his words, I tilted my head to the side. Then, when he saw me like that, Volker-san spoke without a moment's delay.
Volker: The memories automatically go on a special slate. Managing it is an important job as a prince.
MC: Automatically...! Even so, it must be troubling to get all that from around the world.
Volker: This is the duty that we've been assigned to. Since I'm a prince of this kingdom, it's also my responsibility.
Volker-san's expression became firmly stern.
(...He's a really serious person when it comes to work.)
As I was feeling a little nervous, I continued to listen to him talk. But, soon after...
Volker: I got carried away in talking about my job... You must be bored, Princess MC... Anyway, let me show you around the castle.
When Volker-san suddenly stopped talking, he gently placed his hand on my back.
MC: !
The sudden warm sensation made my body tremble.
Volker: Now then, let's go.
As he pushed me forward, I walked into the castle hallway.
(...Is he taking me into consideration?)
When I thought of that question, I couldn't bring myself to speak up towards the side of his stern face...
Chapter 2 - The Working Demon
Within the silent hallway, the footsteps of Volker-san's and mine were heard.
(While standing next to each other like this, he looks really tall.)
As I was walking beside Volker-san, I looked at him without realizing it.
Volker: Is something the matter?
MC: N-No. It's nothing.
When he said that bluntly, I quickly searched for the next words to say.
MC: But... I want to hear about the work in the Kingdom of Memories.
Volker: Work?
When Volker-san stopped, he turned towards me.
MC: Ah... If it's not a problem.
As I was unable to see his expression behind his glasses, I became hesitant to ask. Then...
Volker: Princess MC. The information in my kingdom is highly classified, so I'm unable to talk about it so rashly. Even if you're interested... I'm sorry.
Volker-san's nicely shaped brow furrowed apologetically.
(Volker-san?)
It felt like the stiff atmosphere that's been around him up till now has subsided a little, but...
///Choices///
- I guess so (☽)
MC: If that's what you say, Volker-san.
When I said that, Volker-san sighed troubledly.
Volker: It's natural that you would want to know about the kingdom because of your position, Princess MC. Sorry for not giving you a full explanation in the first place.
As he folded his arms, he lightly sighed.
- I'm sorry (☼)
MC: I'm sorry, it's quite obvious now that I think about it a little.
(That was a little imprudent of me... I ended up troubling Volker-san.)
My thoughtless proposal made me feel remorseful.
Volker: No, it makes me happy that you've taken quite an interest in it, Princess.
While straightening up his glasses, Volker-san made a relieved smile.
///Choices///
(Volker-san... He might be a kind person.)
I thought of that while smiling broadly and the moment we took a step again...
??: Ah, Prince Volker. Perfect timing.
When we turned towards that voice, a bearded man that's the prime of his life approached us.
Volker: Eric... What is it?
At that moment, Volker-san spoke firmly again. The man called Eric took a glance at me and lightly bowed.
Eric: My apologies while you're showing the princess around, but I want to hear your response about this matter...
Volker: ...
When Volker-san silently received a document from Eric-san, he looked it over immediately. His young intelligent eyes looked over each word quickly. Then, soon after...
Volker: Adjust this memory's overlap, move it from 001 to 008. It won't be a problem for now.
Eric: ...Okay.
After Volker-san gave that command, Eric-san made a frustrated look for some reason.
(I wonder what's wrong. Despite that the problem has been settled.)
Volker: More importantly, this document is inadequate. This part needs to be fixed quickly.
Eric: Eh...
Volker: It's possible that a simple mistake like this would cause serious inconsistencies in the memory system. Why did such a simple mistake happen... Think about it clearly and enhance it immediately.
Due to the heavy anger, I looked at the two of them in front of me while feeling uneasy.
Eric: S-Still, it's of no concern right now.
Volker: No concern...? How could you not understand that a tiny mistake like this could lead to a bigger problem! Something like that in the memory progressing system that has been optimized for so long can't be implemented! You can't do your job without a sense of responsibility.
When Volker-san raised his voice, I stepped back from his intensity.
Eric: ...I understand. Please excuse me.
After Eric-san bowed frustratedly, he left.
(...What a relentless person.)
The warm atmosphere around him that I caught a glimpse of from just a moment ago felt like it didn't change at all. Just as I was about to speak while looking at his unclear stern face...
Young Official: Prince Volker! So, this is where you were. The aide wants to talk to you for a bit...
This time, an innocent looking young man came running.
Volker: I understand. Princess MC, please excuse me for a bit.
MC: O-Okay...
Volker: I'll have someone in the castle take you to your room. It's just around here.
After Volker-san told me that clearly, he immediately turned around. As he straightened himself up and gallantly proceeded through the vast hallway, he looked somewhat lonely as the air around him made me unapproachable...
Chapter 3 - Just Socially Awkward?
When I was resting in my room after parting from Volker-san...
Tempted by the comforting sunlight, I went on a walk in the castle courtyard. As the warm sunlight was shining on the courtyard, the flowers became beautifully vivid.
(Pretty...)
Just as the slightly uneasy feeling from earlier left my body...
??: Huh, Prince Volker isn't with you?
A young man called out to me.
Official 1: We serve as Prince Volker's officials. Today, wasn't he supposed to look after you and show you around?
MC: He had some urgent work to do, so he told me to wait for a bit.
Official: I see... Ah. Did Volker-sama scare you?
MC: Eh...?
When I blinked from the sudden question, the men lightly smiled.
Official 1: Don't run away from his scary face, okay?
Official 2: Right, his usual scary face makes him look like a working demon, but... He's actually a nice person.
When the two of them made wry smiles, I...
///Choices///
- I wasn't scared (☼)
MC: I wasn't scared, so I'm okay.
Official 1: I see. That's good!
They both smiled brightly.
- I was scared, but I'm okay (☽)
MC: I thought he was a little scared when he was working, but... I'm okay.
Official 1: It's understandable since he's bad at talking.
The two of them looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
///Choices///
Official 1: It's hard to tell if he's either bad or restricting himself from personal relationships.
Official 2: He's a workaholic, so his private life is a mystery... Since he became the best chief in such a short time at a young age, several of the older guys are jealous of him.
(Jealous...?)
-Flashback-
Volker: You can't do your job without a sense of responsibility.
Eric: ...I understand. Please excuse me.
-Flashback-
I remembered when Eric-san left with a bitter expression.
(Does that mean... Eric-san too?)
Despite that I wanted to ask about that, I saw the two of them returning to their work from behind.
(It's not that he's cold-hearted... He just looks scary when he's working seriously.)
Just as I aimlessly thought about Volker-san, I saw the real one walking in front of me.
Volker: I heard that you were in the courtyard. Sorry for making you bored.
As he was gallantly walking, he stood perfectly straight as usual.
MC: No, it's okay. It's a pretty nice garden.
Volker: ...I see. I guess so.
After looking at the courtyard, Volker-san said that as if he had noticed it just now.
Volker: We should take a walk here next time...
MC: Eh...?
I didn't catch what Volker-san muttered, but his soft voice instantly went away like the wind.
Volker: Princess MC, do you like plants?
When Volker-san turned towards me, he looked very different from when he was talking harshly with his subordinate. He was somehow speaking kindly and gently.
(He's really scary at work, but he's actually a kind person...)
Volker: Princess?
MC: Ah, sorry. I do like plants. They're kind of comforting and they smell nice...
Volker: I see. Then, what about animals?
MC: Animals... You say? I like them, but...
(What did he mean by that?)
///Choices///
- What about you? (☼)
MC: Do you like animals, Volker-san?
Volker: ...
MC: Volker-san...?
When he averted his troubled gaze after I asked him that, it raised another question mark.
Volker: I-It's nothing... I like them too.
- Why animals? (☽)
MC: Why animals?
Volker: ...
When I asked that, Volker-san averted his gaze with a shaken up look.
MC: Um...?
Volker: U-Um, it's nothing. I was just asking.
///Choices///
While getting a strange feeling from the stiff atmosphere, Volker-san interrupted me just as I was about to ask some more.
Volker: Anyway, let me show you around town next. If we stay in the castle, I'll have to do more work.
Just as Volker-san was about to walk with big strides as usual, he stopped.
Volker: Walk next to me. Since you're small... I might lose sight of you.
MC: ...
When his words filled with kindness made my heart throb, I became more excited than before. As I stood next to Volker-san, we headed to town...
While Volker-san was showing me around town, he suddenly spoke.
Volker: Sorry... Being with me must be uncomfortable.
MC: Eh...?
Volker: I just went to work and since I was being unreasonable, I made you uncomfortable. I want to try being kind to you, so...
MC: No, I'm okay... I talk to your subordinates earlier.
Volker: What...?
MC: He said that even though you're a working demon, you're actually very kind.
Volker: ...S-So, that's what my subordinates think of me... I never thought that's how everyone thinks. I didn't want to scare you either... That's all that I was thinking of.
When Volker-san made a sad look after saying that self-loathingly, my chest tightened for some reason...
Chapter 4 - A Pure White Angel
-Flashback-
MC: He said that even though you're a working demon, you're actually very kind.
Volker: ...S-So, that's what my subordinates think of me... I never thought that's how everyone thinks. I didn't want to scare you either... That's all that I was thinking of.
-Flashback-
Volker-san casted his eyelashes down sadly...
Volker: I want to become a worthy prince, so I must become someone that everyone can look up to.
MC: ...There's no need to get all worked up for something like that.
Volker: I understand that it's impossible to be liked by everyone. Even so, I really want to do better. The same goes for you as well... I don't want to scare you.
MC: No, something like being scared... I think the heavy trust that they have in you is wonderful.
What I said to cheer him up somehow weren't a lie, but...
Volker: ...
Volker-san lightly shook his head.
Volker: I know that I'm trusted when I'm working. I'm grateful for that. But, I can't say that I'm good with relationships.
(Even Volker-san himself... He notices it too.)
Volker: I analyzed and understand the problem myself. There's a big problem in being completely committed to work. Seeing only work is narrowminded of me. ...But, I don't do anything else besides work. Because of that, it's hard for me to find any other conversation topics. With the condition of doing work smoothly, close communication is needed. It's a failure for someone who has risen to the top.
Feeling that Volker-san is being too hard on himself, I...
///Choices///
- What do you like besides work? (☼)
MC: Volker-san, isn't there anything else that you like besides work?
Volker: ...That's...
When Volker-san said that, he thought about something.
- It's okay since you've analyzed it (☽)
MC: ...I think it's okay since you've analyzed that sort of thing yourself.
Volker: It's normal for me to do the almost impossible.
Volker-san sighed deeply.
///Choices///
MC: ...Wouldn't it be best if you think about something else besides work?
Volker: I guess so, but coming up with something now is pretty difficult.
MC: But, I think... There has to be something that you like.
When Volker-san blinked once, his eyes softly brightened up as he remembered something.
Volker: ...There is. I like rabbits.
MC: Rabbits... Eh, rabbits?
Guessing from the atmosphere around Volker-san, I recalled his question about animals.
Volker: Do you know about rabbits?
With a dispirited look, he muttered that question to me.
MC: Yes, of course.
Volker: I see, that's good. Once we return to the castle, you can come see him.
(A rabbit... I can't wait.)
I imagined Volker-san interacting with a cute rabbit...
Volker: ...
As Volker-san wasn't saying anything, we passed through the large amount of pedestrian traffic in the streets.
(He really is a kind person.)
Curious about what kind of expression he's making, my heart became slightly noisy from trying to guess that as I was walking beside him...
Then, when we returned to the castle... There was a cute rabbit that was pure white as snow waiting for it's master.
MC: How cute...!
Volker: ...His name is Ruby.
MC: Ruby... Ah, is it because it's eye color look like rubies?
Volker: ...That's right. Is something so simple like that laughable?
MC: No... I think it's a good name, it suits her. Right? Ruby-chan?
Volker: He's a boy.
MC: Ah, Ruby-kun.
With a chuckle, Volker-san made a soft expression.
(To think that he can make that kind of face too...)
Seeing Volker-san making a kind expression for the first time made my heart throb loudly.
MC: Even so, his fur is really beautiful.
Volker: Yeah, thanks. Ruby's beautiful fur is his pride. He feels fluffy, so try touching him.
(Fluffy...)
Feeling the sound of those warm words, I slowly reached towards Ruby. After that, my hand met with Volker-san's...
MC: ...
Volker: ...Sorry.
MC: I-It's okay.
When I looked at him, Volker-san's cheeks were blushing a little.
(My cheeks are warm...)
Volker: It feels like it's been quite a long time since I've shown Ruby to someone.
As I was petting Ruby's back, Volker-san placed his hand next to mine.
Volker: If you'd like... Would you like to take Ruby for a walk together next time?
MC: A walk? Sure, I'd be glad to.
After making that promise as the mood felt somewhat embarrassing, the two of us smiled at each other while blushing...
Chapter 5 - The Arranged Trap
...After a while since MC arrived in the Kingdom of Memories, Recordo, a problem came up.
Volker: What is the meaning of this! The memory data has been overwritten? Falsification? When did this happen...
When Volker-san was looking over the documents that he received from a subordinate, with a large amount of data in his head, he sorted out all the possibilities.
Eric: ...Is something wrong? It is a pretty troubling situation.
After seeing Eric grin a little, Volker's expression became distorted.
Volker: ...
At that moment, there was a sound of a knock on the door within the tense atmosphere.
MC: ...Volker-san, it's me.
Volker: ...
MC: Um, is it okay for me to come in?
When Volker closed his eyes and calmed himself down, he straightened up his glasses...
...
I wanted to observe Volker-san working, so I went to see him.
MC: Um, is it okay for me to come in?
Volker: ...Sure, I don't mind.
After asking just one question, I heard Volker-san's voice from inside the room.
MC: Pardon the intrusion...
Although, I was surprised by the high tension the moment I entered the room.
MC: Um, am I interrupting something...
Eric: No, it's nothing important. Right, Prince Volker?
(This person... If I remember correctly, he's Eric-san.)
Eric-san grinned at me and Volker-san.
Volker: ...Yeah.
(Somehow... The atmosphere feels strange.)
Getting a bad hunch while feeling uncomfortable, I was about to leave and then... Volker-san cleared his throat and began to speak.
Volker: Anyway, back to the topic. Even so... I went through the usual report. Why didn't it say anything?
Eric: No, I reported it. I turned in the document just as you usually tell me to do.
Volker: ...
Volker-san showed an unpleasant look for a moment from that response.
Eric: If you didn't see it, then perhaps you missed it. Humans, it's hard for them to be perfect. Won't you be more careful after this?
When he sounded offensive as he said that, I frowned a little.
Volker: ...
Volker-san was thinking of something with a serious look.
Young Official 1: S-Still, it's unthinkable for Prince Volker to overlook something!
Young Official 2: Yeah. You usually see Prince Volker as an enemy, so wasn't it you that planned this?
Eric: Say what you want. Do you have proof?
Young Official 2: But...!
Volker: Stop it.
When Volker-san cuts in, he took control of the situation.
Volker: Everyone, be quiet. I'll deal with this problem by going through it. I'm going to reexamine the management of the data and the monitoring system of the documents. Let's consider this together. That's all. Dismiss for today.
Young Official 2: Ah... No way!
Eric: Kuku...
I heard Eric-san laughing boldly...
......
After Volker-san dismissed everyone, he returned to his room and sat down in a chair as he sighed heavily.
(Volker-san...)
I didn't know what to say to him, but I made up my mind and spoke towards his pained expression.
MC: Volker-san... Are you okay?
Volker: ...!
When Volker-san came to his senses from thinking deeply, he raised his face.
Volker: ...Yeah, can you turn on the lights? Sorry. It just suddenly became dark.
I realized that the room was overtaken by the night's dim shadows.
MC: I see. I understand.
After I nodded, I did as he said and turned on the lights. The pale light shined on Volker-san's blue hair. As I looked at his depressed expression, my heart throbbed in pain.
(I want to help him somehow...)
I...
///Choices///
- If there's anything I can do... (☽)
MC: Um... If you need something, I'll do it. Do you need anything?
Thinking to be of some help, I reservedly asked Volker-san that. Then, Volker-san made a bit of an odd look.
Volker: ...No, it's fine.
- Let's have dinner together (☼)
MC: Um, it looks like dinner isn't ready yet. If you'd like... Shall we have it together?
To change the mood a little, if possible, I timidly asked him that. Then, Volker-san smiled a little...
Volker: ...Sure, I'd be glad to.
///Choices///
Volker-san's gloomy face made my chest tightened strongly. As a shadow was casted on his sad expression, his intelligent face became more noticeable...
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