Monogatari Series Volume 20 - Wazamonogatari

The Cruel Fairy Tale of Princess Beauty


This story serves as a prologue of sorts to Acerola Bon Appétit (though it was originally
published in the Shinobu fan book before appearing in this novel).


The following is a true story from six hundred years ago. However, I would prefer you think of it
as fiction. Why? It is too old a story to have much measure of authenticity, and it has neither
lessons nor morals—I am sure such a story would be better taken as a lie.


Around six hundred years ago, in a country whose name has been lost to time, there was a
very beautiful girl. The only daughter of an affluent noble, her portrait adorned the homes of
every family in the nation—there were none who did not know of her beauty.

Her smooth blond hair, her large eyes, her small head, her bright red lips, her delicate neck, her
gossamer skin, her fingers like slender icefish, and her slender, long legs, flowing down from
her thin, high waist.

Men and women, young and old, regardless of status were all mesmerized. Simply for her
beauty, she was honored with a title by His Majesty the Emperor; the whole nation called her
“Princess Beauty”, and loved her. The rumors spread, and the citizens formed a great line
before her castle, trying to catch a glimpse of her. And so, the rare charm of Princess Beauty
far exceeding their expectations, they brought her gifts. Day after day, the mountain of
presents before the castle grew larger.

The musician said, “I have made Your Highness’ beauty into a song. Please accept it,” and
played his violin.

The poet said, “I have made Your Highness’ beauty into a poem. Please accept it,” and his
voice resounded in recitation.

The artist said, “I have made Your Highness’ beauty into a sculpture. Please accept it,” and
carved a hundred statues.

But none of their gifts made the princess smile. In deep melancholy she gazed at the mountain
of presents, and yet, the way that sorrow tinged her face was so beautiful that nobody noticed
she was not smiling.

“Nobody will look at me,” the princess lamented, alone in her room. “They extol me as
beautiful, beautiful, but they say nothing more. They know nothing of what kind of person I am.
They do not know how I am on the inside.”

That was Princess Beauty’s distress.

Everyone, certainly, was charmed by her beauty. They praised her. Above all else, they looked
at her. However, they simply looked at her outward appearance, and no matter what she did or
what she said, they paid no attention to her behavior or her actions.

Nobody knew how she was on the inside; nor did they try to learn.