For the record, I'm new here so anything I need to know in terms of things to avoid or do, would be greatly appreciated. Also, beware of spoilers ahead, obviously.

So, onto the story. I honestly don't remember too clearly the details of the story. I just remember a few key scenes and details. I think it's a bit after WWII, as it seems the major cities were westernizing but smaller cities and rural areas were either partially westernized or fully traditional. It was further reinforced because, if I remember right, when the male lead had gone via train to the city to study, the clothes he wore seemed almost like military officer or train conductor uniforms, very Westernized and formal.
There was also seemingly a stark contrast between the fairly traditional town and the city he went to, in regards to transportation, knowledge and clothing as the childhood friend seemed to always wear traditional Japanese clothing, though I don't know the specific names used.

Also, if I remember correctly, the reason the female lead was abused was because her younger brother was born and seemingly could do no wrong. The son could get away with anything as the mom would cover for him. The male lead eventually steps in and takes her away, though he doesn't know what to do with her after.

Backing up to around the start of the manga, the female lead is crying in the backyard after her step mother (I think) abuses her as usual, crying and reminiscing to herself about how male lead used to call her princess or 'hime'. Then, she hears him call her that again, appearing in her backyard like before, though his demeanor had changed drastically to one of a cold or callous individual. I also think he referred to her as 'pitiful princess' or something along those lines.

As for his personality change, I'm pretty sure it was hinted at that during his time in the city he had been sexually abused by an older woman whom he studied under. He typically seems to try to be indifferent and unsympathetic, except when it comes to the 'princess' though he's not much of a considerate nice guy to her either as he doesn't know what he should do.

I kind of recall there being two other female characters, though may be it was one and zi misremembered... I believe one was a blonde foreigner whom seemingly had a haughty princess complex. I believe she was tutored by him and she pushed her family to try and hire him for some kind of private exclusive residency, serving as her tutor and doctor or Butler or something.
The other female character was a daughter of a clinic that wanted him to work for them, she seemed to be older than him, but not by more than 8 years, and I think that even an arranged marriage was on the table to try and bring him into the business.
I believe it was her aunt who was hinted at having abused him in some way during his training/studies.
I remember that character because of a scene when he jumped into a river off a bridge to save someone or something-while the two princesses were watching. If I recall, the two helped carry him to her clinic where she rushed to treat him.

Oh right, I think I remember the childhood, 'princess' seeking out some kind of bridal training from the clinic lady and using it to take care of and nurse the male protagonist at home/the theater.

At some point, the childhood friend moves in with him to after he takes her from her abusive family, both of them then stay at an old run[spoiler] down and abandoned theater that his uncle or grandpa used to run or something. It's supposed to be like a special place for him in his childhood years.

Having run out of things I remember, I'll leave it at that.. Sorry for the trouble and long-winded newbie post![url=]

Maybe Showa Maiden Fairytale?

Yup, that'd be it. Thanks! The name doesn't really stick out much in comparison to how unique the plot is, but I've got it bookmarked now.