Alexander Webb was born as the son to princess Alesia, the youngest daughter of the king and next in line to rule the country. He was conceived after relations with Alesia and a lord her father had been well acquainted with for many years. Despite being born the son of the princess, Alexander’s birth was hidden from the general public in order to uphold the princess’s status and reputation.

Initially, Alesia had no interest in keeping Alexander and suggested he be put in an orphanage immediately following his birth. However, one of the castle’s maids who brought up Alesia during her childhood convinced her to keep Alexander.

Alesia was the king’s favorite child. Her siblings were typically forgotten, their needs put aside, and instead Alesia got everything she asked for. Her siblings were never even granted the simplest requests. She was the definition of a spoiled brat who always got their way. And when she couldn’t get her way just by asking for something from someone, she had a mysterious charm and breathtaking beauty that could persuade anyone to do anything she asked. Her traits came from her mother.

The king, on the other hand, didn’t have any positive traits or qualities about himself whatsoever. He was a narcissistic and selfish man who always put himself first instead of others or his country. Those were the only things Alesia inherited from her father. He was currently 79, his daughter being conceived when he was 61. Her birth was thought to be a miracle because of her father’s age at the time, and the birth was officially dubbed a miracle by the priest.

The day of the king’s death was slowly approaching, Alesia growing excited in anticipation of taking over the throne. She never cared much about her father and usually took advantage of how much he cared for her to get her way. After Alesia became pregnant at age 15 and gave birth a few months before her sixteenth birthday, his deep admiration for his daughter began to fall apart. He even considered willing the throne to another child, but ultimately decided to stay with Alesia inheriting the throne.

England, 1158—Alexander Webb. Twenty years prior to the teleportation incident with Kobayashi Hachiman. Alexander’s current age is 3, and he is currently residing in England with his mother, princess Alesia.

The king had died 5 hours ago, Alesia being officially declared the next ruler and queen of England. Alesia was excitedly preparing to give a speech to the people, and young Alexander was peeking in to watch his mother from her bedroom’s door.

“Mother…”

Alexander’s small hand shakily knocked on the door. The last time he bothered his mother during her preparation for a major event, she slapped him and left a mark on his face for the rest of the day. He was still afraid the same thing would happen again today. Alesia could be a bit rough when it came to parenting. Alexander was being taken care of by the maid who raised Alesia as a child.

“What do you want? Can’t you see I’m busy right now?”

Despite Alesia’s usually being in a hateful mood, her excitement to give the speech was overruling her negativity. She only gave Alexander a glare before resuming her preparations.

She had a piece of paper and a Quill and ink to write down what she wanted to express to the citizens. What she had written down mostly consisted of the sadness that had suddenly overtaken her after her father’s death (despite being thrilled at the death of her father) and false promises to the people. In all honesty, everything she wrote down was a complete lie.

“I-Is grandfather going to be okay? I saw people carry him…”

The small Alexander had tears in his eyes. He had witnessed his deceased grandfather being carried away the moment he woke up, and the event had traumatized him.

Despite his grandfather being a narcissistic scumbag, the king was still family to Alexander. But Alexander was too young to understand the king was a bad person, and didn’t care that he was a bad person. The king even occasionally gifted Alexander expensive items to show he cared for his grandson in some type of way. The king wasn’t a complete monster, but he certainly had his negative attributes.

“…Alexander, do you remember what the priest said?”

Alesia walked over to Alexander and kneeled down by him. She laid a hand on his face and looked at him reassuringly. It was a very rare thing for her to do, but she wasn’t entirely a cruel person; she had a kind and compassionate side to her sometimes.

“N-no…”

Alexander sniffled and buried his face into his mother.

“The priest said, ‘from dust we came, and to dust we shall return’. Do you know what that means?”

Alexander silently nodded his head left and right, signaling he didn’t understand.

“It means it’s all part of the natural process. We’ll all ultimately experience the same fate one day, but there’s nothing we can do to stop it. Besides…I’m sure your grandfather is in a better place now…”

Alesia knew Alexander probably didn’t understand anything about death or how everyone would experience it someday. She didn’t seem too sure about the last thing she said, however. Her father had committed a considerable amount of atrocities in his life, ordering genocides and many other cruel things.

“I need to finish preparing.”

Alesia sighed and slowly pushed Alexander away before walking back to her desk and sitting down to finish writing her speech. Alexander could only be heard silently sniffling in the corner.

“May I come in?”

A loud and repeated knock came from behind Alesia—Fergus Webb, one of her father’s closest friends and the father of her son. He was a lord who held immense influence over the church and country, possibly comparable to Alesia’s own influence. He had dark hair and bright eyes and he was very tall. He had many women pursue him, but he was only attracted to Alesia.

Contrary to his reputation, he wasn’t a good person. There was a large age gap between Alesia and him when they first started seeing each other. It had been a few months since Alesia last saw Fergus. He also had a slight tendency to be aggressive at times, which was why Alesia stopped seeing him in the first place.

“I already told you I’m done giving you my attention and time, Fergus… It’s over…”

Fergus slowly walked closer to her, a bitter expression on his face that likewise spread to Alesia’s face. He placed a hand on Alesia’s shoulder, causing her to jolt out of surprise.

“As I said the last time we met, I want compensation for our breakup. I want something that contains value to you.”

Alesia looked baffled by Fergus’ audacity to ask for something she valued. She stuttered a few times before getting out what she wanted to say.

“T-that’s ridiculous! You’re the one who lured me into a toxic relationship in the first place! I should have you tried in the courts for even asking me to give you anything!”

Alesia began shouting angrily at Fergus. She brushed his hand off of her shoulder and stood up with irritation obvious from her behavior. Fergus only laughed at her words.

“You know, you better listen to me. If you fail to comply, don’t think I won’t go to the extremes to make you do it. I’ll even go as far as to start a rebellion against this country.”

Fergus was truly a lunatic. He was the type of person who took things to an unreasonable degree over minor conflicts that were capable of being solved with a simple conversation. It was unbelievable the public didn’t know how big of a maniac he was, as he even acted out on his extreme beliefs in public. His actions were usually kept quiet, never to be heard of again.

“You wouldn’t dare to rise against the country! You would be crushed before you left any impact on the country!”

Alesia looked at Fergus with hatred in her eyes, but he only smiled at her in an eerie manner.

“Is that so? If I remember correctly, I’m the one with influence in the church and country. The people wouldn’t even want to side with you. You haven’t given any time to know anyone or showcase the skills you have, so you hold no power in the political aspect. You also fail to attend anything regarding issues with the church or the church’s regular services. However, I’ve done all of these things for many years. I even know the priest better than you ever will. Do you really think the entire country would side with you, who has no experience, or me, who has double, or maybe even triple your experience?”

Alesia was speechless. Fergus was correct about everything he just said. Alesia lacked political experience and influence in the church, which were crucial points to leading the country successfully. Now that she thought of it, she realized that she lacked any experience at all and relied on her father to only put in a good word with the church leaders and lords before his death. Was a good word the only thing that she could rely on?

Tears began flowing from her eyes. The young Alexander only watched from the corner of the room, confused by what was happening.

“Make your decision. Now.”

Fergus’ voice began to grow loud and impatient, becoming tired from waiting for Alesia’s answer.

Alesia slowly and shakily lifted up her arm and pointed at Alexander in the corner of the room.

“Take Alexander and never talk to me again…”

The young Alexander’s eyes, which were previously bright with happiness, turned dark and tears welled up in his eyes. His mother chose royalty and influence over him. He had been sold off to his father.

“Fair enough…”

Alexander’s arm was grabbed tightly by Fergus, Alexander trying to escape Fergus’ grasp. But Alexander couldn’t escape and could only squirm around as he cried.

“I’m sorry, my child…”

Alesia laid her hand on Alexander’s head one last time before Fergus walked out the door, taking Alexander with him back to his manor. Alexander never saw his mother again after that day.

Despite Alesia originally wanting to get rid of Alexander at his birth, she had grown to genuinely love him as her son. Yet, she loved the power and influence in royalty more than him.

————————————————————————

1162—England, Fergus Webb’s manor. It had been a week since Alexander’s 7th birthday. He had been living with his father for almost 4 years now. Surprisingly, despite Fergus being cruel to most people, he took good care of Alexander when he was around. But when Fergus wasn’t around Alexander was dependent, usually taking care of himself.

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Alexander had grown to hate and resent his mother deeply for choosing influence and power over him. But nobody could blame him for his resentment towards Alesia. She was supposed to be his mother, who would care for him and be there for him at all times.

“Hello?”

An older female voice was heard outside the door. Alexander was home by himself, excluding a few of the servants who took care of the home.

Alexander looked at the door, conflicted on whether to open it or not. The voice sounded familiar, but his father always told him not to trust anyone.

But the manor had knights guarding it, so wouldn’t that mean whoever it was didn’t hold a threat? Alexander pondered on this question.

He slowly and hesitantly opened the door and looked outside—a plump old lady with grey hair and brown eyes was standing at the door. She was a maid for the royal family, and she had assisted Alesia in delivering Alexander during labor. She had also practically raised Alesia, and she took care of Alexander when Alesia wasn’t around. Her name was Ruth.

“Alexander, it’s been years!”

Ruth took no time in hesitating and instantly hugged Alexander. Ruth was always known to love children, wanting to have a child of her own but never settling down to have any. When Alesia was born, Ruth was more than happy to care for her. When Alexander was born, the same could be said.

“What are you doing here? I thought you still worked for my mother at the palace?”

Alexander didn’t return the hug and felt awkward. He had little memory of Ruth, but he did have some recollection of her. He was extremely confused why she was here.

“Oh, your mother sent me here to care for you.”

Ruth finally let go of Alexander, smiling widely at him before making her way into the home.

Alexander’s expression showed he didn’t believe her in the slightest. Alexander felt certain his mother didn’t care about him in even the slightest way. Sending one of her dearest and most cherished maid to take care of him seemed like a stretch. He thought she was probably here because she got fired, or she possibly requested to be transferred so she could take care of him.

“And my father gave permission for this?”

Alexander had a hard time believing that his father would allow Ruth to stay here and care for him, but Ruth only gave a reassuring smile.

“It’s a command from the Queen herself. Your father can’t object to what she ordered.”

Suddenly, Fergus walked in the manor. He was expected to be gone until late into the evening due to a problem regarding military operations, but it seemed he had solved this problem early.

“Ruth…?”

Fergus’ expression was both shocked and mildly annoyed by Ruth’s sudden intrusion. When he and Alesia were in a relationship, Ruth was the only person Alesia ever spoke positively of, and she talked about Ruth quite often. Fergus had also met Ruth a few times.

“Didn’t her majesty’s people inform you prior to my arrival?”

“Inform me of what?” Fergus asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Alesia has sent me here to take care of Alexander and assure he receives proper treatment.”

Ruth smiled at Fergus, who didn’t seem delighted by the idea in any way.

“I appreciate the gesture, but Alexander has already begun sword training to become a knight. I’m afraid you won’t see him enough to properly do your job.”

Fergus tried to use Alexander's upcoming training as an excuse. Alexander’s face turned a bit pale at his father’s words. Alexander didn’t want to train in swordsmanship, but was instead inspired by philosophy. He didn’t think his father would actually make him practice the sword.

“Well, I’m happy to be of assistance, even if it’s for minimum time.”

Ruth smiled happily. She quickly caught on to Fergus’ attempt to discourage her.

Fergus only looked disappointed in himself. He didn’t have any real reason or excuse as to why she couldn’t stay.

“Fine… But I’ll need to have a talk with Alexander. Would you mind excusing us for a moment?”

“Yes, I can do that…”

Ruth began making her way to the second floor of the manor, a look of disappointment on her face.

Fergus grabbed Alexander by the shoulder a bit forcefully, making Alexander look at him.

“You’re going to begin training tomorrow. I’m not taking no as an answer either.”

“But I don’t want to, father… I thought you said I could become a philosopher when I’m an adult?”

Alexander looked saddened, but Fergus’ tone grew commanding and strict at Alexander’s expression.

“You’re going to train with the sword and become a knight. You have no other choice.”

Alexander attempted to object to his father’s decision, but the moment he began to talk—

“I said no! You’re going to become a knight whether you like it or not and it’s final!”

Fergus slapped Alexander’s face harshly, leaving a red and stinging handprint. A tear rolled down Alexander’s face from both physical and emotional pain. Alexander, while holding a grudge against his mother, still would’ve done anything to go back to her.

————————————————————————

Around 8 years later, Alexander had become a remarkable person in the art of the sword. He was the third best student in his classes, and he had even earned praise and recognition from the head of the church. His status as only a 15 year old boy was amazing.

Ruth had taken good care of Alexander for the last 8 years as well. Alexander, when he wasn’t training, spent his time with Ruth. He looked up to Ruth as a mother figure, and she had played an important role in how he had developed over the last years.

“Alexander-“

Alexander heard a knock on his door. He looked behind him to see the doctor, who was visiting because of Fergus.

Fergus had recently been overcome with a disease. He felt terrible but pushed on. A few days after his initial sickness, an attempt to take Fergus’ life was made by one of his old friends. While they failed to kill Fergus, they did leave a large cut in his midsection, which had become infected, further worsening Fergus’ condition.

The doctor had been called in for hope of helping Fergus recover.

“Your father has a terrible infection in his midsection. While I’ve done all I can to help cure infection, his main illness still remains unknown to me. If his condition worsens and doesn’t improve, without the infection, I’d give him roughly 5 years to live. I’ve only seen one similar case like this in my entire career, and it didn’t end well…”

The doctor began to walk towards the manor’s entrance, but Alexander rushed up behind him and grabbed his shoulder.

“I’ll pay you extra! Just please help him recover!”

Alexander’s eyes had tears in them. He was reliving the day when he was taken away from his mother. Now his father was going to be taken away. He would have nobody left.

“I can’t do anything else. I’m sorry.”

Alexander unhanded the doctor, who then made his way out of the manor.

Alexander collapsed on his knees, grief and sorrow overtaking him. He had finally begun to accept his life with his father and enjoy training. The only reason he trained in the sword was because of his father.

He felt as if his life had little to no purpose anymore. He knew deep inside that his father was soon to die. There wasn’t anything he could do to save his father.

“Alexander…”

Ruth walked over to Alexander from the dining area. She hugged him and attempted to comfort him like a mother would, but he couldn’t speak a word. He was speechless. Words couldn’t describe his sadness.

“It’s okay to cry sometimes, you know, Alexander?”

Ruth tried to comfort Alexander, but he was holding back his tears like a dam holds back water. His body began to tremble, but he was soon cut off.

“We’re leaving! We need to make it to the church for worship…”

Fergus was standing in the doorway. He had slammed his fist against the wall with the little strength he had left to get Alexander’s attention. Fergus’ voice was drained of energy.

“F-father, you can’t even make it to the door…”

Alexander and Ruth stood up, Ruth leaving the room and Alexander trying to reason with his father.

“We’re going to worship now.”

Fergus slowly and cautiously made his way to the door as Alexander followed him and attempted to convince him to stay.

“No. You can’t make it outside, father. Please stop before you hurt yourself!”

Fergus stumbled a bit, but it didn’t stop him from trying to make it outside.

“I can make it…”

He let out a pained groan and reached for the door, opening it and somehow making it outside. Alexander followed in pursuit. However, he realized that he most likely wasn’t going to convince his father that he couldn’t go to the church.

Around three hours later, Alexander and Fergus had made it to the church. They had made it completely through the worship with minimum difficulties.

Alexander was preparing to transport Fergus back home, but was stopped by the church father.

“We’ll take that from here. Come with me, Alexander.”

The church father gestured for Alexander to follow him as Fergus was assisted by a few members of the church to the outside.

“I see your father has grown quite ill, no?”

Alexander looked down at his feet. He was hoping he might be able to conceal his father’s illness, but he couldn’t. He knew that it could mean trouble if the public knew of his father’s sickness, but there was nothing he could do now.

“Yes…that’s true…”

“I’m afraid I’ll be obligated to inform the church of this misfortune, Alexander.”

The church father began to walk away, but Alexander decided to ask something.

“Why does everyone we love have to die? Why must we watch everyone we love die slow and excruciating deaths?”

Alexander’s voice was laced with sadness and a hint of anger. This reminded him of how he was taken from his mother. It reminded him of how he watched his grandfather die at such a young age.

“Because we rebelled against the Almighty’s will. We’ve all tainted ourselves with perverse things that hold no significance to us. From dust we came and to dust we shall return, Alexander.”

And with that, the church father left Alexander by himself. Alexander scoffed silently at the church father before leaving the church. He hadn’t the faintest of an idea why he had to watch everyone around him leave him all alone.

Around a week after his father had been announced deathly ill, Alexander had taken some time to himself. He was exploring the public shops, something he rarely did. He was trying to find some sort of joy in this entire situation.

“Have a nice day!” shouted a shopkeeper as Alexander was leaving their store.

“It’s getting dark…I suppose I better get home now.”

Alexander took note of the darkness rising above and decided he should begin to make his way back home.

Along the way home, Alexander spotted Saul. Saul was the former top swordsman in training. His position was taken from him by Alexander a few days ago, and Saul’s pride took a major blow from this. He had promised to make Alexander regret what happened and take back his position.

“Perhaps I should take another route…”

Alexander began to turn around, but was stopped.

“Umph…!”

He was punched angrily in the back by Saul, who seemed to have spotted Alexander before he could leave. Alexander fell to the ground face first like a downed tree.

“Did you seriously think you could take my dearest thing away from me, you swine?!”

Alexander turned over on his back in an attempt to defend himself, but Saul stomped on his rib area multiple times before he could react, causing Alexander to cry out in pain.

“You won’t be able to hide behind that frail old man you call a father much longer, Alexander!”

Saul stomped on Alexander’s face a few times before spitting on his face.

“Eugh…”

Alexander let out a painful groan and coughed up blood, lying nearly motionless on the ground.

Saul walked a fair distance away to a bridge which overlooked a large stream. He looked over the bridge a few moments before he came back and picked Alexander up.

“D-don’t…please…”

Alexander was barely able to speak. He hardly had enough energy to fight back at this point.

“I warned you repeatedly, you imbecile. But not to worry, your father should be joining you soon”

Saul’s voice was condescending and cruel as he carried Alexander towards the bridge, presumably to throw him off of it and kill him.

There wasn’t any hope left for Alexander. However…

“Agh!!!”

Alexander had pulled out a small knife Saul carried around. He had remembered seeing Saul conceal it underneath his shirt during classes, and he had just pulled it out, stabbing Saul in the throat with it.

“Y-you…fu…”

Saul dropped Alexander and fell on his knees, blood gushing into his throat and making it impossible to communicate. Saul grasped at his throat to try to stop the bleeding, but it didn’t work. In just a few moments, Saul fell lifeless on the bridge, blood flowing from his cut throat.

“What…have…I-I done?”

Alexander got down on his knees. He never wanted to kill Saul, but he didn’t have a choice at the moment. It was either kill or be killed. Shame, nevertheless, overtook Alexander. He felt hopeless. His life was continuing to get worse and worse, what seemed to be everyday. His life had become filled with tragedy.

“…I need to hide this… Nobody can know…”

Alexander, despite not having much energy left in him, managed to somehow pick up Saul, who was a very muscular person. He threw his body over the bridge, a loud splash being heard at the bottom.

“Now…I’ll go home and try to f-fix myself up…”

Alexander stumbled and fell over multiple times, time feeling like it had stopped. He felt like he wasn’t getting closer to home in the slightest.

————————————————————————

Around 5 years later, Alexander had finally completed his training in swordsmanship. He had been approved to become a knight for the royal army. He was a little over the age of 20 years old at this point.

“Father…”

Alexander was currently standing beside his father, who’s condition had reached an all time low. He didn’t have much longer to live. His day would come any time now, and there was nothing anybody could do to save him.

“I don’t want to die…”

A tear rolled down Fergus’ cheek. He knew he would die soon. He was afraid of his impending demise.

“I’ve finished my training and I’ll be transferred to France soon.”

Alexander tried to brighten his father’s heart. Fergus looked at Alexander with tears in his eyes. This was the first time Alexander had ever seen his father cry.

“I’m glad to hear that…son…”

Fergus’ voice was weak and filled with regret. Fergus genuinely regretted his evil deeds that were committed throughout his life.

“I’m sorry…please forgive me, Alexander…” Fergus coughed while looking at Alexander.

“Forgive you for what?”

“I didn’t come to get revenge on your mother… I-I…only wanted someone who would…be with me through life… You were my son and I wanted…to raise you. You’d still be with…your mother if it weren’t for me.”

Alexander was silent. He always knew the reason his father had taken him away from Alesia. He didn’t forgive his father or mother, though. He hated Alesia for choosing politics over him, her own son. He even hated Fergus for taking him away from Alesia, depriving him of a beautiful life filled with wonder. He had his own type of love for his parents. But he didn’t understand why he had to go through all of these saddening things.

“Alexander…” Fergus said Alexander’s name, pulling him out of silence.

“Please forgive me, my son. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t have ever bothered you or your mother. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused in the world, I’m sorry for the pain I caused you.”

Tears flowed rapidly from Fergus’ eyes as Alexander put on a fake smile, trying to comfort his father.

“I forgive you, father.”

Fergus looked at Alexander and knew he was lying to him. Fergus knew he had made his son hate him and his mother. He had taken everything away from Alexander. Alexander knew his father had seen through his lie, and his smile began to fade.

“I can’t forgive you, father…”

Alexander sighed. He couldn’t lie to his father. He didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but he also couldn’t bear to lie to him.

“Alexander…”

Fergus grabbed Alexander’s arm tightly, keeping him at his bedside.

“I…I’m sorry for what I’ve done… But I-I can’t force you to forgive me…”

Ruth walked into the room, a somber look on her face as she saw Alexander and Fergus. She knew Alexander couldn’t forgive Fergus and it pained her heart. Even though she didn’t like him, she felt terrible for Fergus. He was going to die, knowing his son resented him.

“Ruth…”

Fergus saw Ruth from the corner of his eye, calling her over to him and Alexander.

“I’m sorry…for taking you away from Alesia. I

k-know you loved her like a daughter…”

Ruth gently laid her hand on Fergus’ forehead, which was covered with sweat. She smiled at him reassuringly.

“It’s okay, Fergus. Love makes us do things we never thought we were capable of. I forgive you.”

Fergus sniffled and let out a shaky breath.

“Well…I suppose it’s like the church father said… From dust we came and to dust we shall return…”

Fergus smiled at his son lovingly. He knew Alexander hadn’t forgiven him, but he didn’t care.

“F-father…?”

Fergus went silent, his hand releasing from Alexander as he laid lifeless on the bed. He had died. Ruth hugged Alexander and tried to calm him down as he began to cry.

Fergus Webb passed away at only age 50, leaving behind his only son Alexander Webb. His manor and all possessions were willed to be donated to the church for any use. He left no other family behind, not a brother, a sister, a mother, or even a father. Alexander was his last remaining family member.

Alexander hadn’t forgiven Fergus at that moment. His life went downhill fast, going from one of the most respectable knights after being transferred to France, all the way down to one of the most hated men in the royal army. He began to practice terrible habits. He cut off contact with Ruth completely and never spoke to her again.

Was this what he was truly going to do with his life? The last time he talked with Ruth, she told him his habits and hatred would be the death of him. Was he truly going to let her prove herself right? Alexander had a life filled with loss and tragedy, but he has another chance now. Does he really want to relive his miserable life and habits everyday?

He watched his grandfather die a painful death and his father died a similar one. His mother chose influence and politics over him. There wasn’t anything that could change Alexander’s past. But he can change his future.

“If there’s any god out there, an Almighty being, I just want another chance. Please. I…forgive you, father. I forgive you, mother. I’m sorry for the hatred I held against you for so many years.”

Those were the words that went through Alexander’s head. He had learned to forgive and move on.

————————————————————————

Current day, Rafaeru no hoteru—

“Alexander?!”

Kobayashi rushed over to Alexander, who had just woken from his coma-like state.

“I forgave them… I’m sorry…”

Tears began to flow from Alexander's eyes. However, they weren’t tears of sadness, but they were tears of happiness. Today marked a new beginning in Alexander’s life. Today, he would truly begin to appreciate life, what he was blessed with.