Side Chapter 3: Alex's Past I

Alex Kings, the youngest son of the royal family, was an exceptional fighter and a prodigy among the Kings. His innate talent for combat and his mastery over his Forces set him apart from his siblings and cousins. However, despite his prowess on the battlefield, Alex struggled academically, unable to keep pace with the intellectual brilliance of his family members.

This glaring weakness in Alex's academic abilities made him less favourable in the eyes of his grandparents, particularly his grandfather, Arnold Kings I. Arnold, a man who valued intelligence above all else, believed that a sharp mind would always triumph over mere physical strength. Upon discovering the extent of Alex's academic shortcomings, Arnold's interest in his grandson waned, and he instead lavished his attention on Alex's siblings and cousins, especially Mira, who was second only to Eren in intelligence and surpassed only by Alex in combat skills.

Despite the lack of attention from his grandparents, Alex's parents loved him deeply and tried their best to be there for him whenever they could. However, their royal duties and the demands of raising the heir apparent, Raiden, and his sister, Nina, often kept them occupied, leaving little time for their youngest child.

As the eldest brother and future ruler of the Unity Nation, Raiden was constantly engaged in rigorous training with the family elders, preparing for the weighty responsibilities that lay ahead. This left him with few opportunities to bond with Alex outside of their shared combat training sessions. Strangely, Raiden found himself feeling a sense of emotional detachment from his younger brother, viewing him more as a distant relative than a true sibling. The significant age gap between them and the limited time they spent together only served to widen this emotional chasm.

Alex, on the other hand, yearned to form a closer connection with his elder brother. He longed for the carefree moments of play and the heartfelt conversations that he imagined siblings should share. However, the Kings' family had long been bound by tradition, prioritizing the grooming of the most suitable heir above all else, even at the expense of familial bonds.

Nina, being second in line for the throne, had more time to spend with Alex, and she adored him greatly. However, her training, while not as intensive as Raiden's, still demanded much of her attention, limiting the moments she could dedicate to her little brother.

Alex's cousins, too, seemed largely disinterested in him, their interactions limited by the age difference that separated them. While they occasionally spent time together, it was never enough to foster a deep, lasting connection.

Daniel, Alex's paternal uncle and the only sibling of his father was perpetually engrossed in his duties as a duke, leaving little room for bonding with his young nephew. Similarly, Jenny, Daniel's wife and the mother of Eren and Mira showed little concern for Alex, mirroring the indifference displayed by most of the family.

Amidst this emotional desert, Alex found solace in the unwavering love and support of two individuals: Han Red, his butler, and Han's son, Warren Red. Despite being assigned as Raiden's butler, Warren often went out of his way to spend time with Alex, moved by the young prince's loneliness and the lack of affection he received from his family. Both father and son felt a deep sympathy for the little prince, understanding that all he truly desired was the warmth and companionship of a loving family.

 In a household where duty and tradition reigned supreme, Alex Kings found himself adrift, his extraordinary talents overshadowed by the weight of familial expectations and the chasm of emotional neglect. Through the steadfast devotion of Han and Warren, Alex would find the strength to navigate the challenges of his royal birthright, forever shaping the man he would become.