Wilhelm van Astrea - Re:Zero
Name: Wilhelm van Astrea
Age: 62
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Birthday: 7th of May
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 60-70 kg
Voice Actors (old): Horiuchi Kenyuu (Japanese), Marc Diraison (English)
Voice Actors (young): Ishikawa Kaito (Japanese), Billy Kametz (English)
Wilhelm van Astrea is a former member of the Lugnica Royal Guard, and is currently a member of the Crusch Camp, acting as a bodyguard to Crusch Karsten. He was married to Theresia van Astrea, the previous Sword Saint. He has long white hair, blue eyes, as well as a white beard and white moustache. He wears a black butler’s uniform with a white shirt. Wilhelm is polite and well mannered, and often speaking formally. He is loyal and protective of people that he considers friends.
History
Wilhelm came from an old house of nobility and in his youth he found a much needed purpose in learning the way of the sword. By the time he was 14, he was known as the most skilled swordsman in the region. Following an argument with his older brother Wilhelm made his way to the capital with the goal of becoming a knight. He made a name for himself in the Demi-Human War but still found himself discontent and without a purpose in life.
During some forced leave at the capital, he meets a young woman named Theresia van Astrea while he is training in an abandoned construction site. She seemed completely disinterested in his sword practice and he paid little heed to her seemingly aloof outlook on life. Eventually her presence wore down his melancholy and Wilhelm began finding himself caring about more than just swordsmanship and taking heads. His new outlook eventually leads to a promotion to knighthood.
Soon after Wilhelm receives news that his homeland is enflamed in the civil war. He rushes home to find his hometown sacked and occupied by more demi-humans than he had ever faced before. He fights anyway, but soon finds himself pushed to his limits. On his last legs, he is saved by the current Sword Saint - Theresia - who effortlessly cuts down everything in her path. He confronts her back in the capital feeling that she had humiliated him. They argue and part ways. Two years later Wilhelm duels her during the end of war ceremony and defeats her, vowing to take on the burden of the Sword Saint so that she may live the more peaceful life she wants.
Things go well for a time and they build a life and family together. Unfortunately Theresia is struck down when she goes out for the White Whale. Seeking revenge, Whilhelm enters the service of Crusch Karsten. He eventually gets his opportunity in Arc 3 and the Demon Beast is slain. A year later he accompanies Crusch in a journey to Priestella. As the Sin Archbishops attack, he discovers that his long dead Theresia is among the enemies they face. He tries to defeat her on his own but fails. Reinhard steps in and mercilessly cuts her down. She comes back to herself and her memories as she dies in Wilhelm's hands and they finally have a chance to say goodbye to each other.
Relationships
Theresia van Astrea - Before they were married, Theresia helped Wilhelm understand his reason for fighting, changing his life for the better. When Wilhelm discovered Theresia was the Sword Saint, he vowed to protect her by performing the duties of the Sword Saint in her place. She allowed him to do this after he beat her in a duel. After Theresia was killed by the White Whale, Wilhelm became motivated by a desire for vengeance.
Heinkel Astrea - Wilhelm does not think highly of his son Heinkel, and partially blames him for the death of Theresia, as Theresia only chose to fight the Hakugei because Heinfel refused to.
Reinhard van Astrea - Wilhelm and Reinhard do not get along well with each other due to Wilhelm blaming Reinhard for Theresia’s death to the Hakugei. However, Wilhelm made attempts to fix the relationship between them after they successfully defeated the White Whale. Wilhelm later changed his mind about this, after seeing Reinhard show no remorse while killing the resurrected corpse of Theresia. Wilhelm began addressing Reinhard by his full name after this, indicating that he no longer sees Reinhard as family.
Crusch Karsten - Wilhelm supported Crusch in exchange for assistance in fighting the White Whale, but chose to stay with her even after defeating it.
Felix Argyle - Wilhelm and Felix share a bond of trust, as Wilhelm has told him about his past, a topic that Wilhelm typically does not discuss.
Natsuki Subaru - Wilhelm respects Subaru after Subaru assisted him in defeating the White Whale. He has told Subaru a few things about his past, which he often doesn’t discuss.
Abilities
Master Swordsman - Wilhelm is exceptionally talented at fighting using a sword, so much so that he was capable of defeating the former Sword Saint, during his youth. His sword skills and ruthless fighting style earned him the title of Sword Demon.