#whether or not people realize they’re nations also influences how people treat the trio

[hetagrammy]

Hi sorry if this is an odd question, but in the era of your ask blog what was Alfred's public reputation? I assume the higher class of NYC would think he was odd, being young and (seemingly) self made, with no wife or family that he spoke of regularly, and a random gaggle of people from other countries living with him.

It’s not too odd a question at all! I always teeter totter about exactly how secret nations are, but currently where I am is that they’re kind of an open secret so to speak. They don’t go out of their way to tell you, but if you figure out who they are it isn’t the end of the world.

In Alfred’s case I think some people in higher society understand who he is, especially if they’re involved in politics. It’s easy to put together once you realize it’s always D.C. he’s going to on business. Well, that and the fact he’s been 19-20 for decades. It also explains why this random squad of foreigners is popping up with him at White House events on occasion. That and the fact that nations all have something a little just off about them- they look like they know/have seen a little too much. Not off-putting per se, but off.

I think to people who aren’t clued in, especially in higher classes, they perceive Alfred as some young investor or lawyer. As for everyone living with him, they’re viewed as his staff more often than not. That’s changed over time, as when it was just Molly living with him they probably were perceived as relatives. Come the 1880s with Tolys and Lovino there, that’s his laundress/maid, that’s his secretary, that’s his cook. He’s definitely viewed as a bit of an odd duck for how close he is with them to boot before people realize.

All in all, he’s got a reputation as an eccentric young businessman with a generous streak. The only reason old money families don’t look down on him as much is because they’re at least marginally aware of who exactly he is. A lot of people probably assume he comes from wealth because of his connections, and he alludes to it when asked because it’s not entirely untrue.

#hetalia #hetalia headcanons #historical hetalia #hws america #when he pulls up to oyster bay the tongues are wagging #whether or not people realize they’re nations also influences how people treat the trio #they are treated very differently at a white house gala vs a visitor popping in on alfred