Thank you for saving this series from the maws of oblivion!
Alfred is extremely mild mannered for a ruling noble's son, which allows him to get along with lots of people and get things done in an agreeable manner. But unfortunately the flip side of the coin is that it doesn't create the kind of respect and fear that would deter people from messing with him. It's not so serious with people who don't really have genuine ill intentions and only would go for pranks, but the real problem would be corrupt officials and such later in life who would exploit his mellow character. But then again, he's the 2nd son, so maybe he will never be in a position where it would matter all that much.