Valga Cromwell

Valga Cromwell, better known as Old Man Rom (or simply Rom), is a supporting character in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World.

He is an elderly giant (standing at about 220 cm / 7'3" tall, though his hunched posture makes him appear shorter) who runs a loot house / stolen goods warehouse in the slums of Lugunica's royal capital. He acts as a grandfather figure and devoted caretaker to Felt, raising her and supporting her as part of her royal selection camp.

In the past, under his true name Valga Cromwell, he was a major historical figure: born into slavery, he became one of the three main leaders and the feared chief strategist ("Great Strategist") of the demi-human alliance during the brutal Demi-Human War decades earlier. He harbored deep hatred toward humans at the time and was thought to have died in the conflict, but was secretly imprisoned and later escaped, adopting a quieter life under the alias Rom.

In the main story (especially early arcs), he comes across as a gruff but kind-hearted old man who cares deeply for Felt and gets involved in some of the initial events surrounding the royal selection and the loot house. His past as a once-formidable war strategist contrasts sharply with his current, more laid-back (and alcoholic) demeanor.