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The Schäfer family was not always a prosperous, elite family. Before Maximilian's grandfather brought great wealth to the family through entrepreneurship, they were a typical middle class family. Only after Max's grandfather's tremendous work and successful business did the Schäfer family rise to the upper class. With the new opportunities presented to the Schäfer family due to their new status, Max's father chose to take the route to become a prestigious politician and statesman. He succeeding, bringing fame to the Schäfer name. Finally, the Schäfer family had wealth, power, and an established standing amongst the the people.

Maximilian was the first son, born six years before his brother Arthur was born. Maximilian was very much like his father. Ambitious, calm, composed, and possessing a prodigious level of intellect that in fact surpassed his father. Maximilian was a born politician, and his father knew that he would become a statesman of great stature and respect. As a result, Maximilian was groomed at a young age how to think and behave like a politician. On the other hand, his brother Arthur possessed a fiery disposition, a reckless personality, and a tendency to be a troublemaker. Nevertheless, despite their differences in character, the brothers got along very well and were thick as thieves. When he grew older, Maximilian indeed followed his father's footsteps and became a politician, quickly making a name for himself amongst the highborn with his eloquent, powerful speeches and his infamous twenty four hour filibuster. Maximilian also garnered favor amongst the common people for advocating policies that provided aid to the less fortunate outside Wall Sina. When Maximilian was twenty four and Arthur was eighteen, his younger brother decided to enlist as a cadet in the military.

The surprise announcement stunned the entire family, particularly their father who was vehemently against the decision. Maximilian was shocked himself, but understood that Arthur was doing this because Arthur really had no other venue and did not want to waste his days being utterly useless on the family estate. And so, the young, idealistic Arthur, despite being condemned by his father, became a Cadet. Maximilian would use his free time to come and visit the training grounds, observing his brother from afar. For once, Arthur looked happy. Truly happy. He had never really felt like he was a member of the family. He had plenty of friends amongst the other recruits and was popular for his lively personality. Eventually, Arthur graduated his training, ranked fifth best of his class. Maximilian was relieved beyond words. Arthur could join the Military Police and serve around home while making himself feel useful. However, Arthur did not enlist in the Military Police. He volunteered for the Scouting Legion. Seconds after breaking the announcement to Max, the composed politician finally lost his long reined in temper and unleashed all of his pent up outrage on his brother, spewing frustrated abuse and questioning why Arthur could never use his brain. This erupted into a massive argument, where both brothers cursed each other and criticized their respective ways of living.

In the end, the brothers departed bitter and seething with anger, both vowing to never see each other again. Their wish came true. Arthur was devoured by a Titan on his very first expedition in the Scouting Legion, leaving no remains to even bury. A little piece of Maximilian died that day when an officer of the Scouting Legion showed up at the family estate and bluntly delivered the news that Arthur was killed. There were hardly any details. Arthur, son of the elite Schäfer family, borne into wealth and power, died like a nobody. He did not die like hero, taking a stand against the Titans like storybook heroes. Arthur merely died. However, as mournful as he was, the harsh reality was that there was nothing Maximilian could do. Arthur lived, and died, the way he wanted to. The way many soldiers did. In the line of duty. Giving their lives for time. Time so men like Maximilian could play their game of politics behind the safety and sanctuary of the Walls. The only course of action Maximilian could take was to honor Arthur and move on with his life. And perhaps, with all of his power, money, and influence, Maximilian could do some right by Arthur this time around.