Ayn Anchor

Ein Anchor was a constable of the World Police's Elphegort branch and a friend of Hanne and Heidemarie Lorre. Following the steps of his grandfather, the Netsuma entered the police force and helped combat local crime. After the mysterious death of Kaspar Blankenheim, Ein investigated the circumstances surrounding the marquis' death, sharing his findings with Hanne.

Early Life
Born towards the end of the 6th century EC, Ein became enamored with the grandfather he was named after and eventually aspired to reach his elder's position. After he joined the World Police, Constable Ein became part of numerous investigations. At some point, he met Shuburke Newspaper reporter Hanne Lorre and reluctantly cooperated with her on several occasions, often persuaded to help with tales of heroes such as Leonhart Avadonia.

Death of the Marquis
After the death of Marquis Kaspar Blankenheim in EC 609, Ein was one of the police officers assigned to investigate the scene of his death. During his investigation, Ein went into the basement of the Blankenheim Mansion and, after finding it empty, came upon a hole in the wall with part of a book cover inside. Recognizing it as the cover of the Freesis Fairy Tale "The Flower of the Plateau", Ein began to investigate Kaspar's connection to the Toragay black market, only for his superior to warn him against investigating the black market further. At some point he also received Doctor Marx Felix's testimony that Kaspar had died from a respiratory failure, although the police couldn't find any connection to tobacco leaves.

Some time later, Ein was met by Hanne Lorre while in the Toragay police station; asking her why she was bothering him, the constable said he was very busy, only for Hanne to point out that didn't seem to be the case. Ein then admitted that the case was beginning to lose momentum due to the victim being a person of high rank and the police's own laziness. Hanne remarks on the force's incompetence and Ein, hurt, remarks that it wouldn't do much good in the first place due to Dr. Felix's own testimony. As the incredulous Hanne asked if they were just accepting the testimony, Ein confirmed and explained how they had even let Marx examine Kaspar, relating the doctor's conclusion to the reporter.

When Hanne suggested there was more going on, Ein griped if she thought so and was reminded of his earlier words as suggesting there was something he was unable to say. After checking that no one else was around, Ein admitted his belief that the former Marquis had been a pretty rotten person, going on to explain that recently his financial standing had gone up, only to be buying expensive imports from Maistia. When Hanne pointed out that tobacco was one of the most expensive imports, Ein agreed with the cost of a single cigarette being close to a thousand Evus.

Ein then voiced his suspicions that Kaspar was earning money through unknown means to fund his addiction; asked if he had found any clues, Ein admitted he hadn't but related his discovery in the Blankenheim Mansion's basement. Hanne asked him if the paper he found was part of a Freesis Fairy Tale and Ein confirmed it. Asked why the police hadn't looked into the matter further, Ein fell silent and stared at the wall before admitting that he had been told to drop the case, suspecting pressure from somewhere. Asked where, Ein told the reporter that it could have to come from the Freesis Foundation.

In response to Hanne's confusion, Ein merely replied he didn't have an answer but that it was impossible for the police to get involved in the case, and that this was why he was speaking to Hanne. He continued to elaborate how she was unbound by organizations, unlike himself, and was startled when the reporter suddenly asked to hear a story from him. After asking him how he had gotten his name from his grandfather, Ein tells Lorre the story of how his grandfather had been abandoned and then raised by a nun in a church, becoming a respectable cop whom his grandson was named after.

After Hanne asked why the sister had named him Ein, Ein admitted he didn't know, but added that the sister had been of the Netsuma Clan like his grandfather. After Hanne elaborated on the sister, Clarith, and told the constable that she had named the baby after a soldier she had been friends with, Ein Anchor asked her what kind of man the other Ein was. As Hanne said that he was a courageous man who lost his life protecting Clarith and a brave soldier of Toragay, Ein was moved and began to nod. As Hanne finished by asking if Constable Ein would also protect this land.

Inspired, Ein declared that he was ready to uncover the suspect of the illegal Freesis Fairy Tale distribution, only for Hanne to declare she was more interested in whether Kaspar's death was actually murder. Ein pointed out that the death was already declared to not be murder and Hanne noted there were many ways to cover such a thing up; in response, Ein asked for an example. When poisoning was suggested, Ein countered that it would be a perfect crime, as while it could occur in the past, it couldn't nowadays with current medical progress and doctors able to detect it, snorting.

After Hanne asked if there were any doctors she could speak to, Ein suggested the top doctor in charge of examining the Marquis, clarifying that he had already gone home to his own country. Asked if he meant Marlon, Ein corrected that he meant Dr. Puerick Rogzé, living in Lucifenia. Hanne then asked that, if Kaspar had been murdered, if there was evidence of someone infiltrating the Blankenheim mansion grounds. Ein explained that the main gate and windows had been locked, and that Dr. Felix testified to having a spare key to unlock it.

When Hanne asked why Kaspar's wife hadn't noticed his death, Ein explained that she had been forbidden from entering the room when Kaspar's mistresses visited, and that Dr. Felix stated they entered together. Adding that they had also reported suspicious sounds during the night, Ein heard Hanne's confusion that she didn't notice anything while they were sleeping together and stammered that Margarita had a unique sleeping condition, clarifying she had never slept. When the reporter questioned if anyone else was in the house, Ein reminded here that the only people to go in and out were Dr. Felix, Margarita, Kaspar, and his mistresses.

As Hanne continued to press the issue, the constable apologized and pointed out that Hanne Lorre was also there; in response to her rage, he tried to explain it was just procedure, only for the reporter to snap she had no motive. Ein admitted that motive was a primary sign of murder and discussed Dr. Felix and Margarita's motives against Kaspar, given his riches and philandering. When questioned, Ein also related they didn't have children.

As Hanne, after considering, began to say her goodbyes, Ein heard her ask for him to set up a meeting and the constable asked who with. Although pointing out she was unlikely to meet with anyone as a mere reporter, Ein eventually relented to set up a meeting and learned she planned to meet with Marx and then Dr. Rogzé.

Finding the Black Market
Following Dr. Felix's death, Ein took part in the subsequent investigation; with his death labeled as caused by an unknown disease, the constable volunteered to stay behind and investigate in Toragay until there was no chance of another being infected. Visited again by Hanne, Ein explained the situation to her and explained his reasons for staying behind when asked.

He then pointed out to the reporter that there were no officers at the Blankenheim mansion, making it a perfect opportunity for them; he went on to wonder if the reporter would take a holiday around Toragay and if she would look into the black market. Afterwards, Ein discussed Hanne's sister Heidemarie, blushing at mention of the girl, before the reporter left.

Later, Ein conducted his investigation into Toragay's black market and discovered a potential warehouse for the illegal goods being sold, as well as determining that Kaspar Blankenheim was the head dealer. After finding the dealing site, Ein discovered it empty save for one remaining dealer, who informed him that the black market had apparently resumed in a different location north of town. Suspecting Calgaround, Ein circled the city on a map for future reference.

At some point, Ein was alerted that Heidemarie had wrongfully broken into the local inn in Toragay seeking Rin Chan's kidnapper. Deciding it was his duty to help with the damages, Ein assisted the construction workers carrying wood to where it was needed; he then heard a voice greeting him and, surprised, turned to see Heidemarie. After silently delivering the wood, Ein paused to catch his breath and heard the other officer ask him what he was doing in Toragay; refusing to face her, he explained how he was helping with the construction and became incensed when the officer made a crack about his spare time.

After facing Heidemarie, he asked if she was continuing her investigation and learned she was there to see Hanne on personal business. When Ein asked why she was still wearing her uniform, Heide told him she had nothing else to wear and the constable replied that she and her sister hadn't changed a bit, wishing she was more feminine. As Heide asked where Hanne was, Ein explained how she had left Toragay to speak with Dr. Puerick Rogzé in Lucifenia to hear his results on a matter she'd asked him to investigate. When the other officer began to leave as a result, he stopped her, telling her she would be back by nightfall and that it would be good to wait.

Ein then asked Heide if she had only come there for that. After she confirmed, Ein guessed she also intended to speak to the innkeeper and informed her that Brigitta was out shopping. The constable then explained that he and Hanne had been in the town to investigate Kaspar's death under Hanne's suspicion that it was murder. At that moment, break time came and Ein sat down with Heide, continuing to clarify that Hanne suspected Margarita's involvement. He then pointed out it was no use trying to meet with the husband and that Margarita was out of town to discuss matters of succeeding Kaspar's title.

When Heide noted Dr. Felix also had fallen ill, Ein mentioned it was the same symptoms as Kaspar and fell silent. When Heide asked what Ein was still doing in Toragay, the constable explained he was there for post-processing while secretly investigating Toragay's black market, mentioning how he had earlier been forced to drop the case. Asked for his results, Ein replied he found a potential warehouse for the goods and had determined the head dealer. Asked who it was, he whispered that it was Kaspar and, in the constable's confusion, explained how the black market had moved since his death. Asked where, Ein began to explain before hearing a commotion west of town.

Mysterious Epidemic
Walking with Heide to check out the noise, Ein called out the master carpenter and the group went together to the Charity Institute, where a crowd was forming. Entering the building, Ein saw all the children apparently asleep and a woman, Rita Flohn, screaming hysterically. Asking her what happened, he learned that the children weren't waking up and the constable checked their mouths before closing his eyes in thought. When asked, he told Heide that the children had the same symptoms as Dr. Felix and the Marquis.

Heide then pointed to a man in the back pouring something into their mouths and asked Ein who he was; recognizing him, he told the girl that it was Egmont, the local pharmacist, and he questioned him about his involvement trying to cure the children in the incident. Ein then asked if they had thought of calling a doctor, only to learn their only one was sick in Aceid; he went on to ask if anyone had any medical experience and heard that the only one with a lot was Margarita. As Egmont began to suggest contacting her, Ein cut him off, saying she was in Aceid as well and it was no use.

After a pause, the constable suggested carrying the children to a physician in the capital while they slept; told it was impossible with so many people, he then suggested fetching a doctor himself. Hurried on by Egmont, Ein told Heide to watch the children and went out to get a doctor. Before he was able to leave, he heard Rita go into hysterics that some of the children weren't breathing and he returned; seeing the woman sit and lose consciousness, he called out to her and shook her shoulders to no avail.

Afterwards, Ein went to Aceid to fetch a doctor; while there, he saw Margarita visiting with her father. Later he let Heidemarie borrow his map of Elphegort with Calgaround marked as the new location for the black market. After Hanne and Heide were summoned to Marlon for Shaw Freesis' funeral, Ein learned that the women had been arrested, Hanne accused of being Elluka Clockworker and Heide accused of having killed the children at the Charity Institute. Traveling to Marlon, the constable met with the head of Justea, Hob Homer, and conspired to break the two out of prison as the situation in Toragay worsened.

Entering the headquarters of the World Police, Ein took the key to the cells and entered the prison with Hob, complaining about the situation before finding the women's cells. Unlocking the doors, Ein watched as Hanne and Heide greeted Hob and the head of Justea gave her her gun back, admitting he couldn't allow such a miscarriage of justice. Interrupting the conversation, Ein pointed out that Heide could not have committed the murders at the Institute, being with him at the time.

Facing Hanne, Ein added that there was no way she was Elluka Clockworker, and she may be reckless, selfish, and occasionally interfering in investigations, but would never kill someone. When Hanne thanked him, Ein suggested they escape soon while security was lax, also pointing out that Toragay was becoming a serious problem and that they had to do something. When Hanne questioned this, Ein watched as Hob gave them a premature article on the town and he stated that it would be devastated at this rate, urging them to hurry.

He then heard Hanne state there was something she needed to tell him, the reporter nodding at Heide. As Ein began to question what it was, he saw Hob collapse with a loud noise and questioned what happened to him, before realizing Heide was near the head of Justea. As the constable watched, Hanne approached him slowly, saying he had said she wasn't Elluka Clockworker. Ein nervously told her to stop, asking her what she was going to do and calling her by name.

In response, the woman said Hanne Lorre wasn't her real name and a wind began to blow. She then said she would tell him as thanks for his help, and began to say that her real name was Elluka Clockworker. As Ein expressed his disbelief, the wind blew him against the wall and knocked him unconscious.

Personality and Traits
A constable inspired to protect the weak and punish the guilty, Ein was an honest, upright and trustworthy man. Hot-blooded at heart, he was inspired to action by tales of heroes who protected the weak and brought glory to their country, such as Leonhart Avadonia. As a result, Ein wished to emulate their example and serve as best he could, even going against the wishes of his superiors to do so. In particular, he would become frustrated when constrained by the limits of the World Police and often went around them to do the right thing, even undertaking tasks that weren't in relation to his job or would put his life at risk.

As part of his inspiration, Ein was greatly honored by his namesakes, his grandfather and the warrior Ein of the early sixth century EC. Although initially not understanding the significance of the names, Ein took their contributions to society to heart and endeavored to do what he could to live up to their memory. Often cordial and considerate with those who were in need, he would also be stern and unwavering when necessary, remaining cool-headed in an emergency despite his fiery passions.

Because of this unwavering attitude Ein was also tenacious and refused to give up when having set himself on a particular task, despite any obstacles in his way. As a result he refused to stop working on a case even when ordered to do so. This tenacity also made him stubborn, however, not getting along easily with those who interfere with his work despite the benefits provided.

Ein in particular shared a complex relationship with the Lorre sisters who constantly involved themselves with police business. While forming a rivalry with Hanne over the course of their history, believing her to be reckless and selfish, he also gained a deep trust for her and appreciation of her help on police cases. Similarly, while frustrated with Heide's unfeminine attitude and out-of-control methods in investigations, Ein believed her to be honest and good, even developing a crush on his fellow constable.

Skills and Abilities
Ein was a tenacious individual who was inexhaustible in his police investigations, willing to work tirelessly on a case until it was solved. As a constable, he did the majority of the legwork in investigations and was experienced in searching houses, able to find clues even when hidden out of sight. Similarly, he would stay behind and continue to work and refused to let a case rest even when pressured to do so, and was also strong and fast enough to be of use on a case as befitting his age.

Fitting with his tenacity in getting to the bottom of a case, Ein had strong deductive instincts and was able to formulate accurate theories given the information at hand. As well as this, he was adept at questioning shadier individuals in other to learn more about suspicious dealings as in the Père Noël black market. Despite this, Ein was limited by the resources of his department and the ties the World Police held to the Freesis Foundation, leaving him to often rely on Hanne's aid in gathering facts.

Character Connections
Hanne Lorre: A friend of Ein's. While often annoyed by the reporter and her interference in police work, Ein aided Hanne a great deal in her investigations. Inspired by the reporter's stories of past heroes, he was quick to follow her leads while solving a case. Similarly, he trusted her and had faith she wasn't a murderer, despite her often reckless and selfish nature.

Heidemarie Lorre: A fellow member of the police force. Ein was put off by Heide's brusque and unfeminine demeanor and reckless approach towards her investigations; despite this, he had a crush on the girl and trusted her honesty and upright morals.

Ein (grandfather): Ein's grandfather. Ein greatly respected the man for his service to the World Police and wished to emulate his example as a good constable in the force.

Ein: Ein's grandfather's namesake. While originally not knowing the story of this Ein and why his grandfather was named after him, after hearing the tale Ein was deeply moved to be named after such a brave warrior. As with his grandfather he wished to follow his example and protect the weak.

Conceptualization and Origins

 * An anchor is a heavy object tied to a rope or chain that is used to moor a ship to the seafloor.