"Okay…now that I have a plan, let's see if this guy has any more useful memories. But first-"

Heinkel understandably had the habit of turning off the light when not in use, and always reminded Reinhard of it too. Considering their financial state, it was perfectly reasonable. Subaru quickly turned off the pipe's valve and watched the light dim until darkness once again covered the room.

Subaru inspected the dagger again. A quite detailed eye was engraved at the guard, it was life-like enough that Subaru could swear it was staring at him. On the hilt, countless lines resembling branches were meticulously carved into it. The blade wasn't too sharp, but the slightly darkened color made Subaru think it was made of durable material.

"Peculiar…but it doesn't really help."

Subaru scratched his head lightly, before sighing. He tried to focus on the memories of Heinkel. It was hazy, fragmented, and even blank in places.

"Did the alcohol get to my brain?"

Subaru clicked his tongue in frustration. No matter how much he thought, it escaped how he came into possession of such a clearly expensive, if not slightly creepy dagger. He didn't know if he was the one who committed suicide, or if it was an elaborate murder. The words 'Everyone will die, including me', while quite disturbing, didn't leave much impact when he couldn't understand the context when he wrote it.

While the fragmented memories heavily revolved around the incident, going as far as two days before, some staple knowledge he ought to know seemed outright missing. He couldn't remember some part of the law, although Heinkel had always been diligent in learning it for his promotion. Some details about recent cases had turned up blank despite having discussed it with his colleague just days ago.

I must report my findings of the case to the Tingen Police Department two days later…what's this deadline?!

It was pivotal that Heinkel solves this case...yet-

I can't remember a thing...

If Heinkel performed inadequately this time, he might even get demoted…

…

Subaru spent a long time mulling over the implication, his gaze set on the setting blood moon in the west. Soon, dawn arose and dyed part of the horizon in a golden glow.

Suddenly, he heard a sound inside the apartment. A steady sound of footsteps was approaching his door.

"Ah…it must be Reinhard, to be so punctual like this."

I was just a teenager yesterday! How am I supposed to deal with a kid? My kid at that! Subaru groaned internally as he was at a loss how to act.

He tried to search Heinkel's memories and found something strange. Although Reinhard is his son, Heinkel's memories of Reinhard are filled with an indescribable mix of emotions. Frustration, care, disgust, loathing, guilt, worry,...

With family situations like Heinkel's, applying your child to school was the last thing you think of. They were poor enough as they were. Although Reinhard's elementary education was completed at a prestige school, he wouldn't be able to continue to secondary school because of his current situation.

An unpleasant memory fragment appeared in his head...

When it was his graduation day from elementary school, his grandmother Theresia decided to take him out to an amusement park. That was when things went downhill, Heinkel's mother died, his father blamed Reinhard, and Heinkel and Reinhard's relationship soured. Because of that fact, even after Heinkel's family situation took a turn for the worse, he didn't contact his father for help.

Luckily, the Loen Kingdom enacted the 'Basic Education Law' a few years back. A Primary and Secondary Education Committee was established and was specially funded by the kingdom, making their intention to develop education quite clear.

When it was time for Reinhard to go to secondary school, several public primary and secondary schools had already been established. Since the incorporation of numerous church schools, these public schools were created to strictly maintain the principle of religious neutrality. Heinkel and Louanna were ecstatic at this development since they didn't want Reinhard's education to revolve around the conflicts between the Lord of Storms, the Evernight Goddess, and the God of Steam and Machinery.

Compared to the prestige school where Reinhard studied before, the quality there could be quite sub-par. However, Tingen Technical School provided education six days a week for nine pence, and since it was secondary education, the price can be considered cheap. It was the optimal option for Reinhard's future.

Reinhard was a prodigy, simple as that. From a young age, he excelled at almost everything. Maths, Literature, Swordmanship,…his talent far eclipsed Heinkel's own. In his childhood, Heinkel was regularly scolded by his father for his lack of potential, and seeing his son so excellent was a sore spot for Heinkel. The inadequacy only grew after his wife went ill, and his hope of getting Reinhard a better education was squandered. He always felt as if he was the reason why Reinhard was wasting his potential.

Meanwhile, Heinkel's career took a turn for the worse. An influx of new recruits with talents threatened his position. Although he tried to take on more cases and buried himself in work, it was hard to match the efficiency and boldness of youth. On the contrary, it accumulated stress and Heinkel resorted to booze to keep his mind adrift.

Shifting through the memories made Subaru feel like he was drowning as well…

"Damn it…if I fail to go home…will I have to deal with all of this in his stead?"

In a way, Subaru and Heinkel were too similar. Having excellent parents, yet mediocre talent.

"If I can't turn my life around…will I be like this, too?"

Conflicting thoughts were plaguing Subaru's head, and only a knock on the door knocked him out of his stupor. Subaru quickly hid the knife in his hand under the pillow and adjusted his messy clothes.

"Father?" Reinhard's voice echoed back to him

"Come in."

The door opened with a creek, revealing the face of a young boy with piercing blue eyes, his hair was a bright red. However on closer inspection, Subaru saw that the tone of his skin was slightly pale and his body was a little thin. His would have looked a lot better, had their family made to afford enough nutrition for a growing boy his age.

"Father, you look…better?" Reinhard inquired, in his voice a hint of hesitation. It seemed as if he was afraid Heinkel would explode at any minute.

"Uh…yes. I had a nice rest, you see?" Subaru scratched his head and chuckled. Did he look terrible every other day? It must have been because of his alcohol consumption.

An image of himself lying in bed, inebriated, with cheap booze rolling around the room appeared in his mind. Subaru could only shudder.

"Did you catch a cold, father?"

"No, no…I just thought of something unpleasant, is all." Reinhard froze at his word, and Subaru realized he probably had said the wrong thing.

"I…"

"Reinhard." Subaru said firmly. He didn't know what Heinkel did, but in his drunken state, he must have stated some very hurtful things. There was no other explanation for Reinhard's reaction.

I must do something to remedy the situation

"You didn't have breakfast yet, right? Come on, I will prepare something for you to eat."

Subaru got up from the bed and approached Reinhard. He placed his hand on his son's head, and Reinhard's twitched at the unexpected contact. Undaunted, however, Subaru ruffled the child's head, the bright red hair left an oily feel on his hand. He smiled lightly at the child that was his son.

Reinhard's eyes widened as he stared at his father in disbelief. Subaru only nodded before he went ahead, and Reinhard quickly trailed behind.

Reinhard's expression…I don't like it. He is likely afraid of me. I just hope acting gentle is enough.

Damn you, Heinkel. What exactly did you do?

Methodically, Subaru moved a stove out from a corner. It had already become second nature for Heinkel. With some charcoal, he lit up the stove and placed a pot of water on it.

He checked the cupboard and was disappointed to see a can of tea leaves. Although Heinkel apparently treasured it, its quality was of an inferior kind.

Just have to make do with it.

He threw about ten leaves into the pot, the usual amount Heinkel used. It was nothing more than glorified water, but with enough time, maybe he could convince himself that it was real tea.

He found some rye bread. Although there was no sawdust or excessive gluten mixed in these, Subaru winced at its unappetizing appearance. He shredded the bigger part and gave it to Reinhard, along with a big cup of 'tea'.

Reinhard took the food with both hands, although Subaru knew that he didn't like it. If one day his parent forced him to eat something like this, he would cry, no question asked.

But this was the only food in the household, so both of them had to force themselves to swallow. They might starve otherwise. Subaru took a sip of tea after each bite, and it was the only reason he managed to eat his whole portion. At least it was quite filling.

Subaru suddenly remembered something. He approached the clothing rack and searched the pocket of his police uniform.

I think this is enough.

He took the meager amount of money in his pocket and gave it to Reinhard.

"Father…isn't this a little too much?" Reinhard counted the money in his hand before asking

"Aside from fresh bread, remember to buy some meat and peas too. I trust you will know which kind."

"Wait a moment, father!" Reinhard interjected with a panicked look "Is this something we should waste our money on? I think…I think only bread will be sufficient."

While Subaru appreciated Reinhard's consideration, this money was just Heinkel's booze money. Subaru didn't have any problem giving it away.

"Your final exam is coming soon, right? I will make you mutton stew with peas, then. You will need to be in top shape to get the best result." Subaru explained, while Reinhard still looked concerned.

"Just…leave the worrying to me, okay?" He ruffled Reinhard's head again, and this time his son didn't flinch from his touch "Is that alright, kiddo?"

"Okay…" he finally relented, keeping his head low, as if to hide his expression.

Subaru cast his eyes at the calendar beside his study table. In the Nothern Continent, the calendar was not that different from that on Earth. When compared with Heinkel's memories, Subaru noticed both worlds were similar astronomically.

Could it be a parallel world?

The splitting of days, although ultimately similar, the reason was because of religion. The Northern Continent had seven orthodox gods: the Eternal Blazing Sun, the Lord of Storms, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, the Evernight Goddess, Mother Earth, the God of War, and the God of Steam and Machinery.

Watching Reinhard close the door and leave, Subaru could only sigh. Although he had decided to try the luck enhancement ritual again, a thought persisted in his head.

What will happen to Reinhard then…