TV-Series
Description
Elzam V. Branstein, a high-ranking aristocrat and former commander of the space colony protection force, operates covertly under the alias Rätsel Feinschmecker after the Divine Crusaders disband. The alias "Rätsel Feinschmecker" (German for "Riddle Gourmet") nods to his renowned culinary expertise, honed preparing gourmet meals for subordinates during his military career. His disguise consists solely of dark sunglasses, ineffective at concealing his identity from anyone except Lefina Enfield.
Elzam carries the burden of the Elpis Incident, where he was forced to kill his wife, Cattleya, to prevent terrorists from releasing nerve gas in a colony docking bay. This tragedy created a lasting rift with his younger brother, Raidiese F. Branstein. Following the Aerogater conflict, Elzam retreated into hiding alongside his close ally Sanger Zonvolt aboard the battleship *Kurogane*.
During the events of "The Inspector," Elzam resurfaces as Rätsel Feinschmecker to combat emerging threats like the Inspectors and Shadow-Mirror. He pilots heavily modified mecha, most notably the "Guarbein MkIII Trombe" – a customized Hückebein MkIIIR incorporating design elements from the Guarlion Trombe, featuring a distinct black/red/gold color scheme. This machine is visually identified by unique head and shoulder modifications and initially lacks a standard backpack. The antagonist Vigagi recognizes it as a disguised Hückebein.
Adopting the Rätsel persona reveals a more open and occasionally humorous side of Elzam, contrasting his earlier serious demeanor. He frequently collaborates with Sanger Zonvolt, reinforcing their longstanding partnership. Their joint operations include reinforcing the *Hagane* during critical battles, such as assaults on the Hellgate facility and the Tesla Licht Institute.
Elzam's story arc culminates in the liberation of the Earth Cradle, where he and Raidiese finally confront and eliminate Archibald Grimms, avenging Cattleya's death. After resolving the conflicts involving the Inspectors, Shadow-Mirror, and Einst, he returns to hiding aboard the *Kurogane* with Sanger and former Neo Divine Crusaders soldiers Yuuki Jaggar and Ricarla Borgnine.
Elzam carries the burden of the Elpis Incident, where he was forced to kill his wife, Cattleya, to prevent terrorists from releasing nerve gas in a colony docking bay. This tragedy created a lasting rift with his younger brother, Raidiese F. Branstein. Following the Aerogater conflict, Elzam retreated into hiding alongside his close ally Sanger Zonvolt aboard the battleship *Kurogane*.
During the events of "The Inspector," Elzam resurfaces as Rätsel Feinschmecker to combat emerging threats like the Inspectors and Shadow-Mirror. He pilots heavily modified mecha, most notably the "Guarbein MkIII Trombe" – a customized Hückebein MkIIIR incorporating design elements from the Guarlion Trombe, featuring a distinct black/red/gold color scheme. This machine is visually identified by unique head and shoulder modifications and initially lacks a standard backpack. The antagonist Vigagi recognizes it as a disguised Hückebein.
Adopting the Rätsel persona reveals a more open and occasionally humorous side of Elzam, contrasting his earlier serious demeanor. He frequently collaborates with Sanger Zonvolt, reinforcing their longstanding partnership. Their joint operations include reinforcing the *Hagane* during critical battles, such as assaults on the Hellgate facility and the Tesla Licht Institute.
Elzam's story arc culminates in the liberation of the Earth Cradle, where he and Raidiese finally confront and eliminate Archibald Grimms, avenging Cattleya's death. After resolving the conflicts involving the Inspectors, Shadow-Mirror, and Einst, he returns to hiding aboard the *Kurogane* with Sanger and former Neo Divine Crusaders soldiers Yuuki Jaggar and Ricarla Borgnine.