The Duke of Death and His Maid (死神坊ちゃんと黒メイド)

How?

How?

How did this happen?

The one they call Death Incarnate

dwells in the forest.

He takes the life's breath out of anything he touches.

That was the curse the witch so cruelly inflicted upon him.

For what reason did this curse come to be?

And by what means can it be broken?

These answers remain shrouded in mystery.

And yet, in spite of it all,

he doesn't feel the least bit lonely.

-Hello, Your Grace. -

Alice, you startled me!

And as usual, you're way too close.

I did knock on the door, but I never heard an answer.

Oh, really? I guess I got too caught up.

A card tower, is it?

You're so good with your hands.

In fact, the way you were panicking a moment ago,

I assumed you were doing something with your hands

-that you didn't want me to see. -What does that mean?

Would you like me to spell it out for you?

Please don't!

And as you know, you'll die if you touch me!

So I am once again asking you to stay away!

I couldn't help myself.

You were simply too cute.

Well, be careful!

If you were to die, then I would too, you know.

-But why? - Because...

Because I love you so much.

Uh oh, I'm afraid you just got even cuter, Your Grace.

Alice keeps talking about how cute I am,

but I want her to think I'm cool!

I'll impress you, Alice.

Just watch me!

Okay, so she's watching me.

Would you hand the cards to me?

That way I can concentrate on placing them.

Of course.

My pleasure.

Don't stick them in there!

I put some here, too, see?

Now I can't concentrate at all!

I do adore your serious side.

It's so cute.

You're not gonna let me focus

even a little bit, are you?

I know I have more important things

to worry about right now.

For example, the new deadline my mother imposed on me.

Indeed.

You must break your curse by the spring.

I can't honestly say I'm thrilled about it,

but in fairness, from her perspective,

she's been waiting on me this whole time.

I want to make her happy.

If that means letting Walter become the heir, then so be it.

If you cannot, then I shall make Walter

the heir and be done with it.

My desire to break the curse

has nothing to do with that.

Cuff and Zain are helping me,

and I wouldn't want their efforts to go to waste.

But mostly, I want to do it for your sake.

Your Grace...

- -

Alice, look!

We hope you've all enjoyed this evening

full of mystery, wonder, and excitement!

And with that, tonight's Circus Gemini performance

comes to an end.

The crowd sure loved you, Cuff!

Man, tonight's show was super awesome!

I never used to have this much fun

back when I was picking people's pockets!

I can't thank you enough

for letting me be a part of all this, Cuff!

The Ringmaster's the one who deserves your thanks.

Just wait and see.

I'll keep getting better at my tricks

and become a big shot who's worthy of your affection!

Hugo.

Why don't you leave the game of love to the grownups?

Put me down, Zain,

or I'll rip that weird mask clean off!

I'd like to see you try.

Hey! Cut it out! Ringmaster!

Get this kid out of here! He's bothering me!

Right.

It's past your bedtime, little one.

Do you all have to pick me up the same way?

Seriously, what's the deal?

- -It's good to have you with us.

I hope you've noticed how much the audience appreciates you.

Good night, then.

Damn it.

Goodnight, Cuff! Go screw yourself, Zain!

See both of you tomorrow!

Nighty night! And thanks for that!

I'll tell you what.

That kid might be a handful, but at least he's dedicated.

He said he wants to work here so he can support his family.

Yeah. He was only stealing

'cause he didn't feel like he had any other choice.

You know, nobody's ever given me a flower before,

but it turns out I kinda like it!

Is that right?

Then I'll give you a flower as well.

And mine's gonna be way bigger than his!

How very generous.

Hey, Cuff.

How long do you think we should stay here?

It's close to Alice and the Duke,

and nobody questions my appearance,

but I feel like the clock's ticking.

True.

We can't stick around long enough

to let them figure out that we're witches.

I don't want to make trouble for them.

And yet, there's a part of me that never wants to leave.

Whoa, I almost forgot!

I have something important to show you!

Last time I was in the Witches' World,

I helped myself to a few magical items

while Daleth's attention was elsewhere.

You're no better than Hugo.

They were just sitting around in an old storeroom.

No one will miss 'em.

And besides,

I'd say Daleth owes me one.

One boob fondle, at the bare minimum!

-Sorry, didn't catch that. - No. Doesn't matter!

Here.

Whoa! Look at all this stuff!

We gotta show it to Alice and the Duke!

There might be something here that would help break his curse!

How do you want to live?

As a witch or a human?

Stop using your magic,

and you can pass for human as long as you want.

You've got friends here, so you wouldn't be all alone.

And you'd be a whole lot safer than you would

if we stayed together.

I'm cold. Let me inside your jacket.

Whether I'm a witch or a human,

I don't care as long as I'm with you.

Oh. I see.

Her boobs!

They're touching me!

They feel like Gs!

My desire grows ever stronger.

Time-controlling magic.

I want it.

You understand that, don't you, Sharon?

- - Viola,

-so you are here. -Huh?

Thank goodness.

I thought you might've gone off to visit the firstborn.

If I want to, is there any reason why I shouldn't?

After all, it's not as if Mother expressly forbade it.

Looking at our grandparents' portrait?

Mm-hm, she was so cute, wasn't she?

Of all her qualities, that always stands out to me.

Easy to see how Grandfather ended up falling for her.

His heart must've broken to lose her

in that carriage accident so soon after Father was born.

To his dying day, Grandfather never remarried.

I'll bet he was quite lonely.

Hm?

Must be seeing things.

-Sorry to interrupt! - Cuff!

- Wait, am I interrupting? -Not in the least!

Hi. It's been a while.

Things have been so busy at the circus lately.

I haven't had a chance to drop by.

Well, we're just glad you came,

considering it's not really practical

for us to go into town.

Sure! I love this place,

'cause I can use all the magic I want!

You'll burn down the mansion!

Hey! Don't worry.

These magic flames are under my control,

and when they've vanished,

it'll be like they were never here!

Yeah, that's all well and good as far as it goes,

but the temperature's a whole other story.

Good point.