Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist (魔界王子)

You're quite a stubborn demon.

I warned you that I cannot be deceived by illusions.

You're a mere mortal... How?

Still, I know all too well the solitude you live in,

Dantalion, Grand Duke of Demons.

You know nothing, Solomon!

Foolish, pitiful soul.

Join me and become mine.

We're more alike than you realize.

This will be...

the signature on our contract.

Twining was top of the class again, huh?

He's really something.

I guess it's no surprise, considering his lineage.

Folks like us can't compete with that kind of money and pedigree.

My name is William Twining.

As the legitimate son of a line that predates

even the British Royal Family,

I am an elite with superior intellect

and the brightest of futures ahead of me.

Congrats, William!

Isaac?

It's nothing to make a fuss over.

If I were to balk at such a simple exam,

it would sully the good name of Twining.

Cool and composed as ever, I see.

I suppose.

First I graduate public school at the top of the class,

with full marks on my A-level exams,

and then it's straight on to Oxbridge.

After university, it's either political office or law.

But you were nodding off during mass! That's got to stop!

Mass?

What's the point in worshiping a nonexistent god?

I've better things to do with my time.

What are you saying?! Of course God exists!

Angels, demons, trolls, elves, goblins, dwarves,

pixies, kolbolds, they're all real!

That unscientific nonsense again...

I leave milk and cookies by my pillow every night

so the fairies will grant my wishes—

Isaac - Third from the bottom

Unfortunately, it appears your wish for higher grades was not granted, Isaac.

Holiday starts tomorrow. Do some studying.

Wishes...

Twining.

Your tuition for next semester hasn't been paid yet.

That's absurd! My uncle and guardian takes proper care of my finances!

I need to find out what's happened.

Hello, the master's home!

Kevin!

Isn't anyone here?

Young master William!

When did you return?

Couldn't you come to meet me at the gate?

Do you realize what a long walk it is from the gate to here?

You should work on your stamina, young master.

Quiet, you!

I don't need stamina.

I have the kind of brain that should be a protected national treasure!

Wait, those clothes...

Why are you working out in the fields?

You're our butler.

I'm afraid...

there's been a bit of a situation.

What?

Master Barton, your uncle, made some bad investments...

and went bankrupt.

Bankrupt?

Since your mother and father passed away,

your uncle has been managing the family's fortune...

In other words, nearly everything has been taken by debt collectors.

As you can see, we've been cleaned out.

Fortunately, we managed to keep the house...

Wh—

What of my grand and glorious future?!

Straight down the path to society's elite!

And what of my uncle?

He's disappeared.

Knowing him, I'm sure he's in no danger...

Indeed...

What about the other servants?!

Everyone except me has left.

Right...

It's not like I can pay their salaries.

I guess you're free, too.

I have no intention of leaving.

The Cecil family has served the Twinings for generations.

I shall remain ever at your side.

Kevin...

Thanks.

Not at all.

Besides...

I'm staking everything on that big brain of yours!

Please grow up to make a fortune off bribes!

What am I, your lotto ticket?

That's right, my tuition! If I can't pay, I'll have to quit school!

Damn, isn't there anything left that's worth money?

Kevin.

Do you know if there's anything like a hidden safe or secret room?

Maybe a hidden door?

Come now, this isn't a fairy tale. Such things...

...do exist.

I had no idea there was a door like this in the basement.

The Twining family's hidden treasure?

Or maybe...

What are you going to do?

If it won't open, I'll break it down.

Here goes!

Young master!

Ow...

That was reckless!

Look, you're bleeding!

It's just a little scrape.

We finally meet, bearer of Solomon's soul.

Wh-Who are you?!

Surely you haven't forgotten me?

I am Dantalion, Grand Duke of the 36 Armies of Hell,

and the most suitable candidate to rule over all Hell!

Now, elect me!

So my ancestor was King Solomon, who subjugated 72 demons called pillars,

and sealed them in some vessel, you say?

Correct.

Sorry. I haven't read much of the Bible.

Is that from the New Testament?

King Solomon was in the Old Testament.

Damn it! If you weren't the Elector,

I'd steal your soul this instant!

Seized

Silence, unlawful intruder.

Just listen to me!

We demons live in a hierarchical society just like humans!

The emperor, Lucifer, rules over Hell.

He is served by the seven demon kings,

who are served by twenty-four demon dukes, and so forth.

The only one who can choose a new king to rule in His Highness Lucifer's place

is the Elector granted authority by His Highness!

I see.

Is that all you wish to say?

What's the meaning of this?

How dare you treat a demon duke—

Ridiculous.

Did you really expect me

to believe all that blather about Hell and Solomon and whatnot?

Vile con artist.

What'd you call me?!

I'm so sorry.

The young master is a hard-line realist with a love for modern science.

There is nothing in this world that can't be explained with a formula.

Honestly, I thought I'd find something I could make money off of,

and all I get is this useless bum.

Useless Bum!

You impertinent...

You capture the great Dantalion,

and then have the gall to call me useless?!

That's right.

The only thing I need right now is tuition for next semester,

and that's it.

Listen to what I'm—

What kind of trick did he use?

There must be a secret room under the floor somewhere.

It'd be too expensive to dig it up, though.

Kevin, didn't my father have a ring he was really protective of?

Young master, that ring...

Don't tell me they took that, too?!

No...

Kevin?

Young master, behind you!

Young master!

Young master...

Where am I?

My, my. What a rare visitor we have here.

A goat?!

Oh, a costume party, right?

But why is there a costume party under my basement?

I'm dreaming!

You have a talent for coming to the easiest conclusion.

Sir William Twining.

Have you come to call on my master?

Master?

Yes, sir.

The Phenomenal Grand Duke of Hell, His Excellency Dantalion.

You mean...