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

Try to imagine, if you would,

a life in which you could never embrace

the one you love.

Never once feel their skin against yours.

He takes the life of anything he touches.

That was the curse the witch cruelly

inflicted upon him.

His own mother keeps him at a distance.

His former friends name him a monster.

Even strangers speak of him

as Death incarnate.

And yet, he doesn't feel the least bit lonely.

I feel refreshed!

Not long ago,

two wizards appeared before us.

They asked us to join their school,

and we agreed, because even though

we don't see eye-to-eye on everything

we share a common goal of changing the past.

You don't mind if I tag along, do you?

Every single morning,

it's the same thing.

I'm starting to worry about you.

You're falling asleep on your feet!

Well, Ms. Ichi's training

really takes it out of her.

Yes, but it's also a huge help!

That woke her up.

She taught me something crucial.

That getting stronger is about believing!

As long as I keep on believing in myself

and Zain and everybody else,

I'll be able to burn brighter than I...

Her battery ran out mid-sentence.

That's impressive, in a way.

Hey! What's up, everybody?

The upperclassmen.

You want something, or...

Ms. Ichi just asked us to check in.

Said Cuff's been staying up late

and it's starting to catch up to her.

Sarah? Do your thing.

Pillow boobies!

Yes!

Wow, I feel so alert!

And completely well-rested!

Sarah can make anything as good

as new just by licking it.

It's kind of a "kiss it and make it better" deal.

In other words, she's a healing wizard.

Awesome! Thank you, Sarah!

All my energy has left me!

If only someone could lick me back to health!

So, what kind of powers do the rest of you have?

I can cut through anything!

I make things go crackle-boom!

There's gotta be a better way to say that.

Are you ready to go, Zain?

I have a fever, and the only prescription

is Sarah's tongue!

Okay, I'm off to training!

Gotcha. Don't push yourself too hard.

I'll be fine!

Believe in me and Ms. Ichi!

Right, then. What should I do now?

I think I'm almost at a point where

I can level up my magic,

but I feel like something's missing.

I need to relax and clear my head.

Maybe the upperclassmen can help.

Couldn't hurt to ask!

Roll, roll, roll, roll, roll.

You're learning to concentrate.

I didn't expect to see this much growth

from a few lessons.

Enough!

The time has come for you to show me

how brightly you can burn.

Let's see your magic.

Sounds good!

Since the day I failed to protect my parents,

I've tried to fight on my own, without a thought for others.

But it's different now.

I'm going to believe in Zain, and Ms. Ichi,

and in everyone who fights by my side.

And I'll become as strong and bright

as I possibly can!

Brighter and brighter, and even brighter still!

Not bad at all.

Oh, yeah!

Right now I'm burning as brightly

as the sun itself!

Here! Take this! Special attack.

"Bomb as Bright as the Sun!"

So? How about it,

did my crackle-boom do the trick?

Yeah, I think it did, actually.

This worked out pretty well,

considering I put no thought into it whatsoever.

I leveled up at least once,

maybe two or three times.

Thanks for your help!

-That should be about enough. - Okay!

Then I'll only do it three more times!

No, that won't be necessary!

You're returning to the Underworld?

Thanks a bunch for all the cool stuff

you taught us!

I do have mixed feelings about all this,

but I know Sade has to be dealt with.

I'm willing to help you with that, if I can.

Tell me, though.

Will you try to reason with her?

If you're already determined to do battle,

I'll have to reconsider my support.

In the end, she's still your sister.

It's more than that.

I need her to remain alive for my own reasons.

I see.

Well, if we've got you with us,

then perhaps we'll be able to get

through to her.

I have no desire to see meaningless bloodshed.

Please contact me when you're prepared

to make your way to the past.

Goodbye.

Oh. And there is something

I'd like to ask you for in exchange

- for my assistance. - Uh?

I found a book that describes

how a witch can turn into a human.

With this information, perhaps I can do so myself.

And then?

And then. And then!

Still, it seems terribly complicated.

You need a thousand different items,

and the entire process is a thousand steps long.

Let's see how it ends.

A kiss with a human?

I was so overwhelmed, I threw the book!

And yet, if I follow these instructions,

I can become like Walter.

I want to be human.

I want to be the same as my beloved Walter!

Daleth. There you are.

W-W-W-W-W-W-Walter!

I've been looking for you.

I heard that you were leaving.

Is it really true?

Yes.

I need to be getting back to the Underworld.

I've been gone far too long, so...

- Hmm? - I'm sorry. I have to go!

Please, wait.

Will I see you?

Oh!

Of course. Yes.

I grabbed her hand without thinking.

Maybe that was a bit much.

Smell that foul air.

Is that a sure sign we're back home

in the Underworld or what?

Yes.

But doesn't the atmosphere feel different?

More laid-back somehow, perhaps?

Whatevs.

Hey! Welcome back, Keto!

So glad you could join us!

We were just enjoying a fish feast.

Please help yourself to whatever you like!

Is that her?

She's right at home, huh?

Really? You don't say.

Thanks for filling me in.

I think I basically get the picture now.

But to think that over a decade has gone by!

I can't believe it!

I mean, look at the mansion.

It's just like I remember!

But with you, it's a different story, Daleth.

I don't think I ever would have

recognized you.

What happened to that mask you always

used to wear, anyway?

And how's your sister? Is Sade doing well?

Oh, she's as much of a handful as ever.

It's kind of strange seeing you on your own.

You two were always together.

Good to see you, Rob!

Oh! You're a little older!

I can't believe it.

You sure? 'Cause it seems like you can.

Is it truly you, my dear?

You know it!

Sharon Lendrott, age twenty-five!

My daughter is dear Alice!

And my favorite food...

Uh. All of them!

You're the real Sharon, all right.

Allow me to welcome you back.