The Duke of Death and His Maid (Japanese: 死神坊ちゃんと黒メイド, Hepburn: Shinigami Botchan to Kuro Meido) is a Japanese romantic comedymanga series by Koharu Inoue. It was serialized online via Shogakukan's Sunday Webry website from October 2017 to May 2022, with its chapters collected in sixteen tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation produced by J.C.Staff aired from July to September 2021. A second season aired from July to September 2023. A third and final season premiered in April 2024.
Plot
A young noble named Viktor is cursed as a child by a witch, causing him to kill anything he touches. As a result, his mother disowns him, and sends him to live in a separate estate with only a maid named Alice and a butler. In the process, the noble becomes close to Alice, and she to him. He tries to adapt to living with the curse and attempts to find out about the person who cursed him.
A young noble who was bewitched since childhood with a curse that kills anything he touches. Because of it, he is disowned by his mother and sent to live in a separate estate inside a forest with only a butler and his maid Alice.
Viktor's childhood friend and personal maid who is infatuated with him. Despite knowing that touching Viktor can kill her, Alice likes to flirt with him, usually with comical results.
Viktor's youngest sister, Viola likes older men and has feelings for Rob, usually visiting her brother's house just to see him.
Walter (ウォルター, Uorutā)
Voiced by: Yuma Uchida[4] (Japanese); Alan Lee (English)
Viktor's younger brother who was chosen to replace him as the family's heir. Despite that, Walter always has a feeling of inferiority towards his brother and always attempts to surpass him.
A young witch who befriends Viktor and Alice. Cuff is skilled with fire magic and works in a circus with Zain. Cuff views the world with a sense of immaturity, and child-like wonder (as evidenced by her affinity for Santa Claus). It is hinted that she has feelings for Zain.
A wizard with bird features and a perverted behavior who is Cuff's companion. Zain always attempts to flirt with Cuff, who rejects him at first but eventually warms up to him. Zain is skilled with time magic, a rare and powerful trait that makes him the target of other witches.
The leader of the witches, replacing her older sister Sade. Like Cuff and Zain, Daleth also befriends Viktor and Alice, helping them to look for a way to break the curse. In the past, she was disfigured by Sade and since then she disguises her head with a skull-like mask in shame, until Walter compliments her true face, which also makes her fall in love with him.
Alice's mother who somehow has a connection with the witches, despite not being one of them. Years ago, she was apparently killed by Sade but revives later in the story, reuniting with her daughter.
Viktor's mother who disowned him after he was cursed. Behind her strict facade, she still cares for her son and wants him to break his curse so that he can return to the family. She is good friends with Sharon.
Sade (シャーデー, Shādē)
The main antagonist and former leader of the witches. Sade is responsible for several acts of cruelty such as the duke's curse, Daleth's scar and Sharon's apparent death. It is stated that she died many years ago but traces of her magic are usually seen, as a sign that she was not completely destroyed yet.
An instructor of Niko's wizardy school. Despite the fact that Free is actually a witch, he highly admires Niko and addresses him as "Brother Niko" even going as far as to dress like him.
Viktor
The grandfather of the Duke, Viola and Walter.
Media
Manga
Written and illustrated by Koharu Inoue, The Duke of Death and His Maid was serialized on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry website from October 3, 2017,[8] to May 17, 2022.[9][10] Shogakukan collected its chapters in sixteen tankōbon volumes, released from January 12, 2018,[11] to July 12, 2022.[12]
An anime television series adaptation by J.C.Staff was announced on February 2, 2021. The CGI-heavy series is directed by Yoshinobu Yamakawa, with Hideki Shirane overseeing the series' scripts, Michiru Kuwabata designing the characters, and Gen Okuda and Takeshi Watanabe composing the series' music. The opening theme song, "Mangetsu to Silhouette no Yoru" (満月とシルエットの夜, "Full Moon and Silhouette's Night"), is performed by Natsuki Hanae and Ayumi Mano, while the ending theme song, "Nocturne" (夜想曲, Nokutān), is also performed by Mano.[4] It aired from July 4 to September 19, 2021, on Tokyo MX, BS11, and ytv.[4][1][41]Funimation licensed the series outside of Asia.[42] Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.[43]Plus Media Network Asia licensed the series in Southeast Asia and will air it on Aniplus Asia.[44]Medialink licensed the series in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, streaming it on their YouTube channel, Ani-One Asia.[45]
At the end of the series' final episode, it was announced that a second season has been green-lit,[46] which aired from July 9 to September 24, 2023.[10][47] The opening theme song is "Kimi to Revue" (君とレヴュー) by Hanae and Mano, while the ending theme song is "Hoshikuzu Requiem" (星屑レクイエム) by Nasuo.[47]
At the end of the series' second season finale, it was announced that a third season has been green-lit.[48] It premiered on April 7, 2024. The opening theme song is "Cinematic Parade" (シネマティックパレード) by Nasuo, while the ending theme song is "Étoile Mémoire" (エトワールメモワール) by Mano.[49]
"The Duke and Alice" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリス)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
July 4, 2021 (2021-07-04)
A young boy known as the Duke of Death is cursed by a witch so any living thing he touches dies, so his noble mother banished him to a mansion far away. He is served by a maid, Alice, a childhood friend who, despite knowing his touch would be fatal, enjoys tempting him with her body so she can enjoy his reactions and is the only one who spends time with him. Another childhood friend, Phillip, asks if he can visit and Duke agrees as he hopes to have friends again. Phillip arrives with guards who deter Duke from getting too close, ruining Duke's hopes. Phillip is scared when Duke accidentally touches a plant which withers away, and tries to convince Alice to leave Duke whom he calls a monster. Phillip reveals Duke's mother forced him to visit as a spy, revealing she hopes to replace Duke as family heir with his younger brother and cut Duke off from the family entirely. Phillip then leaves, swearing to never visit again. Duke is heartbroken but swears to one day break his curse and repay all Alice's kindness by confessing his love and asking her to marry him.
2
2
"The Duke, His Butler, and a Lost Cat" Transliteration: "Botchan to Shitsuji to Mayoi Neko" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんと執事と迷い猫)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
July 11, 2021 (2021-07-11)
Rob, Duke's elderly butler, returns to work but Duke worries as Rob has bad eyesight and is constantly in danger of bumping into Duke. Duke begins focusing on his piano, hoping to one day make a living writing songs. He plays Alice a song he wrote for her and Alice almost kisses him after he falls asleep. Duke is abruptly visited by his sister Viola who has an annoying girly personality. Viola instantly sees Duke is smitten with Alice and teases him. She surprisingly tells Duke to break his curse quickly so he can come home. She then bumps into Rob accidentally, revealing she has a crush on him. A cat wanders into the mansion, putting Duke on edge as he can’t predict if the cat will try to touch him. Rob finds a confusing note in its collar asking for forgiveness, leading Duke to believe the cat was abandoned. Releasing it outside Duke sees it actually has a wife and several kittens. Later that night Duke asks Alice to dance and though it is difficult they manage to waltz without touching. With the dance over Duke nervously asks Alice how she feels about him and she admits she loves and adores him.
3
3
"The Duke and the Meteor Shower During the Full Moon" Transliteration: "Botchan to Mangetsu no Ryūseigun" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんと満月の流星群)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
July 18, 2021 (2021-07-18)
Alice asks Duke to a festival in town, with Duke in a costume heavy enough he won’t pose a danger. A masked woman named Daleth recognises Alice as Sharon Lendrott’s daughter. Duke helps a lost child feel better by playing a piano, his skill causing the crowd to dance. After seeing a novelty mask of his face Duke realises rumours about his curse are spreading. Alice tells Duke a tale about a princess whose prince was imprisoned on the moon, so every year she sends him a kiss. Duke becomes depressed that even on a date he cannot touch Alice, but she assures him being close is enough. Later, Alice summons him to her room, and while she pretends it is for perverted reasons she just helps him relax so he can sleep. Duke invites her on a boat to watch a meteor shower but when she falls in he is unable to catch her. Alice demands a kiss, even if it kills her, but when he refuses she reveals it was a trick so she could tip him in the water as well. They miss the meteors and Duke is upset he couldn’t tell Alice he loves her like he planned. Alice doesn’t mind and tells him to try again at the next meteor shower in ten years.
4
4
"The Duke, Alice, and Memories of Snow" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu to Yuki no Kioku" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリスと雪の記憶)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
July 25, 2021 (2021-07-25)
Duke worries when Alice stops teasing him, but is relieved to discover she just has a cold. After she recovers Alice asks Duke to spend the day in the snow and gives him a scarf she knitted. Returning inside Alice notices she dropped an earring that belonged to her mother. Duke sneaks outside to locate it but passes out in the cold. A nearby bat transforms into a girl and helps him recover. When she discovers he is a noble helping a maid she decides he has potential, uses magic to find the earring and introduces herself as Cuff, a witch. Duke invites her inside where Alice is happy he found her earring. Cuff explains she distrusts humans as witch hunters killed her parents and being half-human witches avoid her so she never learned about curses. She reveals her friend might know something but when Duke suggests she seems to really like her friend based on how much she trusts him, she jumps out a window and vanishes. Alice reminisces about one of the last times Duke was able to touch her, defending her from bullies, and he claimed snow makes her look like a snow-fairy.
5
5
"The Duke, a Crow, and Ice Skating" Transliteration: "Botchan to Karasu to Aisu Sukēto" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんと烏とアイススケート)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Kanae Muramoto
Kiyoko Sayama
August 1, 2021 (2021-08-01)
Viola visits and declares Alice must learn how to make a cute face. Unfortunately Alice is already a master of appearing cute towards Duke whereas Viola embarrasses herself making a cute face at Rob. Viola insists on helping Alice cook but keeps getting distracted by Rob. She admits to being jealous Duke has people to support him through his curse and reminds him to find a cure before their younger brother becomes heir. Duke takes Alice ice skating and meets a white crow that transforms into a human named Zain, a magic user and Cuff’s friend. Alice reveals she actually found Cuff in her bat form on the ice and helps her warm up. They decide to take part in ice skating where Duke becomes jealous Cuff and Zain can have physical contact, whereas Zain is jealous Duke and Alice can be honest about their feelings. Cuff decides to take Duke to the next Witches' Sabbath where Duke might locate the witch that cursed him. Viola decides to stay the night in Alice’s room where they discuss love and Viola’s desire for an older sister, since her mother tended to ignore her. Alice advises Duke to pay more attention to his sister in the future.
6
6
"The Duke, Alice, and a Night in the Witches' World" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu to Makai no Ichiya" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリスと魔界の一夜)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
August 8, 2021 (2021-08-08)
Duke realises that his conservatory is overgrown. Using his curse he kills the unnecessary plants then, despite them being dead, braids the flowers into a crown for Alice. A cat steals Alice's gown while she showers, forcing her to wear Duke's coat and allowing ample opportunities to tease him. They find the gown ruined, which upsets Alice as it was one Duke liked. She wears her uniform instead and Duke must refuse her invitation to shower together. Cuff and Zain take Duke and Alice to the Sabbath disguised as witches. Duke is surprised when the Sabbath turns out to be an administrative meeting lasting only 5 minutes. Daleth, the Sabbath leader, confronts Alice and Duke, revealing she only met Alice’s mother once and also met Duke as a child. She also reveals the witch who cursed Duke is dead, but she had been a genius magic user so Duke's curse probably cannot ever be removed. She then burns their disguises, forcing them to flee. Duke wonders why Zain and Cuff helped them, so Cuff explains about his potential and promises their next visit will be as friends. Despite the bad news about his curse Duke is determined to find a cure.
7
7
"The Duke's and Alice's Uneventful Day" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu no Nandemonai Ichinichi" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリスのなんでもない一日)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
August 15, 2021 (2021-08-15)
Alice buys a witches pot to brew a potion that supposedly removes curses, but it does not work. Alice has Duke perform a song which if played perfectly can cure curses. Duke begins playing and is visited by the ghost of the songwriter who distracts Duke by trying to molest Alice, but Alice foils him. Duke finishes the song but the only curse lifted is the ghost who moves on, having heard his song played perfectly. Duke learns about the suspension bridge effect from Viola and decides to scare Alice, but Duke becomes terrified instead when he nearly curses a flower Rob has been cultivating for 50 years. Rob is actually grateful as jewelry belonging to Duke's grandmother, stolen by a maid decades ago, was hidden in the flowerpot and can now be returned. Duke and Alice wake up in a fantasy land, having been put in a magical sleep by a book on curing curses. Alice has Duke grope her breast, but as it is a dream Duke is disappointed he can’t actually feel it. They spend all night trying to catch a white rabbit for a girl in a blue dress and decide to end the dream with a kiss, but Duke wakes up in his own library before they can.
Cuff asks Duke to teach her to read and write to impress Zain. Walter, Duke's brother, is annoyed their mother still wants Duke as heir and that Viola prefers Duke over him, since Walter has a severe inferiority complex about being the younger brother. Viola visits Duke and encounters Cuff. She attempts to apprehend her as an intruder but is embarrassed when Rob sees her sat on top of another woman. During a snowstorm Alice reminisces about her first time at the mansion when Duke was younger, still depressed about his curse and would destroy entire rooms in the mansion from anger. At first he rejected Alice but having been his childhood friend she refused to leave him alone, so he set her a challenge, clean his bedroom he had destroyed in three days or be fired. Alice cleaned the room in a single night, so Duke ran away. After almost dying in the cold Alice found him and scolded him for trying to kill himself, knowing there would be people who would miss him, especially when she was alone and sick as a child he was the one who helped her feel better. Duke agreed to return to the mansion with her and realised he had begun to fall in love with her.
9
9
"The Duke, Alice, and the Christmas Eve Vow" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu to Seiya no Chikai" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリスと聖夜の誓い)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyotaka Ōhata
August 29, 2021 (2021-08-29)
Viola decides to gift Rob a handkerchief at Duke's Christmas party. Walter illicitly follows Viola to Duke's mansion disguised as her driver. Zain reveals he may have feelings for Cuff and attempts to compliment her but Cuff falls asleep and it is uncertain if she heard him. Viola drops Rob's gift which is picked up by Walter as he sneaks in, hoping to see Duke depressed and alone. He disguises himself as Santa but is caught by Cuff who thinks he is the real Santa and tries to help by dropping him down the chimney. Duke is happy to see Walter as they have not seen each other in years. Walter confronts Duke about the unfairness of existing only as Duke's potential replacement. Duke settles an argument between Viola and Cuff over Rob's gift which Cuff mistakenly thought was her gift from Santa. Walter wagers with Duke that whoever discovers the cure to Duke's curse becomes the heir. Walter tries to leave but ends up stubbornly stuck outside in the snow, having remembered he is Viola's driver and can’t leave without her. After the party Alice teases Duke with a request for a kiss under mistletoe, causing Duke to remember the first time he told Alice he loved her.
10
10
"The Duke, Alice, and a Song for Two" Transliteration: "Botchan to Arisu to Futari Dake no Uta" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんとアリスと二人だけの歌)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
September 5, 2021 (2021-09-05)
Alice dreams about her mother, Sharon, maid to Duke's mother when Duke was young. Viola notices their mother is angry they missed Christmas dinner. Zain sends Cuff shopping alone after Viola criticised him for his habit of doting on her. Cuff manages the shopping but almost injures a young pickpocket, forcing Zain to revert to his habit of saving her. Duke has trouble sleeping so Alice decides to get in bed with him, except her sleeping nude makes his sleeplessness worse. She asks about his mother and Duke claims he would leave the family if she parted him from Alice. Alice is troubled Duke may be forced to choose between her or his family one day. Rob remembers being ordered to raise Duke away from the family, becoming a surrogate father, but blamed himself for Duke's isolation and depression, until he brought in Alice, someone close to Duke's age who has become precious to him. Duke asks Alice to sing while he plays The Owl and the Pussy-Cat on the piano, though they both end up embarrassed. Alice returns to her room despondent that, despite Duke's confidence, they will likely be parted when his curse is broken.
11
11
"The Duke and Secret Magic" Transliteration: "Botchan to Himitsu no Mahō" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんと秘密の魔法)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Kiyoko Sayama
September 12, 2021 (2021-09-12)
Viola searches the family mansion for clues and finds a servant’s logbook. Viola’s mother forces her to start wearing dresses to prepare for marriage. Instead Viola moves in with Duke and reveals the logbook written by Alice’s mother Sharon. Daleth spies on this and gives Zain a message. Alice discovers from the logbook two witches visited the mansion around when Duke was cursed, Daleth and another. Zain passes on the message that Duke should stay away from all witches, but Zain has no intention of obeying. Alice later overhears Duke telling Zain how much he loves her. Zain steals the logbook, intending to burn it after Daleth threatened Cuff, but when Duke catches him he feels guilty and returns the logbook, warning Duke it contains something secret about Daleth. Duke tells him to burn it for Cuff’s safety, so instead Zain disintegrates it, telling Duke that Daleth is watching, but once she stops he can use his secret magic to restore the logbook from the single remaining piece. Daleth is satisfied the logbook is gone and ceases spying, but privately reveals she has Sharon’s body in a coffin, though it is not revealed if she is dead or asleep. Duke is surprised to receive a letter from his mother summoning him to the main house for the first time in years.
12
12
"Together with the Duke..." Transliteration: "Botchan to Issho ni......" (Japanese: 坊ちゃんと一緒に……)
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
Hideki Shirane
Yoshinobu Yamakawa
September 19, 2021 (2021-09-19)
Duke sees his mother but she sends him to bed so they can talk in the morning. Duke is surprised when Viola claims Gerbera was actually in a good mood. Gerbera mistakes Alice for Sharon, whom she was good friends with, and becomes unexpectedly emotional. Viola takes Duke to the garden where the witch cursed him to love no-one, be loved by no-one and live a life of misery. Viola tells Duke she and Walter are jealous of Duke since at least he lives away from their mother. At dinner Gerbera explains that with their father terminally ill they must decide on the family heir and gives Duke until spring to break his curse or Walter will become heir. Duke gives an impassioned speech about his love for Alice but when Gerbera refuses to let him marry a maid he accuses her of treating her children like possessions before storming out. Privately, Gerbera is proud Duke was able to stand up to her. Duke returns home with Alice and tells her what he said to Gerbera, but he still wants to marry her no matter what. Alice waits for Duke to fall asleep before saying that she loves him too.
