Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid is anther one of those shows that’s never drawn much of a following around here.  I stick with it because I like it, obviously – that’s always the be all and end all of my coverage decisions when push comes to shove.  But it’s kind of a shame that it doesn’t generate more conversation, because at this stage it’s pretty much reaching its final form.  As an adaptation the demerits will never go away – the CGI is unfortunate, and not all the key casting finds the mark.  But as a story, it’s genuine quality.

As far as that story goes, a lot of the cards are on the table now, largely thanks to this episode.  Most obviously between Caph and Zain, whose relationship advanced several stages this week.  You have to imagine Zain waited around to thank Caph specifically because deep down, he wanted her to stop him from doing what he planned to do.  There’s no way he didn’t know she’d figure out what was going on (and of course she did).  But he probably never planned to tell her he loved her, which pretty much sealed the deal (the timing certainly would have been awkward otherwise).

That doesn’t solve the essential problem of course, which is Daleth trying to get at Zain through Circus Gemini.  I do think it’s notable that she doesn’t just come out and start injuring or killing people, which no doubt would have been effective – Daleth is not Sade, and there do seem to be lines she’s not willing to cross.  But disruptive she certainly is, with the help of Keto and Teto, and blackmail is not one of those lines.  It’s Bocchan who steps up to spare Zain from having to use his time magic – finally a chance to put his curse to good use (and general acclaim).  His fangs and indeed sharper and his venom deadlier than anything Keto could throw out there.

Eventually Daleth does manage to put Caph in jeopardy and Zain has no choice but to use his magic (which he’s loathe to do, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear).  This highlights a fundamental paradox for him – he’s better positioned (and more committed) to protect Caph than anyone else, but he’s also the one whose presence puts her in danger.  Inadvertently Daleth has clarified things for him – Caph could be threatened whether he’s around or not, so he might as well be around to keep her safe.  A confession and a kiss in the same episode is about as indisputable a relationship confirmation as you’re going to get.

There are also no secrets between Daleth and Alice now – she flat-out tells Alice that Sharon is asleep, not dead.  And that Zain’s magic is the only way she can be saved.  Alice protests at being dubious of this new information, but it’s pretty obvious that she senses the truth in it.  Ultimately this is probably a fruitless exercise for Daleth – having failed to turn Bocchan against Zain, she’s not going to succeed in trying to turn the both of them.  But Caph’s punch renders it a moot point for now, and reveals Daleth’s scarred face to the group – which prompts an immediate retreat (for now).

It’s also worth noting that Zachou – clearly a man much more than he seems to be – expresses no surprise when he sees what’s going on here.  Zachou has some experience with witches of course, so saw the signs in Zain and Caph.  Even he’s caught off-stride when Bocchan reveals that he knows Amelia, though.  Zachou offers Bocchan some advice – view his curse as a trial that he’s one day overcome.  Easy for him to say, but this is a guy who’s not without his own relationship challenges…