I’m glad we got this episode, because the truth of the matter is, it was no sure thing that we would. Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid has been making some cuts by necessity as there just aren’t enough episodes remaining to adapt the manga faithfully. The sorcery school arc suffered most badly of course, but these sorts of chapters are always vulnerable in these situations, when decisions are made about what’s “essential” and what isn’t. The problem, of course, comes down to the definition of essential…

We’re on the cusp of the final showdown now, when everything is going to be settled one way or the other. I’m sure the temptation was strong to just jump right into the action, but these sorts of episodes are really important in any series, and this one more than most. It’s the character moments that define Shinigsmi Bocchan – that give everything emotional resonance. Depriving us of the chance to see those characters at their most vulnerable on the eve of the big finish would have robbed that finish of much of its emotional traction.We know the storm is coming, but the calm is just as important.

Nico swings by to collect everyone in preparation for the big departure. He tells Zain that he has the option to withdraw after opening the time portal, since he’ll be the first one that Sade attacks. Zain will have none of that, of course. Everyone (except Daleth) gathers at the mansion on the eve of departure. The girls pile into Alice’s shack for a sleepover, while the guys settle down in the parlor and Walter reveals an extremely odd choice in seated posture. Violet is hoping for some romance talk but gets none; she also reveals that she somehow has no idea that it’s her brother than Alice considers her prince. And Caph learns about “H”.

My favorite part of the episode were the moments with Rob and what are effectively his kids. They have a pillowfight because he says it’s something he’s always wanted to do, but he conks out after ten seconds. Bocchan and Alice, meanwhile, make a mountain of pillows big enough to safely share. And then the Duke asks Rob for advice on how to propose – because really, who else is he going to ask? No one knows better than Rob how practically impossible what Bocchan wants is, but he doesn’t have the heart to say so.

That’s the elephant in the room, of course. There’s the matter of breaking the curse, which is obviously not going to be a walk in the park. But the Duke has two dreams driving him to do so that are seemingly incompatible – reclaiming his place as the heir, and marrying a housemaid. Bocchan is kind and maybe even naive, but he’s no fool – he knows this. And Alice certainly does. But it’s one of those things that’s just not talked about – because until Sade is defeated (or persuaded) there’s nothing to talk about.

Daleth – late arriving and bashful as ever – is the unlikely source of the final pep talk. She’s not in this to kill her sister (though no one could blame her if she was) – it’s not just Alice but everyone who’s relying on Bocchan to persuade Sade to lift the curse. He is Victor’s grandson, and Victor was the man Sade loved – maybe that’s his way in, but it’s also very likely the reason she cursed him in the first place.