I agree, he was definitely the cutest.

Mostly, I think Mairimashita! Iruma-kun is just about being funny and having a good time. But to the extent that it’s “about” anything, I think it’s child-rearing. I suspect this is an issue Nishi Osamu feels strongly about, because when it goes there the series feels very pointed. Specifically, giving them space and giving them opportunities. Letting them enjoy their youth and not heaping pressure and expectations on them. Sullivan telling Iruma that he wanted him to have “Demon King” as an option but not an obligation was consistent with that.

Iruma, in his humble way, has never really failed at anything he’s set out to do since he got to Babyls. So if it is something he wants, I sure wouldn’t bet against him. The three kids are asked only one question at the Thirteen Crowns Dinner – if you became the king, how would you rule? Leviathan basically says he’d impose his own rules and enforce a society were freedom came from doing as he says. Razberry basically says he’d create a world where everyone has fun and even idiots can get ahead. But Iruma seemingly fumbles it a little – he says “things seem fine to me now”.

There’s more to this, and the way Iruma eventually frames his answer after cautioning that he doesn’t really know what’s happening outside the school is more cutting – “Maybe I’d try and make the Underworld more like Babyls”. Henri is in a unique position here – he knows Iruma and what’s more, he knows his secret. He’s baffled by Sullivan putting a human child up for consideration for demon king, but he’s also shown himself to be a basically decent and honest guy (despite his overprotectiveness towards his daughter). I suspect if push came to shove Iruma would have another ally in him.

In the end Iruma may have won the day by eating more heartily than his rivals (or anyone), which the Crowns consider to be a tell. As for the boys they leave things on a positive note – Leviathan apologizes for dissing Iruma and Razberry calls him “-chan”,  then they pose for photos. All this is going onto the back burner for a while, anyway. Of more immediate concern is that the Misfit Class are soon to become second-years, which the Iruma Trio wax lovingly about when the get together. Especially the idea of having kouhai, which puts Iruma’s head in the clouds.

It’s Clara who suggests they play “Murder House” with Iruma practicing being a sempai keeping his kouhai in-line. That he sucks at this is no surprise; that Azz does maybe less so, though the issue with him is that he can’t bring himself to yell at Iruma-sama even in a simulation. Ironically Clara turns out to be the best at being a sempai, leaving the other two almost speechless. Azz has erased his memories of their first meeting – as indeed has Clara, it seems. They’re living in the now I suppose. For one last surprise, Iruma pops up (literally) to steal the “ki” in Clara’s “Sukima”…

Su…ki…ma