The Duke of Death and His Maid

Cursed as a child so that anything he touches wilts and dies, the young Duke keeps to his family's secluded estate and lives a quiet, lonely life. His maid Alice, however, won't be pushed away; she teases him, flirts shamelessly, and treats him like a person rather than a hazard. Their growing affection is tender and awkward, played out against visits from friends and rivals who bring humor, frustration, and occasional danger. The central question is simple and constant: can this unlikely pair, aided by loyal companions, find a way to ease the Duke's isolation and change his fate, or will the curse keep them apart?

The anime premiered in 2021 and is adapted from Koharu Inoue's original manga. Hideki Shirane is listed among the series' creators, and the production assembled a cast led by Natsuki Hanae and Ayumi Mano in the main roles.

It didn't collect major international awards like Emmys or Golden Globes, and there's no record of Oscars or similar prizes. Within anime circles it received attention for its tone and characters, appearing on seasonal roundups and fan recommendations rather than award lists.

The show developed a steady niche following online, with fan art, cosplay, and discussion threads highlighting Alice's fearless devotion and the series' Gothic-tinged aesthetic. Memes and short clips of the pair's awkward romantic moments helped it stay present in social feeds during and after its run.

Critics and viewers have generally given it positive marks, reflected in a 7.8/10 average from 111 votes. Reviewers praised the balance of light comedy and melancholy, the chemistry between the leads, and the supporting cast's charm. Major themes include loneliness, acceptance, and how unconditional care can change a person's life, all delivered with a tone that mixes sweetness and gentle darkness rather than outright seriousness.