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Overview


Baron[1] Diedrich (ディーデリヒ, Dīderihi) is a German nobleman, a long-time friend of Vincent Phantomhive, and an Aristocrat of Evil. He is also a former Prefect of Weston College.[2]

Appearance[]

Ch101 Diedrich

Diedrich.

Diedrich is a stout man with short, sideswept black hair and a thick mustache. Despite his considerable weight, he retains his physical prowess, which is demonstrated when he engaged in combat with the younger Wolfram Gelzer.[3] Diedrich often wears a German military uniform paired with black boots.

From his education in Weston College to Ciel Phantomhive's childhood, Diedrich possessed a robust, athletic body and parted the forelocks of his hair to the right.

Personality[]

Diedrich is a stern, irritable individual, whom Vincent Phantomhive has described as impatient.[4] He tends to be brusque in manner and speech; for instance, he once promptly walked off with Vincent after Baron Kelvin interrupted their conversation.[5]

Diedrich is a man of integrity and a stickler for rules; he does not hesitate to confront those who disregard rules and shirk their responsibilities.[6] Moreover, he consistently keeps his promises, as evidenced by his unswerving loyalty to Vincent.[7]

Despite Diedrich's abrasive demeanor, Vincent has noted that Diedrich is, in actuality, kind and dependable, for he goes out of his way to help those in need.[8]

Additionally, Diedrich has a voracious appetite, which contributes to his weight gain—although he has implied that the blame lies with the stress Ciel Phantomhive gives him.[9] He favors sandwiches in particular.[10]

History[]

Ch86 Previous prefects

Diedrich with Vincent and the other Prefects.

As a young man, Diedrich was a student at Weston College and the prefect of the Green Lion dormitory, with Alexis Leon Midford as his fag. He strongly disliked Sapphire Owl's prefect, Vincent Phantomhive, for his relaxed and unseemly behavior. After Vincent left all of the work for the school's annual cricket tournament to him, he confronted Vincent. The two decided to have a wager based on the results of the tournament, the terms being that the loser will grant one wish of the winner. Vincent won, and his request was for Diedrich to become his fag, with no time limit; this established their life-long affiliation.[11]

308 Vincent and Diedrich

Diedrich and Vincent chat.

Sometime later, Vincent called Diedrich back from Germany. When Diedrich complained, Vincent pointed out that since he had helped Diedrich in the Windsor case a couple of years before, Diedrich must assist him with his latest case. Before Vincent could tell him the details, however, Kelvin interrupted them. Expressing his disapproval, Diedrich curtly opted to go to another room, with Vincent following him so that they may speak in private.[12]

When Ciel Phantomhive was little, he was fearful of Diedrich because of his intimidating facial expression. After commenting on Diedrich's kindhearted nature, Vincent told Diedrich that, if anything were to happen to him, Diedrich must take care of his family in his place. When Diedrich said that he cannot imagine Vincent dying earlier than he, Vincent replied that their fates cannot be predicted.[13]

Plot[]

Black Butler Arc[]

Diedrich attends a meeting exclusive for the Aristocrats of Evil at Phantomhive Manor. There, he discusses with Ciel Phantomhive, Chlaus, Angelina Dalles, Lau, Azzurro Vanel, and Arthur Randall the necessity of eradicating the malicious "vermin"—a drug-dealer—among them.[14]

Phantomhive Manor Murders Arc[]

Ciel Phantomhive talks with Diedrich via telephone about a matter relating to the banquet he is required to host, and the latter tells him that his bad traits remind him of Vincent. He cautions Ciel not to overdo it, and the conversation ends.[15]

Emerald Witch Arc[]

Diedrich is visited by Undertaker, who tells him that he has something to do in France and decided to stop by. Undertaker notes that they have not met since Vincent Phantomhive's funeral and that Diedrich does not visit England often, wondering out loud if it is because Vincent is no longer there or because Diedrich is too weighty. He bursts into laughter, much to Diedrich's chagrin. He, then, holds up a photo of Vincent and Diedrich during their Weston College days, remarking that humans change very quickly and that Diedrich used to be thin. He quips that Diedrich's coffin must be custom-made, offering to measure Diedrich, but Diedrich refuses. Undertaker adds that Vincent would laugh if he were to see him now. Diedrich replies that he is glad Vincent is dead then and is surprised when Undertaker sheds tears while reflecting on Vincent's death. Undertaker puts the photo back in its place, commenting that the Earl of Phantomhive is still with them, before leaving.[16]

When Chlaus visits Diedrich in Germany to ask for information about an unwonted disease and its questionable connection to the Werewolves' Forest, Diedrich coldly dismisses him, stating that he is busy.[17]

Soon after, Diedrich receives a letter from Ciel, which details his expected arrival. While reaching for a sandwich, he comments to himself that Ciel brings nothing but trouble just like his father and that Ciel should look more like his father, now that he is thirteen.[18]

On a secret mission, Diedrich enters through the main gate and scolds the guard for presuming he is a commoner. He conducts his research about witches and werewolves while griping about how both Vincent and Ciel are terrible at handling people. He is appalled by what he discovers.[19]

Ch101 Diedrich attacks Wolfram

Diedrich arrives and attacks Wolfram Gelzer.

When the true connection between Sieglinde Sullivan and Wolfsschlucht has been discovered, and Ciel is on the verge of getting killed by Wolfram Gelzer, Diedrich appears and intercepts Wolfram's attack.[20] Diedrich proceeds to fight with Wolfram, deflecting his dagger with his own pistol to a stalemate, which he then breaks by, first, tricking Wolfram into believing that Baldroy would attack from behind, and then delivering a kick and shooting his wrist. Diedrich tries to explain to Ciel that he has stumbled upon something terrible. Before he can say more, however, a destructive blast rips through the forest, forcing Diedrich to shield Ciel. Following the blast, Baldroy and Snake rush to join them. The ground begins to shake violently, and Ciel infers that they are experiencing an earthquake, a guess which Diedrich dismisses. A Panzer Germany has developed emerges, as Diedrich has anticipated. He, then, urges them to run.[21]

While running, Baldroy shoots the tank but lands not a scratch. Diedrich tells him that they must focus on running, for the main cannon can annihilate them in an instant. He, then, informs Ciel that, on the eastern side of the forest, there exists a military railway used to transport the materials to build Wolfsschlucht—they might be able to escape on the train. Abruptly, Ciel collapses due to his injuries. The Panzer fires, but Sebastian manages to rescue him. Diedrich exhorts them to continue running, for another attack is coming.[22]

Ciel orders Baldroy and Snake to go to the railway with Diedrich, and alert the way the other Phantomhive servants via a flare. He, then, tosses the suitcase filled with the samples of SuLIN, brought by Sebastian, to Diedrich, obliging him to carry it. Diedrich complains about getting stuck with the worst job and is in the process of comparing Ciel to Vincent, but Ciel interrupts him by stating that he trusts him. Ciel, then, declares that he and Sebastian will handle the tank. Diedrich is worried, but Baldroy assures him that Ciel has a plan and that Sebastian is extraordinary.[23]

Diedrich, Baldroy, and Snake, and Finnian reach the military railway in the eastern side of the Werewolves' Forest. Diedrich is about to open a door, but Snake warns him that multiple persons are inside. Diedrich is impressed with Snake's ability and says that though Ciel has some eccentric servants as Vincent Phantomhive did, Vincent has different tastes. He comments that it is beneficial that there are still people operating the place for they can get the train moving right away. After giving Snake the suitcase to hold, and he and Baldroy barge in and quickly eliminate the individuals inside. Subsequently, both of them put coal in the furnace. When Finnian, Sieglinde, Tanaka, and Mey-Rin arrive, they, bar Sieglinde, also work.[24]

The train starts to move. After an incident ensues where Grete Hilbard is killed by Wolfram, and Wolfram is shot by Hilde Dickhaut, whom of which Sebastian quickly kills, an injured Wolfram is placed on the train, and Ciel and Sebastian climb aboard as well.[25][26]

The group arrive at Weizsäcker, one of the castles owned by Diedrich's family. Diedrich orders his servant Heinrich to call a doctor and prepare a bath. When the Phantomhive servants marvel at the size of the castle, Heinrich points out that it is small compared to the main castle, leading Ciel to make a comment to Diedrich about his wealth.[27] Later that night, Ciel and Sebastian discuss Undertaker with Diedrich, and inform him about Undertaker's involvement in the Campania incident. Diedrich says that while Undertaker told him that he is going to France, he has no idea where Undertaker is at the moment. He, then, relays to them what he and Undertaker conversed about when Undertaker visited him a while ago. He admits that when Undertaker commented that the Earl of Phantomhive is still with them, he did not pay much attention to it, because he assumed Undertaker is merely speaking nonsense like he usually does.[28]

Heinrich interrupts Diedrich, Ciel, and Sebastian's conversation, notifying Diedrich that dinner is prepared. While they are heading to the dining room, Ciel tells Diedrich that his mission will be complete once he hands Sieglinde over to Queen Victoria and that they will leave for England as soon as the wounded are able to travel.[29]

At the train station, Ciel and his company prepare to leave Germany. Ciel thanks Diedrich, who tells him to not bring trouble next time. Ciel picks up on the hint that Diedrich would allow them to visit next time, and Diedrich denies that he implied anything of that sort, blushing out of embarrassment. Diedrich tells Ciel to be careful, and watches the train go alongside Heinrich.[30]

Quotes[]

  • (To Vincent Phantomhive) "A commanding officer is the embodiment of his company. Thus, those who obey a prefect of your ilk can only amount to so much... or perhaps I should say, so little."[31]

Trivia[]

Etymology[]

  • "Diedrich" is a variant spelling of "Dietrich"—the German form of the Germanic name Theodoric[35] which means "ruler of the people." It is derived from the elements theud ("people") and ric ("ruler").[36]

Out of Universe[]

  • The name of Diedrich's castle Weizsäcker is also the name of a prominent and old house from the Kingdom of Württemberg, a former German state. After several of its members were granted personal noble titles, the House of Weizsäcker was raised to hereditary nobility in 1916 and given the title of "Freiherr"[39] which is sometimes translated as "Baron" in English.[40]

References[]

  1. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 105, page 15
  2. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, page 14
  3. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, pages 13-16
  4. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 32, page 8
  5. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 32, pages 6-8
  6. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, pages 14-18
  7. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, pages 24-25
  8. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, pages 9-12
  9. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, page 13
  10. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 32, page 7
  11. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, pages 14-27
  12. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 32, pages 6-8
  13. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, pages 9-12
  14. 14.0 14.1 Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 3, page 7
  15. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 39, page 2
  16. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 105, pages 20-25
  17. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 86, page 15
  18. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 86, pages 19-20
  19. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 96, pages 3-5
  20. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, page 8
  21. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 101, pages 13-23
  22. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 102, pages 4-9
  23. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 102, pages 11-12
  24. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 103, pages 12-21
  25. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 103, pages 22-35
  26. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 104, pages 9-10
  27. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 105, pages 13-16
  28. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 105, pages 20-26
  29. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 106, page 3
  30. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 107, pages 2-3
  31. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, page 19
  32. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, page 27
  33. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 75, page 15
  34. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 86, page 18
  35. Behind the Name – Dietrich
  36. Behind the Name – Theodoric
  37. June 2015 Issue of Square Enix's GFantasy Magazine
  38. Kuroshitsuji anthology; Rainbow Butler 2: "With Father!"
  39. Wikipedia:Weizsäcker family
    Wikipedia:de:Weizsäcker
  40. Wikipedia:Freiherr

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