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Ronald Knox (ロナルド・ノックス, Ronarudo Nokkusu) is a Grim Reaper. He is part of the Retrieval Division of the Grim Reaper Dispatch.
Appearance
Ronald is a young man with short blond hair and the underside of his hair dyed black, as well as a cowlick at the right side of his hair. Like other Grim Reapers, he has chartreuse phosphorescent eyes.
Ronald wears thick-framed, pentagon glasses and a watch on his right wrist. He often dresses in a suit, tie, gloves, dress shoes, and occasionally a hat.
Ronald's Death Scythe has been modified to resemble a lawnmower, on the principle of avoiding overtime.[2] The Death Scythe comprises two wheels; four circular blades, with two straight blades set horizontal to them; a handle; and a small cord that activates the Death Scythe upon being pulled. The words "Death Scythe" are engraved on the front.
Personality
Ronald is a carefree, even-tempered individual who is frequently tardy.[3] He seeks to accomplish his duties as swiftly as possible, as he dislikes working overtime; he once expressed envy toward William T. Spears and Grelle Sutcliff for their "easier" jobs.[4] Nevertheless, he is willing to work hard when necessary.[5]
A sociable person, Ronald is fond of parties. On one occasion, he told William that he would like to finish his job quickly in order to attend a party,[5] and, on another occasion, he mingled and drank with third-class passengers on the Campania.[6] Furthermore, Ronald is suave, having charmed the receptionist at the Grim Reaper Dispatch into assisting him in modifying his Death Scythe[7] and having offered to treat Mey-Rin to a drink during their first encounter.[8]
Plot
Circus Arc
Ronald is obliged to assist William T. Spears in collecting the souls of the individuals killed in Baron Kelvin's manor. He shows up late and states that Grelle Sutcliff's mission lies with Phantomhive Manor; he adds that Grelle's job is much easier. Ronald opts to finish the investigation work quickly, as he has a party with the secretarial section to attend to later, as well as a profound distaste for overtime. When William questions him about his Death Scythe, Ronald assures him that he had it properly authorized for use because he is friends with a girl at the General Affairs Department. They then set out to collect the souls.[9]
Luxury Liner Arc
On April 17, 1889, at the port where the luxury ship Campania is, Ronald places a hand on Mey-Rin's shoulder, asking her where the second-class entrance to the ship is. She points the way, and he thanks her. When he offers to treat her to some tea in the lounge later, she reveals that she is merely there to see someone off. An officer announces that they will pull up the bridge soon, prompting Ronald to shout that he will be boarding. He tells Mey-Rin that he will invite her again if he makes it back safely, and hastens on board because he is worried that he will be punished if he is late. To his relief, he manages to get on the ship in time for it to set sail and remarks that the future is bright.[10]
Three days later,[11] Ronald is at the third-class dining hall where he drinks and socializes with the other passengers. When Ronald comments that they must have refined brand-name champagne if they are drinking with their ladies, Sophie Smith, impressed, states that she is jealous of his girlfriend. He admits that he does not have one to a surprised Sophie. After checking his watch and determining that he still has time, he says that even though he does not have a girlfriend, he has a lot of time. Subsequently, they all toast to their free time.[6]
Later, Ronald rechecks his watch, stands up, and puts on his coat while informing the other passengers that he has some things to do. When Sophie tells him to meet her there tomorrow, Ronald agrees to the plan, but he adds that it will only be so if they meet alive, to her confusion.[12]
Ronald rushes toward the meeting room of Aurora Society.[13] Once he is there, he finds Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis struggling to kill the Bizarre Doll Margaret Connor, and he informs them that Bizarre Dolls cannot be destroyed unless their heads get smashed in. He proceeds to obliterate her head with his Death Scythe. He checks his soul retrieval list and verifies that she has, indeed, been dead for a while, which he knew was the case since he was the one in charge of collecting her soul. He then collects Susannah Connor's soul. Subsequently, he recognizes Sebastian as the butler Grelle has talked about and introduces himself. He admits that he knows nothing about the Bizarre Dolls, and he was sent by the Grim Reaper Dispatch to investigate them; he affirms that Margaret was truly a soulless corpse as he collected her soul two weeks ago and that smashing the Bizarre Dolls' heads in is simply a way of stopping their movement since it does not necessarily kill them.[14]
Before Ciel and Sebastian can pursue Rian Stoker, Ronald attacks Sebastian, stating that he does not want a demon to interfere. Ciel goes ahead anyway, and Ronald comments on his attitude. Sebastian attempts to kick him while he is distracted, but Ronald avoids the blow. They continue to fight. During the battle, Sebastian remarks on the sharpness of Ronald's Death Scythe. Ronald manages to cut Sebastian's cheek with a knife, saying that Grim Reapers who solely focus on their Death Scythes are "old-fashioned."[15] As the battle progresses, Ronald says that Sebastian is as good a fighter as he is rumored to be. Sebastian tries to punch him, but Ronald ducks, glancing at his watch and declaring that he is almost late. He then leaves behind a confused Sebastian.[16]
Later, Ronald stands on the deck of the ship, complaining about the strong possibility of working overtime for their management has only dispatched two Grim Reapers, the other being Grelle, to collect all the souls. In moments, the ship crashes into an iceberg.[17] Ronald and Grelle meet up, and the latter forces Ronald hold her by the waist as she enjoys the night breeze. She soon stops, however, deeming Ronald unexciting. Ronald reminds Grelle that they both should be focusing on their duty, for they have approximately another one-thousand souls to collect, and they must investigate the Bizarre Dolls, as well. Grelle tells him that soul reaping is a Grim Reaper's most important job ,and that the investigation part can come at a later time. She urges him to hurry, because she wishes to go home and does not want to risk another suspension order.[18]
In the first-class suite, Grelle and Ronald destroy numerous Bizarre Dolls while complaining about the sheer quantity of them. Grelle notes that dealing with the Bizarre Dolls is a waste of time, and Ronald agrees, stating that the Campania will sink in one hour.[19]
After they carry out their task in the first-class front hallway, Ronald informs Grelle that they must descend five floors to reach the third boiler room. While they discuss the enigmatic Bizarre Dolls, a Bizarre Doll on a carriage led by a couple of Bizarre Doll horses appears. Grelle swiftly annihilates them.[20]
In the second-class restaurant, Ronald and Grelle encounter Sebastian, Ciel, and Elizabeth Midford. While battling Sebastian, Grelle accidentally slashes a window with her Death Scythe, causing water to rapidly enter the ship.[21] When Grelle gets distracted, Ronald takes their place and fights Sebastian.[22]
After a brief intervention with Elizabeth eliminating a number of Bizarre Dolls and unsuccessfully attempting to kill Grelle, Ronald and Grelle overhear Ciel telling Sebastian to concentrate on finding Rian who has constructed the Bizarre Dolls. Ronald shows Grelle Rian's information in the soul retrieval list. After they both read it, they urgently leave to learn more about the Bizarre Dolls from Rian.[23]
In the first-class passenger lounge, Grelle saves Rian from falling to his death.[24] When they ask for a method to stop the Bizarre Dolls, Rian discloses that there is a device in his room that can render the absolute salvation ineffective. Ronald, Grelle, and Rian go to Rian's first-class guest room, where they discover that the device has been stolen.[25] They return to the first-class passenger lounge, where Ciel, Sebastian, Undertaker, and Aleister Chamber, who has taken the device, are.[26] When Grelle states her ardent desire to kill Aleister, Aleister threatens to destroy the device, and Ronald stops an outraged Grelle.[27]
A legion of Bizarre Dolls arrives, the sheer number of them bewildering them all. Ronald, Grelle, and Sebastian are compelled to fight them. Irritated by Aleister's theatrics, Ronald asks to kill him, and Grelle scolds him for stopping them earlier. Grelle then shouts at Aleister to activate the device, but Aleister refuses to until they perform the Phoenix Pose to pledge their loyalty to him, much to Ronald, Grelle, Ciel, and Sebastian's exasperation. They reluctantly recite the lines and strike the pose.[28]
A satisfied Aleister then turns on the device, but it does not work. Grelle deftly kills several Bizarre Dolls, which impresses Ronald, and lunges at Aleister, despite Ronald's warning that she must not kill humans. Undertaker blocks Grelle's Death Scythe and attacks her with his sotoba.[29]
Ronald, Grelle, and Sebastian note Undertaker's chartreuse phosphorescent eyes, and they realize that Undertaker is a Grim Reaper.[30] Ronald and Grelle are shocked to learn that Undertaker created the Bizarre Dolls by editing the deceased's Cinematic Records. On Undertaker's encouragement, Grelle views a couple of Bizarre Dolls' Cinematic Records, and she is appalled to see that Undertaker has indeed connected fake records following the "End" mark for the bodies to mistakenly believe that life is still continuing. Undertaker further explains how Bizarre Dolls function, he admits that the Campania was merely an experiment to see what will happen when the same amount of humans and Bizarre Dolls are together.[31] Ronald and Grelle decide to apprehend Undertaker, who is most likely a "deserter."[32]
Ronald and Grelle attack Undertaker, but Sebastian kicks Ronald, saying that he would be in trouble if he were to let Grelle and Ronald haul Undertaker away, because Ciel wants to take Undertaker into custody for Queen Victoria's sake. They decide that whichever team is the fastest can take Undertaker. In subsequence, Ronald, Grelle, and Sebastian attack Undertaker simultaneously.[33]
While fighting, they discuss Grim Reapers' nearsightedness, and Grelle points out that Undertaker must be at a disadvantage since he is not wearing any glasses. Grelle is astonished that she is able to cut through Undertaker's sotoba, as she could not do so before. Undertaker kicks Grelle, and Ronald rushes over, but his glasses are thrown off by Undertaker. Grelle tosses the glasses back to Ronald, but Sebastian knocks them away. Sebastian and Undertaker battle, while Ronald retrieves his glasses with Grelle next to him. Ronald and Grelle mention that they are running out of time since the ship is tilting heavily, and they attack Undertaker head-on. Undertaker blocks their Death Scythes successfully, revealing his own and slicing them both with it. Ronald and Grelle are shocked, with Ronald commenting that his Death Scythe should have been confiscated when he retired, and Undertaker implies that he smuggled it out with him.[34] Undertaker then destroys a pillar near where they are at, causing it to collapse on them.[35]
After a battle between Sebastian and Undertaker, where Undertaker manages to view Sebastian's Cinematic Record, the Campania tilts upward, causing chaos and numerous deaths. Rian falls to his death, and Grelle collects his soul. While Grelle fights Undertaker, Ronald fights Sebastian, "the weakened one."[36]
When Grelle is about to take a swing at Undertaker, Sebastian hurls a beaten Ronald at her, making them both crash into a wall.[37] As the Campania sinks, water floods the area they are fighting in. Undertaker bisects the ship with his Death Scythe and escapes.[38]
Later, William rescues an unconscious Ronald and Grelle from the ocean, and he stomps on them to wake them up. When he tells them that they must collect the souls, Ronald protests, pointing out their injuries. Nevertheless, William insists that they do their job and adds that, once they are finished, they must report to headquarters and file a report on the "violator," Undertaker.[39]
Blue Revenge Arc
Ronald assumes the identity of "Doctor Knox" at the Athena Sanatorium. After Ada and her team disinfect the newly arrived Baldroy and Lau, Ronald enters the room, inquiring if Ada has finished her "elaborate disinfection event." He introduces himself and says that he will be in charge of Baldroy, who is operating under the alias "Burgh."[40]
Ronald tells Baldroy that they should work together on his recovery and questions who Lau is. Lau introduces himself as Chang, the private physician for the Burgh family, and explains that he has been using Eastern medicine to treat Baldroy. Ada orders Lau to leave, since he is an outside physician, and Lau excuses himself.[41]
At Lau's departure, Baldroy experiences a breakdown, to the astonishment of Ronald and Ada. Lau hugs and comforts Baldroy, assuring him that he is not alone. Ronald defers to Ada on what to do, given Baldroy's serious condition. Ada agrees to Lau staying with Baldroy, even though such a stay is against the rules, stating that it is important for both Baldroy's body and heart to be cleansed for his recuperation. In response, Ronald attempts to flirt with Ada, who sprays him.[42]
Ronald and Ada escort Baldroy and Lau to their ward. Baldroy notes the cleanliness of the area, and Ada reveals that the sanatorium was built according to Florence Nightingale's innovative design.[43] Ronald avers that anyone staying in the sanatorium can return to society, even if they have been told that they will die soon.[44]
Ronald looks on as Layla reports to Ada and introduces herself to Baldroy. Upon noticing that Lau has been observing her, Layla asks if something is wrong, to which he says no.[45]
The next day, Ronald and Ada show Baldroy and Lau around the facilities.[46] After the meal, Ronald and Ada lead Baldroy and Lau to the rehabilitation room. Layla, seated on the back of a patient, is taunting said patient in order to motivate him. She then greets Baldroy sunnily and offers to train him. Ronald explains that Layla forces patients to train to the limit, albeit harshly, and Lau comments that she is "playing a different script."[47]
Next, Ronald and Ada lead Baldroy and Lau to the operation theatre.[48] Afterward, they lead the pair outside toward a cylindrical building. They enter the building and ascend the stairs. Ada reveals that the last facility is the blood-drawing room.[49]
Ada states that the blood drawn from patients in the blood-drawing room is sent to a "certain research institution" for the sake of contributing to advancement in medicine; said institution fully funds the sanatorium, which receives more support than other sanatoriums due to their provision of specimens. She argues that the sanatorium cannot sustain itself on the traditional operating model of solely relying on donations; they require the institution's funds in order to serve their patients properly and with adequate nursing care, so that their patients can be guided back to society. At Ada's outburst, Ronald flips through his book containing the soul retrieval list.[50]
Ronald looks on while Ada attends to the patients who have had their blood drawn and while she requests that Baldroy cooperate, should his condition improve.[51]
At night, outside Ada's office, Ronald listens in as Baldroy and Ada recount their individual backstories.[52] He flips through his book containing the soul retrieval list and checks his watch.[53]
Soon after, Lau confronts Baldroy and hurls his blade at Ronald, who protects himself with his book. Ronald then demands the reason for Lau's attack. Lau apologizes, claiming that he had assumed a rat was scurrying about and tainting the facility. While returning the blade, Ronald asks why Baldroy and Lau are loitering there at that hour. Baldroy avers that he was seeking Lau's company because he could not sleep. Ronald says that Ada will scold them if she catches them, and Lau assures him that they will return to bed. Afterward, Ronald walks off.[54]
While dashing through the forest, Layla trips over a rock and falls to the ground. She tearfully states that Al has promised her that he would not leave her alone. Ronald helps her up, apologizes for having kept her waiting, and declares that he has found her.[55]
Trivia
Etymology
- "Ronald" is the Scottish form of the Scandinavian name Ragnvaldr[56] which is composed of the elements regin ("advice, counsel") and valdr ("power, ruler").[57]
- "Knox" is a Scottish surname which either comes from the Scots Gaelic cnoc ("hillock, hump") or the Old English cnocc ("round-topped hill").[58]
- He shares his name with Ronald Knox, a theologian and author of crime stories who created the "Ten Commandments" of Detective Fiction.[59]
Out of Universe
- According to the official Kuroshitsuji character popularity poll, Ronald is the fourteenth most popular character in the series, with 109 votes.[60]
- Various character designs were created and discarded before Yana Toboso settled on Ronald's current design. One of these discarded designs was later reused for Cheslock.[61]
- Yana Toboso and her assistants call Ronald "Hamburgular" because his appearance reminds them of the Hamburgular.[62]
- By Yosuke Crawford in the 2010 run of The Most Beautiful DEATH in the World.
- By Takuya Ide in the 2013 run of The Most Beautiful DEATH in the World.
- By Ryōsuke Mikata in Tango on the Campania.
References
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 171, page 12
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 35, page 18
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 35, Page 14
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji Chapter 35 pages 14-15
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 35, page 17
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 52, pages 12-13
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 35, page 15
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 51, page 22
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 35, pages 14-19
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 51, pages 21-26
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 52, page 7
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 52, page 28
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 52, page 34
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 53, pages 6-13
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 53, pages 14-21
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji Manga; Chapter 54, Pages 5-6
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 55, pages 29-36
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 56, pages 10-13
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 56, pages 25-26
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 57, pages 7-9
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 57, pages 14-21
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 57, pages 14-22
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 58, pages 19-23
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 58, pages 31-32
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 59, pages 5-6
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 59, pages 12-15
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 59, page 16
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 59, pages 17-23
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 59, pages 24-33
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 60, pages 4-5
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 60, pages 11-19
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 60, page 20
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 60, pages 21-26
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 61, pages 3-14
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 61, page 16
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 64, pages 6-10
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 64, pages 17-19
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 64, pages 20-27
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 65, pages 8-11
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 171, pages 11-12
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 172, pages 4-6
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 172, pages 6-10
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 172, pages 11-13
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 172, pages 14-16
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 172, pages 16-18
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 173, pages 10-13
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 173, pages 14-16
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 173, pages 16-17
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 173, pages 17-18
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 174, pages 4-6
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 174, pages 4-11
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 184, page 18
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 185, page 4
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 186, pages 10-11
- ↑ Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 190, pages 21-22
- ↑ Behind the Name — Ronald
- ↑ Behind the Name — Ragnvaldr
- ↑ Wikipedia:Knox (surname)
- ↑ Wikipedia:Ronald Knox
- ↑ June 2015 Issue of Square Enix's GFantasy Magazine
- ↑ "The outward appearance of the purple house's prefect's fag (such a long title, lol) actually is a remake of Ronald's character design that was rejected. He also wore big glasses, but the design got rejected since I thought there would be too many fancy looking people in the collection division otherwise. I really liked the design though, so I'm happy it could eventually see the light of day (lol)"
(archived and translated by akumadeenglish) - ↑ Downstairs with Kuroshitsuji, Volume VIII
v · e · d | ||||
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United Kingdom | ||||
Grelle Sutcliff • Ronald Knox • Undertaker (deserted) • William T. Spears | ||||
Musical | ||||
Alan Humphries • Eric Slingby | ||||
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v · e · d | |
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Staff | |
Ada • Layla • Ronald Knox | |
Patients and associates | |
Chang • Conny • Matthew Berg • Nicholas |