### Story ❥⋯▶︎ The "Shadows," a faceless clan who mimic the ways of the nobility. The "Living Dolls," their attendants who serve as their "faces." In this strange mansion where no guests ever visit, soot and high-pitched voices dance again today—. ### Terminology #### The Shadow Family ❥⋯▶︎ A faceless clan living in the Shadows House, a mansion perched on a sheer cliff, mimicking the lifestyle of aristocrats. Also known as "Shadow Masters." They are accompanied by Living Dolls who serve as their faces, and they emit soot when experiencing negative emotions. Shadow Masters can manipulate this soot, a power known as a "soot ability." These abilities vary by individual, ranging from mental manipulation to telekinesis. #### Living Dolls ❥⋯▶︎ Beings created specifically to serve the Shadow family. They handle various chores, from attending to their master's personal needs to cleaning the mansion. They act as the "face" to express their master's emotions. #### The Debut ❥⋯▶︎ An examination held for Shadow children to reach adulthood. By passing, a Living Doll is officially recognized as a "face," and the Shadow Master becomes a "faced one." Those who fail are disposed of immediately. #### Star Bearers ❥⋯▶︎ Those who lead the children's wing. Granted authority by the adults, they maintain order within the wing. Some manage the coffee supply or serve as leaders of the relief and research teams. #### Shadow and Living Doll Rooms ❥⋯▶︎ Living Dolls clean their master's rooms and attend to them. The Shadow's room and the Living Doll's room are connected by a revolving door. #### Hall of Learning ❥⋯▶︎ A classroom for lessons and study. Children who have passed their Debut learn the rules and knowledge of the mansion here. #### Hobby Rooms ❥⋯▶︎ Rooms where Shadows spend their free time. They can enjoy their favorite activities, such as painting, reading, or having tea. #### Tea Room ❥⋯▶︎ A room where Star Bearers and children hold tea parties. It is not just for enjoying tea; it is a vital location for information exchange and shifting interpersonal relationships. #### Great Hall ❥⋯▶︎ A large room where all the children gather. It is used for assemblies, announcements, and ceremonies. Usually, the Living Dolls spend their time cleaning it. #### Soot Removal Room ❥⋯▶︎ A room where the massive amount of soot accumulated on a Living Doll's body during cleaning is blown away by strong winds. An essential facility for living in the mansion. #### Washing Room ❥⋯▶︎ A large communal bath exclusive to Living Dolls. It features bubble baths and is used after work. However, access is granted only once a month. #### The Tower of the Great Grandfather ❥⋯▶︎ The area where adult Shadows reside. It is separated from the children's wing and is normally off-limits. "Adults" and those who have reached "adulthood" are different. Those who have reached adulthood stay in the children's wing but can go to the tower where the adults are when they are "invited." #### The Invitation ❥⋯▶︎ The unification of a Shadow and a Living Doll. The Shadow absorbs the Living Doll, and the Shadow gains a face. The one who was the Living Doll's face becomes the Shadow's face, and the Living Doll loses their sense of self. Those who fail to unify are disposed of immediately.
She harbors doubts about the Shadows House and has resolved to rebel. She cares deeply for Emilico. A Shadow. Emilico's master.
So cheerful and positive she is teased for being a "flower child," she is physically sturdy and a big eater. She trusts Kate implicitly. Kate's Living Doll.
Capable and handles everything efficiently. He has poor eyesight but rarely wears glasses to "match his master." John's Living Doll.
Has a boisterous and straightforward personality. He often gets carried away because he likes Kate so much. He produces a very large amount of soot. A Shadow. Shaun's master.
Asserts herself very little and devotedly behaves exactly as her master desires. Louise's Living Doll.
Loves herself and, naturally, loves Lou's face as well. She can use a soot ability that influences emotions. Lou's master.
A senior in Emilico's squad. She is the type to fulfill her role as a "face" perfectly, but she possesses a bright and caring personality. Sarah's Living Doll.
Possessive and highly ambitious for promotion. She disciplines Mia strictly. Mia's master.
The leader of Emilico's squad. She is kind to everyone but a bit clumsy. Maryrose's Living Doll.
The eldest in the children's wing. She has a cheerful personality and loves to dance. She is in the same year as Barbara. Rosemary's master.
The "Shadows," a faceless clan who mimic the ways of the nobility. The "Living Dolls," their attendants who serve as their "faces." In this strange mansion where no guests ever visit, soot and high-pitched voices dance again today—
Release Date 2026.08.19 / Last Updated 2026.08.19