Chapter 170

## Chapter Guide

**"Behind the Scenes"** (舞 (ぶ) 台 (たい) 裏 (うら) , *Butaiura*?) is the one hundred seventieth chapter of the Shadows House manga series.

## Summary

Kate and Emilico organize the veiled dolls who cook the feast for the Debut after-party. Evelyn and Douglas arrive to assist in leading the veiled dolls but begin a debate on the rules and Gilbert on the way to the Passageway of Glory. Douglas hits a nerve when he points out Evelyn's habit of sticking to the rules caused him to not confide in her. Upon reaching Lord Grandfather's Wing, the Star Bearers are stopped for an inspection to their shock. Douglas is horrified to see King, his former team leader and steps back. Kate allows the inspection to hide her uneasiness but becomes anxious when he stops Rum, and orders her to open the cart.

## Plot

On the day of the Debut at 8 am, Kate and Emilico organize the veiled dolls preparing the food for the Debut. While Kate feels tired from the work, Emilico is happy to see the veiled dolls move energetically. Emilico's attention is taken by a galette de rois for the test, but catches a set of plates when they fall to Kate's relief. Evelyn and Douglas enter just in time to see Emilico having caught the plates, and chides them for playing to their embarrassment. The Star Bearers have the food put in carts and arrange the veiled dolls into an order. Douglas complains about the job, as Oliver had gone to Lord Grandfather's Wing since yesterday to preform maintenance on the equipment, something he likes. Evelyn states all jobs are important, then scolds him to have more awareness as a Star Bearer. As Kate struggles to keep the veiled dolls in order, Evelyn states she hasn't forgiven Douglas for leading Gilbert astray. Douglas argues that Gilbert approached him first, and wonders out loud if it was because Douglas could understand him better than the First-Aid team. Displeased, Evelyn verbally lashes Douglas, telling him that no one speaks against him due to his soot power. No one trusts him outside his own team, and uses the rules to his benefit. She asks if he feels shame for that, and many others were disposed of for the same reason. In turn, Douglas reveals to her that his hairstyle is imitating his senior, Finn. Despite being told the topic is forbidden, Douglas asks if its fine to share important feelings with friends. He argues that Evelyn's strictness with the rules caused Gilbert to never tell her how he felt. Evelyn grows upset as Kate breaks up their conversation, having reached the Passageway of Glory. Kate hopes Douglas doesn't cause more problems, passing Oscar and Oskar fast asleep nearby. Due to the high number of veiled dolls and carts, Rum is able to hide herself and the fake corpse in her cart.

Finally reaching Lord Grandfather's Wing, a voice calls out for them to stop. An adult reveals himself and calls for an inspection, introducing himself as King. Douglas is horrified, recognizing him as his former team leader, and steps back. King whips a cloth off some food, snacking in a pear before tossing the remains on the floor. Evelyn states there won't be time, and King decides to check the carts that he feels like. Kate decides to allow it in order to hide their unease. Rum moves too slowly, causing King to take notice. He orders her to open it up to the horror of Kate and Rum.

## Characters

* Kate
* Emilico
* Evelyn
* Eve (Non-speaking Role)
* Douglas
* Doug (Non-speaking Role)
* Oliver (Mentioned)
* Olly (Mentioned)
* Oskar (Non-speaking Role)
* Oscar (Non-speaking Role)
* Rum
* King
* King's Doll (Fantasy)