Chapter 168

## Chapter Guide

**"Behind the Curtains"** (裏 (うら) 工 (こう) 作 (さく) , *Ura Kōsaku*?) is the one hundred sixty-eighth chapter of the Shadows House manga series.

## Summary

Kate reveals her plan to save Louise to Douglas, who is reluctant to help due to the rules. He comes around once Kate warns him that Edward may turn on him as well. Oliver reveals a map of Lord Grandfather's Wing and explains everyone's tasks. The new children will be trained before the Debut, Oliver and Evelyn will be at the Debut site, Douglas will steal the key to the Box of Completion from Edward, Rum will replace Louise with a fake corpse, and Kate will ensure communication remains smooth. Douglas points out the problem with stealing the key and returning it. Oliver revises the plan to include a special chemical made by the Research Team that reacts to soot and hardens it as if heated. Before they can celebrate, Douglas hears a noise at the door and reveals a pair of children that haven't debuted yet. They had been looking for Patrick and cries when they learn he already resigned. Kate and Douglas struggle to help them before Douglas takes them to a different room for treats. As they walk away, Kate grows worried over the Debut.

## Plot

The Star Bearers hold a meeting, though Douglas complains about Evelyn's absence due to handling the aftermath of the recent incident. Kate doesn't mind as she reveals her plan to rescue Louise to Douglas, who expresses hostility at the idea of violating the rules. The two threaten each other with reporting the violation of rules, but Kate switches topics. She explains that Edward held a grudge ever since Kate passed her Debut despite his efforts. Revealing that Douglas now knows of Fusion due to being a Star Bearer, Kate goes on to explain that Louise will die due to her young age going into the process. Douglas remarks that this situation has nothing to do with him, which Kate agrees, but states another situation like this will occur again. She warns him that if anyone on Douglas Team upsets Edward, they may end up with the same fate. Remembering Finn, Douglas decides to agree with Kate's ideal to protect all the children.

Oliver unveils their plan with a map of the Lord Grandfather's Wing. The Star Bearers plan to train the new children as the Debut will be roughly the same, though Edward may add new parts without telling the children. Oliver reveals that Edward holds the key to the Box of Completion where Louise will be, and tasks Douglas with stealing it. Rum will be charged with creating a fake corpse and switching it out with Louise and Lou while Kate will ensure communication remains smooth. Douglas is shocked by the amount of information they gained, and Kate explains it was due to Rum's help. While amazed by the level of detail, he complains about the difficulty in retrieving the special key. Taking his suggestion, Oliver explains that during Kate's Debut, Patrick's soot was able to solidify into a key using a chemical that hardens soot as if it was heated. Kate praises Douglas for bringing the plan together. Before they can properly celebrate, Douglas hears a noise at the door. Revealing a pair of new children, Kate scolds them for being outside their room. The young shadow asks about Patrick, as he had saved her during the soot ivy incident. When she learns that Patrick had already resigned, the children burst into tears. Kate struggles to help, telling them that crying won't solve anything. Douglas steps in and attempts to help but the young girl pulls his hair. Despite being annoyed, Douglas and Doug tell the girls they will take them to a room with candy while Kate worries to herself about the coming Debut.

## Characters

* Douglas
* Doug (Non-speaking Role)
* Kate
* Emilico (Non-speaking Role)
* Oliver
* Olly (Non-speaking Role)
* Louise (Fantasy)
* Lou (Fantasy)
* Edward (Fantasy)
* James (Fantasy)
* Jim (Fantasy)
* Laurence (Fantasy)
* Larry (Fantasy)
* Peter (Fantasy)
* Pete (Fantasy)
* Finn (Fantasy)
* Finn's Doll (Fantasy)
* Evelyn (Mentioned)
* Stella
* Candy (Non-speaking Role)
* Ricky (Flashback)(Non-speaking Role)
* Patrick (Flashback)(Non-speaking Role)