Shadows House (シャドーハウス)

Let us ever remember.

The Shadows are an exceptional noble family.

And to serve them is the pride and joy

of every living doll's existence.

Uh...

Nyugh!

Uh... Eh.

Hmm!

Uh.

Ah. A very good morning to you,

dear Mistress Kate.

I am the living doll who will be in your service

beginning today.

Your name?

Ma'am?

What's your name?

You must be given one.

Please!

Katie, Kathy, Kat...

No, those won't do.

Uh...

Maybe later.

Yes!

Hmm...

It's quite rude to stare.

Forgive me!

Kate prefers...

Go on, Mistress Kate.

Kate prefers not to look people in the eye.

If you looked at their forehead,

wouldn't it seem like you were looking in their eyes?

Like this?

Well, it's not like you can tell.

It does seem like you're looking in my eyes!

You're just saying that.

After all, no one can see a shadow's face.

What is...?

The soot?

It emanates as a result of anger or other negative emotions.

So, right now, are you feeling negative?

Well... anxious, perhaps.

Anxious...

Soot collects in nooks and crannies.

I had no idea.

Hmm?

You're staring again--please stop.

That makes Kate more anxious than anything else.

Forgive me.

Anxious... Huh.

I feel anxious, too, Mistress Kate.

What does this say?

I don't know.

How will I ever be of service to Mistress Kate like this?

Forgive me, Mistress Kate!

What's done is done. Just clean it up.

Yes, ma'am!

I'm sorry.

Kate is going to take a bath now.

Right!

I'll have this mess cleaned up before you're done, Mistress!

My body doesn't seem to be working right.

Can I fix it, maybe by applying oil somewhere?

If I break, will I be thrown out, too?

No, no! I'm perfectly fine!

I am as fit as a fiddle!

Ah!

Oh, no, I've done it again!

It appears that dolls can feel pain, as well.

Clothes are not to be used for cleaning up spills.

You're absolutely right.

But I needed a large cloth for this job,

and I really don't mind being dressed like this.

Listen. The Shadows family's living dolls

are more than mere servants.

They were created to mimic human beings precisely.

Without faces, it's hard to tell the members

of the Shadows family apart.

Living dolls such as yourself also serve as our faces.

As such, we cannot have you neglecting your appearance.

Sorry. I didn't mean to bring shame upon your family.

There is so much you don't know,

but you will learn gradually, over time.

-- Um... -- Yes?

I'm a doll that was created by someone, aren't I?

That's correct.

Why are we dolls created to look human?

Perhaps because it allows you to move about, to work,

and serve as our faces.

And Mistress Kate, are you human?

You ask too many questions.

Forgive me...

What is it? Are you all right?

I think... this might be it for me.

I am broken, beyond repair. I can't seem to move my body.

I can no longer fulfill my duties.

I wish I could've had more time with you, Mistress Kate...

This will not do! Without you, Kate cannot--

Huh?

Now my body is making the sounds of death.

Have you eaten?

I'm only a doll. I don't need to eat.

Food supplies the energy your body needs to function.

It should be delivered to your room each and every day!

Forgive me... It's my first day.

I just ate a tiny bit.

Well, you must eat more!

I thought the rest was yours,

so I left it on the bureau. In my room.

Wait right here. Kate will bring you something.

Mistress Kate...

Ahh! You mean it?

--I can really have this? -- Of course.

This is the good bread that you eat!

It isn't at all like the bread that's brought to my room.

It's white, and soft, and tasty-looking!

How lucky I am!

No! I won't eat it!

No matter how hungry I get I don't want to become

such a greedy doll that I'd dare eat my mistress's bread!

Please take it away at once!

You are Kate's face, are you not?

Uh. I am.

Indeed. Kate would like to see how she looks

while eating something delicious.

Oh, you mean that's part of my job, too?

In that case, no holding back!

Thank you!

What is it? Does such food not suit a living doll?

So yummy!

-- --Tasty! I love it!

It must be the most delicious bread in the whole world!

Huh? Mistress Kate, why do you seem so merry all of a sudden?

It's just funny to see someone so delighted over bread.

It's not just any bread!

Mm! It's the yummiest bread ever made!

Don't roll around while you eat!

Kate is going to bed now.

Thank you for your hard work today.

You're welcome, but I'm afraid

I was nothing but trouble.

I'm so very happy, and the bread you brought me was delicious.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

How do you feel now?

I feel great! I am full of energy!

I appreciate your positivity.

Did you forget already?

Please don't stare.

Forgive me.

Knowing I won't see you till tomorrow made me feel lonely.

You're a strange one.

Good night.

Hmm?

Hmm...

Oh, wow, you made a sootman!

How long have you been there?!

From the very start!

It's a masterpiece.

I was just passing the time.

What else could I do?

You may return to your room if you'd like.

No! I am quite enjoying watching you, Mistress Kate!

It makes Kate uncomfortable to be blatantly stared at

in this way.

Well, would you care to play a game of cards?