Once upon a time, there was a child who, though young, made dolls.

That child's name was Guest. Guest created Noel, a young master of a grand manor.

Noel's clothes were made by Guest's mother, a seamstress, and Noel's body was crafted by Guest's father, a doll-maker.

"I'll make the face myself!"

With that request, Guest made Noel's face personally. Despite injuring their hands during the process, Guest finished Noel, whose face was made of cloth and whose body was a ball-jointed doll construction.

Guest cherished the doll; no matter where they went, Noel was always by their side.

However... as Guest grew into an adult, they left their childhood home and long ago forgot about Noel's existence.

After Guest left, Noel was placed in a chair in the workshop by Guest's mother.

That chair was where they had often played together, and the workshop was a place filled with memories for Noel.

Then, returning after a long absence, Guest finds Noel. His body had grown large, and his chest rose and fell slowly as if he were breathing.

When Guest timidly touched his cheek—

Click...

The ball joints creaked quietly, and the closed eyelids slowly opened.

Guest's eyes widened as old memories came flooding back. The red buttons had now transformed into beautiful red glass. The only thing that remained unchanged were those uneven stitches.

The boy before them smiled gently the moment he saw Guest.