The Eminence in Shadow

The Eminence in Shadow is a Japanese light novel series by Daisuke Aizawa, illustrated by Tōzai, about Cid Kagenou, a boy who wants to operate as a mastermind from the shadows.

The Eminence in Shadow is a Japanese light novel series written by Daisuke Aizawa and illustrated by Tōzai. The story follows Cid Kagenou, a boy who aspires to be a mastermind operating from the shadows, leading his secret organization Shadow Garden against the Cult of Diablos. The series began as a web novel in 2018 and later expanded into manga and anime adaptations.

Premise

The series follows Cid Kagenou, who wants to play the role of a hidden mastermind rather than a visible hero. His imagined shadow-war narrative becomes entangled with real events in a fantasy world.

Publication history

The story first appeared as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in May 2018. It was later acquired for print publication by Enterbrain, with the light novel illustrated by Tōzai.

Adaptations

The franchise expanded into manga and anime adaptations after the light novel release. These versions helped broaden the series’ audience beyond the original web novel readership. The anime adaptation aired in 2022.

Main characters and factions

Cid Kagenou, also known as Shadow, leads Shadow Garden, a clandestine group he founded. The group opposes the Cult of Diablos, which is central to the plot.