With the sun now high in the sky, Nebula sat perched upon a branch of the World Tree. Spotting Lilia, the head of the house, emerging from the mansion’s entrance, she hopped down and headed over to offer a greeting.
Lilia was dressed more formally than usual, projecting an aura far more aristocratic than her typical self.
"Good day, Lilia-san. Are you heading out?"
"Nebula-san, good day... Yes, I’m scheduled to head to the Royal Castle. On paper, it’s a meeting to strengthen cooperation between shop owners in certain districts of the Royal Capital. In practice, though, it’s just nobles probing one another for weaknesses."
"I see... You look a bit troubled, though."
"Ahaha, well, since I’ve received so many benefits thanks to Kaito-san, I inevitably have to deal with a lot of sarcasm when I attend these gatherings. It can be a bit draining."
Seeing Lilia offer a weary, wry smile, Nebula placed a hand to her chin, her expression turning thoughtful. After a brief silence, she looked up at Lilia and spoke.
"...Lilia-san, if I may be so bold, you should simply pay those people no mind. Anyone who resorts to sarcasm or harassment out of jealousy is effectively admitting they cannot hope to rival you in a fair confrontation. Caring about what such people think will never serve your interests. Simply ensure they have no opening to trip you up, and then let the rest flow past you."
"Nebula-san..."
"Instead, you should focus your attention on those who seek to increase their dealings with you or offer genuine proposals for cooperation. Those are the ones with real talent, and if you must engage in political maneuvering, it is far more profitable to do so with them. A person’s focus is a finite resource; be careful not to misallocate yours."
"...That is very sound advice. Thank you. I suspect you would navigate noble society quite well yourself, Nebula-san."
"Naturally! I am an Absolute One, after all."
"Fufu, I see."
Gazing warmly at Nebula as the girl puffed out her chest with confidence despite her small stature, Lilia felt the tension leave her shoulders.
Her expression noticeably softer, Lilia patted Nebula’s head a few times before boarding the waiting carriage. She waved back to Nebula as she departed for the Royal Castle.
As midday approached, Nebula helped Kaito brush Bellfried for a while, then spent the rest of the time relaxing with him and the other pets.
Kaito leaned back against Bellfried, who had sprawled out at the base of the World Tree. Nebula, meanwhile, made herself comfortable on the Behemoth’s broad back alongside the two dragons, Rin and Sera.
Sera, who was exceptionally gentle and laid-back, soon began to nap. Kaito, resting against Bellfried’s side, also started to doze off, lulled by the warmth of the afternoon sun following lunch.
In the quiet of the garden, Nebula struck up a conversation with Rin.
"Kyu-kyu, kyui! Kyui!"
"I understand how you feel, but growth is not something that should be hurried."
"Kyuku, kyui!"
"It is true that I could use external means to force your growth. However, if your body matures while your heart remains that of a child, the two will be out of sync."
"Kyuu..."
Naturally, given her status, Nebula understood Rin’s vocalizations perfectly. She was currently acting as a counselor for the young dragon, who was impatient to reach her adult form.
"You are growing steadily, even if you don't realize it. There are experiences that can only be gained through this process. Master would be much happier seeing you enjoy every passing moment rather than watching you rush to grow up."
"Kyui? Kyu-kyu-kyui?"
"Indeed. You should know better than I do that Master is not a man of short patience, right?"
"Kyu! Kyui-kyu-kyui-kyu!!"
"That’s the spirit."
Convinced by Nebula’s reasoning, Rin gave an energetic nod. Nebula watched her with a fond, maternal smile.
(This is for the best. While I could certainly transform her into an adult dragon in an instant, giving everything is not necessarily for the best. There are rewards that only have value because one sought them out and struggled to attain them. As an Absolute One, I must know when to stay my hand and simply point the way.)
As she was lost in thought, Nebula suddenly felt her body being scooped up. She looked up to find Kaito watching her with a gentle expression.
It seemed he had been listening to her exchange with Rin.
"You know, Nebula, you’re really reliable. I feel like I can count on you for anything."
"Fufufu, leave it to me! I am an Absolute One, after all."
"Ahaha, I guess you are..."
Laughing softly at her response, Kaito sat back down and settled the small, meter-tall girl onto his lap, gently stroking her hair.
(Good grief, this man... treating an Absolute One like a common plushie. However, if this is his way of showing loyalty, I suppose I have no choice but to accept it. Very well. I shall permit it. You may pet me as you wish.)
Nebula leaned back against him, looking perfectly content. She looked so happy, in fact, that it was clear she had completely integrated into her new life.
Serious-senpai: "...This overwhelming heartwarming feeling... Well, regardless, it really does seem like Nebula has completely acclimated to her surroundings. She’s even stopped correcting herself whenever she calls Kaito 'Master' in her head..."