With Kuromueina having departed and Kaito heading off to the bath, Nebula walked down the hallway, thinking it was finally time to return to the World Tree in the garden.
Up ahead, she spotted two figures wearing troubled expressions. Tilting her head, she called out to them.
"Anima-san, Caraway-san, good evening... Is something the matter?"
"Ah, Nebula... No, we were just struggling with a bit of a decision."
"We were planning to discuss it in detail once we reached the Office, but we ended up stopping here to mull it over."
Anima and Caraway answered in turn. Nebula noticed they were both clutching what looked like design sketches.
"Are those... dress designs? Is that what is bothering you?"
"Yes. We actually received a consultation from a shop we invest in. It isn’t a very large store, but it seems they recently received a commission from a noble for a party dress. They reached out to us for advice on the design."
"The shop hasn't made many dresses for nobles before. They asked for our help because Anima is so well-connected with the Ducal House... but neither of us actually knows much about that world."
"It would be much faster if we could ask Illness-dono or Lilia-dono, but it’s late. Caraway and I were trying to brainstorm together, but... we’re stuck."
"I see... May I take a look?"
Nebula took the sketches from them and looked them over. After studying the set, she turned back to the pair.
"Do you know the rank of the noble who placed the order?"
"A Count, apparently."
"In that case, I believe this is the only viable candidate among them."
"Wait, really? You can tell, Nebula-chan?"
Caraway sounded stunned as Nebula pulled one specific sketch from the pile.
"I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I did read some fashion magazines with Master recently. Most of these designs follow the current trends in the Hydra Kingdom—the cutting-edge styles, so to speak. However, when dealing with high-ranking nobility, novelty isn't enough. One must also consider the dignity and prestige befitting their rank."
"And you're saying only this one fits the bill?"
Anima looked just as surprised as Caraway. Nebula nodded and continued.
"The designer who drew these clearly has a sharp eye for trends. They are all lovely, and I can see a unique flair in each... but they feel a bit too focused on what is fashionable right now. Only this one possesses the grace and standing appropriate for a high-ranking noble."
"I-I see... You're incredible, Nebula-chan."
"Leave it to me! I am an Absolute One, after all."
"That really helps. We'll make this design the primary candidate then. We can just double-check with Illness-dono or Lilia-dono tomorrow before giving the shop the final word."
It would be much easier to consult Lilia or Illness if the options were already narrowed down. Anima and Caraway thanked Nebula before heading off toward the Office.
Nebula waved goodbye until they were out of sight, then finally made her way to the World Tree in the garden.
As the night deepened, Nebula sat on a branch of the tree, gazing up at the moon and stars while she reflected on her situation.
(Goodness. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but I've certainly settled in. I had plenty of grievances when I first arrived, but this environment really isn't bad at all.)
As these thoughts crossed her mind, the window to Kaito’s room suddenly opened, and she saw him step out onto the balcony. When Nebula turned toward him, Kaito smiled and beckoned her over. She flew to join him.
"Is something the matter, Master?"
"No, I just came out to cool down after my bath and happened to spot you. I thought we might talk for a bit... How are things? Have you gotten used to living here?"
"Yes. Everyone is very kind, and I believe we’ve become quite friendly."
"I see. You're so reliable, Nebula, that I wasn't too worried... but I'm glad to see you're enjoying yourself."
Kaito reached out and gently patted her head. Nebula smiled happily and engaged in idle chatter with him for a while.
After about ten minutes, the conversation reached a natural lull. Kaito smiled warmly at her.
"Well, I should probably get to bed soon. You don't need to sleep, do you?"
"No. I have no need for sleep."
"Right. I'm sure you'll be fine, but if you ever feel tired, don't hesitate to come talk to me."
"Thank you very much."
"Sure thing. Well then, goodnight."
"Goodnight, Master. I wish you pleasant dreams."
Kaito gave her head one last pat before heading back inside. Nebula waited until he had closed the window before returning to her branch on the World Tree.
She sat there and softly touched the spot on her head where he had just patted her, a joyful smile on her face.
(...Yes, I thought so... days like these are quite pleasant.)
Serious-senpai: "Well, we spent a good amount of time on that... So, is the White God Festival next?"
???: "Nah, it's probably those greetings to the World King's subordinates that we still have left, right?"
Serious-senpai: "...I totally forgot. Now that you mention it, he wasn't finished with those yet..."