A lone figure stood before the gate leading into Kaito Miyama’s garden. Unlike at Lilia’s mansion, there was no gatekeeper stationed here.
To be more precise, there was no one officially assigned to the post. Since Kaito’s garden was connected to Lilia’s estate, the guards from the mansion kept a casual eye on his gate as well.
However, since "something else" usually handled any visitors, the guards only monitored the area as a secondary thought.
At that moment, one of the guards was staring at the figure before the gate, unsure of how to proceed. The visitor was a person of considerable fame, yet also notoriously difficult to deal with; one couldn't simply call out to her without risking a major diplomatic incident.
Given her stature, it was almost certain she had come to see Kaito, but the guard couldn't fathom why she remained rooted to the spot, refusing to move a single inch.
While being subjected to these stares, the visitor—Rosmiel—was agonizing over her situation.
Wh-Wh-Wh-What should I do? I came all this way to thank him for the other day... but how am I supposed to call for Kaito-kun? There’s absolutely no way I can talk to that guard over there. D-Do I have no choice but to send a Hummingbird? I feel like it’s rude to make him come all the way out to the gate, but I don't see any other way...
Rosmiel suffered from extreme shyness. She had managed to gather enough courage to visit and thank Kaito for giving her the Eternal Flower during the White God Festival, but now she was stuck, unable to figure out how to announce her arrival.
She had informed him via Hummingbird that she would be coming today, so technically, simply speaking to the guard would have solved everything. For her, however, that "simple word" was a hurdle far too high to clear.
Just as she was about to give up and summon Kaito with a magic message, Nebula appeared before her.
"Hello there."
"..."
Rosmiel kept her arms crossed and glared down at Nebula. Contrary to her intimidating posture, however, she was internally spiraling into a mild panic.
Awa-wa-wa, a-a stranger showed up! Wh-Wh-What do I do? Is she a spirit? Now that I think about it, I feel like Lilliwood-sama mentioned that a spirit had taken residence in the World Tree at Kaito-kun’s house...
Observing Rosmiel, who remained frozen with a severe expression, Nebula tilted her head and briefly considered the situation.
...Her expression, the movement of her eyes, the fluctuations in her magic power... I see. She is the type who is exceptionally shy around others. From the looks of it, she’s so tense that she’s physically unable to speak or even gesture. Well, such a guest is no trouble at all for an Absolute One like myself.
Having used her superior insight to identify the cause of Rosmiel's distress, Nebula produced a piece of paper from nowhere. On it were the numbers 1, 2, and 3. She held it up for the visitor to see.
"If you find it difficult to speak, please use this to answer. I will ask a few questions. If the answer is 'yes,' please look at 1. If it is 'no,' look at 2. If it is neither, look at 3. Simply direct your eyes toward the number; I will understand."
"..."
"Now then, first: Have you come to this house on business?"
"..."
Even if her face was frozen like stone, she could still move her eyes. Following Nebula’s instructions, Rosmiel focused her gaze on the number 1.
"I see. Next: Is your business with the master of this house, Master Kaito Miyama?"
"..."
"Mmhmm. And are you an acquaintance of his?"
"..."
"Understood. I shall go and announce your arrival to my Master. Please, come inside."
Having deciphered her intentions from the movement of her eyes, Nebula opened the gate and invited Rosmiel in. She was careful to maintain an ideal distance, making sure not to stand so close that Rosmiel would retreat in fear.
As they walked through the garden toward the house, Rosmiel’s eyes were drawn to the flowerbeds. Noting the change in her gaze, Nebula once again presented the numbered paper with a bright smile.
"...Are you interested in the garden? If so, would you like to look around while I go and inform my Master that you are here?"
"..."
"Yes, it is perfectly fine. However, there is a monster hut behind the house where my Master’s pets live. They are well-behaved, but just to be safe, please refrain from going into the backyard."
"..."
"Very well. Please wait here a moment while I fetch him."
Nebula gave a polite nod and headed inside. Once she was alone, Rosmiel let out a long sigh of relief and turned her attention back to the flowers.
Th-That was a lifesaver. What an incredible girl... she realized I couldn't talk without me saying a word. She’s like Lilie-sama. Still, this is truly impressive... the flowers here are so vibrant. They’ve brought out the natural beauty of every single plant. There must be a truly masterful gardener at work here.
Now that there was no one else around, the expression on Rosmiel’s face as she admired the flowers finally softened.
Kaito’s current receptionist: Nebula
Serious-senpai: "...She’s even an 'Absolute One' at hospitality. This girl is too competent for her own good."
???: "Her power is of the Quasi-Almighty Class, and she’s naturally considerate, so she’s perfectly suited for the role, isn't she?"