Around the time invitations were being delivered to various regions, Nebula and Illness were busy at Kaito's home, getting the commemorative gifts ready for the attendees.
Since Kaito's black tea brand was world-renowned, they planned to distribute a special commemorative blend at the shipboard party. Nebula and Illness were the ones responsible for crafting it.
"Still... it truly is a pity about you, Nebula. Since you cannot stray too far from the World Tree... you won't be able to join us for the party."
"I don't mind at all. Even if I did attend, I would be on Master's side—the host side. My role would be to ensure the guests were enjoying themselves rather than having fun myself. Besides, since the main members of the household—Master, Lilia-san, Illness-san, and Anima-san—will all be away at once, someone needs to stay behind and guard the house."
"That is true... With you here, Nebula... I can attend with a clear mind."
"I am an Absolute One, after all. I shall protect the home in everyone's absence without fail, so please rest easy."
Nebula puffed out her chest with a tiny bit of pride, and Illness smiled at the sight. Previously, Illness had made it a point never to leave the mansion at the same time as Lilia or Kaito, but with Nebula around, things were much more flexible.
While Illness knew Nebula could handle the duties at Lilia's mansion perfectly well, it was difficult to actually assign them to her. However, she felt perfectly safe leaving the chores at Kaito's house, the gardening, and any visitors in Nebula's hands.
"...Since this is a memento for Master's very first self-hosted party, perhaps I'll use some slightly special tea leaves. Let's go with the ones I made some time ago."
"Are you sure about that...? Weren't those leaves... put away because their effects were too powerful? You were worried they might throw the world into chaos..."
"It will be fine as long as we use less than half a gram. While brewing tea with only these leaves is out of the question, using them in a blend won't be an issue. The guests' magic power amount might increase a little, but at less than a gram, it's a negligible difference... they won't even notice."
"I see..."
The tea leaves that Nebula had created and subsequently shelved were a unique product that permanently increased the drinker's magic power limit. While the effect was a accidental byproduct and had an upper limit—meaning one couldn't increase their magic power infinitely—it was still potent.
Through testing with Illness, it had been discovered that repeated consumption could eventually increase a person's magic power to nearly double their innate magic power limit. Because releasing such a thing would cause massive social upheaval, they had kept it sealed away.
However, the flavor was unique and exquisite in a way no other tea leaf could match, so Nebula had continued to produce small amounts for her own personal use.
"Our tests showed that one cup of tea—about three grams of leaves—increases magic power by about zero point three percent. A half-gram dose only raises it by point zero five percent. I doubt anyone but someone as sharp as Alice-san would ever notice."
"I see. In that case... it should be fine. Those leaves... have a truly wonderful flavor... even a tiny bit will make for a lovely accent."
"Exactly. I'll add a few more touches to make sure even Alice-san won't catch on easily. Now, the flavor is decided... but what should we do for the aroma?"
"Well... considering Kaito-sama's tastes... I think a fruit-type flavor would be best. What do you think of these leaves here?"
"That sounds wonderful! As expected of you, Illness-san—a brilliant choice. The flavors should harmonize beautifully with those."
"I am honored by your praise... All that is left now... is to adjust the quantities."
"Yes!"
The two worked harmoniously to finish the commemorative blend for the party. Just as it was beginning to take shape, Nebula pulled a small box out of her magic box as if suddenly remembering something.
"Illness-san, this is a token of my gratitude for all your help. It contains a special present I made for you."
"Oh my...? Well, thank you very much... I feel as though I am the one who is constantly in your debt... but I am very happy for your consideration, Nebula."
"I am glad you are pleased. The box functions like a random box and contains some wine I crafted. Why don't you drink it with Master after the party is over? It could be a way for you two to reward each other for your hard work."
Watching Nebula give her a playful wink, Illness couldn't help but let out a wry smile as she carefully tucked the box away.
Serious-senpai: "...What kind of unnecessary pass are you putting out, Absolute One!?"