In a sanctuary within the God Realm, Shallow Vernal stood before the mysterious entity—two beings who shared a history of sorts. Shallow Vernal, who had existed as a mindless phenomenon of the End until she met Machina and gained a sense of self, possessed few memories of that era. She had forgotten nearly everything, save for those like Nebula who had left a searing impression on her.
However, regarding the woman before her, Shallow Vernal had spared her among those who had fled to other worlds for reasons she had not understood at the time. Thus, the traveler remained anchored in her impressions to some degree.
"First, allow me to say this: I hold no grudge against you, nor do I have any intention of harming this world."
"I see. I understand."
"The reason I came here is... no, I will stop being roundabout and ask directly. Did you... resurrect Nebula-sama?"
"Yes."
"..."
The bluntness of those words hit the traveler with the force of a tidal wave. Whatever Shallow Vernal's motives might be, Nebula had returned. That single reality seeped into the hollows of her chest like a profound, indescribable bliss, and tears welled in eyes that had long since lost their light.
"I see... Nebula-sama is truly here? In this world?"
"Yes. She is acting as a guard dog at Kaito-san's house."
"A guard dog... a guard—I’m sorry, what?"
The traveler’s mind was instantly consumed by confusion. She recognized the name Kaito, having heard it just a short while ago, but the idea of Nebula serving as a guard dog was beyond her comprehension.
"I decided that someone was needed to protect the house while Kaito-san is away. I reduced her rank, transformed her into a spirit, and she now serves as a Spirit of the World Tree and a guard dog at Kaito-san's house."
"?????????"
She could not fathom what she was hearing. Or rather, her mind refused to accept the fact that Nebula had been resurrected for such a trivial reason.
Seeing her state, Shallow Vernal explained the circumstances in order. Naturally, given Shallow Vernal's airheaded nature, there were parts that remained utterly nonsensical, but the traveler eventually grasped Nebula's current situation.
"I-I see... well, how should I put it? I have extremely complicated feelings about this, but if Nebula-sama is satisfied with it, it is not my place to say anything."
"And what will you do? If you wish to see her, I will tell you where she is. Of course, I will require you to enter a contract promising not to harm Kaito-san or his associates."
The traveler pondered Shallow Vernal's offer. Naturally, she felt the urge to fly to Nebula's side this very instant. However, she was agonized by the thought of what kind of face she should show her. It was obvious that her emotions would spiral out of control the moment she saw her beloved master again. She needed a little time.
"I will go to her. But... I need a little time. I promise I will not harm anyone in this world. Therefore, could you grant me permission to stay here for a while?"
"I do not mind, but there is a condition."
"A condition? Yes, anything within my power..."
"Teach me about the lovey-dovey events that couples enjoy in other worlds. You have wandered across many realities, have you not?"
"I see, lovey-dovey eve—pardon? What? Um, I’d like to believe I misheard you just now... Did you just say something about lovey-dovey events?"
"I wish to use them as reference for my dates with Kaito-san. Tell me about the lovey-dovey events from the various worlds you have visited."
"...U-Understood."
Just as she thought she had recovered from her shock, she was plunged back into a swamp of bewilderment. Nevertheless, she nodded.
Having received permission to stay in Trinia, the traveler used her abilities to absorb a general knowledge of the world. She eventually found herself in a town within the Human Realm, lost in thought.
(I want to see her. I want to see Nebula-sama right now... but really, how should I even act? For now, if I could just catch a glimpse of her... no, she would definitely notice me.)
She was desperate to meet her, yet lacked the courage. As she vacillated, her ears caught a conversation from a group standing a short distance away.
"For now, once the party starts, you are free to do as you please. Kaito will likely be busy, so I cannot introduce you. It is fine if Kaito speaks to you first, but you are prohibited from approaching him yourselves. If I allow that, Ryze-bo and Lady Chris will never hear the end of it..."
Upon hearing the name Kaito, the traveler looked up and approached the group—Laguna and her retinue. Exercising her Almighty Class authority to inhibit recognition, she drew near without any of them noticing.
(My apologies, strangers... but allow me to peek into your memories for a moment. This is—! Lord Kaito Miyama... the host of this party, and the one who facilitated Nebula-sama's return. According to Shallow Vernal, Nebula-sama is currently bound to the vicinity of the World Tree, so she likely won't be there... but Lord Kaito will.)
She wanted to see him—the man who had brought change to Shallow Vernal and, through a chain of miracles, had brought Nebula back to life. Since she lacked the courage to face Nebula just yet, she decided to seek out Kaito first. Still maintaining her recognition-inhibiting authority, she followed silently in Laguna's shadow.
???: "Ah, I see. So she wasn't lying. Laguna-san didn't even notice she was being followed..."
Machina: "Hmm. If this is the end of the 'Latter Part', I guess the reunion with Nebula won't happen until after the party?"