At Kaito’s mansion in the capital of the Kingdom of Sinfonia... in an open clearing near the base of the massive World Tree that stood in the center of the vast garden, Nebula was busy shaping branches into various items.
Because she was bound by the restriction that she could not travel more than a certain distance from the tree, she had not attended the shipboard party. Instead, she remained behind to look after Kaito’s home, passing the time with woodcrafting. Eventually, however, Nebula paused her work and let out a weary, somewhat exasperated sigh.
"Good grief... You certainly chose a roundabout way of doing this."
The moment she muttered those words, the air rippled for a fleeting second. To an ordinary observer, it wouldn’t have seemed out of place, but as an Absolute One, Nebula found it trivial to perceive exactly what had occurred.
"You could have just visited me directly from the front. Instead, you went through the trouble of creating a phase-shifted alternate dimension just to see me..."
"Ah—no, well... I didn't know what my standing was over here, so I thought I should be careful... I mean... well... um..."
"It has been a long time, Canalis. You are as diligent as ever, coming all this way just to find me."
"Ah...! Nebu... Nebula...-sama...!"
Called by that serene voice, Canalis felt her own voice tremble as her face contorted with emotion. It was as if time had been frozen for eons; her expression, which had not shifted for hundreds of millions—no, trillions—of years, finally broke. Tears welled in eyes that had long been devoid of light.
She had wanted to see her. She had wanted to see her for so, so long. Even as she told herself they would never meet again, she had searched for Nebula’s silhouette in every new world she visited. She had convinced herself that the day her name would be called again by that gentle voice would never come.
Nebula’s appearance was different now. Her body was small, barely a meter in height, and her magic power had shifted in quality since her rebirth as a Spirit. Yet, Canalis was absolutely certain. Standing before her was the mistress she had yearned to see all this time.
"I believe you understand my nature, but let me say this first: Consider any apology or expression of gratitude as an act of lèse-majesté against me. At that time, I judged and acted according to my own discretion as an Absolute One. That matter is self-contained within me... Neither sin nor debt of gratitude exists for you to shoulder. To believe otherwise is to disrespect my choice."
"Yes... If it's Nebula-sama... I figured... you would say... that."
Tears spilled over as Canalis approached Nebula, clinging to her small frame as if she might vanish if released.
"I won't say it... If Nebula-sama forbids it... I won't speak... of apologies... or thanks. But, but... please, let me say just this... Nebula-sama... I missed you so much... Even in this form... the fact that you still exist... makes me... so incredibly... happy."
"You always were one for exaggeration... But very well. I am pleased that you came to see me. It must have been a long road to reach this place. You’ve done well to persevere, Canalis."
"Ah...! Nebula-sama!"
As Nebula smiled gently and stroked her head, Canalis lost all composure. She clung to her mistress and began to wail at the top of her lungs.
Watching her, Nebula continued to pet her head with a faint, wry smile.
"Good grief. Since you went through the trouble of coming, I intended to serve you some black tea I brewed, but it seems that will have to wait a while longer... Still, I suppose accepting such outbursts is also the duty of an Absolute One. Cry until you have emptied your heart."
Her voice was incredibly gentle and warm. Just hearing those words made Canalis feel as though all those long, agonizing days had finally been rewarded. She remained buried in Nebula’s chest, weeping like a small child.
Serious-senpai: "Nn~ I slept well. I assume the party isn't over yet, but has the story progressed a bit?"
???: "That’s right. It just wrapped up... that long-overdue serious development."
Serious-senpai: "........................Wait, what?"