Once some time had passed and Canalis had finally stopped sobbing like a child, Nebula produced a table and chairs. She gestured for her subordinate to sit and began preparing black tea.
She had determined that since time flowed differently within this phase-shifted space, there was no harm in taking things slow.
"However, what is the matter with your face?"
"Tahaa... Well, I actually did some real work just now for the first time in ages, but as soon as I calmed down, I slipped right back into my usual lazy state. I think my facial muscles have just forgotten how to look professional."
"Hmm. Well, if you do not mind, then it is no problem. Here, this is black tea brewed with leaves I created myself."
"My, my, this is far too gracious... Or rather, the fact that I am sitting here letting Nebula-sama brew tea for me makes me feel like I am committing the ultimate sin..."
"Since I, the Absolute One, am superior in the art of brewing tea, it is only natural that I am the one to brew it. No such thing as lèse-majesté exists in this. On the contrary, if you were to become so overwhelmed that you could not appreciate the taste, that would be the true disrespect."
"Tahaa... That is so like you, Nebula-sama... Oh, it’s so delicious... I feel like I might start crying again."
Canalis had served Nebula for an eternity before her mistress reached her end, so she had a firm grasp of the goddess's personality. Nebula believed it was only natural for her, as a superior being, to look after those lower than herself. Thus, seeing Nebula brew tea personally was perfectly understandable given her character.
That aside, the fact remained that she was sitting while her revered mistress, with whom she had finally reunited, served her. It made her feel incredibly small...
"Are the others also in good health?"
"Yes! Since no one could accept anyone other than Nebula-sama as our leader, everyone ended up just doing as they pleased in the end, though we do keep in touch occasionally. I think everyone will be overjoyed when they hear Nebula-sama has been resurrected!"
"It is fine for them to be happy, but if they were to descend upon this world in droves, it would only trouble my Master and the others. I have already faced my end once. I view this as my second life; I am quite fond of my current existence, and I have no desire to reign as I once did."
"I see. If that is what you have decided, Nebula-sama, I don't think anyone will complain... Ah, but I am certain everyone will desperately want to meet you."
"Hmm..."
Nebula was truly adored by many. If she had not been, she never would have reigned as the Ultimate God ruling over countless worlds.
Furthermore, since there were plenty of Almighty Class beings among those who had sworn eternal loyalty to her, it wouldn't take long for word of Nebula's resurrection to spread.
"...Then, Canalis, I have a request for you."
"Y-Yes! Please command me as you wish!!"
Hearing Nebula's words, Canalis responded with a bright, eager voice. Although her expression remained stagnant, her joy was clear, making her emotions very easy to read.
"Inform anyone you can contact about my circumstances and have them spread the word. Tell them that, as a general rule, I forbid them from seeking me out in person, though I will permit communication by letter. Should they wish to visit this world, tell them they must first pay proper respect to Shallow Vernal and obtain her permission... and they must space out their visits so as not to become a nuisance."
"Understood!"
"Regarding the letters, it would cause an uproar if they were sent directly here. It would be preferable for them to be entrusted to you so that you may deliver them to me. I will be putting you to some trouble, but what say you?"
"Of course I don't mind! If I can be of use to Nebula-sama, I would be delighted!"
In short, Nebula was appointing her as the liaison for her former subordinates. Canalis, who was dying to be of use to the mistress she had finally found, nodded several times with a look of pure happiness.
They continued to discuss the details while drinking their tea. Once they had reached an agreement, Canalis stood up from her chair and bowed deeply.
"...Nebula-sama, there is something I wish to ask of you!"
"Hm? Speak."
"I will not interfere with Nebula-sama's current life! I will show proper respect and obtain permission from Shallow Vernal! I promise to adapt to the common sense of this world! Therefore, please... allow me to serve by Nebula-sama's side once again!!"
"...Hmm."
It was truly a wish from the bottom of her heart. Nebula took on a slightly pensive expression.
"...I do not mind, but there is a condition... or rather, a requirement for your adaptation. As I said before, I recognize my current situation as a new life. The environment has changed, and my standing has changed with it. If you are to serve by my side, you must grow accustomed to these things."
"Yes! I will accomplish whatever you ask, no matter the difficulty!!"
"Very well. Then... in this world, you are to address me as 'Nebula' without titles, or as 'Nebula-chan' or 'Nebula-san.' You must interact with me with casual familiarity rather than such stiff formality. Furthermore, I shall address you as 'Canalis-san' and speak to you with polite honorifics. You must adapt to this until it no longer feels strange."
"..................Ah, um... Please wait a moment. Right now, I feel so overwhelmed with awe that I think I might throw up... You see, my loyalty to Nebula-sama is a bit... hardcore..."
Nebula watched as Canalis, whose brimming motivation from a moment ago had vanished, performed the skillful feat of turning pale while her expression remained frozen. Nebula couldn't help but think, "It seems this is going to take some time."
???: "Since this is the latter part, it looks like we'll be returning to the party starting next chapter."
Serious-senpai: "Wait, what? Was there... serious plot? Did it happen again while I was gone?!"