After returning to her country from the shipboard party hosted by Kaito, Laguna saw off her companions and headed back to her home, located a short distance from the Royal Palace.
Although Laguna—or rather, the King—had a dedicated suite within the Royal Palace, she felt far more at ease in this house, which she had built with the full intention of making her retirement a reality.
Returning to her seaside villa, which was modest for a monarch of her stature, Laguna was about to step inside when she paused, a serious expression crossing her face.
"…No, perhaps I should do a little training before I turn in for the night."
Laguna muttered this to herself and turned back toward the shore, but the scenery shifted instantly.
"What?! Wh-what is this… the middle of the ocean? No, a Huge River…?"
Before she could process the change, Laguna found herself standing atop the water. She wasn't using magic power to create a foothold; she simply floated effortlessly while the current flowed beneath her feet.
At first, she assumed she was at sea, but her intuition quickly informed her that she was standing on a massive river. Simultaneously, an unfamiliar voice called out to her.
"Oops, I’ve gone and startled you, haven't I? Well, you see, due to some rather complicated circumstances, I went ahead and created a special dimension so we could talk. It’s only natural for you to be surprised. Taha! My deepest apologies for the lack of notice!"
"…Wh-who are you? Exactly who are you…?"
Laguna spun toward the voice. Standing there was a woman with striking bluish-white hair and a face as frozen and expressionless as a Noh mask. She spoke with a tone that sounded genuinely regretful.
However, as a battle-hardened powerhouse, Laguna understood the situation immediately. The being before her was a terrifying presence that she couldn't hope to match—an existence that was, quite literally, a god.
"It’s only fair that you’re bewildered. I am… let’s see, should I use this name here? Please, call me Jane Doe. You can just think of me as A Mere Passing God or something of that nature."
"A-ah, y-yes. I am Laguna Dia Hydra. May I ask what business Jane-sama has with me?"
"Oh, it’s less 'business' and more of an 'apology.' I’ve heard that quite a few people nowadays watch videos at double speed and prefer brief explanations, so I’m going to transmit the information directly into your head to keep things simple. It might startle you, but I promise there’s no danger. Here we go!"
"——?!"
In an instant, a flood of information poured into Laguna’s mind. She finally understood why this god calling herself Jane had appeared before her.
"…I-I see. In other words, Jane-sama followed me in order to attend Kaito’s party, and even told Kaito that you were a companion of the King of Hydra…"
"That’s exactly it. Since I ended up using your position without permission, I felt I should apologize and offer some kind of token of gratitude. That’s why I came to speak with you. Oh, and please, feel free to use your usual 'Washi' when referring to yourself. I’m not a god of this world; I’m basically just a Stray God wandering from place to place. There's no need to be so formal with me."
"I… I appreciate your consideration. But you mentioned a gift of gratitude?"
"Yes. Since this world ultimately belongs to Shallow Vernal, there are limits to what I can do on a whim, so I can’t promise 'anything'—but I should be able to grant most wishes. Taha! After all, I am technically an Almighty God."
Laguna looked at Jane with a mix of awe and total confusion. Jane’s expression remained as static as ever, even as her voice remained cheerful and bright.
Regardless of how Jane downplayed her own status, she was a World Creator-class god—a being on the same level as Shallow Vernal or Eden. It was daunting enough simply being in her presence; being asked to name a reward by such an entity left Laguna's mind blank.
"Can’t think of anything right away? Well, if you’re willing, would you allow me to look through your memories? If I do that, I can come up with an appropriate thank-you gift myself."
"Eh? Ah, yes. I certainly don’t mind, but… no, forgive me. I simply didn't expect to be asked for permission, so I was a bit taken aback. I assumed you would simply peer into my mind regardless of my wishes."
"Hm? Well, I mean, I could look into your memories without you noticing, but that’s a pretty unpleasant thing to have done to you, isn't it? Though, I suppose since I already looked at your memories regarding Kaito-sama when I first followed you, it’s only natural for you to be suspicious. Taha! Really, I’m truly sorry about that."
"P-please, raise your head! I am a being of far lower status; I have no right to object to Jane-sama’s actions!"
"No, no, that’s not right at all. Just because someone is of a higher status doesn't mean they can be discourteous to those below them. This is a teaching from someone I deeply respect: because those of higher standing naturally have more leeway, it is they who should provide consideration to those below them. Taha! Sorry for the hand-me-down wisdom!"
"………………Ah, um… this is the first time I have ever spoken to a World-creation God with common-sensical thoughts. I'm a bit overwhelmed…"
As Jane bowed naturally to her and showed genuine concern for her feelings, Laguna could only mutter in dazed disbelief.
The gods of creation Laguna knew were Shallow Vernal and Eden, and neither of them were the type to show such meticulous consideration to someone like her.
(Wh-what a remarkably sane god… Ah, no, I shouldn't think that. It’s lèse-majesté toward Shallow Vernal-sama and Eden-sama. I need to calm down…)
While Laguna’s thoughts spun in circles, Jane didn't rush her. She simply waited in silence for Laguna to find her footing.
Serious-senpai: "Coming all this way just to apologize for using someone. Generating a private dimension to avoid causing a scene. Bowing and apologizing for looking at memories without permission. Asking for consent before doing it again. Showing proper respect even to those below her… Is this the Result of the Absolute One's Guidance? She is so different from Shiro or Machina that it’s no wonder Laguna is in shock."