The after-party drew to a close, and I retreated to my private quarters—the room assigned specifically to me on the magic ship. My first priority was to change. I’d been in my formal suit for the entire event, and I was more than ready for something a bit more casual.
That said, with Illness-san scheduled to come over, I couldn't go too casual. My usual shirt and trousers would have to do; there was no need for a hooded jacket.
I really wanted to wash off the day with a quick shower, but I wasn't sure exactly when she’d arrive. Just as I was debating the timing, a Hummingbird from Illness-san arrived.
Her message suggested we meet in about an hour, as she figured we both needed time to rinse off the sweat and change. With that, I felt safe heading into the bathroom.
The Owner's Room came equipped with its own shower, so I took the opportunity to freshen up. This suite was honestly incredibly spacious and luxurious; it felt more like staying in a high-end hotel than being on a ship.
I had no idea when I’d next be aboard this vessel, so I might as well enjoy the perks while I had them.
Once showered and dressed, I scanned the room. If I was going to talk with Illness-san, the sofa seemed like the best spot. The facing seats would let us sit across from one another with the table between us.
As I made these minor preparations, the hour slipped by. Right on cue, a reserved knock sounded at the door.
"Yes... Come on in."
"Pardon the intrusion..."
Illness-san stepped inside, dressed in a tasteful casual outfit—a black one-piece dress accented with rose embroidery. It was a step down in formality from her usual maid uniform or the outfits she wore on our outings, giving her a more relaxed air.
Like me, she must have just stepped out of the shower. The faint, pleasant scent of shampoo followed her, and combined with her graceful, mature presence, it made my pulse quicken.
"Is the sofa alright?"
"Yes. That will be perfect... If you'll have me."
"Of course. Can I get you anything to drink?"
"Actually, Nebula gave me a bottle of wine to share with you, Kaito-sama. I've brought it along."
She produced a stylish wooden bottle. Seeing a bottle made of wood was a rarity, but I guessed it was crafted from World Tree materials.
Status Preservation Magic made such unique containers possible, though I imagined molding actual World Tree wood into a bottle shape was no small feat. That was Nebula for you, I suppose.
"If the bottle's like that... did Nebula make the wine itself too?"
"Yes. Nebula and I have been experimenting with several batches. This was one of the results."
"I see. I didn't realize you two were making wine."
"We are still very much amateurs, so I had intended to wait until the quality improved before mentioning it. She is constantly trying new things. Her curiosity truly knows no bounds."
"Ahaha, well, as long as you and Nebula are enjoying yourselves, that’s what matters. If you ever need more equipment or supplies, just let me know."
"Thank you so much."
First it was tea, and now it was wine. Come to think of it, she had mentioned wanting to try growing coffee beans as well. She was probably making progress on that front too.
"...Wait. I don't remember seeing any grapevines around."
"She uses space-time magic to maintain a subspace for cultivation. I am not particularly skilled with such magic, but Nebula is a master of it. She raises all sorts of things there experimentally."
"Is that so? Nebula really is incredible."
I should have expected as much. Being able to manipulate space-time for her hobbies was exactly the kind of thing the former Ultimate God would do. It was a bit surprising, but perfectly in character.
Since she was clearly in an experimental phase, she’d probably show me the results eventually. I decided to wait and see what she’d come up with next.
Serious-senpai: "Doting parent as usual. Your standards for Nebula are way too loose."