Thinking it would make the conversation go more smoothly, I asked Nebula to join us in the reception room.
"Did you call for me, Master?"
"Yeah. I wanted you to be here too, Nebula..."
"I see. My presence should indeed make this easier. Good afternoon, Canaris. Do you mind if I join you?"
"H-hugh! Ah, yes. G-good afternoon, Lady Nebula... Please, be my guest!"
"Hmm. I would prefer if you spoke a bit more naturally... though I suppose that is a challenge for the future."
"Ugh... I-I'm sorry. I’ve finally managed to say your name without stuttering, but..."
Canaris's expression remained as unchanging as ever, but her voice was clearly nervous—or rather, she seemed quite cowed. Judging from their previous exchange, it seemed Nebula might have held a higher position in the past.
Well, Nebula didn't seem to mind; she just gave a wry smile, so there probably wasn't anything to worry about.
"So, the fact that you called me means you've realized that Canaris and I are acquainted?"
"Y-yes. Or rather... Lady Nebula, did you tell Kaito-sama that you used to be a God?"
"Indeed. As an Absolute One, I have nothing to hide from my Master. I told him beforehand so as not to surprise him later."
"I see, that's just like you, Lady Nebula... Ah, but if that's the case, then I didn't need to force myself to address you so formally..."
"No. My current position is different from before, after all, and I believe my attitude should reflect that. I trust that you can adapt without any problems, Canaris."
"L-Lady Nebula... Yes! I'll do my best!!"
Conveying deep emotion while maintaining a totally blank face was an impressive skill, but it was clear that Canaris truly respected Nebula. Even now, Nebula was quite extraordinary. If she was this impressive in her rank-lowered state, she must have been even more incredible before. Perhaps Canaris’s reaction was only natural.
"However, that makes it easier to talk. Kaito-sama, I actually came here today to ask a very bold favor. Haha... I'm sorry for being so brazen! I was worried about how to bring it up, but since you already know about Nebula's circumstances, this will be much faster."
"Hmm? A favor?"
"Well, I'm aware this is very rude, but... could you please let me live in your house, Kaito-sama?"
"Eh? In my house?"
"Yes! I won't be a bother at all, and if there are no rooms, I'll create a subspace and live there. And I'll pay rent, I promise!"
"That's fine with me."
"I know it's only natural for you to say no, but I really... Huh? Wait... sorry, Kaito-sama, did you just say yes?"
"Eh? Ah, yes."
I didn't really have a reason to refuse, and since there were plenty of spare rooms, I didn't think it would be an issue. But Canaris seemed taken aback and asked again, sounding bewildered.
"...No, no, let's calm down. I'm the one who asked, but you should think about it more carefully before deciding! You shouldn't just let some suspicious person with a dead-eyed, expressionless face whom you've only met twice live in your house! You need more caution... I mean, of course I don't have any intention of harming you, Kaito-sama, but..."
For an Almighty-class God, Canaris had surprisingly normal sensibilities. My image of a God of World Creation was strongly influenced by Shiro and Machina; seeing someone this grounded was a bit disorienting.
"Canaris, I'm sure Master is considering the fact that you're an acquaintance of mine, but more than that, he is someone with an exceptional eye for people. I believe his answer comes from knowing that you are a person of great goodness."
"I-is that so... Kaito-sama, I'm grateful of course, but please don't be too accommodating. A new resident is suddenly moving into your home, so we should make sure the terms are clear. I intend to follow the rules of your household, so please don't hesitate to tell me whatever is necessary."
"I understand. Well, let's take our time to discuss and decide on those things."
She was so sensible it was actually confusing, but for now, I didn't think there would be any problems with Canaris. She was an acquaintance of Nebula's, and her personality was bright and approachable. As long as I got used to her lack of facial expressions, I was sure she’d get along with everyone else soon.
Serious-senpai: "Well, I can understand being surprised by her common sense when the points of comparison are Shiro and Machina. Also, an Almighty Class moving into Kaito's house... He really is a singularity."