While Kaito’s birthday celebration was in full swing in the otherworld, Nebula remained behind in the gardens of his home, enjoying tea with Tiana, who had come to visit.
Tiana suddenly struck the air with a motion as if throwing a punch into the void, prompting Nebula to offer a wry smile.
"You two certainly seem to be on good terms."
"My apologies... I suspect Electrone does those things fully expecting to be punched. Regardless, this black tea is exquisite, Nebula-san."
"But of course. I am the Absolute One, after all."
Perhaps because she had been briefed by Canalis and had already practiced, Tiana appeared perfectly natural even when speaking to Nebula. Despite Nebula’s polite manner of speech, Tiana didn’t stumble once as she addressed her as "Nebula-san."
Tiana smiled as she savored the blissful moment of drinking the tea Nebula had brewed, though her expression soon turned slightly complicated.
"Still, I must admit... Electrone’s luck is so good it's almost enviable."
"I understand how you feel, but this particular turn of events is likely more an influence of my Master’s luck than her own. Electrone is exceptionally well-disposed toward the residents of otherworlds, so she really is the most suitable choice to invite to a birthday party."
"She does love humans, doesn't she? She even says herself that if she doesn't keep a limiter on her emotions, she ends up meddling too much and repeats her past mistakes."
"Indeed. Well, there is no need for you to rush either, Tiana. You have already made it here to Trinia, so the opportunity to meet my Master will surely come in due time."
"I certainly hope so."
Tiana returned a gentle smile at Nebula’s words. While she was prone to turning into a berserker whenever her jealousy was triggered, she was normally of an extremely mild and relaxed temperament, carrying the aura of a soft-spoken woman.
Looking at her, Nebula spoke up as if a thought had just occurred to her.
"Speaking of which, your home world exists in a dimensional hierarchy significantly higher than this world or my Master’s. Are you finding the adjustments difficult to maintain?"
"Yes, I did struggle with it a bit. I managed to handle my physical appearance through various adjustments, but the problem was my name. Since my true name originates in a high dimension, the people living in this world's dimensional hierarchy would likely be unable to perceive it as language."
"That is true. Everyone possesses a certain degree of complementary function to fill in sensory gaps, so your name would likely be perceived as a strange sound—either an extremely high or an incredibly low-pitched frequency."
Tiana was a being from a significantly higher dimension compared to this world. Much like how a resident of a 2D world cannot truly perceive a 3D world, the inhabitants of this reality would normally be unable to recognize the form or voice of a high-dimensional being.
While beings like Shallow Vernal or Kuromueina could perceive or interfere with high dimensions, it was an impossible task for almost everyone else. Through the brain’s subconscious attempts to process the unknown, such a being might be perceived as a monster with a distorted appearance or an unpleasant, alien noise.
Since meaningful dialogue would be impossible under those conditions, Tiana had adjusted her physical body and linguistic functions to manifest in this world. However, her name was a bridge she couldn't cross so easily, so she had devised a different solution.
"Exactly. Therefore, I decided on a name suited to this world so that I could introduce myself to Kaito-sama. While I am here, I have chosen to go by 'Tiana'."
"I see. Then I shall call you Tiana as well while we are together here."
"I would like that."
Tiana nodded with a happy expression. Although she felt a twinge of envy toward Electrone and Canalis for participating in Kaito’s birthday party, spending this time alone with Nebula was a source of great happiness for her, keeping her jealousy in check.
"Ah, that reminds me. Since you expressed a desire to celebrate my Master’s birthday, Tiana, I might be able to help you participate in an indirect way."
"What do you mean?"
"I am currently preparing a gift for my Master... If you would like, Tiana, perhaps you could assist me in its creation?"
The proposal was simple: though she could not hand a gift to Kaito directly, she could contribute to the one Nebula was making. This was exactly what Tiana had hoped for, and she accepted the offer without a moment’s hesitation.