If I were to say when it was, I think it had been a while since Nebula had become a part of the family. I had just finished brushing Bell and was sitting under the shade of the World Tree with Nebula on my lap, relaxing when she suddenly said:
[Ah, come to think of it, Milord.]
[Unn?]
[It’s not a big deal, but I used to be a God.]
[……A God? Like Shiro-san or Eden-san?][Yes. I haven’t created my own world, so I technically wasn’t a World Creator, but I had a position close to that. I was brought to my end with Shallow Vernal’s Epilogue, and was later revived…… hmmm, or perhaps you could consider it as more as “reincarnated” as the Spirit of a World Tree.]
[I- I see?]
The suddenness of that revelation left me stunned, but I knew Nebula wasn’t the type to joke about such things. Besides, there’s already Isis-san as a precedent.
And when I consider things like the World Tree’s sudden mutation, something even Lilywood-san couldn’t believe possible, and the fact that a Spirit of a World Tree had taken up residence where one shouldn’t exist, if Shiro intervened…… well, it makes sense.
[Well, it really isn’t that big of a deal. The past is the past, and it doesn’t change the fact that I’m now the spirit of Milord’s World Tree, nor does it alter who I am. Wherever I may be, I remain the Absolute, and that doesn’t change!]
[Fufu, I see…… Well, I guess hearing that doesn’t change the person Nebula is, and it doesn’t bring any big changes huh?]
[Yes!][But why did you suddenly bring this up?]
Nebula spoke about her past as a God as if it was nothing, as if it were a casual conversation about how “this was how things were in a previous life.” She seemed genuinely indifferent about it.
Well, even if her past was as she said, it doesn’t change who Nebula is now, and regardless of her past life, Nebula is still my adorable family she is now, so as she said, it’s probably not a big deal.
However, I was curious why she chose this moment to talk about it.
[Ah, no, it’s something I could have spoken of anytime. There’s nothing that needs this Absolute to hide. However, I just thought that if I spoke about this right after I appeared, the information might overwhelm Milord, so I decided to wait for a while. Well, it’s not like there was a particular reason for me to bring it up, but I thought that if you found out about this later through some other means, it might surprise you. So, I figured it would be better to mention it now.]
[I see, you were looking out for me. Thank you…… Nebula, do you ever wish to return to how you were before, as a God in your past life?]
[No, not at all. Although my current power is much weaker than before, and I sometimes wish I could regain it, I have no desire to return to my previous position. Partly because I’ve accepted my reincarnation, but mostly because I enjoy my life here with Milord and everyone else.]
[I’m glad to hear that.]
Seeing Nebula’s cheerful smile made me happy because I could tell that her words were truly from the heart.
As I gently patted her head, Nebula narrowed her eyes in contentment. Unn, no matter what her past was, Nebula remains the same, and since she doesn’t mind it, I shouldn’t either.
Thinking that, I continued to enjoy my relaxed conversation with Nebula.
[……Ahh, one more thing. There might be a chance that someone I knew in the past could visit this world, but those around me had all been well-mannered, so there shouldn’t be any problems.]
[You mean, like Gods?]
[That’s right. Most of them would be Creator Gods, but I doubt they’ll come in large numbers, and if I notice them, I’ll talk to them. If they visit Milord, just call for me, and I’ll handle it.]
[Got it. I’ll count on you then.]
[Yes! Please leave it to me! I’m Absolute after all!]
Recalling the conversation I had with Nebula a while back, I turned my gaze toward Canalis-san in front of me.
Though her expression remained unchanged, Canalis-san clearly appeared confused. After a brief silence, she finally spoke up.
[……Errr, Kaito-sama, where exactly did you hear that story?]
[……Well, I heard this directly from her.]
[I- I see……]
[Ahh~~ Errr, should I call Nebula over? I feel like the conversation would go more smoothly if she were here.]
Since Canalis-san seemed to know Nebula, it might be best to have her present. Nebula also mentioned that if any of her old acquaintances showed up, I should call her, so that’s what I’ll do.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [Ahh~~ I see, with Isis as a similar precedent and the fact that Nebula herself is so clear-cut about it, it was probably easier for Kaito to accept…… Though with how indulgent he treated her about this, I still sense a bit of how idiotic of a parent he is……]
? ? ? : [By the way, the timing when this was revealed was right after Nebula-san first made tea. Back then, Kaito-san was still amazed by things like the intricately crafted sugar and how she completely revamped the garden in such a short time. But from then on, he started taking things like “Nebula is amazing, so of course, she can do that” in stride, and that was because he knew she used to be a God.]
Serious-senpai : [……I just thought he just got even more doting.]
