A few days later, at the headquarters of the Awakener Association Japan Branch, a face-to-face eting was arranged between Inari and the masters of the Ten Great Clans.
This was largely because Inari herself had said she didn’t mind eting them. And so, she was guided into the conference room where the Ten Great Clans’ masters were gathered… but—
“What in the world… what happened here?”
“Pay it no mind. A rather unsuitable fellow slipped in, that’s all.”
Takemoto of Takemoto Samurai Corps laughed heartily as he said it, but telling Inari not to mind the smashed table and the unconscious man slumped against the wall was asking too much. Even Aoyama, who had escorted her here, gave a long sigh. Monts later, attendants brought in a stretcher and carried the man away. Inari’s eyes caught the fallen naplate near him—Echigo Trading Company.
“I’d heard they were in the middle of a succession dispute… but surely you didn’t use that as an excuse to throw him out?”
“Of course not.”
Hakuouin of Fuji shrugged lightly. His tone said “don’t be ridiculous,” but under Inari’s sharp look he scratched his nose, suddenly reminded of the feeling of being scolded by a mother. Sowhat sheepishly, he added, “No, truly, that’s a misunderstanding.”
“Well… one of the candidates for Echigo’s new master heard about this eting and barged in, claiming, ‘Kogami Inari owes Echigo Trading Company a great debt, so she should belong to us.’”
“A debt?”
“That would be the matter of Tokyo Dungeon No. 1. He declared it was your failure that their then-master, Echigo Yaeka, could not be saved.”
Takenaka of Genesis muttered “nonsense,” but Inari let out an “Ah…” of realization.
Indeed, the true story of that incident had been buried. The Ten Great Clans had been told only that Inari had dealt with a “godlike being.” They had not been told that Yaeka herself had contracted with it and been the mastermind behind the massacre. So it made sense that such “claims” might arise.
“Anyway, he went on spewing all sorts of drivel. And frankly, we didn’t want to be lumped in with such an idiot. So… we helped him shut his mouth. Don’t worry—he’s completely healed.”
“Echigo’s finished. A clan that treats awakeners like commodities is already dead.”
Tsukiyama of Sunline and Sendou of Dragon Eye added their agreent. Inari could easily guess that they had all taken turns beating the man. And since they had done it “because they didn’t want her to form a bad impression,” she couldn’t really scold them for it… but still, Inari gave a long sigh.
“I see. I understand. But really—shouldn’t I be the one to strike down or chastise soone who insults ?”
“Oh no, that wouldn’t do. People like that would twist it into a weapon against you. It’s far better for us to do it. If it cos out that the Ten Great Clans themselves rejected him, that will hurt him far more.”
Rokushima of Mage Federation laughed dryly. And indeed, that was the truth of it. “Beaten by Inari” and “crushed by the Ten Great Clans” carried very different weight. The latter was much more damaging—and harder to deny publicly. After all, if the Ten had acted, people would naturally assu the target must have done sothing terrible.
“…Well, I ask only that you don’t overdo it. Now then, Miss Kogami, please take your seat.”
“Mm.”
At Aoyama’s prompting, Inari sat at her naplate-marked spot. The tables were arranged in a circle so everyone’s face was clearly visible. Even at a glance, Inari could tell—they were all peculiar, forceful types. The look in their eyes reminded her of the old village headn and landlords from before her ho village had beco a ruin.
“Well then, let’s begin with introductions. I am Hakuouin of the clan Fuji.”
“I’m Kobayashi of Heaven. A pleasure.”
The introductions went around the circle one by one, and when Inari had also greeted them, Hakuouin cleared his throat.
“First, let thank you for granting us this opportunity to et face-to-face. That said, I imagine you are wary of us. I too had requested a eting through the Japan Branch, but they were excessively cautious, so it took this form. For the matter to have grown larger than expected, I must apologize.”
“No need. I don’t mind. But then… this isn’t about trying to recruit ?”
“Of course not. In fact, you’re not even a mber of Fox Phone’s clan, are you?”
“…Hmph.”
Indeed, Inari was not part of Fox Phone’s clan. She had a contract as their mascot, but officially she was still registered as a solo awakener. Fox Phone had intentionally blurred the distinction, presenting her as “associated but not a mber.” It wasn’t sothing outsiders could easily confirm… yet it was clear everyone here understood it well enough.
“So rest assured—we’re not here to pressure you into joining our clans.”
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