Three days later, in Akihabara.
It was Inari’s second ti here, and already the streets were bustling with people despite it being morning.
Akihabara, now known as the city that never sleeps, was alive even at this hour with people coming and going for all kinds of reasons.
Picking up weapons from workshops, placing orders, requesting repairs, restocking consumables—everyone walked the streets with either focused purpose or a joyful air about them.
“lon Axe is... over that way, I think.”
“Is that thing about the Steelmaster’s works being on consignnt actually true?”
“Wouldn’t be too surprising. They do have consignnts from all over the country.”
So were headed to stores based on rumors they’d heard, others were just hunting for a al with things like “I’m starving” on their lips. Compared to last ti, maybe there were slightly fewer street hawkers—otherwise, not much had changed.
“Did you see that Genesis video the other day?”
“The one about the Orc General’s sword and helt, right? Tokyo Dungeon #4’s gone nuts lately.”
Apparently, things had gone crazy. Well, if that was the case, Inari figured she’d steer clear of it for a while. As for the occasional glances tossed her way, it was hard to tell exactly what they ant.
But none of them held any ill will, so Inari paid them no mind and continued on her way.
In her hands were two paper bags filled with yokan (sweet bean jelly)—a simple gift.
Fortunately, Inari rembered where FoxPhone was located. Just a straight walk down the main road—couldn’t be simpler.
As she walked and walked, the sign for Servant Uniform Workshop ca into view. She paused.
“Well then. First, this one.”
There wasn’t a maid standing outside yet—probably because it was still early—but the mont she stepped inside, one appeared.
In fact, it was Eri.
“Welco ho, My La—ah, Miss Inari! What brings you here? Good morning!”
U-um, good morning to thee. I just thought to drop by with a small gift for thy past kindness... so yokan from Saijoya.”
“Huh? Oh, thank you so much! We’ll all enjoy it together!”
“Aye, do so.”
Eri handed the bags to another nearby maid with practiced ease—almost too practiced.
“...Dost thou often receive gifts, mayhap?”
“Just between us... yeah, tons. So pretty suspicious stuff too. My appraisal skill gets a real workout!”
“O-oh...”
“Anyway, Miss Inari! The head butler said if it’s you, he’d hire you as a full-ti senior maid on the spot! What do you think!?”
“I shall decline...”
Inari had other obligations, but more importantly, she had no intention of becoming a maid. All that frilly clothing just felt too unsettling to wear.
And so, after being sent off with the customary “Take care out there~!” from the maids, Inari made her way toward the nearby Fox Phone store.
“…Co to think of it, I’ve never been to that Lion Telecom place across the street.”
Apparently, Lion Telecom offered more features, but Inari had no use for all that complexity. It simply wasn’t a match.
As she walked into FoxPhone, the entire store suddenly buzzed with activity. All eyes turned toward her.
“Welco, we’ve been waiting for you, Miss Kogami!”
“Hyoeeh!”
Startled by the sudden chorus and respectful bows from the staff, Inari nearly reeled—but one woman who stepped forward caught her attention.
A sharp-looking woman in a well-fitted suit. The “cool beauty” type, as they say.
But what piqued Inari’s interest wasn’t her style.
“…Ho. Of all I have t, this one’s presence feels strongest yet. Could she be…”
“Welco, Miss Kogami. I’m Akai, the president of our company. We’re fortunate not to have any custors right now, but as they say, ‘the walls have ears and the shoji has eyes.’ Please, this way.”
“Aye. I look forward to our talk.”
FoxPhone’s top floor in this rather large building was apparently the company president’s domain, and Inari was ushered into the front-most reception room.
As she sipped the tea prepared by what seed to be a secretary, she noticed Akai quietly observing her.
“Sizing up, perhaps? No matter—there’s no malice in that gaze.”
Noticing that Inari had caught on, Akai cleared her throat slightly.
“Allow to introduce myself properly. I’m Akai Rina, president of FoxPhone. Thank you for accepting our proposal.”
“I am Kogami Inari. I know not how much thou hast heard, but to , ‘twas a tily offer.”
“The Awakener Association briefed on the situation. I won’t say it’s perfectly safe, but this should deter most of the lesser scavengers.”
“Aye, that doth sound most reassuring.”
Inari accepted the business card that read:
Akai Rina — President, Awakener Company FoxPhone
“Awakener company...?”
“Yes. When a company is founded by Awakeners, it’s classified that way. There are... certain tax advantages and the like.”
“Ho, is that so.”
“Indeed. Running a clan costs money too. Unless you’re confident in your combat earnings, starting a business is the norm. Of course, that also requires skill. But at a certain level, whether it’s clans or businesses, there’s one thing they both need—a mascot.”
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Shōji (障子) are traditional Japanese sliding panels made of a wooden fra with translucent paper stretched over it. They're commonly used as room dividers, windows, or doors in Japanese houses.
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