Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 105 : Kitsune-sama Heads to Atami

There was something called the awakener disparity. It mainly referred to the differences between Tokyo and everywhere else when it came to awakened individuals. The headquarters of famous clans were concentrated in Tokyo, the star awakeners were in Tokyo… and those who made their base in the countryside were often regarded as a step below the Tokyo awakeners. That was the phenomenon.

In reality, it was true that Tokyo was safer since it had more awakeners than rural areas. But because of that perception, a negative spiral had formed, with strong awakeners all aiming for Tokyo.

Still, when awakeners gathered in Tokyo, so did their work… including dungeons. That naturally meant competition was fierce. As a result, a reverse flow occurred—awakeners who lost out in the city came to the countryside for expeditions. Among them, there were also famous awakeners who headed for rural areas without such circumstances. Inari, riding the bus bound for Shizuoka, was one such awakener who fell into the category of “not exactly struggling for work but still heading for the countryside.”

Fox ears, a shrine maiden’s outfit, a fox tail. And on top of that, an extraordinary beauty. Looking across the whole of Japan, there was likely no one but Inari who fit all of those traits.

“Hey, isn’t that Inari-chan…?”

“I thought it was all CG or edited… wow, amazing…”

“A beautiful girl… oh. That’s what they mean by a beautiful girl…”

Inari let out a wry smile but brushed off the murmurs that were being whispered around her. With someone like Akai around, she had gradually become aware that “I suppose that’s how it is,” but she still wasn’t used to it. To Inari, it was always “everyone is fair and lovely.” That sort of perception was hard for her to acquire.

Anyway, the bus she was on was heading for Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula… to Atami City. Yes, the great hot spring town that in the old days had been famous as a youth-oriented spa destination. With pudding and other sweets, the sea, hot springs, and sweets—it had once again become a symbol of revival.

Even so, Atami had not escaped the effects of monster disasters. Though devastated by catastrophic damage, it had not given up. Within its borders lay the fixed dungeon known as Shizuoka Dungeon No. 1, and Atami had incorporated that very dungeon as a new symbol of revival.

Now, Atami had become “the town of hot springs, dungeons, and sweets.” The sea was little more than a sight to look at due to the fear of aquatic monsters, but the town had once again regained its power as a tourist destination.

That was precisely where Inari was headed this time—because she had managed to book a slot at Shizuoka Dungeon No. 1. Among the many dungeons nationwide, the reason she chose Shizuoka Dungeon No. 1 was, of course, because of the hot springs. Even with her outdated hot spring knowledge, Inari knew that Atami was a good place. So when she was searching for a dungeon she could reserve, her attention had naturally fallen on Shizuoka Dungeon No. 1.

“Fufufu, how I look forward to this…”

Yes—truthfully, Inari’s craving for hot springs had ignited after she bathed in one with Hikaru at the Fuchu hotel. Though she cared little for food, clothes, or most forms of leisure, the hot spring had been wonderful. Exceptionally wonderful. To explore a dungeon and then soak in a hot spring—when such a perfect chance presented itself, it was only natural to want to seize it. That was a maiden’s heart—or rather, a fox’s heart. Of course, she had consulted with Akai beforehand, who made the inn reservation for her, so nothing was left unchecked. All that remained was to head to the site… Inari’s smile slipped out as she savored that carefree thought, prompting a few of the fellow passengers watching her to let out strange little squeaks of “hyaa.” Naturally, Inari paid them no mind.

Perhaps curious about those noises, Atsuage poked its head out from within the shrine maiden outfit. But with the sounds gone and no interest in the scenery outside the window, it quickly retreated again, just like a whimsical cat.

And so, the bus carrying Inari arrived at the old Atami Station—now turned into a bus terminal. Waiting until most other passengers had disembarked, Inari stepped down herself… only to let out a startled “Nuoh!” For there stood Akai, holding a flag that read “Welcome: Kogami Inari.”

“Akai… what dost thou here…?”

“Well, I do also have my role as a clan master, so I need to tackle dungeons periodically.”

“Ho?”

“And since this opportunity arose, I rushed here so that I could accompany you.”

“I see… and thy true reason?”

“I heard about the Fuchu incident and got jealous, so I thought there’s no way I was missing this chance.”

“Mm. Honest words, well spoken.”

In other words, she had been jealous of Inari’s cozy overnight dungeon expedition with Hikaru, the mascot of rival company Lion Communication. Well, Inari figured that was understandable. After all, she herself belonged to Fox Phone, and Akai was both its president and clan master. In essence, she was sulking because she had been left out.

“Well, I have not paid thee much heed, Akai. That is my failing.”

“N-no, not at all.”

“I thought thee a fine adult, yet it seemeth thou art still a child.”

“U-um, that… umm…”

Akai felt she was being interpreted in an oddly dazzling way, but decided it wasn’t worth worrying about. In truth, it wasn’t entirely wrong. As one awakener, she had also wanted to see Inari’s strength firsthand, and if Inari was happy, that was more or less okay with her. So Akai quickly shifted her mindset.

“Well then! Allow me to guide you to today’s inn!”