Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 136 : Kitsune-sama Attends the Welcome Party

Night.

Inside the banquet hall of the Itou International Hotel, food had been prepared in a buffet style. Sandwiches, roast beef, sausages, sushi… a mixture of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, all arranged so that they could be eaten easily while standing. Yet despite the casual format, everything was beautifully presented, creating an atmosphere of luxury.

“Ho—”

“This is amazing.”

Leaving Inari aside, Yasuno was already somewhat used to such occasions, but even she was impressed by the thoughtfulness shown by the hosts. Combined with the extravagantly decorated hall—an echo of the bubble era—everything was more than enough to properly welcome a single awakener like Inari. In other words, their intent to give Inari a sincere welcome was clear.

“That’s a bit of a relief. I was told to keep watch so nothing happens, but…”

Recalling her superior’s words, Yasuno felt slightly at ease, though a new unease lingered as well. The Awakener Association’s Japan Headquarters did not want the super rookie known as Kogami Inari to be poached by a local branch. Especially after the incident with the temporary dungeon in Shinjuku, the headquarters had grown increasingly fixated on her. Compared to rankers who were never around when needed and impossible to contact, Inari was starting to look far more reliable.

“I’ve been saying that all along. But higher-ups are always like this…”

From Yasuno’s perspective, Inari had both the skill and the personality. Honestly, she believed Inari’s strength ranked within the top three among Japan’s awakener. Well, the current first and second places… those two were monsters in their own right, so Yasuno could not outright say Inari was the strongest. Still, considering those two were notorious for being absent when they mattered most, Yasuno would take Inari any day.

While she was thinking that, Inari gently tugged at the hem of her jacket.

“What is it?”

“Mm… thou may find it curious for me to say such, but I deem it best that thou drink no liquor here.”

“Yes, understood.”

Yasuno immediately agreed to Inari’s whispered advice. That quick response seemed to surprise Inari a little—she clearly had not expected immediate compliance. But for Yasuno, it was only natural.

She was here as Inari’s support. And in the Awakener Association, everyone from top to bottom was an awakener. As someone working at headquarters, Yasuno was considered an elite herself. For her, it was obvious who she should heed: the stronger individual, Inari. If Inari had a reason for saying so but chose not to explain, Yasuno could infer enough not to press. One could not work at headquarters without that much tact.

At the same time, Yasuno raised her alertness to the maximum.

“No drinking? That implied something might have been tampered with in the alcohol. Was this orchestrated by the city of Itou? But only hotel staff and the event planners were present here. If that was the case, then…?”

“The mayor has arrived!”

The one opening the door was Isurugi. A suited man who appeared to be from the same company followed him, but his demeanor felt somewhat thuggish. Once suspicion arose, everything seemed shady… but at least the mayor, greeted with applause, was genuine. His face matched the records.

Uchiyama Gengorou. Now serving his third term, a veteran—but an ordinary person, not an awakener. In politics, ordinary humans still outnumbered awakener, and Uchiyama was one of them.

“Well, well! So this is Miss Kogami, is it not?”

“Mm. I am Kogami Inari. Thou art Mayor Uchiyama, if I recall aright?”

“Oh! You knew me already? How delightful!”

“Ha-ha-ha, indeed, indeed.”

Of course, Inari only knew because Yasuno had briefed her on the way here, but she did not say that aloud. This too was part of human interaction, the bridge between the Awakener Association and local government… in short, politics. And few disliked having their name remembered by a person of current renown. Uchiyama seemed to be such a man, for his expression brightened into a broad smile.

“Tonight, only a select few involved in this matter and Miss Kogami’s party are present. I hope we can take this opportunity to deepen our ties.”

“That is a most gracious offer.”

Indeed, the few people who did not look like hotel employees were probably city hall staff. Even so, the number had been kept to a minimum. Soon, glasses were distributed to everyone, including them. Uchiyama stood upon the small stage at the back of the hall and cleared his throat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the day our fates intertwine with Miss Kogami. The real event begins tomorrow, so I cannot tell you to drink to your heart’s content, but…”

Right on cue, hearty laughter broke out from the crowd.

“They’re well-trained,” Yasuno thought.

Office workers were the same everywhere—she herself could laugh instantly at the jokes of Association executives.

Uchiyama’s lighthearted speech ended, and glasses were raised.

“Then… cheers!”

People nearby clinked their glasses together. Inari and Yasuno followed suit. Yasuno had no intention of drinking, however… What should she do? While she hesitated, Inari tilted her glass and downed its contents in one swift gulp.

“Eh? A-all in one go?”

“Mm.”

“But she was the one who told me not to drink… Is it fine for her?” Yasuno thought.

Well, it was probably no problem. Inari’s sharp gaze was still scanning the surroundings without a hint of carelessness.