Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 231 : Kitsune-sama Confirms What Matters Most

Several days later, Inari and Eru arrived at the headquarters of the Takemoto Samurai Corps. With most of the clean-up complete, it had been decided that Eru could return there.

Takemoto welcomed this, and after a modest span apart, he and Eru were reunited. Takemoto already knew the full story of what had happened, and so—

“Lady Kogami. For all you have done in this matter, I am deeply grateful. You accomplished what I could not. I shall never forget this debt.”

Takemoto bowed low in a dogeza so elegant it was almost beautiful. It was not an apology, but the greatest expression of sincerity he could offer. To Inari, it was so perfect a dogeza that it stunned her—almost as though no higher expression of gratitude existed.

“E-enough of that. Thou art doing this in front of Eru.”

“Precisely because it is before Eru. As her foster father, I must demonstrate the greatest thanks I can. If I could not even do that, I would be unfit as a man.”

“…Thy gratitude is clear. Raise thy head. Any more and I will be troubled.”

“As you command.”

Takemoto straightened with crisp dignity, and Inari exhaled in relief. His gratitude had certainly been conveyed—though watching dogeza always made her squirm.

“I truly am grateful. I heard even of your use of the question right… I doubt I could offer anything of equal weight, but if there is aught I can do, say the word.”

“Then, just one thing.”

“Yes! What is it? Name anything!”

“Treasure Eru. As a true father would—spoil her even too much, if it comes to it.”

At that, Takemoto blinked in surprise. Then, suddenly, he laughed aloud.

“Ha—ha ha ha! Fwahahahaha! But of course! That I swear. I shall close the distance between us myself! Yes… now that I think on it, I realize I have feared human bonds too much!”

He turned to Eru.

“Eru! From now on, you may call me Father!”

“Yes, Father.”

“Mm!”

Seeing Takemoto’s broad smile, Inari smiled as well. Both he and Eru had struggled to bridge the gap between them—Takemoto, because of one past mistake; Eru, because of her guilt. But now, with Eru’s trauma eased and Takemoto spurred forward by Inari, they had finally stepped toward each other. From here on, it was a path only the two of them could walk.

“But it seems this only adds to my debt. Truly, is there nothing you would ask of me?”

“Well, let me think…”

Inari frowned in thought, but when she caught Eru watching her steadily, she chuckled softly.

“Then, would it trouble thee if I were to drop by unannounced, from time to time?”

“Ha ha ha! Of course not! In fact, it is we who ought to ask such a thing! Ah, this is dreadful—another debt added to the tally! Ha ha ha!”

As Takemoto laughed heartily, Inari nodded with a smile. But then he slapped his knee.

“Lady Kogami. Should anything arise in future, consult us at once. The Takemoto Samurai Corps shall pledge its aid, even if it means making enemies of all others.”

“…Umu. That sentiment, I shall take to heart.”

“Good! Then it is settled! Now—have you two eaten lunch yet?”

“I have not.”

“No, not yet.”

Inari and Eru exchanged a knowing glance—already suspecting what was to come. Takemoto clapped his hands, summoning attendants.

“Then it is decided! Let us celebrate the resolution of this matter, and our bond of friendship, with a feast!”

The sound of quick footsteps rang out, and sumptuous dishes were carried in. A sea bream served whole with its head and tail, platters of sashimi, and many other delicacies—all accompanied by a pot of freshly steamed rice. Clearly, Takemoto understood Inari’s tastes.

“I have prepared what I believe to be the finest white rice. Please, savor it.”

“Oh? The finest, thou sayest. I look forward to it.”

“Heh heh heh… the answer I reached through my pursuit of Japanese cuisine. No one else understands—but you, Lady Kogami, will.”

The two rice enthusiasts shared a knowing grin, while Eru, unable to follow, looked a little lost. Still, as the steaming rice was served, her eyes shone with resolve. She would learn Inari’s tastes—if only to better care for her.

…By the way, the matters of the Superhuman League and the godlike being remained hidden from the public. Revealing them would serve no purpose—worse, it would only aid their schemes.

Especially with the Superhuman League, no one knew through what routes they had infiltrated. Their network spanned the world, and it was said that with only the slightest help from someone, anywhere, they could set vast movements into motion. This case was thought to be no different.

As for the godlike being—having witnessed its terror firsthand, Tsukiko intended to press forward with her research, based on the data she had gathered. Yet although she had recorded both audio and video, everything had mysteriously corrupted. Thus, she resolved with fiery passion to create something capable of withstanding such interference.

And so, another key had been gained in the search to unravel the world’s mysteries.

Perhaps if Inari had used her question right for such matters, they might already have had a clear answer. But she felt not a single shred of regret.

For she had created this moment before her eyes—this most precious scene of all.

And to Inari, nothing could be more important.