Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 234 : Kitsune-sama Goes to the Pool (2)

After trying out the wave pool, the water slides, and pretty much everything else there was to enjoy, Inari and the others were now drifting along in the lazy river. Each of them sat on a large float ring, carried gently by the current. It was a scene so peaceful it almost felt too idyllic.

Since it was nearing lunchtime, more people had started heading toward the food court, which left the lazy river pleasantly uncrowded. With nothing to worry about and no real purpose, Inari and Hikaru just floated along, bobbing gently.

“Y’know… we’ve gone through everything once, but I’m not tired at all.”

“Indeed. Well, is that not a good thing in itself?”

“Yeah, guess so.”

Naturally, an awakener wouldn’t get tired just by playing a little at a facility designed for ordinary people. But since they weren’t here for training anyway, that wasn’t a problem.

“Still, being able to play safely in water like this… it is quite nice.”

If this were a river or the sea, being so defenseless would carry real risk. But in a pool, such danger simply didn’t exist. Inari felt she finally understood what people sought in water leisure.

“I get it.”

“Hm?”

“Hm?”

Startled by the sudden voice, they turned toward the poolside—where Shion stood.

She wore what one might call a fitness swimsuit or a sports swimsuit: bright fluorescent blue and yellow stripes gleaming under the lights, the word “Water” printed in glittering letters along the side. It was the kind of swimsuit that made one want to ask exactly where she had bought it.

Climbing out of the lazy river via the nearest steps, Inari and Hikaru walked toward Shion as she strode confidently in their direction.

“Hey, Inari. Who’s this wearing the exact kind of swimsuit I’d expect you to pick out?”

“Styles like this were last in fashion quite some time ago, were they not?”

“Wait, there was actually a time when that stuff was popular?”

“If one searched, one might find such an era…”

It was true—there had indeed been a period when flashy, attention-grabbing swimsuits were all the rage. And well, Shion could pull off even something like that. The only drawback was how incredibly eye-catching it was.

“Well, in any case, this must be the first time you two have met?”

“Right. I’m Shion, Inari’s friend. Nice to meet you.”

“Shion… don’t tell me you’re the Submarine?”

“Correct. I’m off duty today.”

“Ah, that makes sense. I’m Seo Hikaru, also Inari’s friend. Nice to meet you.”

The two shook hands, while Inari watched with a pleased nod. But then Shion walked right up to her and fixed her with a steady gaze.

“Mm? Is something the matter?”

“I thought I’d be the first one to take you somewhere like this.”

“O-oh, my apologies.”

It was true, water naturally reminded people of Shion. But Inari didn’t decide where to play with her friends based on such associations—besides, this time she had been the one invited.

“No need to apologize. But next time, go with me.”

“Very well.”

“I didn’t invite you before since I thought your tail might shed. My mistake.”

“That is no issue for me.”

“So that’s what she was worried about,” Inari thought—before noticing Shion’s eyes roving over her.

“Art thou interested in my swimsuit?”

“Yeah. It’s cute. It suits you.”

“Oho, is that so? I thank thee.”

“Inari.”

“Hm?”

Inari turned when Hikaru suddenly grabbed her hand.

“I think it suits you too, y’know?”

“Mm, mm. Both Shion and Hikaru look well in theirs as well.”

Inari laughed at how strangely fixated they both were—only for Shion to seize her other hand. The result made it look as though Inari were the youngest sibling, with two doting older sisters at her sides.

Watching the scene, nearby guests passed by smiling, some even giggling softly.

“What was that? So cute!”

“Wait, isn’t that Inari-chan in the middle?”

“Eh? No way she’d be here.”

“Yeah, it’s just cosplay accessories.”

Apparently it had turned into one of those “there’s no way the real one would be here” situations. And correcting them would only cause a commotion, so Inari just muttered, “Mm…” under her breath.

“Guess I still can’t compete with Inari’s level of fame…”

“Being recognizable is only a hassle.”

“Well, selling my face is part of my job.”

“Leaving that aside… what exactly is going on here?”

“I dunno… I just went with the flow.”

“A reaffirmation of friendship?”

“…If thou sayest so.”

With that, Inari was released from their grip, as there had been no real reason to hold hands in the first place.

“So, what’ll you two do now?”

“What should we do indeed?”

“Maybe play around a bit more, then grab a meal?”

“Then I want to try the water slide with Inari.”

“Mm, very well. Let us go.”

And so, the three of them—now joined by Shion—played together to their hearts’ content, then ate a meal before heading home. No incidents occurred, no adventures unfolded.

But for both Hikaru and Shion, it was a joyful time. And watching the two of them, Inari too felt nothing but happiness.