Please to Kitsune-sama!

After that, the idiot was hauled away by staff to who-knows-where, but Inari had absolutely no interest in what would become of him.

“As for the attacker earlier, he’ll be dealt with under the Revised Awakener Fundamental Law. Please rest assured.”

So said Yasuno in the car on the way home, to which Inari gave a noncommittal, “Haa,” and nodded.

“Well, ’tis of no concern to me. More importantly, this basic law thou speakest of—what manner of thing is it?”

“Ah, the revised one, yes. It starts with ‘revised’ to make sure no one forgets that the original Awakener Fundamental Law was an absolute disaster.”

Japan had once been a country that tightly restricted Awakeners through legislation—so much so that it nearly brought about its own downfall. After that, the laws were completely rewritten, shifting from “Awakener regulation” to “Awakener support.” In truth, many nations had similar experiences: the ones that survived mostly took the same approach.

“Ah… I see now.”

In short, everything about Japan was now different from the one Inari had once known. So be it. What mattered now was a single, clear fact: Awakeners were privileged.

“These days, the number one dream job is ‘Awakener’! Though, whether that’s a job per se is debatable…”

“Umu…”

Inari let most of it wash over her, absorbing only the essential parts.

The gist was this: there were a good number of Awakeners who let the title go to their heads, and so the Awakener Association had been granted strong authority to keep them in check.

“Powerful Awakeners are highly sought after. No doubt many offers will come your way, Miss Kogami.”

“Temptations, thou sayest?”

“Money, rare artifacts, positions of status… maybe even handsome young men…”

“None of which hold mine interest.”

Money, perhaps, had some value in navigating this modern society—but even if she had it in abundance, she’d no idea what to do with it. For now, it simply didn’t matter to her goals.

“If possible, we’d really love for you to join the Japanese Central Awakener Association.”

“Such matters can be decided in the future.”

“So… you will join eventually!?”

“I despise for those who try to trap others with promises.”

“Ahh, I-I’m sorry…”

Even as she apologized, Yasuno pressed on—tenacious as ever.

“That thug earlier mentioned it too, but the Awakener Association isn’t the only group around. There are clans as well. In Japan, the Ten Great Clans include ‘Fuji,’ ‘Tendou,’ and ‘Breakers,’ but there are countless others, all jostling for power. While the Association is public, it’s the major clans that really control the economy now. They won’t let someone like you slip through their fingers.”

“Ugh… how troublesome.”

Given that a dungeon-centered economy had taken root, it was only natural for groups with a high concentration of Awakeners—clans—to hold significant power. The big ones weren’t about to relinquish their dominance, and the smaller ones were always on the lookout to overturn the hierarchy.

Now that word of Inari had spread, a deluge of recruitment offers was inevitable.

“Still… having the backing of a powerful organization would not be wholly unwelcome.”

If someone else could handle all the annoying parts of life, Inari could focus solely on uncovering the mysteries of this world. It wasn’t an entirely bad proposition—but it also sounded far too convenient. For the time being, she figured going solo would be best and gave a firm nod to herself.

“...And that’s why I think you should really get a smartphone, Miss Kogami!”

“Hm? Pardon—I wasn’t listening.”

“A smartphone. Smartphone.”

Seeing Yasuno take one out, Inari gave an understanding nod.

“Umu, the device that serves as both telephone and camera.”

“W-Well, yeah. That works. Please get one—they’re super convenient!”

“Mmm…”

“It’ll also help me support you more easily!”

『Would not mind-speech suffice?』

“Whuh!? A voice in my head!?”

In the end, since she was told “that just won’t do,” Inari reluctantly agreed to go buy a smartphone another day. That didn’t mean she was particularly motivated, of course.

Once Yasuno had escorted her back home, she bowed deeply to Inari.

“Thank you for everything today. I’ve said a lot, but I truly hope you’ll consider joining the Association. Please take your time thinking it over.”

“I would prefer if thou keepest thy expectations modest.”

“Of course. Should anything come up, don’t hesitate to call the number I gave you!”

With that, Yasuno climbed into the car and drove off.

“Hmph… what a busy day this turned out to be.”

Still, Inari had to admit—it had been a day full of discoveries.

She now understood the role of Awakeners in modern society, and the positioning of the Awakener Association. She also had a clear sense that joining the Association—or one of the big-name clans—meant inevitably getting pulled into power struggles.

Even without Yasuno saying it, Inari could tell she wasn’t keen on the idea of Inari joining a major clan.

“Mmm… mayhap I should just make a clan of mine own… Well, that is for later.”

Turning on the TV, Inari caught a commercial: Aniki Mart, a major convenience store chain, had released a product line in collaboration with a famous Awakener.

…It was the sort of thing Inari couldn’t care less about, and thus promptly forgot.