Please to Kitsune-sama!

Rocking gently on the bus, Inari arrived in Akihabara.

After the monster disaster had severely disrupted the railway network, buses had made a strong comeback in public transportation. For Inari, buses felt more familiar anyway.

That said, this was actually her first time riding a regular bus, and the fact that Awakeners could ride for free just by showing their ID had surprised her.

“Ooh, so this be Akihabara, is it?”

The Akihabara where she stepped off had once been famous as an electronics district. It had later transformed into a subculture hotspot, and now, after the monster disaster, it had been reborn as the city of Awakeners.

The turning point had been when subculture shops began to close down, leaving many vacant buildings, and one small workshop opened up—making equipment for Awakeners.

That workshop’s custom-made armor became known for its performance through word of mouth, and more Awakeners started to visit. Gradually, various other crafting-type Awakeners opened their own workshops in Akihabara.

Before long, small and large workshops filled the empty stores, even rebuilding over destroyed areas. Thus, the new face of Akihabara was born.

“…I see, so that be how it came to be.”

Watching the promotional video “The History of Akihabara” playing on a big screen, Inari nodded in understanding. Then, looking around the streets, she nodded again in agreement.

Everywhere she looked, there were items for Awakeners—gear, potions, all kinds of equipment.

Large workshops, small workshops, even some pretty shady-looking shops lined the area.

Apparently, vehicles other than designated ones weren’t allowed in, and access restrictions were strict.

The spot where Inari was standing was apparently the entrance to Akihabara’s Awakener District.

“This month, swords! We’ve got a huge selection! Incredible sharpness to slice through any foe—great prices right now!”

“Mass-produced armor available for immediate pickup! Reliable options in all price ranges!”

“Welcome! Our armor’s as stylish as it is tough! Dream Maid here!”

With all the shouting and sign-spinning, it was clear the advertising game was fierce. Girls dressed in armor, likely “poster girls,” stood outside shops waving signs—perhaps the modern form of the old Akihabara style. If someone who remembered the old Akihabara were here, they might say, “Huh, hasn’t changed that much…”

Inari walked along, reading the signs on shopfronts.

Kanaya Swordsmith, The Chakram Hole, Tanaka Armor Store, Melon Axe, Fuurou Weapons Workshop… There were all kinds of shops, big and small.

But Inari had no need for weapons or armor, so none of that concerned her. She strolled along at her own pace—but even among the many flamboyantly dressed people, Inari still stood out.

Even though Akihabara was now a city of Awakeners, full of idol-like looks, cute and cool figures—Inari drew attention like no one else.

Wherever she walked, heads turned. When her fox ears twitched or her tail swayed, audible gasps followed.

The fox priestess who had suddenly descended upon Akihabara monopolized every pair of eyes around her.

“Whoa, who is that girl…? Wait, what’s going on with those ears?”

“A shrine maiden… a fox shrine maiden? I dunno why, but something ignited inside of me…”

“She’s so fluffy… I wanna touch…”

Still, no one had the guts to interrupt Inari’s clearly cheerful exploration.

They kept their distance—but of course, Inari could feel all those stares loud and clear.

“Hmm… I be attracting quite the attention here as well… Well, 'tis no matter.”

As long as they only looked, she didn’t mind. No harm in being admired. The real problem was something else.

Where in the world were they selling smartphones?

All she’d seen so far were weapons, armor, and potions—not a single phone shop in sight.

“Mmm… what should I do, I wonder…”

After a moment’s hesitation, Inari approached a nearby shop girl who had been calling out to passersby.

“Um… I beg thy pardon, might I ask thee something?”

“Eep! Uh—yes! What is it, milady?!”

“O-Ohh, milady!?”

“Yes! We at the ‘Servant Uniform Workshop’ specialize in butler- and maid-themed armor and accessories!”

“Meido?”

“Maid, yes!”

True enough, the shop had an adorable sign featuring butlers and maids, and its displays featured various maid and butler outfits. They were made with high-grade monster materials, strong enough for real combat—clearly a passion project shop.

“If you like, please try some on! I’m certain they would look amazing on you!”

“Ah—well, I shall consider it… But verily, I seek a sumaatohon. Know’st thou where such may be found?”

“A smartphone? If that’s what you’re after, just a bit farther down you’ll see Lion Telecom and FoxPhone—both shops sell them!”

“Ohhh, truly!”

Which meant she would’ve found them soon anyway if she’d just kept going. That made her feel a bit embarrassed, and she murmured, “So that be how it was…” with a bashful look.

But that bashful look hit the maid right in the heart, and she quickly called out to Inari.

“Please, this must be fate! Could I trouble you to visit our shop later? Pretty please?!”

“H-Hmm? Well… thou hast helped me greatly, and if this be fate as thou sayest, then I cannot in good conscience turn thee away.”

“Yay! It’s a promise! Manager—I mean, Head Butler!”

As Inari watched the maid dash back into the store, she muttered to herself, “Hast I made some strange promise…?” But she shrugged it off.

“Well, 'tis not as if they shall eat me,” she said lightly, and resumed her walk toward the phone shops.