Please to Kitsune-sama!

"Well now… so fokkusu did mean 'fox,' did it."

Inari murmured this after struggling to pronounce "Fox" properly.

Lion Telecom and FoxPhone—two rival companies situated across the street from each other.

Lion Telecom focused on multifunctionality, while FoxPhone emphasized simplicity and durability. And the one Inari chose was...

"Hmm, it would feel a tad off if a fox-eared one such as I were to enter the non-fox shop, would it not? Let us go with Fokkusu, then."

With that, she strode confidently into the store, where a cheerful greeting rang out.

"Welcome to—wha, huh!?"

"Fox ears...? Wait, no way—one of our hardcore fans...?"

"Sorry to disappoint, but these be my own, grown fair and square."

"Ah, my apologies!"

None of the staff actually wore fox ears, and the store interior was simple, with many smartphones on display.

The smartphones were models developed specifically for Awakeners, using magic stones as power sources and allowing communication without relying on traditional signal networks. Lion Telecom and FoxPhone were the pioneers—and giants—of this technology.

Of course, these devices weren’t for non-Awakeners. They could be dangerous if misused. Which is why, naturally, a staff member approached Inari to verify her credentials.

"Welcome! This shop specializes in Awakener-exclusive smartphones. Do you have your Awakener card with you?"

"Aye. This be the one, is it not?"

"Yes, thank you. I see—you're a white-card holder... So, this will be your first purchase, correct?"

"Indeed. 'Twas recommended to me, thou see."

"Having one makes things very convenient. It allows communication even within dungeons, drastically lowering risk in emergencies. There are even cases of parties being reunited after triggering a random teleportation trap thanks to Awakener phones!"

"Ohhh, quite intriguing."

Yes, the so-called “Awakener Phone.” While you couldn’t call “outside” from within a dungeon—since it was another realm—Awakener phones allowed transceiver-style communication between themselves. This was only possible thanks to a communication format independent of radio waves.

"Well then, I would fain purchase one of these Awakener phones... but which ought I choose, I wonder?"

"Yes, at our workshop we aim for maximum simplicity and durability, so functionality is nearly identical across models. The price differences reflect differences in design and materials."

One model used the shell of a Big Turtle for the casing, circuitry made from melted-down Living Mail metal, and a screen of floating crystal.

Another, more affordable model also used Big Turtle shell but paired it with cheaper Labyrinth Metal for the internals and a slime-mixed composite panel for the screen.

"These two are our most popular models. The floating crystal screen has better durability overall."

"Fumu… Then I shall take that one, if it please thee."

"Ah, thank you! Are you certain? We have other models too..."

"Come now. That be the one thou wert proud enough to recommend first, aye? And if it be for emergencies, then the more durable the better—it stands to reason."

That was exactly the philosophy behind FoxPhone. Honestly, the other model was more a response to customer complaints—“too few features for the price”—and was made to expand options. It sold well, sure, but... it wasn’t exactly “premium.” Most first-time users opted for it regardless.

But Inari’s face, her eyes—there was no deceit. She meant every word.

“This customer… truly understands the soul of FoxPhone!”

The staff exchanged nods with the manager who had appeared in the back. One gave a hand signal.

It was the Fox signal—code for “special treatment.” In this day and age, such things were still taken very seriously.

"Very well, madam."

The staff bowed deeply to Inari. To FoxPhone, which prized a craftsman’s spirit, Inari was now an “honored customer.”

"Shall I wrap this up for you, or would you prefer to use it right away?"

"Even if I wished to, I cannot rightly use it yet—I must read the instruction manual first."

"If that’s the case, please allow us to assist. The functions are simple, and we’ll have you ready to go in no time."

"Ohh, that would be most welcome indeed."

Inari was guided to the counter—something that FoxPhone normally didn’t do. But this time, she was being treated like a VIP.

She was served tea and snacks while being taught carefully how to use the device. By the time she left, she had become Super Inari—able to make phone calls and access the Awakener-exclusive portal site from her brand-new device.

And as she exited, several staff lined up at the door and called out, “Thank you very much!”

People walking by looked toward the commotion at FoxPhone, then at Inari. Then at FoxPhone again.

"That girl… she’s with FoxPhone, huh..."

"It kinda just feels right, doesn’t it?"

"…Wanna peek inside? I was thinking of upgrading soon anyway."

Inari had, by complete accident, become something like a lucky charm—drawing in Awakeners who bought the same model after seeing her.

Though afterward, when she stopped by the maid-themed shop to repay her debt, she was dressed up in a maid outfit, had her photo taken, and ended up on display… but that’s another story.

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That another story is available in the LN. Unfortunately, what I currently translate is the WN. I can still share cute maid Inari illustration though!