Please to Kitsune-sama!

During the elevator ride up, Inari let out a strange squeal—“Kyoo!”—as her tail puffed up from the sudden lift, but eventually, the three of them arrived at the 32nd floor’s second reception room.

The fluffy, luxurious sofa enveloped Inari's body, while Sebastian and Eri stood stiffly behind her for some reason.

“…May I ask why ye two art not sitting?”

““You don’t get a chance like this very often.””

“I cannot say I understand…”

Their synchronized response made it clear they were serious, but it was a sentiment Inari couldn’t really relate to.

Only one cup of tea had been served—since the other two declined—and while sipping that, they waited until a soft knock came at the door.

The man who entered glanced briefly at the two standing behind Inari and visibly flinched before quickly putting on a professional expression.

“He hath quite the sturdy build… And I can sense power flowing from him. He is strong, indeed.”

Sebastian and Eri were stronger than the folks from the dungeon matching service, but even so, this man felt far beyond. Inari could tell that much.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Iijima, head of the VIP Protection Division in the Security Department.”

“I am Inari.”

“I’m Shikishima.”

“And I am Takigawa.”

Apparently, Eri’s surname was Shikishima… but setting that aside.

“I’ve been briefed by Yasuno. I believe I have a good grasp on the situation, but would you mind going over it again just to be sure?”

“Very well. ’Tis about the time I went to the dungeon with Yasuno…”

After Inari recounted the details, Iijima stopped jotting down notes and let out a thoughtful hum several times.

“I believe this was most likely a case of shady recruitment.”

“Most likely, sayest thou? Then there be another possibility?”

“Yes. There are… several angles. But I don’t think we need to consider them for now.”

“Truly, the world of man has grown twisted…”

“I have no words to argue with that.”

As he spoke, Iijima listened to a report coming through the earpiece on one side.

“Right. We’ve narrowed down the list of clans suspected of probing into Miss Kogami to five.”

“Ohh, thou work quickly.”

“We're still investigating which one’s responsible, but I recommend you reject any contact from the following groups.”

Red Dragon, Black Fang, Awakener Mutual Aid Society, Sunlight, and Seifu. Black Fang… That name rings a bell, Inari thought. Ah, yes—wasn’t that the one the guy she threw belonged to?

“We’ll also have someone from our department stationed near your residence. For now, we’ll keep rotating shifts there. Regarding dungeon activity, we’ll also have to pause…”

But Iijima trailed off when he noticed how deeply displeased Inari looked. She was grumbling, clearly irritated.

Naturally so. The idea that she should have her actions restricted just because of some thugs was completely unreasonable.

“In a case like this… hmm. In such matters, would one normally call upon the local constable?”

“No. The police generally don’t involve themselves in Awakener disputes. These things are usually settled among Awakeners themselves. In this case, by us.”

“Mm, I see. And yet… ye would not stop me from handling it myself, wouldst thou?”

“Well, I suppose not. But, um, what exactly do you plan to—”

What would she do? That was obvious. She was simply going to “talk” to them. Tell them to knock it off—a light scolding. Inari smiled sweetly and explained plainly.

“Aye, I intend to speak with them for a wee bit. Ah, and wherefore may I know—how much of their building may I destroy?”

Seeing the clear intent in Inari’s words, Iijima opened his mouth to protest, then let out a sigh, resigning himself.

“…Well, they brought it on themselves. Giving them a painful warning might be a good deterrent.”

“If you can, please avoid casualties. Public perception is extremely important.”

“Worry not. I had not planned on taking lives to begin with, so be at ease.”

“So your target is ‘Black Fang’?”

“At present, they art the most ill-fatedly tied to me. If they seek to investigate me further, then… dost thou not agree?”

The other clans were suspicious too, sure—but none had made such an overtly bad approach. Black Fang, on the other hand, had already left a poor impression, making it entirely plausible they’d try something aggressive… even retaliatory.

Realizing this, Iijima called for one of his subordinates to bring a file.

“This is Black Fang’s registry. It can’t leave the room, so please just memorize what you need.”

“Much obliged, truly.”

Inari studied the address, phone number, clan leader’s name and photo, and the names and faces of the executives. Once it was all memorized, she nodded.

“Well then…”

She pulled out her smartphone and immediately called Black Fang’s headquarters. After several rings, a gruff voice answered, “Yeah, this is Black Fang HQ.”

“Oho, ’tis I. Inari, if thou recallest.”

“Huh? Who the hell… wait. Inari? That fox girl from back then!?”

“So thou did look up my name. Frightening, frightening.”

It was unmistakably the man she had thrown. Knowing that, Inari got right to the point.

“Wouldst thou admit that it was thy lot who tailed me today?”

“…And what if it was?”

“Oh?”

“That butler and maid you were with in Akihabara? Didn’t even need to dig. Hope no accidents befall them, y’know…!”

“Hmm.”

“Actin’ so smug… misfortune can happen to anyone, anytime!”

The man didn’t realize. Because it was a phone call, he couldn’t see. He couldn’t see Inari narrowing her eyes.

Nor could he sense the icy anger emanating from her—an aura so chilling that anyone present would have instinctively understood.

“Verily… what fools ye mortals be.”

“Hah? What the hell are you babbling about? Thinking of apologizing now?”

“Too late for regret. Aye, always too late, for fools only realize once their folly cometh to roost.”

With a cold chuckle—and a smile so sharp it made Iijima visibly shudder—Inari declared to the man on the line.

“I shall be there shortly. Prepare thyself for my arrival, wouldst thou?”

She hung up, then turned her gaze to Iijima. He trembled under that look—of course he did. Inari now seemed like a different being entirely from the slightly spacey girl she’d been minutes ago.

“Right away, then. Wouldst thou see me to their headquarters? Oh, and those two behind me… hmm?”

When she turned around, Sebastian and Eri were both still standing—eyes rolled back in shock. Apparently, they couldn’t handle the sudden descent into Japanese horror vibes.

Inari let out a small laugh at the sight of them.

“And also, protect these two, if thou wouldst. Worry not—this matter shall be resolved quickly.”