Two days later, Inari was visiting FoxPhone's Akihabara branch. Since Inari served as FoxPhone’s mascot, she had heard that, fortunately, the results had been good and product sales were steadily increasing.
"Thanks to you, we’re hitting record sales. It won’t be long before Lion Telecom becomes a thing of the past!"
"Thou dost truly not get along, dost thou..."
Some said that, since their concepts were different, the two companies could cooperate in some areas — and Inari mostly shared that opinion — but apparently, Akai, FoxPhone’s CEO and master of the "FoxPhone" Clan, did not. In fact, it seemed most FoxPhone employees agreed with Akai.
"Of course! I might’ve mentioned this before, but putting too many features into a smartphone for Awakeners is just putting the cart before the horse! For Awakener Phones, what matters most is absolute reliability through ruggedness inside and out! Solidity and toughness are what save lives! But Lion Telecom, they—!"
Indeed, FoxPhone prioritized a sturdy exterior, durable internal components, and simple operation — all focused on peace of mind in emergencies. In contrast, Lion Communications emphasized multi-functionality, all-in-one sophistication, and user-friendliness — "features you didn’t even know you needed."
Their ideals were not just different — they were completely opposite. Given that, it was no wonder the two companies didn't get along. Still, the rivalry hadn't devolved into violence; it remained a healthy corporate competition to see which company people would choose — a sign that both were proper, respectable businesses.
Up until now, public favor had shifted back and forth between the two companies, but with the arrival of Inari as FoxPhone’s mascot, the balance had been broken.
"From here on, we’ll only widen the gap. There was never any real reason we should lose to them to begin with...!"
"I still canst not comprehend how much of an influence I truly am..."
"It's simple. When people are given two choices, most will pick the one with a better impression. Mascots exist to shape that first impression."
Thanks to the events surrounding the "incident" at Tokyo’s First Dungeon, the Awakener "Kogami Inari" had quickly shot to fame, and FoxPhone’s various goods and advertising campaigns had pushed her further toward being a popular "Awakener idol."
"Did you see the video that's trending right now? 'Proof That Fox Girls Become Cuter When They Give Serious Lectures'?"
"...This doth bode ill. I have not seen it..."
"Apparently, it was taken in Akabane. It's a video of you earnestly lecturing three men..."
"Verily, it doth sound like me... I did notice some cameras pointed mine way, but..."
"Look here — so many comments saying things like, 'I’ve achieved enlightenment.'"
"How can anyone possibly attain enlightenment from being scolded by me..."
Being stared at while walking through Akihabara was nothing new for Inari, but she was now aware that the number of stares had subtly increased. Well, she couldn't quite understand why people found joy in watching someone else’s lecture, but... If it made them happy, then maybe it was fine.
"Hmm... Each hath their own source of happiness, after all..."
Murmuring that, Inari glanced at the clock. It was nearly noon — lunchtime for most. Today, Inari had come prepared with a secret weapon — perhaps the greatest one in all her history. She had even brought a share for Akai, as a token of gratitude.
"Now then, it seemeth time for the midday meal."
"Yes, it is. I must admit, I'm really looking forward to Miss Kogami's homemade lunch."
Akai had expected a classic old-fashioned bento: tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelet), little sausages, a neatly packed box, maybe even a umeboshi on white rice — fitting for someone as traditional as Inari.
However, that prediction was — unfortunately — giving Inari far too much credit for complexity. What Inari proudly set down on the table were... several large rice balls wrapped in plastic wrap.
Seaweed was wrapped around them properly, but what really caught Akai’s attention were the unmistakable specks of yellow and black mixed into the rice.
"...Are these... seaweed-egg flavored furikake rice balls?"
"Fufufu... Indeed!"
Inari beamed proudly, practically saying, "Thank thee for noticing!"
She was genuinely proud — so proud, in fact, that she had praised herself as a genius when she thought of the idea.
"This, thou seest, was made using the 'Misahara' rice I bought at Akabane, mixed generously with a whole packet of seaweed-egg flavor furikake! It might be a bit disgraceful to mix furikake directly into such fine rice... Yet! In discovering a new form for furikake, one can surely be forgiven! And then, by wrapping it with seaweed—"
While Inari eagerly explained, eyes sparkling, Akai thought to herself, "In short... it's just mixed-riceball, right? Pretty normal, really. But she doesn't know that. And that's fine."
Since she had used high-grade rice from a specialty shop, it was guaranteed to taste good anyway. Once Inari finished her grand explanation, Akai took a bite.
"Ah... it's really delicious."
"Is it not? Truly, the rice is divine! That sommelier fellow hath done well!"
Indeed, the rice balls were delicious. And with Inari smiling so happily, Akai decided she absolutely wouldn’t ruin the moment by saying anything overly serious. Instead, she adjusted her mental image of Inari once more and simply enjoyed the meal.