A mascot character.
The concept began when a handsome Awakener from a certain clan appeared on TV and became a viral hit across non-Awakener networks. He was a refreshing, clean-cut type of man who ended up being interviewed in multiple magazines. As his popularity rose, so too did the public perception of his clan.
Yes, it was precisely “the image of a single Awakener” that defined the entire clan’s image.
Sponsors, commercials, merchandise… absurd amounts of money started flowing into the clan, and other clans quickly came to understand just how vital it was to have a mascot character.
Even clans just getting started and short on funds could rise rapidly if they had a mascot drawing in cash.
Which led to the current state of affairs—where nearly every clan, and every Awakener-run company, now has its own mascot.
Not all of them achieved commercial success, but as a way to visibly represent their organization, the strategy worked.
In fact, popular mascot characters sometimes even get work collaborating with non-Awakener companies.
Naturally, clans treat their mascots as living logos, and support them heavily. There's always a tangle of agendas involved.
…
“To put it simply, you could say they’re modern-day idols.”
“Idol, ye say?”
“Yes.”
“Idol, as in them folk who sing and dance, aye?”
“Rest assured. I judged at a glance—you’ve got what it takes.”
“Huh…”
She apparently had what it takes. Inari couldn’t follow any of this, but she at least understood that they were seriously planning to make her the face of their company.
“So, what ye mean is... ye want me to sing some of them enka or jazz or something?”
“No, not at all. First, we’d like to take some photos—for the official website and promotional materials.”
“Photos, is it... though I must say, I didn’t think there be any joy to be found in taking pictures of me at this point.”
“I will be happy.”
“Hmm?”
“Yes?”
Inari tilted her head, wondering if she’d misheard. But the woman before her—Akai—looked completely serious. Not a trace of humor on her face.
“Er, so ye just said it’d make ye happy?”
“Yes. I’d be thrilled.”
“Uh…”
“I already told you, didn’t I? I judged at a glance you were perfect. You’ll steal hearts across the board. Mine’s already stolen.”
“U-Umu…”
As Inari nodded slowly, a thought crossed her mind.
“Hast I gotten myself tangled with one utterly unhinged...?”
But she had accepted the offer. And once accepted, it was her responsibility to follow through.
Though Akai was starting to remind her a bit too much of the people at the Servant Uniform Workshop… she tried to tell herself it was just her imagination.
“I’ve heard your equipment is top-class. So we’d like to make sure the photos highlight that.”
“U-umu.”
“As we mentioned earlier, we don’t plan to restrict your activities. Just your cooperation with materials like this.”
“Well, I suppose I’ll lend a hand with that much.”
“Thank you. Also, we were thinking of updating our company theme song to have you sing it instead. The current one is an old-school robot anime vibe. We’d like something that plays up your cuteness instead, but just to start—”
“Nay, nay, nay! Hold it there! I can’t keep up! What is happening!?”
♪ FoxPhone, FoxPhone~ Sturdy and bold, with the future in its hold~ Your strongest partner, FoxPhoooone~ ♪
“Oi, I said hold it! Why’d ye play the thing anyway!?”
“I thought at this point we’d just push the full proposal through on momentum.”
“Ye—ye…!”
She was much more reckless than Inari had expected. But just as that thought solidified, Akai calmly stopped the music.
“While we’d love your help updating the song, only when you have time. Unlike Lion Telecom across the street, we at FoxPhone always strive for sincere service.”
“Sounds like ye’ve grudge against that other store…”
“Correct. I despise them. Their so-called ‘multi-functionality’ has destroyed the true form of the Awakener Phone. I aim for 90% market share and total annihilation. Oh, and how about a new theme: ‘Defeat the Evil Lion Empire’?”
“Where did all that ‘sincerity’ go…?”
“That was a joke.”
“Ye sure…?”
Well, the hatred was probably real—Akai had looked very lively when she said it. One thing was clear: she had far more drive than Inari had initially thought.
“Incidentally, this building has a studio we use for product shoots.”
“Oh? Ye mean for the photos just now?”
“Yes. Considering your circumstances, we think a quick rollout is essential. Would you be willing to help?”
That made sense. If they published her as a mascot early, it would define public perception. It was a smart strategy. Inari nodded with confidence.
“Umu. It shall serve me well, too. Let us move swiftly, then.”
“Thank you. You won’t regret partnering with us.”
Akai extended her hand, and Inari shook it firmly. The moment they did, Akai was already on the phone, barking rapid-fire orders.
“Authorization confirmed! Get the photographer ready! Web team, begin updates! We’re rolling!”
“Oho…”
Amid the flurry of hurried voices, Inari watched Akai’s brisk leadership with a growing sense of respect.
But little did she know—things were about to get hectic for her personally.
Before long, Inari’s image was plastered across FoxPhone’s official site—even featured in the promos for their newest products. Apparently, Inari had muttered something like “I had a feeling it’d come to this...” when she saw it.
And so, Inari made her grand debut as the official mascot of FoxPhone.