#masayanickit

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[many of the villagers seem quite curious about their new visitor, especially one who seems to radiate a heavenly aura while others seem content to observe from a distance or shy away completely. as inari nears the restaurant, they are greeted by the haunter lantern tetsuya pointed out before, as well as a braixen holding a tray. she ushers inari inside, leading them to a separate, fancier-looking room with the sliding doors open to a garden. after showing inari to the table, the braixen leaves them with the menu and some tea, bowing politely before taking her leave.]

[a few minutes later, a serious-looking nickit enters the room, bowing their head in greeting. they look like just a child, probably around the same age as the braixen waitress.]

good afternoon, esteemed guest. i'm masaya, the head chef. lord ninetails will be here shortly, but in the meantime, please allow me to take your order personally. though, lord ninetails has personally recommended you try our kitsune udon. it's their favourite dish to order, but of course you're free to request something else.

[as masaya continues to talk about the menu, ranging from sushi to hand cones, from ramen to rice bowls, a subtle rustling emerges from the garden.]

[remaining out of masaya's view, kon slinks around the bushes, seeming content to wait until masaya takes their leave.]

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i see... to have your own realm seems both fortunate and lonely, to be honest. i believe it much more rewarding for gods to live closer to their followers - after all, some may find it harder to believe in something they can never see, hm? of course, everyone has their reasons, but i imagine that for those who live near-infinite lives, it must get lonely... in any case, i admire your boldness. you make it sound fun, exploring other universes.

[kon grows quiet then, snout tipped downward. something about their aura changes, their appearance shifting ever so slightly.]

thank you for your honesty. i admit, i have not been truthful with you, but i'm sure you understand my caution. allow me to reintroduce myself.

i am known as lord ninetails, but i believe i can trust you with my real name. please, call me koun.

[koun tilts their head with a playful smirk.]

i'm sorry for deceiving you. i was actually so curious about you, i skipped work to come greet you myself. i just couldn't help playing a little trick on you, hehe.

[koun's many tails wag in excitement, though they are soon interrupted by the sound of the door being slid open.]

lord ninetails, did you come in from the garden again? you're going to get the tatami all dirty.

ah, m-my apologies.

...whatever. i've brought your food.

[behind them, masaya tugs a small trolley where they take various dishes and lay them out on the table. garnished with pickled radishes as red as the maple leaves drifting outside, the fried tofu used in both the udon and the sushi have been prepared in a way that resemble fox ears. the sake and condiments follow afterwards along with napkins and utensils. across from inari, koun eyes their own bowl of udon with an eager twinkle, though they at least wait for masaya to leave the room again before lapping at the broth.]

eheh... please, enjoy the meal. masaya is a very talented chef, so i hope it's to your liking. if you have any more questions for me, i would be happy to answer them. i'd also like to get to know you better too, hm?

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of course, i will start preparing it right away. if you need anything else, just let any of the staff know. they should be just outside the room.

[with another bow, masaya takes their leave. almost as soon as they do, kon slips out from the bushes and climbs into the room.]

mind if i join you for a moment? i'll just sit here until lord ninetails arrives.

[as if inviting themself, kon takes a seat across from inari with a sly smile.]

how are you enjoying the village so far? it seems the villagers are quite curious about you. it's not often that gods walk so casually among the common folk in this realm, after all. in most places, there are as many dangerous spirits as there are friendly ones, and some would be more than eager for a chance to devour a god.

ah, but that is no way to talk before a meal. and besides, you are quite safe here. i was actually wondering more about where you come from, if our humble home is in any way comparable to your own. i get the sense we share similar cultures, but your curiosity thus far has caught my attention. the other gods from your realm, are they much like you? would they deign to take the time to meet the commoners of other realms? you've also mentioned that you live separately from your followers, what is that home like? here, most gods inhabit the same realms as everyone else, though usually they keep themselves away from the public eye. the only exception is kami - our arceus - who has a realm all their own. is there something like that where you're from?