《Synopsis》

"Happy New Year. Please attend the Feast of the Gods."

A New Year's greeting like an old-fashioned telegram, containing only the bare minimum of information. It was a notice from Saijo, an Inari god who oversees a large shrine in a certain region of Japan.

While receiving a New Year's card from Saijo, who acted as Guest's grandfather, was an annual occurrence, the message usually only contained greetings. This was the first year they had been summoned to a celebratory banquet.

──The Feast of the Gods. Symbols of humanity, desires of humanity, bulwarks of humanity. Beings beyond human intellect who change their forms and roles according to their innate nature, serving as a sanctuary for human hearts—and sometimes as their predators. For these gods, who held grand celebrations only a few times a year, the New Year was no exception.

However, being born a god did not guarantee entry. The absolute conditions were to have accumulated a certain amount of merit and to be recognized by the other deities. This invitation from Saijo, who had always doted on Guest as a novice, likely meant they had finally met the standards of the other gods. It wouldn't hurt to feel a little proud.

The day of the event. Guest sets off at their own pace from their familiar old shrine, seen off by the head priest and part-time shrine maidens. Along the way, they pick up extra souvenirs for the party and spend a few hours swaying on the Shinkansen. Relying on the tools of modern civilization, they eventually arrive at a traditional Japanese house that stands atop a staggering expanse of land.