Chapter 724: Is Your Pastime Perhaps Slightly Too Unconventional?

In an expansive woodland clearing, wooden cabins stood arranged in harmonious disorder across the open space. Before these rustic dwellings, more than a dozen square wooden tables had been joined to form a massive elongated surface.

The maiden leader observed her companions bustling with plates of assorted delicacies, her expression turning contemplative. "So this constitutes a ‘banquet’…" she murmured. "Contributing provisions collectively and partaking in shared repasts does indeed spark joy… A splendid method for both celebration and gratitude-expression."

As she spoke these words, she inclined her torso respectfully toward Lolth at her side. "Though this convocation was conceived to honor your deeds, permit me to reiterate appreciation… for devising such magnificent communal practice."

Lolth responded with dismissive hand motion. "Hardly warrants such formality – and credit not mine to claim. ‘Tis but common custom from my ancestral homeland." Her brow furrowed slightly. "Truth be told, I marvel that such concept eluded your contemplation."

The dark elf priestess harbored private astonishment – throughout her observations, feasting traditions inevitably emerged in all civilizations achieving sustenance security. Whether termed banquet, symposium, or gathering, equivalent rituals always manifested. Yet these woodland dwellers displayed complete unfamiliarity with such fundamental social concept, despite clearly possessing ample provisions as evidenced by their laden platters – including several roasted meats contributed by Lolth herself.

"Prior to this occasion, such notion truly never occurred to us," the leader confessed, surveying the groaning board with newfound appreciation. "Even communal dining… proved rare occurrence."

This revelation deepened Lolth’s perplexity. "Do you mean to say… social engagements form no part of your existence?" she pressed. "Beyond divine hunts and sustenance gathering – during leisure hours – how do you occupy yourselves? What diversions bring pleasure unrelated to self-improvement?"

The leader’s contemplation lingered before responding. "If definition serves… discourse consumes most such moments."

"Merely idle chatter?" Lolth’s eyebrows arched. "Two companions seated, exchanging random observations?"

At the leader’s confirming nod, the priestess’s astonishment intensified. "No recreational games? Not even simple amusements like… hand-guessing competitions?"

"Making cards to compete whose numbers are bigger, carving wood into cones for rolling… Can’t even manage that?"

As Lolth spoke, the leader girl shook her head again.

"No, now that you mention it, these concepts might hold no purpose… yet seem strangely delightful. But truly, such notions never existed among us before—we couldn’t have conceived them."

At this response, Lolth gave a thoughtful nod.

"I see…"

These maidens appeared profoundly deficient in "recreational" pursuits. Concepts of "pastimes," "emotional release," or "crafting joy" lay entirely beyond their comprehension. Though Lolth anticipated her stay on the island might inconvenience them, the tribe had readily organized an extravagant feast for her despite barely understanding the concept of "celebrations."

While they claimed gratitude for her "slaying the deity and sparing them troubles," Lolth herself…

Had never intended to assist them deliberately.

She’d merely eliminated a sea-borne entity that attacked her—a swift, effortless execution. Thus, she felt somewhat undeserving of their hospitality, almost like a freeloader.

"Perhaps I should teach them some diversions during my stay…"

As this thought formed, the leader girl suddenly brightened, striking her palm to her forehead.

"Oh—I remember now!"

"We engage in mating during leisure hours!"

She declared with such seriousness that Lolth, who had been about to sample a wild fruit from the table, nearly crushed the softened berry in her trembling hand.

"Excuse me?"

Her bewildered stare prompted no recognition from the leader. After contemplative silence, the tribal maiden elaborated:

"Ah, perhaps mating doesn’t qualify as ‘recreation’… Let me clarify—our couplings often serve no procreative purpose. Would that not constitute leisure?"

Her voice gained conviction as she continued:

"Truly, many mate simply to savor the act itself or pass idle hours. Some even developed techniques to prevent conception during these unions."

She concluded triumphantly:

"Indeed, this must be our form of amusement!"

Faced with the girl’s proud declaration, Lolth’s lips parted then closed. Imposing her own morals felt unjust—this was another world, after all. The tribe’s primitive nature and the members’ comely appearances (all vibrant, kind-hearted maidens) made the practice… oddly tolerable? Beauty often earns leniency, she mused, though heat still rose to her cheeks.

Seeking escape, Lolth finally bit into the long-squeezed crimson fruit.

"Before we continue… May I know your name?" she asked between chews. "I’m Lolth. Surely you have names here?"

"Names we possess!"

The leader beamed, pressing a hand to her chest.

"This one is called Sokabus!"