Chapter 285 : The Taboos of the Crimson Moon Fox Tribe

The ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Taboos of the Crimson Moon Fox Tribe

The person who raised his hand was named Strocalia, formerly a vassal tribe of Maregof, but now joined the ranks of the Blood Eye beastmen.

"If Miss Avril can truly abide by all the conditions listed in the trade alliance agreement, I'm willing to join."

Once the first person spoke up, the remaining tribes glanced around at each other.

One after another, hands were raised, and eventually, all the visiting foreign tribes agreed to join the trade alliance, exchanging long-term trade for more favorable benefits—a true win-win for both the jungle and Xiyun Merchant Guild.

And naturally, the greatest beneficiary was, of course, the founder of the trade alliance, the Darkmoon clan!

"Thank you all for your trust. The Xiyun Merchant Guild will never let you down."

Although most of the non-human races present were still somewhat wary of humans, avril believed that, one day, she could have these people fully accept the Xiyun Merchant Guild.

"It seems there's a consensus now. Then let's address the second issue. According to our previous discussions, we've already mapped out a land distribution plan for the Maregof territories. Based on proximity: the Darkmoon clan will acquire about 40% of the northern territory, the Whirlpool Tide clan will receive about 25% of the southern territory, and the Blood Eye clan, eriwin clan, and Brand clan will share 20% of the southeastern territory evenly. The remaining portions will be distributed among the other participating tribes according to their losses in the conflict. Does anyone have any objections?"

No one responded, as the Darkmoon clan had made the greatest contribution, while the Whirlpool Tide clan directly participated in the campaign and paid the most tragic price. It was only right for them to get the largest share of the land.

As for why the Whirlpool Tide wanted land on dry ground...

By leasing to smaller tribes, they could receive a steady stream of supplies—one of the recognized benefits of having officially claimed territory in the jungle.

"Well, if there are no objections, here's the last item on the agenda: Due to Maregof's betrayal, their status and rights in the jungle council are revoked. To thank the Darkmoon clan for their enormous contribution to the jungle, the former rights and status of the Silver Ear tribe will be inherited by the Darkmoon clan."

Still, no one objected.

With that, the meeting concluded. However, Serea's mission was not yet complete. On the spot, she signed numerous orders for the sale of Spring of Life, and traded a priority lease for a parcel of land from the Whirlpool Tide clan in exchange for an enchantment workshop. Meanwhile, avril was swamped with all sorts of contracts—the Xiyun Merchant Guild's trade plans were instantly enriched.

As a result of this meeting, the Darkmoon clan attained a transcendent status in the jungle. One could say the Darkmoon clan had already become the next Silver Ear tribe, utterly unquestionable in its authority.

Of course, the question of whether Serea was in fact the "second princess of the Otto Kingdom" was raised at the meeting, but Serea merely smiled and brushed it aside.

With the mission accomplished, everyone said their goodbyes and departed.

...

A few hours later, inside the Darkmoon clan's camp.

Having just found her footing, Serea headed straight to the infirmary, where members of the Crimson Moon fox tribe were receiving treatment. But upon entering, she witnessed a different scene.

A dozen fox tribe guards had surrounded Maro, while Sahi stood in front of him, confronting the guards.

"What happened?"

Serea was somewhat confused, so she asked Doluka, who was in charge of the camp's security.

"It went like this—according to fox tribe custom, as the Holy Maiden of the tribe, she's not allowed to be touched by males before marriage. If touched by a male tribesperson, the person is expelled; if an outsider touches her, he suffers a severe whipping."

"Huh? What kind of rule is that?"

"I don't know either, but Captain Maro broke the taboo, so once the guards recovered, they came straight over."

"So what do they want?"

"They haven't said what they intend to do with Captain Maro, after all, he's the one who saved them, but..."

Before Doluka could finish, the fox tribe guards suddenly dropped to their knees.

"Our benefactor has shown us great kindness, but also violated the dignity of our Holy Maiden. To preserve her good name, please, benefactor, marry the Holy Maiden."

"???"

Maro was absolutely dumbfounded.

"Serea, my queen, that's how it is: if the fox tribe's Holy Maiden agrees to accept someone's intimacy, not only is it not a violation of the taboo, but that person can marry the Holy Maiden and become clan chief, earning the adoration of the fox tribe."

Doluka explained, and seeing the bashful look on Sahi's face, Serea couldn't help but mutter,

"So this is what they mean by 'straight guy luck'..."

As she uttered her complaint, maro spoke up.

"But Miss Sahi and I have only known each other for a few hours. Isn't this too hasty?"

"If our benefactor refuses, only two options remain: you accept your punishment, or the Holy Maiden is banished from the tribe. But Sahi doesn't want you punished, so..."

The fox tribe guards, who had planned this, said thusly, and Maro began to panic.

"I..."

"If our benefactor is concerned about the timing, you can postpone the wedding—a year or even half a year is fine. Use the time to develop your relationship; there's no problem with that."

Every path was blocked—Maro was caught between a rock and a hard place. He looked at Sahi, then at the kneeling fox tribe people—a deep sense of guilt welled up inside him.

However...

If Maro became clan chief of the Crimson Moon fox tribe, wouldn't that be a huge windfall? Objectively, the Crimson Moon fox tribe lived in the very heart of the jungle, boasted three hundred members, and had maintained good relations for generations with the illustrious Cangyue fox tribe—second only to the five giants of the jungle.

Gaining a vassal tribe effortlessly—guaranteed profit!

"Serea, my queen!"

In his endless embarrassment and agony, maro grasped at a lifeline, and upon noticing Serea's arrival, the fox tribe people called out in unison.

"Dragon Holy Maiden!"

In their faith, the Holy Maiden was the incarnation of a dragon—in their eyes, Serea, at this moment, was even on par with the Holy Maiden of their own tribe.

Fox tribe members and Maro all stared at Serea, seemingly awaiting her opinion. To this...

"As a (straight) man, you have to take responsibility for your mistakes."

Hearing even Serea say this, maro glanced ruefully at Sahi. Sensing his distress, Serea changed the topic.

"But you two can sort that out later. Saint Sahi, I have a few questions for you in private."

"All right."

Hearing that the Dragon Holy Maiden wanted to speak with her, sahi didn't refuse. She followed Serea into the Elf Tree house, and they sat down.

"Dragon Holy Maiden, please ask—I will answer anything you wish to know as our tribe's benefactor."

"Um... being called Dragon Holy Maiden is a bit awkward, but never mind. I wanted to ask if you know anything about the people who attacked you?"

At the mention of those people, anger flickered across Sahi's face.

"I do. They're from the Luka Merchant Guild. After you slew the demon, dragon Holy Maiden, they came into the jungle. We'd always traded with them, but never imagined they'd target our people and our divine relic."

The "divine relic"

Sahi referred to was the Crimson Moon Gemstone—by now, no longer a secret.

"But their numbers aren't enough to pose a threat to you, right? How were you ambushed this time?"

"It's like this: to avoid large-scale undead attacks, we had to migrate, and the Crimson Moon fox tribe agreed to take in some of our people. This trip was to escort those tribespeople to the Trading Post. The tribe was under attack by undead, so few guards could be spared. Plus, we'd never encountered human attacks before, so we let our guard down—and they took advantage."

Having understood the circumstances, Serea picked up on a key detail.

"I heard you were about to migrate?"

"Yes, we plan to temporarily settle our elderly and young with the Cangyue fox tribe, then bring them to a new suitable territory when we find one."

"Oh? Then how about we make a deal? I have some land I can give you for use, on the condition that you work for me. How about it?"

"Work for you?"

"Yes, it's very simple: I provide supplies, and you help me grow herbs and gather materials."

The conditions Serea offered were extremely attractive. Her goal was to ensure a self-sufficient supply of alchemy and enchantment raw materials, since sourcing from the Xiyun Merchant Guild was so costly that her own profits would be eaten away.

And now, a Crimson Moon fox tribe skilled in herbalism and alchemy had come right to her door—how could Serea let them slip away?

Moreover, the Darkmoon clan now had a vast territory and a relatively small population; there was no way they could manage so much land on their own. In the end, those lands would inevitably be leased out, so rather than give them to other minor tribes, it'd be better to cultivate her own forces. Since the Crimson Moon fox tribe were long-time allies of the Cangyue fox tribe, they were reasonably trustworthy.

This way, she could both consolidate her territory and receive an endless flow of production materials—a win-win.

Faced with such generous terms, sahi answered...

"I'll have to discuss this with the elders."

"No problem—I can wait. But opportunities like this don't come often."

After the talk, sahi returned to the residence Serea had arranged for them temporarily. They would set off for the Trading Post tomorrow.

Once Sahi left, Serea muttered a few lines to herself.

"The Luka Merchant Guild, huh? As expected, now that the Maregof mountain has fallen, every random stray is jumping out and causing trouble. Three times now! Do they really think I won't get angry?"

Just then, Dogsius came in with a plate of fruit.

"Master, I've got the information."

"Let's hear it."

Setting down the fruit, Dogsius began his report.

By mind-reading the captured slave-hunting squad members, Serea learned various intelligence: their headquarters was in Manes City, who the main members were, how large the group was, and so on.

The conclusion was...

They were all just a bunch of weaklings!

If they weren't based outside the jungle, she could have dealt with them herself easily, but if they pushed her too far, Little Black could always take a squad out for a stroll.

As Serea pondered a better way to deal with the slave-hunting squad, two girls walked in from outside the treehouse.

"Serea."

That was a way of addressing her used only by close friends.

The newcomers were Tethys, who, since being persuaded to stay by Serea, had taken a liking to the company and hadn't returned to Lake Nos. Instead, she remained here as a "retainer," providing all sorts of high-quality clothing for the camp.

"Tethys!"

"I've finished the thing you asked for, Serea."

As she spoke, tethys gestured to the thousand-toned bird, little Muse, perched on her shoulder.

The musical accompaniment was ready, so the plan to unlock the Abyss Altar had...

"Lola, how are preparations going for the celebration banquet?"

"Everything has been arranged."

"Good, then I'll go practice—cough cough, inform my friends to come."

With that, Serea abandoned the others and ran off with Tethys.

Out in the camp, all sorts of lights had already been hung, and the open-air opera house was decked out in magical lights. To celebrate the victory, Serea had Lola spend days preparing this grand celebration banquet.

After giving out instructions, Serea went down to a hollow at the base of the elf king tree. There were still over four hours before the banquet began. She'd practiced many times, but the thought of performing still made her nervous.

"Want to try the accompaniment?"

"Mm."

Serea nodded. Nora readied her harp, Dogsius sat at the jazz drum set, and Tethys picked up an ornate, crystal... electric guitar!

"You're..."

"I connected every string to a sound-recording crystal. The vibration from each string triggers the crystal, and the frequency and amplitude determine the sound."

"So you recorded the thousand-toned bird's song on the sound-recording crystal?"

"That's right."

"Incredible that you thought of that."

"All right, here we go."

As soon as she finished, the harp strummed and a familiar melody began—there was no mistaking it, it was the prelude to "that song"!

Once the peaceful introduction was done, the electric guitar and jazz drums burst in—the stirring music evoked irresistible nostalgia, and Serea couldn't help but hum along.

At the close, Serea clapped her hands.

Slap slap slap!

"No issues with the accompaniment. Fantastic!"

"Mm, looking forward to your performance, Serea. We've also prepared a little surprise for you."

"Surprise?"

"Yes, but it's still a secret for now. Try this first."

With that, tethys walked over to a clothes rack, covered by a draped curtain. Teaming up with Nora, the two grabbed a rope each with an air of mystery and suspense.

"Don't blink!"

As they spoke, the two pulled the ropes at the same time. The curtains dropped, revealing four outfits behind.

The bottom three were simple—black, backless dresses in similar styles. But the topmost...

Pure white, with only a few simple decorations, but the pure whiteness, like a wedding dress, stirred an urge from deep inside.

Black-White Twin (gold): Wearer's charm level +5, diva skill effects increase by 20%, all diva skills grant an additional 10% HP recovery, magic resistance increased by 5%, and comes with the skill "Twin Nirvana."

(To be continued...)