Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Sixty Seven: A Tense Impromptu Arrives

While the games were still going and everyone was getting ready for the dinner party, I made an announcement: we would cook together side by side. I wanted to teach everyone how to make tasty new dishes and how to use herbs to make the food healthy.

It was such a fun time! Parker went to get the fish baskets, and Bai told everyone how she had forgotten to make them easy to open. But she figured it out quickly, and Parker told her she was so smart.

The big stone fire was being set up, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. The games were a big hit!

Memi, of course, was super competitive. She wasn't playing around. Poor King Calum looked like he was about to have a heart attack trying to keep up with her, always ready to catch her if she fell. It was so funny—I couldn't help but giggle.

They're such a cute pair—Memi is so wild and fun, while King Calum is calm and steady. They balance each other perfectly.

Horace stayed close to me, helping with whatever he could. He was so big and tall but kind of shy and awkward. He reminded me of a giant fish out of water, but it was adorable to see him trying so hard to be part of the group.

Villagers kept coming up to me with all kinds of questions. They asked about the games we made, the fish baskets, and even about the market stall I set up. I tried to be kind and answer everything, making sure everyone felt welcome and included.

One of the biggest questions was, "Why do human females have friendships with males but don't pick them as mates?"

I smiled and explained simply, "Because sometimes we need each other for more than just being mates. Friendship is about working together and looking out for each other, like how we all work together to keep this city safe.

"Have you ever built a connection with someone, shared stories, or laughed together, even if they weren't your mate? That's what friendship is. It's caring for someone without expecting anything else in return.

"It's a wonderful thing to have a friend you trust. Someone who will protect you, fight for you, and be there for you through good times and bad. A real friend makes your life better and less stressful. They're a blessing."

I paused, watching their faces as they listened. "And do you know what else? Friendship can help you find the right mate too. When you're friends first, you learn what someone's really like—their personality, how they treat others, and what's in their heart. That's much better than just picking someone because of how they look.

"Love is special. It's meant to bring happiness, not sadness or fear. If you're bound to someone you don't truly like, you'll feel stuck—and life is too short for that.

"So start with friendship. It's the foundation of trust, care, and love. When you find a true friend, you'll know they'll always be in your corner. That's what makes life so beautiful."

The villagers nodded, seeming to understand. I hoped my words gave them something to think about for their future relationships.

It felt like I was on stage, with everyone hanging on my every word. The crowd was fully engaged, absorbing what I had to say.

I smiled at them and said, "Here at this gathering, we are building friendships without any pressure. Aren't you having fun? Don't you feel safe? Wouldn't you look forward to moments like this again?"

The crowd murmured their agreement, nodding along.

"Friendships make all of this possible," I continued. "When we realize that it's not just about different species of beastmen but about the beastmen race as a whole thriving and protecting one another, we'll accomplish so much more together than ever before."