Unphased by the sarcasm, Ianthe simply shrugged a shoulder. "This particular festival is dedicated to giving the Duchess, Zlatka, a large infusion of sexual energy through specific purging of zadza after a month long abstinence through chastity devices. The Rubeans worship Zlatka as their deity, and she purportedly receives power through the purging of zadza. She provides them with succor and resurrects the deceased. The people here have worshipped her for generations," Ianthe explained.

"By denying the core aspect of this specific festival, it is seen as denying the fundamental foundation of the community. It's not every festival, every gathering, just this specific one. Frankly, Peony, I don't care if you comply or not - now or ever - as long as you don't make unnecessary work for me." In other words, don't waste her time.

"I'm not going to bother reporting you. I don't police our ranks. I'm not the Churchwarden; I'm the Deathwarden. I deal with the dead. And I'm on vacation." She raised both hands disarmingly before her. "I'm just a source of information, and you're cute."