The ballroom of the Kingdom of Curves glittered like a dream. Chandeliers carved like peaches hung overhead, fountains of sparkling wine bubbled, and masked nobles in elaborate gowns danced to soft music. Everywhere Kazuto looked, cleavage, curves, and waists squeezed into scandalous costumes teased his eyes.
Kazuto gawked, nose twitching. "Sweet baby booty… this place is paradise!!"
Ayame smacked him upside the head. "Keep your tongue in your mouth, pervert!!"
Nyala slinked closer, tail flicking under her mask. "Mmm~ he's not wrong. It's paradise with traps everywhere."
Liora adjusted her mask with calm precision. "Stay alert. The nobles didn't invite us here for fun. This is a test."
At the head of the ballroom, the Thicc Princess descended the grand staircase, mask adorned with feathers, gown hugging every curve. All eyes turned as she lifted her glass.
"Tonight," she declared, "we celebrate peace. But beware—there are snakes even in paradise."
Her eyes lingered on Kazuto as she sipped her wine.
Temptations of the Ball
Kazuto barely had time to breathe before noble ladies swooped in like vultures.
One masked beauty pressed close, whispering into his ear."Hero… I hear you draw power from women. Surely you don't limit yourself to common adventurers?"
Another brushed her chest against his arm."Imagine… the strength you'd gain from a noble's embrace."
Kazuto's system pinged:
[Temptation Event Triggered: Noble Waifu Route?]
Kazuto's brain short-circuited. System, don't tempt me with branching routes!!
Ayame stomped over, cheeks crimson. She shoved the ladies back with her sword's hilt."BACK OFF, YOU FAKE FLOOZIES!! HE'S TAKEN!!"
The ballroom went silent. Nobles gasped.
Nyala purred, looping her arm around Kazuto. "Mmm~ she's not wrong. He's ours. All ours."
Liora pinched the bridge of her nose. "Wonderful. Subtlety is dead."
The Princess smirked from afar, clearly amused by the chaos.
Sabotage and Schemes
As the music resumed, masked nobles whispered in corners. Servants slipped powders into drinks. Kazuto nearly grabbed a poisoned goblet before Ayame smacked it away.
Nyala swatted a nobleman's hand trying to slip a rune into Kazuto's pocket. "Mmm~ naughty. I'll cut that off."
Liora detected a faint barrier spell around the ballroom. "…We're being trapped."
Kazuto gulped. "O-oi… you mean we're locked in here?!"
Before Liora could answer, the Princess strode to the center of the floor. Her voice carried across the hall.
"Enough games. If you oppose me, show yourselves."
A noble laughed, removing his mask. "Gladly, Your Highness."
Dozens followed, throwing off masks.
The noble sneered at Kazuto."We challenge your perverted hero. If he wins, he may keep your favor. If he loses… he and his harem leave this kingdom in shame."
Kazuto's system dinged:
[Quest Update: Duel at the Masquerade.]
The Duel Begins
The nobles stepped aside, forming a circle in the middle of the ballroom. From the crowd, a massive figure strode forward—an armored champion, masked, wielding a glowing glaive. His aura radiated killing intent.
Ayame gripped her sword. "Kazuto, don't. He's dangerous."
Kazuto cracked his knuckles, grinning nervously. "Heh… I mean, yeah, but if I win I get to keep the Princess and my waifus, right?!"
Nyala smirked. "Mmm~ fight, pervert. We'll patch you up after."
Liora murmured. "Or bury you."
The Princess's eyes locked with his. "Do not fail me, Kazuto."
Kazuto's system flared.
[Lewd Harmony Burst Lv.3 Unlocked.][Effect: Boosts strength proportionally to how jealous your waifus are.]
All three waifus shouted in unison: "WE'RE FURIOUS!!"
Kazuto's aura exploded.
The noble champion charged, glaive slicing down with a roar. Kazuto met him head-on, stick glowing with pink power.
The ballroom shook as their weapons clashed.
Cliffhanger
The nobles watched, some cheering, others praying Kazuto would fall.
The Princess whispered under her breath. "…Show them, Kazuto. Show them the power of curves."
The chapter ended with Kazuto and the champion locked in their first clash—blades sparking, power shaking the palace.