Ethan didn't remember falling asleep, but he sure remembered waking up — because Luna was standing over him, already in her maid outfit, holding a frying pan like a battle horn.
"Rise and shine, Prince!" she announced. "Today we fight for glory!"
"Fight for wha—" Ethan barely had time to sit up before Ayaka tossed a freshly ironed butler uniform at his face.
"Put it on!" she barked.
"Can't I just watch the stall?" Ethan groaned.
"Nope," Hana said flatly, tightening her own festival yukata. "You're the main attraction."
Subject M appeared in the doorway, wearing an outfit so scandalous that Ethan almost forgot how to breathe. "Shall we make the mortals jealous today?" she teased.
[Quest: Goddess Festival Survival – Day 1]Objective: Run the Battle Café Royale stall without dying (or getting arrested).Bonus Objective: Keep all waifus under control (Impossible).
The Festival Opens
The festival grounds were already packed when they arrived — glowing lanterns, floating booths, music playing in the air. Their stall looked incredible, thanks to Luna's late-night construction frenzy.
The moment they opened, the first wave of customers arrived: curious adventurers, random townsfolk, and a group of rowdy guild members.
"Step right up!" Luna announced cheerfully. "Defeat our butler and win a free dessert!"
Ethan's soul left his body as the first challenger — a huge, muscle-bound warrior — cracked his knuckles and stepped into the ring.
[Mini-Event: Combat Café Duel]
Somehow, Ethan managed to survive by using quick dodges and the Featherstorm Evasion skill he'd earned during the pillow war. The crowd cheered, Ayaka swooned, and Hana reluctantly clapped.
Unfortunately, the challengers just kept coming.
Outfit Disaster
Halfway through the day, disaster struck — one of the customers "accidentally" spilled enchanted punch on Ethan's uniform, making it turn transparent.
The crowd went absolutely wild.
Ayaka tried to cover him with a banner, Hana threw her jacket at him, and Luna screamed, "Don't waste this! It's great for sales!"
Subject M just leaned back, watching the chaos with a smirk. "Oh, yes. Let them look."
[Pervert Points +500][Popularity +20%][New Skill Unlocked: Public Humiliation Resistance Lv.1]
Rival Harem Appears
Just when Ethan thought things couldn't get worse, a rival harem leader showed up — a smug, handsome adventurer named Kael, flanked by three equally beautiful companions.
"Well, well, if it isn't Ethan," Kael said with a grin. "Nice stall you've got here. Hope you don't mind if we set up next door."
Luna's eye twitched. Ayaka grabbed a practice sword. Hana muttered, "I hate this guy already."
Kael winked at Ethan. "Let's see whose harem wins more hearts today."
[Rival Event Triggered: Harem Popularity War]
Chaos Contest
What followed could only be described as a festival battlefield.
Luna turned the café into a live maid-battle show.
Ayaka challenged Kael's girls to a food-eating contest and won.
Hana accidentally caused a magical firework to explode early, covering everyone in sparkling dust.
Subject M whispered scandalous things in Ethan's ear just to throw him off his game during duels.
Crowds kept growing, cheering for both sides. Ethan was sweating bullets, but for some reason... he started to have fun.
[Harem Affection +10 each][Stall Popularity Surpassing Rivals!]
The Goddess Arrives
Just when they were about to celebrate their victory, the festival suddenly went quiet.
A wave of divine energy rippled through the grounds. The crowd parted as a glowing portal appeared — and Venelith, Goddess of Love and Lust, stepped out, looking even more radiant than before.
"Well, well," she purred, looking directly at Ethan. "You didn't disappoint me after all."
Kael immediately went pale. "T-The goddess herself..."
Venelith floated gracefully toward Ethan, ignoring everyone else. "Time for your next challenge, my little mortal."
She snapped her fingers. The entire festival ground shifted, morphing into a glowing arena.
[Major Event Triggered: Goddess' Final Trial – Commence!]
Ethan's jaw dropped. "Wait, what?!"
Ayaka, Luna, Hana, and Subject M all moved to stand in front of him.
"You're not taking him without us," Ayaka said, glaring at the goddess.
Venelith just smiled. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. In fact, all of you are invited. Let's see if your bond is strong enough to survive what comes next."
The chapter ended with the entire group stepping into the divine arena as the crowd roared in excitement.