Chapter 30: Festival Bonds and Rising Shadows

The sun bathed the campus in golden light, casting long shadows across the bustling grounds of the college festival. Music, laughter, and the scent of fresh food filled the air. Amidst it all, Rose and Ainz strolled through the crowd, their expressions caught between curiosity and amusement.

"You both are weird," Ainz muttered, adjusting his sun glasses as they passed a game booth. "I mean, you and your brother are complete opposites, yet you act so alike when it matters. You fight over everything, yet the moment someone else steps in... he loses it."

Rose sighed, a knowing smile touching her lips. "Yeah... My brother and I are like ice and fire. He's calm, always composed. Me? I'm the storm. But touch what's his—what's ours—and you'll see the volcano erupt."

Just ahead, a long line twisted around the corner of the Star Café booth. The sun bore down hard, and frustration simmered among the waiting customers. Yet, as if summoned by their irritation, Arsh emerged from the back. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, black apron tied snugly, and sleeves rolled to his forearms, he gave a calm, gentle smile and bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your patience. Please hold on just a bit longer."

His voice, smooth and composed, carried above the murmurs. The irritation in the crowd seemed to melt away. Faces softened. Children smiled. Even the heat felt more bearable, they all felt more comfortable by his just smile and few words.

Ainz grinned. "Seriously, this guy... he is the only one who could rule even a broken world."

Rose chuckled. "I know. That smile... it's enough to give people hope, to calm from inside them."

They slipped in through the back gate of the Star Club. Inside, the atmosphere was buzzing with motion. Waiters danced between tables, serving drinks and pastries. The members, most of them stunningly attractive, moved with practiced grace. But all eyes still occasionally drifted to one person: Arsh—serving like a prince from a romance novel.

In the staff room, Hikari approached with a curious smile. "Hey Ainz! And who's this pretty lady? Your sister, or...?"

Ainz replied, "She's Azura's sister. He asked me to bring her here."

Hikari blinked, then smiled. "Ahh, so you're Azura's sister. No wonder—you both have that... regal air."

Rose responded gently, "Hello. I'm Scarlet. It's lovely to meet you. Azura mentioned you."

Hikari's eyes lit up. "Really? What'd he say about me?"

"That you're a brilliant club leader. And, potentially, a charming idol."

Hikari flushed. "He's teasing again... I'm nothing compared to him. He's been here just two months and already knows more about this place than I do."

Ainz raised a brow. "Shouldn't you be working? This place is packed."

Hikari shrugged. "Please, with Azura here? I could take the day off."

A voice behind her cut in. "Well, I'm going. So I think you better get back to it."

Hikari spun around to see Arsh slipping off his gloves and apron.

"Wait, where are you going? I can't handle this without you!"

Arsh smiled. "Sure you can. Everything's set. Just cheer your team on. I need a break. Gonna explore the festival a bit, maybe check on Eran."

He turned to Rose and Ainz. "Ainz, you can head back. I'll take care of her."

With a wave, he vanished into the crowd.

As they wandered through the festival, the noise became background music. Rose nudged her brother playfully. "Hikari likes you. She's pretty."

Arsh gave a crooked smile. "I already have two girls in my heart. Doubt either will let a third in."

"I just want you happy," Rose replied. "I don't care if it's Luna or Hikari. Both are lovely."

They stopped in front of a booth stacked with comics and light novels. Luna stood behind the counter, wearing a white dress, a pale-blue apron, and a gray baseball cap. She waved excitedly.

"Welcome to the Author's Club!"

Arsh scanned the display. "Wow, this is way better than your last setup."

Luna beamed. "Thanks! It's not medal-worthy, but it's a good showcase for our writing, and we really made enough money to our year's budget, so, I guess yeah it's great."

Arsh picked up a copy of a book titled Deep Sea of the Love and handed it to her. "I'll take this one."

Luna's smile faltered. She flushed. "Oh… that one isn't for sale. It's not that good anyway—pick another."

"But it's in stock. I can see dozens of copies. I'll pay extra."

"Sorry, But, it's like misprinted, and a lot of mistakes, I don't think you liked it"

"I don't care, I think it's fine."

Luna's assistant quickly pulled her into the storage room. "What's wrong with you? That guy is offering full price for your book—and it's good, then why are you making fuss!"

Luna sighed. "It's inspired by him. Every page... He's the muse. I can't sell it to him."

Her friend blinked. "That's Azura? No wonder. He's too perfect. What now?"

"Just... help me remove the stock. Tell people it's sold out."

Back at the counter, Rose nudged Arsh. "You really teased her. She has her reasons."

Arsh leaned in, whispering, "I already scanned the book with OSAI. Haven't read it yet, just the summary."

"Then why is she hiding it?"

"Because it's her first novel—and she used her feelings for me as the male lead."

Rose smiled. "Then you shouldn't read it."

"Relax. I didn't. Yet."

The line of customers grew chaotic. Rose called for Luna, but she didn't hear. Arsh stepped in and took over, charming and fast the buyers. In ten minutes, the booth was sold out.

Luna returned, freezing at the sight of Arsh behind the counter. The sight of him—his calm posture, his apron, his effortless presence—made her heart skip.

"Thanks for covering. I search the book for everywhere but I didn't found it, but don't worry. I'll send you the e-book tomorrow."

Arsh stepped out. "Thanks. But check your shelves. Are you sure you have enough stock?"

Luna turned—and gasped. Every shelf was empty, just few books is was there. The vault, however, overflowed with money.

Her assistant pulled her aside again. "Who is he?! We doubled our stock, and it's all gone in ten minutes!"

Luna groaned. "This always happens. First time he came to our café, he sold our month's quota in one day."

Her friend was wide-eyed. "Smart, good-looking, and a business prodigy. You hit the jackpot."

Luna blushed. "We need to order more stock. It's only half the day, Remember, get back to work."

Back outside, Rose eyed Arsh. "Don't you think you overdid it? Now you'll look more suspicious."

Arsh replied calmly." Do you really think I can even control my fame and crowd, I didn't done anything, it's just happened."

Rose still staring Arsh. "Well, I know there is nothing what you can't control."

He shrugged. "Fine, I just wanted her to join us. This is the best way."

Luna stepped out again. Arsh smiled. "Stock's on its way, right? Until then, want to grab lunch and explore?"

She Blushed, hesitated, then nodded. "Sure."

They strolled through the festival, sampling fried snacks, spicy noodles, and colorful drinks. Laughter echoed around them, they tries many shops. At a balloon-shooting game, Luna bought a ticket and tried her hand. Luna got five shots.

First shot—miss. Second—miss. Third—miss.

She blushed. "I think I just have a bad luck, I swear I'm better than this."

Arsh gave a silent order to OSAI.

The AI replied, "Target has magnetic interference. Bullets repelled by opposing fields."

"Nullify." Arsh order silently.

A drone zipped out, subtly disrupting the field.

"Try again," Arsh said. "You've got this."

"Luna tried the fourth shot and he lost."

Arsh saw Luna is frustrated and he tried to give OSAI orders to help her, but then Luna sighs and smiled, then Arsh realizes how mentally strong she is. After that.

Luna took a breath. This time—bullseye.

The booth owner winced but handed over the prize: a sleek black guitar.

Luna sighed. "Great... something I can't even use."

Rose nudged Arsh. "He can. He's pretty good."

Luna smiled and held it out. "Take it. Consider it thanks."

Arsh hesitated. "You sure, It's really premium one."

She nodded and said."Don't worry just play for me sometime."

Later, they visited Ainz's basketball booth. A crowd watched as his team obliterated challengers. Spotting them, Ainz waved and jogged over.

"Still undefeated?" Arsh asked.

"Yup. No one even scored."

He turned to Rose. "I'll watch over you. You guys go enjoy."

Arsh patted him on the back. "Thanks."

Back at the Star Club, the air buzzed with applause and chatter. Arsh served customers like a seasoned professional. Then the Council President arrived.

"Mr. President," Arsh greeted with a bow, pulling out a chair. "Please, have a seat."

Eran looked around. "This is more than a café—it's a phenomenon."

Arsh asked, "Thank you sir, it's our pleasure, What can I get you?"

"Black coffee."

Moments later, Hikari delivered it. "Here you go, sir."

Eran sipped. "Perfectly brewed."

Eran sighs."Well, it's really an honor that Star club president is serving me himself."

" No, Sir I think we're the one who is honored by your visit," Hikari said.

Eran glanced at Arsh. "That guy... he's something else."

"Azura? He's our heart. Half the crowd is here for him."

Eran nodded, finished his drink, and walked away.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Announcement system came to life.

"Good evening, students. Amazing work today. Shops are now closed. Please rest, eat, and prepare for the awards and closing ceremony in one hour."

The café erupted in cheers.

"Great job, everyone!" Hikari shouted. "Especially you, Arsh."

Arsh bowed. "My pleasure."

Laughter and applause filled the air.

But just as joy crested, a cold whisper echoed in Arsh's ear.

OSAI: "Sir. Massive aura detected. Forest perimeter. Demon forces—larger than expected."

Arsh's smiled. He turned toward the horizon and muttered:

"So... let them come."

Deep in the woods, shadows stirred. A demonic army assembled—larger, darker, more vicious than before.

The festival had been a celebration of joy.

Now, the true storm approached.