The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 14 – Secret Conversation

“What in the world were you thinking?”

Asuad Al-Aziz was being sternly scolded by his attendant, Ishaq. “I’m sorry…” It was a rare sight to see Asuad being quietly reprimanded. That alone showed how deeply remorseful he truly was.

“Surely you knew Lord Yuzu hasn’t been eating properly in this foreign land. You made him overexert himself after only giving him a little water to drink. I’ll have some sareeg brought later. He needs to regain his strength somehow.”

Sareeg was a local porridge made with milk and butter. Yuzu Amamiya lay unconscious on the bed, his face pale as snow. His body had been cleaned, his clothes properly arranged, yet he still had not awakened.

The physician who had examined him earlier concluded that it was caused by exhaustion and stress, advising that he rest for a while before leaving.

“I was wondering why you were taking so long—and to think you’d attack Lord Yuzu in the bath! I never imagined my lord could be that… deprived.” Asuad’s lips twitched as if to argue, but no words came out.

“Honestly, to think my master could be so driven by desire—it makes me question my own worth as your attendant.”

Asuad leaned his chin on one hand, his long legs crossed on the sofa. “Say what you will. I have no excuse.”

“Then I’ll say it all. You shameless beast, hopeless lecher, incorrigible romantic—” “All right! I get it, Ishaq! Enough, please.”

Ishaq’s relentless scolding finally wore him down, and Asuad sank into the sofa with a sigh.

“How can I stay calm after this? If I leave Yuzu’s care to you, he’ll collapse again. From now on, I’ll personally oversee his health.”

“About that, Ishaq—may I have a word?”

“What is it, my lord?”

“Don’t look at me like that. I truly regret what I did to Yuzu. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Then please, make sure you tell that to Lord Yuzu himself.”

“Of course. However… there’s something troubling me.”

Asuad gestured toward the door with his thumb. Ishaq, ever perceptive, immediately understood and followed his master outside.

They instructed the guards by Yuzu’s door to keep strict watch and report any change at once. With that done, the two slipped soundlessly behind a pillar overlooking the garden and its fountain.

“What’s the matter, my lord? Lord Yuzu is your bride, isn’t he? Is there a problem?”

“Yes. I told Yuzu he was to marry Asuad—but I haven’t told him that I am Asuad.”

Ishaq tilted his head, the silver ornaments in his hair chiming softly.

“I’m aware. You only introduced yourself to him as ‘Al,’ and I’ve made sure all the servants know never to call you Asuad in front of him. But… wouldn’t it be better to tell him the truth soon? I’m sure Lord Yuzu would want to know who you really are. If you keep hiding it, he’ll find out eventually.”

Asuad shook his head slowly.

“No. Yuzu came to this country as a stand-in bride. To him, this marriage is nothing but a duty. Even if his groom were a cruel or unworthy man, he’d still go through with it quietly. If I reveal that I’m Asuad now, he’ll believe it’s his obligation to marry me—and that’s not what I want.” His eyes were sharp with conviction as he continued,

“I want him to choose me—not out of duty, but from his heart.”

“But if he learns that you’re the true groom, wouldn’t that make him happy?” Ishaq asked.

“I’ve realized something,” Asuad said quietly. “Yuzu is chasing an image of Asuad—an illusion of some destined man he’s never truly known. He doesn’t realize that the man he’s searching for is standing right in front of him. Unless he truly wishes to marry me, the title of husband means nothing.”

“I understand, but still—”

“That’s why,” Asuad interrupted calmly, “I told Yuzu I would steal him away from Asuad.”

For a moment, silence fell between them.

“…What do you mean by that? You are Asuad. How can you steal him from yourself?” As Ishaq’s voice rose, Asuad pressed a finger to his lips.

“I’ll figure that out later. Maybe I’ll even create a substitute for Asuad if needed. Either way, keep helping me hide the truth from Yuzu.”

Ishaq exhaled a long, exhausted sigh that seemed to come from deep within. “In the end, that means deceiving Lord Yuzu. Are you prepared for that?”

“I am,” Asuad said firmly. “Even a man with no concubines like me understands this much—A marriage without love has no value. If I’m to have him, I want his heart as well.”