The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 17 – The Thousand and One Nights (Alf Layla Wa Layla)

“Honestly, Al. You’re no longer a child, so please stop teasing Yuzu-sama.”

Ishaq gave Al a weary look. The rich sweetness still lingered in my mouth, but I couldn’t help feeling embarrassed.

Al shrugged and glanced at me — like a student caught misbehaving by his teacher.

“I’ll prepare the coffee, so please wait a little while.” It seemed Ishaq had already brought a cart with a coffee set from the hallway. As he ground the finest Colombian beans, he explained to me, “Yuzu, Al has been chosen to play the role of the male god who offers prayers to the heavens during the Thousand and One Nights Festival — Alf Layla wa Layla. In other words, he serves a role similar to that of a priest.”

“What!? That’s amazing, Al! To be given such an important role!”

“Hmph.” Al turned his face away and let out a refined snort.

“There’s nothing amazing about it. Nobody wants to do it, so they just force it on me.”

Ignoring him, Ishaq continued. The low, soothing sound of the beans being ground filled the room.

“Yuzu, Al has served as the festival priest many times since he was a child. This festival honors the great goddess Hera.

She is known as the wife of Zeus and a goddess famous for her jealousy. That’s why the chosen priest must always be an exceptionally handsome, unmarried man — the most beautiful in the country.”

“The most beautiful in the whole country…!” Yuzu let out a breath of admiration.

Indeed, even if you traveled across the nation, it would be hard to find anyone as striking as Al.
Being “the most handsome in the country” was like winning first place in a national beauty contest.

(That’s unbelievable…) It was so grand that I couldn’t quite grasp it.

While I blinked in astonishment, Al let out a long sigh. “Don’t take it seriously, Yuzu. Ishaq already said it — only unmarried men can be chosen. Once you’re married, you’re exempt. My father just doesn’t want the trouble of finding someone new, so he sacrifices me every time.”

“The years when Al serves as priest always bring rich harvests,” Ishaq said cheerfully.

“Among the people, some even say Al is a divine child loved by Hera herself.”

He seemed genuinely proud of his master.

“Al’s brothers are also quite handsome, but the years when Al performs the ceremony are especially well received.”

“Ishaq, don’t tell me you were the one who suggested it to my father?” Al’s lips twitched.

“I couldn’t say, my lord. But even if I did recommend you, it wouldn’t matter unless your father wished it himself.”

Apparently, being the star of the festival also reflected one’s standing in the family.

“It’s only natural to wish to see one’s master in all his glory,” Ishaq added with a gentle smile.

“And since it can only happen while you’re unmarried, who knows how many times we’ll get the chance. The more we see, the better.”

Then he turned to me with a warm expression.

“Would you like to see Al’s sacred ritual, Yuzu? The attire is magnificent — so splendid he looks like a messenger of the gods sent down from the moon.”

I wondered what kind of outfit that could be.

“I’d love to see it! I don’t know much about the festival’s customs, but Al looks good in anything — a suit, a kimono, whatever.”

His well-built body, long legs, and refined face — even professional models would pale beside him.

Al looked at me with a gentle gaze, as deep and calm as the sea. “I see. Then this year, I’ll wear the ceremonial outfit for you, Yuzu. I can’t be with you during the night, though — is that all right?”
“Of course! You don’t have to worry, it’s your duty after all.”

Then Al’s tone changed as he turned sharply toward Ishaq.

“The ceremony is at night. During the day, I’ll be taking Yuzu around the festival stalls. That’s non-negotiable. Understood, Ishaq?”

“As the gods will it — Insha’Allah,” Ishaq replied with a small bow.