The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 22 – Qualities of a Queen

“What do you mean, Ishaq!? I was told that in exchange for serving as the festival’s priest, I could do whatever I wanted during the day!” Al’s shocked voice rang through the room.

“I’m terribly sorry. I asked your father many times, but he said that since you already had the morning off, that would be your replacement rest period—”

“What…! That damn old man! Those are two separate things! I’m going to protest right now!”

Al stood up, but Ishaq quickly stopped him.

“Prince Al, I’m afraid that’s impossible. It seems there’s a formal greeting ceremony scheduled tomorrow morning with guests from other nations. I was unaware of it myself, but judging by the guest list, they’re all key allies of our country. I’m afraid your absence would be… unacceptable.”

Al let out a deep sigh and sank back onto the sofa. He ran a hand roughly through his long hair, clearly irritated.

“That sly old fox of a father… damn it!”

Watching from the side, Yuzu couldn’t help feeling anxious. Was Al this angry simply because his free time with Yuzu had been taken away?

“Prince Al, if you’re worried about me, please don’t. Of course, it’s disappointing that we can’t spend time together, but… your duties must come first.”

“Yuzu… but still—”

Yuzu hesitated, wondering when to tell Al about his upcoming departure. But with how busy Al had become lately, the last thing Yuzu wanted was to trouble him with his own situation.

Ishaq looked just as exhausted. The dark shadows under his eyes made it obvious he hadn’t been sleeping much.

“You two don’t need to worry about me! I’m really fine. I’ll be helping out at the lantern master’s stall today anyway. Look—it’s almost noon. Please, get some rest before work starts again. Take care of your health, both of you. Ishaq, you especially should take a nap, alright?”

Before Ishaq could argue, Yuzu gently pushed him toward his own bed.

“Lady Yuzu! Please, there’s no need for such kindness! I’m only a servant, I can’t possibly—”

“What are you saying? You look so pale! If both of you collapse before the festival, that would be bad, wouldn’t it?”

Yuzu brewed two cups of ginger tea, letting the warm, spicy aroma fill the air.

“It’ll warm you up. Now, I’m off to the marketplace to help with the stalls. Rest well before your duties, alright? I’ll be back by evening!”

He smiled brightly, trying not to show any hint of sadness. He didn’t want to drag them down with his feelings. If he had to part with them soon, he at least wanted them to remember him smiling.

(I really wanted to walk through the stalls with Al…)

He’d imagined tasting exotic fruits together, marveling at strange animals—he’d even avoided seeing them beforehand just so he could enjoy them fresh with Al on the day of the festival.

But Al was the festival’s central figure, the star everyone would be watching.

(It can’t be helped…)

Truly, it couldn’t. This was a national celebration. Someone like Yuzu had no say in such matters.

But even the strongest show of cheer only lasted so long.
Before he knew it, his energy had run out, and he trudged slowly toward the lantern master’s shop.

Left behind in Yuzu’s private room, Asaad and Ishaq sat in silence.

“Prince Al,” Ishaq began.

“What is it? If you’re here to complain, don’t bother. I’m the one who should be complaining.”

Lying on his back, Ishaq stared up at the ceiling. “No, that’s not it. I wanted to ask—what exactly do you think of Lady Yuzu?”

“What do I think of him? I love him, of course.”

“That’s not what I mean, sir. If you truly wish to make Lady Yuzu your bride, how do you plan to treat him? Will he be cherished as a concubine, just another flower in your harem? Or do you intend for him to stand by your side as your official consort, sharing in diplomacy and rule? How do you plan to love Lady Yuzu?”

“That… is…” Al hesitated.

“This is a good opportunity, so I’ll speak honestly,” Ishaq continued.

“Lady Yuzu has the qualities of a queen. When his wish to stay with you couldn’t be granted, he could have blamed us—and rightfully so, since it was your promise to begin with. But he didn’t. Instead, when he saw how tired we were, he brewed tea and insisted we rest. Not just you, but even me, your servant. Surely, Lady Yuzu must feel lonely. If he wished, he could lock himself in this room and see no one at all.”

Asaad listened quietly as he took a sip of the tea Yuzu had made.

“But he didn’t choose that. He’s been studying our country on his own, visiting the markets, learning from the shopkeepers. He decides things for himself without relying on you.”

“Ishaq,” Al murmured. “And what do you think I should do?”

“If you truly wish to have Lady Yuzu, you must act quickly. He’s a raw diamond—someone with the makings of a queen. If you don’t reach for him now, someone else with a sharp eye will take him away. Or worse, Lady Yuzu may not be able to bear this uncertain situation much longer… and disappear from our lives entirely. Please, make your decision swiftly.”

Al leaned back against the sofa, crossing his arms. “…I understand what you’re saying. I’ll think about it.”

“You, who always make decisions without hesitation—why are you wavering now?”

Ishaq clenched his teeth in frustration. Al’s gaze drifted into the empty air before closing softly.

“Because the more precious something is… the harder it is to decide what to do with it.”

He exhaled slowly, his voice fading like a sigh.

A priceless jewel—if you were handed one that could never be replaced, you’d understand, he thought.

The emotion behind his words disappeared into the quiet, leaving only the faint sound of his breathing.