The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 23 – The Thousands and One Nights Festival Opening Feast and the Wizard

At last, the day of the Thousand and One Nights Festival — Alf Layla wa Layla — had arrived.

Al had spent the previous night in the purification chamber, performing a sacred cleansing ritual before his duties as a priest. According to him, the place had no entertainment of any kind — “a room where there’s absolutely nothing to do,” as he described it.

I could only hope he managed to get some rest before the big day.

That was why, even on the eve of the festival, I wasn’t able to see him.

After dressing and tidying myself up, I hurried toward the Turkish lantern stall. The master was already there, setting up as usual for the opening.

“Good morning, Lantern Master!”
“Oh, Yuzu. You’re early today. Are you sure you don’t mind helping at the shop? I thought you said you had plans for the afternoon.”

“Well… those plans fell through. So, I can help for the whole day now!”

I tried my best to sound cheerful and not let my voice falter.

Over the past few days, I’d gotten used to helping him — handling the Turkish lamps, setting up displays, and preparing for customers.

The Turkish lanterns were mesmerizingly beautiful. I never knew lamps could shine so gorgeously.

The master was kind and wise, always teaching me new things. He seemed to have traveled all over the world.

“I see. Then I’ll take you up on that offer,” he said with a gentle smile. “Still, you should take the chance to enjoy yourself a little. Visit some stalls while you can. The festival won’t last forever, and I’ll be leaving this city once it’s over. Don’t let yourself regret missing out.”

“Thank you, Master… but it’s fine. I’d rather not make it harder to say goodbye later.”

Yes. I already knew that until the festival ended, I wouldn’t be able to see Al.

And the lantern master, too, would be leaving the city once the festivities were over.

From those two facts, there was only one conclusion.

— I would never see Al again.

I didn’t even get to say goodbye.

Leaving the estate without thanking the man who had saved my life — that made me feel like a terrible ingrate.

But I couldn’t bear to tell Al or Ishaq that I wouldn’t see them again, not when they were so busy with the festival.

“Oh, right,” said the master. “You mentioned wanting a lantern, didn’t you? Which one do you want? You’ve already had your eye on one, haven’t you?”

I blinked in surprise.

“But… my work isn’t finished yet.”

“Ah, but I know you’ll keep helping until the end. You’ve already done so much for me, and I’m grateful. Consider this a small thank-you for everything.”

The amount of money he handed me was far more than I expected. I looked between his face and the payment, startled.

“Lantern Master! This is far too much—are you sure?”

He chuckled softly. “Think nothing of it. These past few days have been enjoyable for me as well. And… I can tell you’ll need it soon enough. Don’t hesitate to keep it.”

His gentle kindness warmed me from the inside.

“Thank you… truly, Lantern Master.”

“So,” he said, glancing at the colorful lamps, “which one will you choose among all these?”

It felt almost like a prophecy — as if he were asking, Which fate will you choose?

I already had a color in mind.

“Then… I’ll take this one.”

When I picked it up and held it close, the master smiled knowingly. “I thought you might choose that.”

The Lantern Master really was a mysterious person.

“You’re like a wizard, Master.”
“Ha! Hardly that. I’m just good at guessing.” He smiled in a way that was both amused and gentle.

At first, I’d hesitated — should I pick the deep purple that matched Al’s hair, the fiery red like a burning flame, or the calm blue of the sky?

But the moment I saw that Turkish lantern, every other color vanished from my mind.

(This is Al’s color…)

It felt like the symbol of a pure, noble soul —

— like quiet snow falling gently upon my heart.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the pure white lantern.

It reminded me of endless white plains… a silent, snow-covered desert.

It was beautiful. Sacred.

“This color… it’s perfect. It’s exactly right for the person I want to give it to.”

I held it softly in my arms, careful not to break it. The master didn’t ask who it was for.

“The one who receives that lamp,” he said quietly, “will be a very lucky person. You care for them deeply, I can tell.”

Just then, fireworks burst across the sky — the start of the Thousand and One Nights Festival.

Colorful smoke bloomed like flowers, scattering through the air.

Drums, flutes, and the lively cheers of the crowd filled the streets, echoing through the city like a heartbeat of celebration.