The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 24 – Spirit of the Moon

The Turkish lamp stall was bustling with people since morning.

The beautiful lamps drew such attention that even the master hadn’t expected these many customers. From inside the tent, I watched children begging their parents for one and leaving happily with their precious lamps held tightly in their arms.

“So many were sold, Master Lantern. I hope everyone will take good care of their lamps.”
“Turkish lamps are sturdy things. I’m sure they’ll brighten the lives of those who take them home.”

Before we knew it, the sun had set, and evening shadows began to fall over the town.

While eating dinner with my master—grilled skewers called shish tawook and chickpea croquettes called falafel—bonfires were lit one after another around the plaza.

The lantern master narrowed his eyes at the glowing lights.

“It’s about to begin. The main event of the festival. Yuzu, you must be tired of helping here all day. Go on and watch. This, too, is part of our country’s culture. You’ll learn something.”

Al had decided to take on the role of a priest for my sake. I wanted—no, I needed to see him with my own eyes.

Whether he knew that or not, the lantern master gently pushed me forward.

“But what about you, Master?”
“I’ve got to mind the stall, you see. If I can catch a glimpse later, that’ll be enough for me. Don’t worry about me, Yuzu. Go on.”

“Thank you, Master!”

I hurriedly finished my meal and ran to the plaza where the sacred ritual was to be held.

The place was still and silent—like the calm before a storm. Then, I was struck speechless by the sight of a massive flame burning in the center, as large as a campfire, roaring fiercely into the night sky.

And then—I gasped.

Al appeared in the plaza, dressed in ceremonial robes.

He looked like a divine messenger descended from heaven.

His priestly garments were adorned with countless jewels that glittered like stars against the night sky.

At a single glance, I could tell it was an extraordinarily luxurious outfit.

Yet, he wasn’t overwhelmed by the grandeur of it. Instead, Al commanded everything around him, as if the entire world existed under his presence.

He possessed the beauty loved by the goddess Hera, and the strong, noble form of Apollo.

At that moment, Al didn’t seem human at all. He looked like a god.

The urge to kneel before him nearly overcame me.

The people around me held their breath, too stunned to speak.

Beneath the endless, star-filled sky—a god had descended upon the world of men.