Predatory Marriage - Chapter 397

Chapter 397 – Snow in the Desert (25)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

Morga listened to Leah’s concerns with calm patience before responding,

“I see why you’re worried, but there’s no need to fret.”

“How can you be so certain…?”

“He’s Ishakan’s son, after all.”

His reply was straightforward, as if the answer were obvious. He had no doubt that Lesha’s parents would tear down any barrier in his path.

Though his response took her by surprise, Leah couldn’t deny its truth. If anything threatened Lesha, she would never stand aside—and neither would Ishakan.

“And the Prince is far from ordinary,” Morga added.

The young Prince was astonishingly sharp, even to Morga. Lesha grasped the core of intricate spells almost instinctively—something that couldn’t simply be taught. Each time Morga watched him absorb knowledge effortlessly, his own worries only deepened.

“My fear is that he’ll master magic too quickly and grow bored of it.”

Lesha was undoubtedly destined to become a Great Sorcerer, yet Morga dreaded the possibility of him abandoning magic for swordsmanship out of sheer disinterest. He had even suffered a nightmare where Lesha turned his back on magic entirely.

“He can’t give up magic. You understand its significance.”

That was why Morga pleaded with Leah, desperate for guidance to keep Lesha engaged.

She had come seeking advice but instead found herself reassuring Morga. Now that her own fears had eased, she turned her attention to her next commitment.

“Leah.”

Genin, who had been waiting outside, hurried to her side. Though her expression betrayed eagerness to depart, she still attended to Leah with careful respect.

***

As their carriage rolled away from the Royal Palace, Genin spoke with barely contained excitement,

“My husband has longed to meet you, Your Majesty.”

But his fragile health prevented him from visiting the Royal Palace, so he was endlessly grateful that Leah had agreed to come to their home instead.

It was rare to see Genin so animated.

“You only needed to ask. Anyone important to you is important to me as well.”

Genin stared in disbelief before bowing her head in gratitude.

“Thank you. Serving you is an honor.”

Leah smiled at her sincerity. The journey was short—Genin’s home stood not far from the palace. When they stepped out of the carriage, Leah was struck by its charm.

The small house boasted a garden bursting with vibrant blooms, a testament to the care and skill of its owners.

Amid the fragrant blossoms sat a refined man in a wheelchair, a blanket draped over his lap as he tended to the flowers with slow, careful movements.

“I’m home.”

“Genin?”

The man turned, startled by the unusual cheer in her voice.

“Weren’t you at the palace? Why have you returned so soon—?”

Then his gaze landed on Leah, and he nearly toppled from his seat.

“By the gods—the Queen!”

He gaped at her silver hair and violet eyes, stunned. After a moment of stunned silence, he managed a shaky greeting.

“I—I am Lushan, Genin’s husband!”

Trapped in his chair, Lushan struggled with how to properly honor her. His body refused to cooperate, and shame burned in his cheeks as he stammered out apologies.

“Forgive me, my condition… I should have come to the palace myself…”

“Don’t trouble yourself. I wanted to visit.”

Hearing the Queen apologize only deepened Lushan’s emotion, his eyes glistening. Genin gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“Please, come inside.”

With a gracious gesture, Genin led Leah into the house.