Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 100
Noticing Reyna’s studious attitude, Irene continued her explanation.
“Regular dungeons have a small range of distortion and a short duration, making them difficult to observe. But when a massive dungeon crosses into this world, it’s different. Due to its size, distortions start appearing days in advance.”
“Oh, so instead of taking turns to enter like with other dungeons, everyone who applies can go in?”
“Exactly. It’s so huge, and with multiple entrances, it’s better to send in as many people as possible to finish the raid quickly. But there’s a problem.”
“A problem?”
“The dungeon is so large that there are multiple treasure rooms, not just one. According to records, rewards have even been found hidden in cracks between boulders or stone walls. That’s why fights often break out over who gets to claim the treasure.”
“So, it’ll be the same this time too.”
“Of course. Who wouldn’t lose their mind over a chest that looks valuable?”
Even Irene, who was explaining this, had the same thoughts herself.
A week ago, the auction house returned the Stone of Silence to her.
The winning bidder had died without completing the payment, so according to continental law, the transaction was void, and the item was returned to its original owner—Irene.
In the process, the auction house still demanded that she pay the auction fees.
Those shameless people.
So, with the artifact unsold, all Irene was left with were the auction fees and the appraisal charges for the dagger.
Instead of accumulating money, she had only racked up debt.
Thankfully, since she was paired with Michael, the fortress granted her a one-month grace period.
They probably thought that would be enough time for her to earn the money.
But they were mistaken.
‘I haven’t seen him in two weeks.’
Ever since that night when Michael had held her all night and kissed her endlessly, he hadn’t shown up, not even a single strand of hair.
‘He probably feels ashamed after coming to his senses.’
What he did that night was unimaginable for a paladin.
Even if he was under the influence of miasma, it was easy to guess how deep his shame must be now that he had recovered.
‘He must feel humiliated.’
Even if no one else knew, Michael was a man who served God.
Perhaps he couldn’t bear to face the deity that always watched him, and he was locked away in a remote chamber of the temple, offering prayers of repentance.
While Irene was lost in thought, Reyna and Cynthia continued discussing the distortion dungeon.
“Reyna, remember, this is also an unstable dungeon. If you notice the surroundings getting hazy or the ground shaking, you need to get out of the dungeon immediately.”
“Now that I think about it, what happens if you don’t escape before an unstable dungeon disappears?”
“Well…”
How does that work again?
Irene searched her memory for records on the matter when a low, melodious voice answered from behind.
“You’ll be pulled into their world. And you’ll have to survive there until the dungeon reappears in our world.”
Startled by the familiar voice, Irene jumped up from her seat.
“Michael!”
She turned to see him standing there, dressed impeccably in his usual white robes.
It was no surprise—under the bright light, his eyes shone their natural deep blue.
“Forgive me for being away for so long without a word, Irene.”
Michael bowed his head. He then followed the old knightly custom, kissing the back of her hand.
His polite behavior, straight out of a fairytale, left Reyna and Cynthia blushing as they stood up.
“We’ll get going now.”
“Yes, the two of you enjoy your conversation. We’ll leave you to it…”
“Reyna! Cynthia!”
Irene called after them, her face flushed, but they hurried out of the room as if fleeing.
Once they were gone, the room fell into a sudden, awkward silence.
As the memory of that night, when she had taken all of him into her mouth, resurfaced, Irene felt a tingling sensation in her jaw.
At the same time, a wave of embarrassment washed over her.
“Sir Michael, where have you been all this time…?”
“Irene,” he interrupted her, stepping closer. “Please, just call me by my name.”
“But…”
“You did so the last time we were together, didn’t you?”
Irene’s face flushed bright red as she realized he was referring to that night.
“But, that was…!”
Irene stammered, unable to finish her sentence out of embarrassment.
Then, Michael gently cupped her cheek, his expression serious.
“Irene, it’s been a while since I’ve returned. Please greet your pair warmly.”
As he spoke, he brushed his thumb softly over her lips.
What he wanted was all too clear.