Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 32
Translated by Elphie
Eager to conclude this night’s clandestine meeting, Irene took the initiative to speak.
“Alright. So, can you explain why you need purification?”
She wanted to know why Michael asked for purification in the first place.
“Do you recall that before I came of the Alliance fortress, I helped subdue the unstable dungeon in the Tyrenian Kingdom that suddenly emerged?”
Irene nodded. “I do. Thanks to that, you mentioned that everything in this room, as well as the items and meals provided to me, is being paid for by Tyrenian funds.”
“That’s correct. Due to the dungeon that emerged near the royal villa, the entire Tyrenian royal family was at risk.”
As Michael explained, Irene looked around the lavish room.
‘So, that’s why they poured money into this place.’
The Kingdom of Tyrenia, situated on fertile lands and a crucial route for many other kingdoms, was considered one of the wealthiest nations on the continent. Knowing that Michael had saved the royal family made Irene feel more comfortable enjoying the luxuries of this place.
‘I guess that’s why he said not to worry about expenses and to let him know if there was anything lacking.’
It was a small price to pay for saving the life of royalty. Irene continued to listen to his explanation.
“The problem was the dungeon. As it emerged outside the designated area, the inside of the dungeon was also highly irregular and filled with yet unseen monsters. And while dealing with them…”
He paused and suddenly began unbuttoning his shirt.
Surprised by the unexpected disrobing, Irene stared wide-eyed. When his shirt was half unbuttoned, he opened the collar slightly, exposing his chest.
“…!”
In that instant, Irene was shocked, swallowing hard. On his exposed chest, there was a long and distinct scar, as if scratched by a giant beast.
‘That… that wasn’t there before.’
During their week of intimate encounters, Irene had become familiar with Michael’s body. He had numerous small scars, including on his hands. However, he had never suffered such a large wound before.
“I received a severe injury from an undocumented monster. Fortunately, a regular healer’s medicine worked well, and the wound healed relatively quickly given its size. The problem arose afterward.”
“If it’s a problem…”
“The problem is that the wound itself contains magic. While I can suppress it with my divine power, it doesn’t disappear. Especially after entering the dungeon or as night falls, I feel the magic becoming stronger.”
Perhaps due to listening to his explanation, she did notice that his eyes looked slightly red under the dim light.
“I tried to suppress it with divine power again today, but it didn’t work well, likely because I spent the day alone in the dungeon. So, I came to see you at this hour.”
“…I see.”
Now Irene understood the situation. For a paladin like him, harboring magic within himself would be a dreadful experience. It meant possessing the most wicked element within the very essence of what should be pure.
‘So, he sought out a purifier because he couldn’t bear it anymore.’
Michael, realizing that his divine power alone was not enough to cleanse him, had no choice but to seek the touch of a purifier. But even if it was for the sake of purification, he was still reluctant to engage in physical contact with members of the opposite sex. That’s why he had chosen this time to come, avoiding the scrutiny of others.
“I understand. Can you give me your hand for a moment?”
In response to Irene’s request, Michael readily extended one arm towards her. Irene adjusted her chair and moved closer.
“Purification might feel a bit strange at first since it’s your first time. First, we’ll hold hands…”
“But isn’t it your first time as well, Irene?”
“What?”
“You recently arrived here, and as far as I know, this is your first time on an expedition. You mentioned that the purification light during the Contract Night was unintentional.”
In response to his question, Irene involuntarily flinched. She couldn’t admit to purifying him multiple times in the past.
“Oh, well… That’s because there’s a purifier named Wilhelmina who I know from my home territory. She often explained to me what it felt like to be purified.”
Wilhelmina, who she thought would never help her in this life, had given her an excuse. In her heart, Irene expressed gratitude to Wilhelmina for the first time.
“Anyway, let me give it a try.”
She thought that if she delayed further, Michael might find more peculiarities in their conversation. Irene took one look at his hand, which was probably twice as big as hers, and took a deep breath before placing it in hers.
“Now, let’s take it slow, just like this…”
Recalling her memories of purification from a past life, Irene aimed to dissipate the magic within him.
“Ugh!”
Irene trembled, letting out a stifled moan.