Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 35
Translated by Elphie
Irene nodded in response.
While she had momentarily forgotten due to the purification, she originally had planned to approach him and discuss matters. The contract conditions, which initially requested rewards from the dungeon once a month, needed to be changed to once a week.
As she pondered how to phrase her request…
‘If he’s making someone go through purification to this extent, wouldn’t he at least consider listening?’
Given the intense purification session she endured, Irene felt she could ask for a bit more. And he would probably be more inclined to listen as a show of gratitude…
“That won’t be possible.”
Contrary to Irene’s expectations, he firmly rejected her request. She was surprised he would refuse so outrightly.
She was about to turn away in embarrassment when he continued.
“Once a week is insufficient. I’d like to request at least every three days.”
“What?”
What on earth was he saying?
The plea seemed to be coming from him rather than her.
“Weren’t you talking about purification?”
“No, it’s not that… It’s about the dungeon rewards. Instead of once a month, could we change it to once a week?”
She didn’t mean for it to happen like this, but with her body weakened and trembling, she found herself sounding pitiful and begging.
“Ah, you were referring to the rewards. I see. Let’s do it that way.”
To her surprise, he promptly accepted the request, making the time she spent agonizing over it seem pointless.
‘If I’d known he would give in so easily, I’d have said it sooner.’
She felt a twinge of resentment.
‘Still, it’s a relief. I’ll be able to enter the dungeons more often.’
With this change, she would have more opportunities to acquire the coveted artifact she had been eyeing.
Relieved that the ongoing issue was resolved, Irene relaxed somewhat. Simultaneously, a wave of fatigue overwhelmed her, much more intense than moments before.
“Anyway… You promised…”
She tried to see him off, but instead of bidding farewell, her eyes closed softly.
“Of course. In return, it seems we’ll be doing purification more often.”
In response to Michael’s words, Irene nodded weakly. Entering more dungeons would naturally require more frequent purification.
“Okay…”
“You promised.”
Through her fading vision, it seemed like Michael was smiling. She felt relieved seeing him at ease.
‘I only went up one level from Grade 10 to Grade 9.’
But unlike in her past life, it appeared that the purification was working properly now. As Irene succumbed to slumber, Michael’s voice, growing distant, reached her ears.
“…I’ll make do with this for today.”
Without comprehending the meaning behind his words, Irene’s consciousness plunged into complete darkness.
* * *
Thud.
As Michael stepped into the hallway, he glanced back at the room before slowly closing the door. The dimly lit corridor showed no signs of activity, but in the distance, shouts and excited whispers could be heard. Probably other pairs returning from dungeon conquests, busy with purification. It was the usual nightly scene in this fortress.
For him, it was something not allowed.
“…No need to rush.”
Michael mumbled to himself as he looked at the closed door. Tonight, Irene had purified him. It was her duty, and it would continue to be so in the days to come.
That was enough for now.
* * *
“Haa…”
Lying on the bed, Irene let out a long sigh. Moments ago, the bells had rung throughout the fortress, announcing noon.
“I should get up…but…”
Struggling, she tried to rise from the bed and stretched out her legs to stand. However…
Thud.
Her legs gave way, and she sank back onto the bed, unable to rise. Eventually, she laid herself flat on her back, blinking her eyes.
“I can’t get up…”
It felt like she had engaged in some heavy labor all night. At least she was feeling a bit better now. When she woke up in the morning, she could hardly do anything beyond blinking.
After lying in bed for a while longer, Irene managed to muster the strength to get up and headed towards the table.
Thump.
As she settled into the chair, a variety of dishes greeted her. The servants had prepared a feast for breakfast and lunch. She didn’t recall ordering anything, yet the table was filled with her favorite food.
Looking at what had been prepared for her, whoever arranged this must have been well-acquainted with her preferences. Maybe they also noticed that she couldn’t eat quickly?
Sipping on a refreshing cold soup that could be consumed slowly, Irene became lost in thought.
‘So that’s what proper purification is like.’