Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 50
Translated by Elphie
Princess Cecilia’s residence was in the building opposite to where Irene stayed. It was at the topmost floor, offering a splendid view of the fortress.
In her previous life, Irene kept her head down from the moment she entered the building, but this time, entering the Princess’s abode didn’t inspire much excitement.
Wilhelmina looked uneasy besides Irene, her expression tense.
‘This woman is mad.’
Even if she was Sir Michael’s pair, Irene was still a 9th-grade purifier, the lowest grade among purifiers. Yet, here she was, personally invited by the 1st-grade Princess to one of her gatherings. Within the fortress’s purifiers, there was no greater honor than this.
‘Does that mean I should bring some gifts myself?’
Typically, it was customary to bring back something decent they obtained from their dungeon rewards or, failing that, to purchase luxury items within the fortress to bring along.
So, being considerate, Wilhelmina had prepared by finding out Princess Cecilia’s favorite tea leaves and sent them ahead of time.
Irene on the other hand…
“I’ve been so busy I haven’t had the time to prepare anything. And with a princess who has everything, I worried I would end up making a fool of myself if I bring something haphazardly.”
Her self-deprecating tone seemed like the old Irene. However, her attitude afterward was different.
“So, I think it’s better to go as is. I probably wouldn’t be able to prepare a gift that would satisfy the princess with my poor taste. Maybe it’s better to take this opportunity to learn about her preferences.”
Though it was an attitude diminishing herself, it subtly irked Wilhelmina. Especially Irene’s nonchalant demeanor upon seeing the princess’s residence. And the careless manner in which she came without gifts while everyone else had prepared so meticulously.
As Irene and Wilhelmina entered, everyone turned their focus on them.
Or, more accurately, on Irene.
“There you are, Lady Irene Rhodiam.”
Princess Cecilia stood up, appearing pleased. In her previous life, Irene would have been moved by such a warm reception and bowed her head in gratitude. But not anymore.
“Thank you for the invitation, Princess Cecilia.”
This time, Irene greeted with a slight bow, allowing for a clear view of her eyes, cool and distant, in contrast to her gentle voice.
“…”
“…”
There was a moment of silence. The princess stood still, smiling, as if waiting for Irene to speak.
Then she looked at Irene’s empty hands and seemed surprised.
Finally, Wilhelmina, who was growing more restless, stepped between them.
“Your Highness, Irene isn’t familiar with these gatherings, so she hasn’t prepared a gift.”
As Wilhelmina spoke, the other purifiers in attendance whispered amongst themselves.
“Even though she was raised by nobility, it looks like she wasn’t taught proper etiquette.”
“But even purifiers from the commonfolk aren’t this rude…Isn’t it common sense to bring a gift when invited?”
Watching the murmurs and complaints directed at her, Irene recalled her past self in a similar situation. Back then, she used to tremble with nervousness, not knowing what to do.
Now, however…
‘I don’t care.’
It wasn’t that she was completely indifferent. No, it was more like she felt sorry for the people who were talking. They made all this effort to come to this gathering just to ridicule her. And even then, this is the best attack they could muster.
Irene faked a moderately embarrassed expression and deliberately held her ringed hand out in front of her, palm up.
“But where is my seat?”
At that moment, the Princess’s gaze fell on her hand, and the conversations of the others came to a halt.
All eyes were on the ring on Irene’s hand.
“….Here, come and sit next to me, Irene.”
After a moment, the Princess raised her hand and gestured to the seat right next to her.
Irene, as if acknowledging the honor, once again nodded her head slightly and moved to the designated seat.
Yet everyone’s eyes still traveled along the ring.
Irene glanced briefly at the ring on her hand.
‘What a difference one ring makes.’
Since obtaining the ring, Irene had been burdened with anxiety over changes to her future. However, in this moment, she momentarily forgot those concerns, and in the face of the altered attitudes of those around her, all she felt was a lightness that brought a smile to her face.
