Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 57
Translated by Elphie
The sound of his voice made Irene, Reyna, and Cynthia jump to their feet.
In Irene’s past life, there were many days that went by where she didn’t speak a word to anyone, and now, it’s surprising how many people are looking for her.
“Come in.”
Irene hurriedly replied, feeling awkward. Then the door opened, and Michael walked in.
As Reyna had said, he’d been helping with the high-level dungeon and his normally immaculate clothes were disheveled and dirtied.
Seeing him, Irene couldn’t help but express her concern.
“We just heard that you helped with the high-level dungeon. Are you injured?”
“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
He nodded politely and then looked at Reyna and Cynthia.
“These ladies are…”
“This is Cynthia Myers, and this is Reyna Ortega. Both of them…”
Irene hesitated as she tried to find the right words. How should she describe their relationship? She had only spoken to Reyna twice—the first to briefly give advice, and the second was just a one-sided conversation Reyna initiated earlier. Cynthia was no different. They’d only spoken for the first time a few hours ago.
It was a short and ambiguous connection, difficult to define as friendship or even an acquaintance.
After a moment of contemplation, Irene decided to keep it simple. “These are my friends I’ve made here.”
The mention of friendship brought a slightly tense expression to Irene’s face, but the faces of the two people looking at Irene brightened up.
“Friends of Irene’s, then you are very dear to me as well.” Michael also nodded politely to them and greeted the two. “I am Michael.”
As Irene listened to his greeting, she felt something was a bit off.
‘What is it?’
Had he ever introduced himself so briefly before?
While Irene was shaking at the momentary feeling of discomfort, Reyna and Cynthia were struggling to find the right response to Michael’s polite greeting.
“I am Reyna Ortega. Thank you for helping us in the recent high-level dungeon expedition.”
“Oh, you were the one helping the wounded outside. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.”
“I am Cynthia Myers, a 7th-grade purifier. I received a lot of help from Irene in Princess Cecilia’s gathering a while ago.”
At that moment, Michael’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Did you have any trouble, perhaps?” His direct question left Irene more surprised than Cynthia.
“How did you…?”
The Michael Irene knew was someone who was indifferent to worldly matters, especially those related to the affairs of the fortress. Even in her past life, he had little knowledge of the fortress’s inner workings or the customs of pairs. Having arrived at the fortress not long ago, he wouldn’t have had much insight into gatherings of purifiers or similar events.
However, Michael seemed to be aware that something unpleasant had happened in the Princess’s gathering.
For a moment, Irene was confused. But when she thought about it, she realized that he was aware of the custom of giving trinkets obtained from the first dungeon in this life.
“It seems like something happened there,” said Michael.
When Irene hesitated to answer, Michael’s gaze sharpened.
Irene quickly waved her hand as the atmosphere suddenly became cold.
“It was just uncomfortable, nothing really happened. It seems a bit challenging for me to fit in with someone as noble as the Princess.”
Sensing Irene’s reluctance to delve further into the topic, Cynthia also remained silent. Perhaps realizing that he would not get any answers if he asked again, Michael did not probe further. His jaw, however, clenched slightly.
Then Reyna spoke up.
“That’s why we were thinking of starting a new circle.”
Cynthia chimed in, “Yes, we just wanted to make it easier for those of us who aren’t part of the Princess’s Circle to be together. Just because we’re pairs doesn’t mean we’re always out dungeon delving. When spending time in the fortress alone, it’s nice to be part of a gathering where we can chat and share information.”
Originally, fortress gatherings were more focused on camaraderie, but over time, they had turned into intense competitions for recognition and influence.
“Above all, it’s easier to organize raids,” added Reyna. “As you saw today, tackling high-level dungeons requires considerable effort with just any raid group… If it’s okay with you, Sir Michael, we’d appreciate it if you could join us.”
Irene groaned inwardly at Reyna’s opportunistic suggestion. It was an unnecessary suggestion—Michael could handle dungeon delving alone, and there was no need for him to join such a gathering.
“Very well.”
Irene was taken aback by Michael’s response. He was always a lone wolf. Joining a meeting would only add more hassle to his life, not help him in any way.
Perhaps sensing Irene’s confusion, Michael smiled and replied, “I can’t refuse the request from the friends of my dear pair, so I am happy to oblige.”
