Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 66
Translated by Elphie
The memory of him pressing her for purification made Irene flinch, and as she recoiled slightly, he bowed his head apologetically.
“I’m sorry for pushing you for purification.”
In truth, he had no reason to apologize. Purification was the duty of a pair. He had rightfully asserted his rights. Yet, seeing him apologize for the difficulty he caused, she felt an odd sense of gratitude.
After that, he stood a few steps away and advised Irene that he would be clearing a few dungeons for the time being and that it would be best for her to stay in her room as much as possible.
“There might be people bothering you due to the ring. I understand you might not be feeling well right now, so please feel free to rest until I return.”
After offering some more advice, he hurried out of the room.
‘Despite holding onto me so tightly while I was purifying him…’
Irene felt a twinge of disappointment at how quickly he left as soon as he finished his business.
‘I’m sure he’ll return to the fortress sooner or later.’
It wasn’t certain when he would return. In their previous life, he roamed the dungeons alone, so he’d only stop by the fortress every few days.
‘Maybe a week or more.’
But Irene couldn’t just sit around waiting for Michael to come back. They needed to do what they could for now.
“Alright. Let’s start by sending invitations with gifts and hosting a banquet.”
At Irene’s words, Reyna and Cynthia looked at each other and shared an excited giggle.
* * *
A week later, Irene looked at the banquet hall with a bitter taste in her mouth. Despite hoping for a decent turnout, there were only five pairs present.
“What’s going on? Everyone said they would come for sure…!” Reyna exclaimed, looking at the deserted banquet hall with a perplexed expression.
Twenty-three pairs had confirmed their attendance. However, when it came down to it, only five pairs showed up.
Just then, Cynthia came running in, panting and breathless.
She caught her breath and explained, “I found out why. A few hours ago, the princess’s people contacted everyone who received our invitations. They organized a last-minute banquet that even non-members of her circle could attend.”
Irene couldn’t help but smirk.
“I thought they’d just ignore us, but we must have had a lot of influence to make them throw a banquet on such short notice.”
“But that still means…”
Reyna looked around the banquet hall with a forlorn expression. Her pair, Felix, was talking to another pair, but he couldn’t hide his discomfort.
“It’s a failure.”
Cynthia’s shoulder sagged like wilted grass. As Reyna said, if things continued like this, it would indeed be a failure.
Even the people who had come were looking at the empty ballroom and the subdued mood, wondering if they should head to the Princess’s event instead.
Then something unexpected happened.
“I heard you were having a banquet, so I’ve come, but I wonder if I’m too late.”
“Sir Michael!”
The voice from behind them made Irene turn around in delight.
There stood Michael, a little more disheveled than usual, but still with the majesty of a paladin.
The moment she saw him, she realized what she had to do.
Almost unknowingly, Irene firmly grabbed his hand and led him to a secluded spot. Michael didn’t resist and followed her without saying a word.
When they were out of earshot, Irene cautiously opened her mouth to speak.
“Sir Michael, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Ask away.”
“Can you conquer a dungeon for me?”
“That was a promise I made to you, so there’s no need to ask.”
Irene shook her head.
“However, unlike what we had agreed upon before, the dungeon I want is an intermediate level dungeon. And I hoped we could share the rewards with those that enter with us.”
“….”
He was silent for a moment at Irene’s words. After a while, he spoke with a subdued voice.
“As you know, I am a knight of the Temple. It is only right that everything I earn should go to those who are hungry and suffering.”
As expected. Perhaps even hoping to share the rewards with others was too much. Just as she was about to think of another way, he spoke up.
“But this time, I will do as you wish.”
“Sir! I am truly grateful—!”
“Only if,” Michael interrupted, cutting her off, “you grant me one thing I desire as well.”
