Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 13
Translated by Elphie
There was no way it could be true. Irene was more surprised by the extravagance of the room than by the people gathered around her when she opened her eyes. It resembled the spacious and luxurious room she would see when she was summoned to Princess Cecilia’s room in her past life. So naturally, she assumed it was a temporary arrangement, and she needed to be relocated. How could this be her room?
“That canāt be right. I was just re-evaluated and received a 9th-grade ranking. So, I should be in a smaller room, not something like this…”
“No, this is indeed your room, Irene.”
In the face of Michael’s assertive response, Irene found herself unable to say anything. His words were firm, suggesting that it truly was her room.
‘But how?’
Typically, lower-ranked purifiers could secure better rooms only through considerable influence or by spending a significant amount of money. However, Michael, despite being the Commander of the Temple Knights, held authority only within the confines of the temple. Outside, in this fortress under the jurisdiction of the Alliance of Kingdoms, he was treated as an outsider. Therefore, it seemed unlikely that he used his influence to secure such accommodations.
If not through influence, then it had to be through substantial spending. However, Irene found this notion absurd. In her past life, Michael never spent a penny for personal comfort. He adhered to the basic provisions offered within the fortress, never calling for a personal chef or indulging in fatty foods. The same was true for other aspects of his life.
‘He couldn’t have had that much money to begin with.’
As Irene reflected on Michael’s modest lifestyle, she was further perplexed by the luxurious room designated for her.
Like other knights, Michael sold his dungeon rewards through the Allianceās auction house. The difference was that he sent all the proceeds straight to the temple.
As she scratched her head, still puzzled as to how this really happened, Michael finally elaborated.
“Let me explain. This place was provided by the Kingdom of Tyrenia. Before coming to this fortress, I helped eliminate an unstable dungeon that had appeared in their kingdom. At that time, I refused any expression of gratitudeā¦ā
He continued to explain.
āWhen you collapsed, their ambassador insisted that they had paid in advance for this place, so I couldnāt refuse. Above all, I brought you here to ensure your safety and comfort.”
āAh… I see.”
Irene listened attentively, realizing that he hadn’t secured the accommodations himself. It seemed that the favor was extended by the Kingdom of Tyrenia. Perhaps declining their repeated expressions of gratitude and rejecting the luxurious room would have been awkward.
Then, a sudden realization dawned on Irene.
“But how do you know my nameā¦ā
She couldn’t recall introducing herself back at the banquet.
He didn’t hesitate to answer her question. “Proper introductions were never made, and I apologize for casually using your name without permission. I have only learned of you from what I have heard the priests and men of the Alliance were saying in passing.”
“No need for apologies. I’m the one who should apologize for not providing a proper introduction. I am Irene Rhodiam.”
Irene straightened her posture and slightly bowed her head. In response, Michael stood upright, raised one hand to his chest, and greeted her in the manner of a knight.
“I am Michael.”
It was a very brief self-introduction, and the room fell into an awkward silence once again. Irene finally broke the silence.
“Um, about yesterday, the pairing at the banquet…”
Before she could finish, Michael preemptively apologized again.
“I apologize for yesterday’s rudeness. I didn’t realize that performing purification in front of others would immediately confirm the pairing.”
Then, looking sincerely at Irene, he continued with a question. āDid you have any plans to pair up with another knight?ā
She had. If Michael hadn’t shown up, she would have been paired with that lesser knight.
Irene thought about him for a moment, not even knowing his name, then shook her head.
“No, I donāt have another knight in mind.”
Michael murmured, sounding relieved, “That’s fortunate. If you had already formed a pair with another knight, it would have been quite awkward.”
At that moment, Irene felt an inexplicable chill, causing her to shiver and brush her hand against her arm. Michael was just stating the obvious, but something about his words unsettled her. Irene bit her lip, trying to shake off the unease.
