Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 140
Stretching as they left, they noticed Michael and greeted him with surprise.
âIs it really you, Sir Michael? What brings you here…?â
From the other knightâs perspective, it was a natural question. For Michael to come here was unusual.
Considering his disposition, he was the type who wouldnât even glance in this direction.
âIs a reason really necessary to visit oneâs pair?â
At his reply, the knight looked a bit embarrassed, mumbling, âI see,â before quickly excusing himself.
It seemed he had noticed Michaelâs discomfort.
Just then, a maid passed by, and Michael mentioned that he wished to meet Irene.
âWhy donât you go directly to⌠No, my apologies, that was out of line. Iâll bring her to you immediately.â
The maid hurriedly turned away.
This wasnât just any knight. This was the famous Michael.
And yet, she had suggested he go to his pair directlyâhow inappropriate.
Chastising herself for her slip, the maid quickly walked away.
Michael sat on a bench outside the quarters, waiting for Irene.
As people passed by, he could see their eyes widen with surprise upon noticing him.
Normally, he didnât care how others looked at him, but today, the unusual attention felt uncomfortable.
He wondered if next time, he should simply get permission from Irene and go directly to her quarters.
âSir Michael!â
The voice was not particularly welcome.
He turned to find Princess Cecilia standing there.
âWhat brings you here?â
That question again.
âDoes one need a reason to be here?â
The irritation he felt from all the staring slipped out in his tone.
Realizing his curt and rather rude reply, Michael quickly lowered his head and apologized to Cecilia.
âMy apologies. I seem to have let my unease show in an unseemly manner. Iâm sorry.â
Most people would have questioned him for such a response, but Cecilia simply smiled without showing any displeasure.
âNo need to apologize. I feel I may have asked a rather personal question too freely. If youâre not busy, would you mind sharing a bit of conversation with me?â
He didnât particularly want a long conversation with Cecilia, but he felt guilty about his earlier rudeness.
Just then, Cecilia spoke again.
âI heard there was a strange occurrence in the dungeon you cleared yesterday.â
If it had been a personal matter, he would have declined more easily.
But since it was about the dungeon, his sense of duty kicked in instinctively.
âWhat sort of occurrence?â
Cecilia smiled as she replied.
âItâs difficult to discuss standing here. Would you mind going somewhere more private?â
ââŚVery well.â
Dungeon matters could easily lead to rumors if overheard and misinterpreted.
Despite his reluctance, it was best to discuss it out of earshot of others, as Cecilia suggested.
Fortunately, the lobby had several guest rooms for private conversations.
They entered one of them, and Cecilia slightly opened the door, as if to reassure him, understanding his discomfort as a holy knight.
Michael understood this as an act of consideration, but something about her actions still bothered him.
People passing by the corridor kept glancing in, curious about the two of them together.
Michael couldnât shake the thought that Cecilia might be doing this deliberately.
* * *
âIâll check on the occurrence you mentioned, though it doesnât seem to warrant much concern.â
Regardless of his personal feelings toward Cecilia, he needed to address the dungeon matter.
Fortunately, it didnât appear to be a severe issue, so he thought he could bring the conversation to an end.
Just then,
âThere you are.â
The maid returned, bringing Irene with her.
The moment Michael saw her, he was so taken aback that he stood up immediately.