Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 182
As a princess, Cecilia would have had no difficulty accessing the kingdom’s ancient records. In fact, others likely hoped she would uncover and execute what she found.
‘And it was imitating that woman, Wilhelmina’s form.’
The disappearance of the woman who had been unusually close to Princess Cecilia—and now, a monster resembling her.
‘Was she used as a sacrifice?’
Summoned creatures without a foundation in this world struggle to fully manifest. Offering a human as sustenance could have served as a bridge between realms.
By taking on Wilhelmina’s appearance, the monster likely left traces to stabilize its presence further in this world.
The bloodstains left in the corridor were evidence of that.
‘And that influence may have even allowed the tentacle creature to linger here longer…’
Was this a good thing or a bad thing?
Michael crossed his arms, staring at the tentacle, which dripped a liquid resembling sweat.
Are you really going to kill me? Seriously?
It didn’t have a mouth, yet Michael could read its intentions with absurd clarity.
The tentacle began wriggling desperately, as if to plead its case.
I protected the Queen! I can keep protecting her!
“I’ll stay by her side myself.”
That’s true, but… what if you leave temporarily?
“If that happens, I can assign other knights to guard her…”
Michael trailed off mid-sentence.
Assign other knights to Irene’s side?
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, his jaw clenched tightly.
‘That won’t do.’
He knew how petty this line of thought was. He had no right to control who stayed by Irene’s side.
Yet, the mere image of another man standing close to her made his stomach churn and filled him with unease.
Right now, Irene was by his side, desiring him.
But what if she grew tired of him one day?
What if memories of her previous life resurfaced clearly enough for her to decide she was better off staying away from him?
Or worse, what if someone more handsome, kind, physically capable, and socially esteemed appeared, convincing her to abandon a wretch like him?
The very thought twisted his insides.
Michael imagined the tentacle and knights standing beside Irene.
‘Which one can I trust?’
Me! Me! Pick me!
As if reading his mind, the peach-colored tentacle stretched and contracted, mimicking a hand waving energetically.
“Ha…”
Michael sighed and unfolded his arms.
“I’ll stay as close to her as possible, minimizing any danger. But if—just if—there’s even the slightest hint of harm or fear for Irene, you’ll step in. Appear unnecessarily, and I’ll cut you down where you stand.”
To emphasize his point, Michael picked up the dagger Irene had left on the table.
The tentacle retreated far back, nodding its tip as if understanding the warning completely.
“Now leave.”
Yes, sir. Farewell.
With a parting gesture, the tentacle slipped behind the door, vanishing from sight.
Michael approached the spot where it disappeared, inspecting behind the door.
As expected, no trace of the tentacle remained.
“So, it’s stabilized itself in this space.”
This was not a good sign.
If the tentacle was this stable, then the monster resembling Wilhelmina would also be able to function with even greater strength and stability.
‘I have to capture that thing.’
Running a hand over his face, Michael turned back to Irene’s side.
She lay on the bed, peacefully asleep.
Though she must have been startled earlier, her composed demeanor reassured him. Still, it pained him—she was someone too accustomed to concealing her emotions.
Michael gently took Irene’s hand, worrying for a moment that the touch might wake her.
Instead, she smiled faintly, pressing her face into his hand before settling back into sleep, breathing softly.
Michael stared at her in a daze.
Her complexion was far healthier than before, her hair shone with a natural luster, and her pale skin looked so delicate it seemed as if it might taste like milk.
In this life, Michael had prepared everything for her.
He ensured she wore the finest clothing, ate the best food, and lived in comfort, with warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
His hand brushed over the soft, lightweight blanket covering her.
And yet, his thoughts drifted to the past.
To the day he confirmed Irene’s death and entered her quarters…
