Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 198
And now, the present moment had arrived.
The sound of running water ceased. Inside the bathroom, Ireneās movements became audible once more.
With his eyes closed, Michael focused on every small detail that confirmed her existence.
A moment later, the door creaked open, and Ireneās hesitant voice called out from just inside.
āMichael, umā¦ sorry to ask, but could you grab me something appropriate to wear from the wardrobe?ā
In her rush to escape his earlier teasing, she hadnāt picked out any clothes to change into.
The moment he heard her voice, Michael stood up immediately.
āOf course.ā
The fatigue on his face vanished entirely as he strode to the wardrobe.
He looked at the neatly arranged clothes hanging insideāitems sent to her under the name of the Kingdom of Tyrenia.
Naturally, all of them were provided by him. The kingdom, however, would never dare disclose that fact.
Michaelās fingers moved slowly through the rows of clothes.
āMichael?ā
Ireneās voice from the bathroom was slightly impatient, tinged with a nervous sweetness he found utterly endearing.
He deliberately moved even slower.
āNot enough clothes, as I suspected.ā
Despite his efforts to send her new garments daily, it seemed she had given many away to others or sent them back without him knowing.
āIn that caseā¦ā
He decided he would find another way to ensure she had plenty.
After much deliberation, Michael finally selected an outfit and approached the bathroom.
Irene extended her hand through the door, and he placed the chosen garment onto her outstretched palm.
Moments later, an exasperated voice emerged from the bathroom.
āMichael!ā
āWhatās the matter?ā
āThis outfit, thisā¦!ā
Feigning innocence, Michael replied nonchalantly,
āAh, is it difficult to put on? In that case, allow me to assist you.ā
āYou knew what you were doing when you handed me this!ā
Through the slightly ajar door, Irene peeked out, holding the front of a dress, her flushed face glaring at him.
Whether it was because he had chosen it specifically for her or because it was inherently a perfect match, the dress suited her so well it was almost breathtaking.
But there was a problemāthe design required fastening multiple buttons along the back to wear it properly.
āI simply thought it would suit you.ā
Michael stepped into the bathroom as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The cool, damp atmosphere of the bathroom, mixed with the lingering scent of soap and Ireneās unique fragrance, filled the space. It was a scent that always stirred something deep within him, tempting him to hold her close and indulge in her essence.
āTurn around,ā he instructed, suppressing his desires.
Irene hesitated but eventually complied, revealing her back. Her skin was astonishingly fair, smooth, and unblemished. What had once been a frail, bony frame was now softly curved and radiant.
Michael reached out, content with the positive changes he had brought to her life in this timeline.
As his hand touched the small of her back, Irene flinched slightly, her body tensing with nervousness.
One by one, he began fastening the buttons from the bottom up.
With each movement, more of her beauty was concealed, which he found irritating. Perhaps that was why his hands moved so slowly.
Irene, however, remained silent. Her neck, visible above her back, flushed red, likely because of the way his fingers occasionally brushed against her skin under the guise of an accident.
When the last button was secured, Michael leaned in and pressed his lips to the damp nape of her neck, signaling that he was done.
āIrene.ā
āW-What is itā¦?ā
Her voice trembled, a mix of worry that he might do something improper and an unwillingness to push him away, which Michael found utterly endearing.
He murmured against her neck, his lips brushing away the lingering droplets of water.
āThereās one more thing we need to do to prepare for the monster.ā
āWhat is it?ā
Ireneās eyes sparkled at the mention of the monster.
She was ready to do anything necessary to defeat it.
āItās to enhance your purification power.ā
For a moment, her gaze wavered. She knew what that might entail.
Before she could protest, Michael scooped her up into his arms.
Naturally, his steps carried them toward the bed.
