Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 214
Even though she had pulled her hood low, the shopkeepers she had paused in front of had been relentless in their attempts to get a clear look at her face.
Some had even bent over deliberately, trying to catch a glimpse of her.
Not wanting Irene to feel uncomfortable, Michael naturally positioned himself to block those intrusive gazes.
Had he not been there, some of them might have even reached out to pull her hood off.
āThereās not a single aspect of her that isnāt beautifulā¦ā
Pretending it was an accident, Michael gently caught a strand of Ireneās hair swaying in front of him.
Even a single strand escaping her hood was stunning.
And that wasnāt all.
Even though she wore loose clothing to conceal her figure, the graceful lines of her body couldnāt be entirely hidden.
Not to mention her full curves, which he often explored and delighted in with an almost obsessive fervor.
But what captured peopleās attention most was the unique aura she exuded.
Irene, who now smiled more than ever before, had grown so radiant that her previous self was unrecognizable.
Even without her face fully visible, the soft curve of her lips peeking from beneath the hood drew everyoneās gaze.
Irene would never know how often the glances cast her way stirred violent impulses deep within Michael, ones he had to press down firmly.
If he could, he would steal the sight from all eyes in the world, leaving only himself to see her.
He had thought this countless times.
Michael urged the horse forward, taking a quieter, more secluded path where only he and the sky could witness her unveiled face.
***
āItās so quietā¦ā
Leaning over the table in Ireneās room, Reyna murmured to herself.
Now that the Wilhelmina situation had been resolved, the fortress was eerily calm.
Usually, during this midsummer season, more dungeons would appear. But for some reason, the number of dungeons being generated had drastically decreased this year.
āThanks to that, Irene and Sir Michael were able to go on a long outingā¦ Lucky them.ā
It seemed almost as if the dungeons had deliberately dwindled to accommodate their excursion, though Reyna knew that wasnāt possible.
With Irene out of the fortress, their usual gatherings had been put on hold.
As a result, Reyna had nothing to do, which was why she was idly lounging in Ireneās room.
āIrene even gave me her key and told me to use the room freely while sheās goneā¦ā
It wasnāt the roomās size or beauty that made visiting enjoyable. It was Ireneās presence.
She always welcomed everyone warmly, listened to their stories, and gave thoughtful advice.
Her insights on dungeons and monsters were never to be taken lightly.
It wasnāt just about gaining useful information.
Even sitting silently beside her brought a sense of peace.
Even the haughty Riosa now came running whenever Irene called.
āIām really glad Irene is here.ā
Because of her, many pairs had broken free from Ceciliaās oppressive rule, regained their rightful roles, and improved their skills.
Moreover, after the massacre at the warped dungeon, had it not been for Ireneās gatherings, this yearās dungeon hunts would have been a complete disaster.
With Irene and Michael at the forefront, the remaining pairs had been able to regroup and take on the dungeons once more.
Without the two of them, dungeons would have continued to appear unchecked, and the monsters would have eventually broken through to attack civilians.
āWhen will Irene come backā¦ā
Reyna muttered while rolling around, lost in thoughts of Irene.
āā¦ā¦?ā
Beyond the open door, something squirming caught her eye.
āAā¦ tentacle?ā
She couldnāt be mistakenāit was definitely a monster.
āSo thereās still some left, even after Wilhelmina?ā
As Reyna prepared to scream, the tentacle stopped searching the room and turned toward her, swaying slightly.
Though it made no sound, Reyna somehow understood what it was asking.
āā¦Youāre askingā¦ where Irene and Michael went?ā
The tentacle bobbed up and down as if saying, Yes, please tell me!
Its demeanor was so unthreatening that Reyna, entranced, answered without screaming.
āThey went outside the fortress for a tripā¦ā
Thank you! Goodbye!
The tentacle nodded politely before disappearing behind the door.
Reyna, who had watched in a daze, suddenly leapt to her feet and checked behind the door.
But the tentacle was nowhere to be found.
***
How long had they been traveling along the forest path?
At first, Irene had simply enjoyed the refreshing scent of the woods, but soon, she noticed something strange.
āMichael? Why do you keep moving farther back?ā
Though he had been holding her close at first, he was gradually pulling away.
