Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 220
âMichael referred to me as his wife.â
Technically, it wasnât incorrect. By law, a pair was considered a temporary marital union.
So, calling her âwifeââoutside wasnât strange or wrong in any wayâŚ
Irene lowered her head, feeling a ticklish sensation deep in her chest.
It was the first time she had ever been called that, and it made her feel far more embarrassed and shy than sheâd expected.
But she didnât dislike it. If anything, she thought she wouldnât mind hearing it a few more times.
âMichael said once this hunting season is over⌠weâll stay together, didnât he?â
Whenever they were intimate, Michael would constantly call her name.
Whether he was caressing her to arouse her, driving into her deepest places, or simply holding her exhausted body after sheâd reached her limit, he kept calling her name.
It felt as if he needed to keep reaffirming she was truly in his arms.
When she managed to respond, liking how he said her name, his face would light up with a bright smile each time.
She didnât know what was so wonderful about such a simple reply, but seeing his joy made her happy too.
âAnd lately, he keeps talking about the future.â
Michael had begun discussing what they might do together after this hunting season ended.
âAlthough, itâs mostly me doing the talking.â
Irene shared her old dreams and aspirations, and Michael listened quietly, as though taking notes in his mind.
His earnest attention made her feel that heâd fulfill her every wish.
âHonestly, it doesnât matter anymore.â
Whether it was her ideal country or her dream home, none of that mattered.
As long as Michael stayed by her side, calling her name, she felt that would be enough.
âBy then, we can officially become husband and wife, right?â
It would undoubtedly require a complicated process.
âBut Michael is taking it more calmly than I expected.â
To be with her, he would need to leave the temple.
She had assumed he would agonize over it, but when Michael mentioned excommunication, his expression remained calmâalmost as though he had already gone through it.
While Irene was lost in thought about their future, she caught sight of something moving in a distant corner.
âHuh?â
Still holding her cup, Irene focused her gaze on the area.
It was the door the staff member had entered earlier, likely one used by employees. The door was slightly ajar, and beyond it, something squirmed and crawled.
âA⌠tentacle?â
Her vision wasnât entirely clear, as it was dark and she was fatigued, but if her eyes werenât deceiving her, it looked like the same tentacle sheâd seen at the fortress.
The difference was that its previously clean, peach-colored skin was now smeared with dirt and leaves, and it seemed utterly exhausted as if it had traveled a great distance.
âIrene?â
Michaelâs voice called to her, pulling her attention away.
âIs something there?â
âI⌠over thereâŚâ
She was about to say she thought she saw a monster like the one from the fortress, but when she turned back, there was nothing behind the door.
âItâs nothing. Shall we head upstairs now?â
âYes, our room is ready, and the bath has been prepared for you.â
Michael moved closer and gently placed an arm around her waist.
âYouâll likely still find it difficult to walk. I should carry youââ
âLetâs go already!â
Irene jumped up and began walking before he could finish, her face flushed.
Michael sighed in disappointment but caught her hand as they ascended the stairs together.
His overly polite escort earned a pout from Irene.
âYou know, if youâd been like this back then, it wouldâve been nice.â
âI deeply regret it.â
âRemember? By the frozen lake dungeon, with the ice monster? You just went in without even holding my hand while the other pairs helped each other.â
âIâm truly guilty of that. But at the time, I was afraid that if I touched you, I wouldnât be able to stop myself from pulling you into my arms.â
Michael kissed the back of her hand as he spoke, then added,
âIt seems not all misunderstandings have been resolved. Perhaps while you bathe, I can clarify furtherââ
âThatâs enough!â
Irene pulled her hand back, flustered, and Michael chuckled softly, opening the door to their room.
âIâll check the bathroom first.â
While he did so, Irene flopped onto the neatly made bed.
If she suggested resting together, heâd probably insist she stay still while he handled everything.
Half-resigned, Irene lay waiting for him to return when something struck her as odd.
âWaitâŚâ
Her earlier words to Michael came to mind.
The frozen lake dungeon with the ice monster.
It had been during the first snowfall. She vividly remembered catching snowflakes with her frozen fingersâŚ
But now, it was summer.
The first snow was still far off.
And yet, Michael had spoken of that event as though it had already happenedâŚ
Even though, in this life, it hadnât.
