Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 270

“The ocean…!”

The instant she uttered that word, Irene sprang to her feet. Someone’s hand steadied her as she swayed, but without pausing to give thanks, she dashed for the sea.

She felt soft sand beneath her feet. Her steps sank deeply into it with each stride, yet it brought her only delight.

Then, a small wave touched her feet. Water suddenly rushed in, covering her up to the knees.

“Pfff—!”

Spray splashed across her face, and the seawater that entered her mouth tasted salty.

Struck by the novelty of it, she bent down to cup some water in her hands and bring it to her lips.

“Ugh!”

It was even saltier than before, and she jolted as her eyes snapped wide.

Finally, Irene turned around. A man stood on the sand, smiling as he watched her.

“…?”

For a moment, Irene tilted her head.

Who was he?

Until just a moment ago, she had been in his arms.

He had whispered her name, showering gentle kisses across her face.

She’d accepted it all as if it were the most natural thing.

But now, she couldn’t recall his name.

As if he had expected exactly this, the man let out a wry smile and spoke.

“I’m… Michael.”

Ah.

The moment he said that, Irene was startled at herself.

‘How could I have forgotten Michael?’

She couldn’t understand how she’d managed not to remember him.

“I’m sorry. I must’ve been sleeping so deeply. Why would I…?”

“It’s all right. Look ahead instead. This is the ocean you wanted to see.”

Michael approached and took her hand.

Thanks to him, she could remain steady despite the endless waves rolling in, and she turned her gaze forward.

The ocean was something she’d only ever encountered in books before. There were illustrated depictions, but it was impossible to truly guess how it felt.

Now, seeing the real ocean…

It was massive and beautiful.

Irene took a few more steps in.

In an instant, the water deepened. What had lapped around her ankles now rose past her knees.

She looked down.

Clear, transparent water swept over white sand. Each time the waves broke, she felt the sand shifting beneath her feet—tantalizing, pleasing.

Small fish, sporting curious colors, swam around her feet without fear.

Shells, starfish, and drifting seaweed floated around as they pleased.

To Irene, it was all fascinating and delightful.

Then, a thought struck her. How did I get here? The last thing she remembered was surely…

“Irene.”

At that moment, Michael gave her hand a gentle tug. When she looked his way, he was smiling brightly.

“Are you happy?”

“Yes!”

Casting aside every other thought, Irene beamed back at him.

She truly, truly wanted this.

Hand in hand with him, she took another step forward.

Right then, a wave surged in, sweeping over her.

“Pfff—!”

She was drenched from head to toe in a blink, the briny taste flooding her mouth. Yet all Irene could do was laugh.

The blue sky, clear water, and refreshing waves, plus the strong hand gripping hers so she wouldn’t be carried away…

“It’s wonderful!”

Irene let her body sink into the water.

The sea she’d dreamed of her whole life was bigger, more beautiful, and more invigorating than she’d ever imagined.

Hand in hand, they wandered the sea, sometimes venturing into deeper water so she floundered a bit. Other times, resting on the shore in the warm sunshine, enjoying the breeze.

She found it amusing that salt dried on her skin, she even dared a quick lick. She tried building sandcastles.

Gathering piles of seashells, teasing small fish that darted in just from her fingertips alone. It was all one amazing experience.

By the time the sun sank below the horizon, dyeing the world in shades of orange, Irene—exhausted—sat near a bonfire on the shore, resting her head on his shoulder.

The crackling flames glowed prettily.

Srrrk—

Perhaps because she had spent the entire day lost in the wonder of the sea, her eyes drooped of their own accord. Irene leaned her head against the man beside her.

Just as her consciousness began to slip into darkness, he spoke.

“You won’t remember this moment with me.”

No… Why would he say that?

“The world you belong to has found you. Now, that man will come to take you back.”

That man… Who could that be?

“Irene.”

Yes, that was her name.

“Please… don’t remember me any longer.”

At those words, Irene’s consciousness sank even deeper into shadow.

Right before everything went black, she had one final thought.

Who is this man, anyway?

***

When she opened her eyes again, she saw something familiar.

“The fortress?”

It was the place she’d been living in all along, now right in front of her.

As she stood there, puzzled, the fortress gate slowly opened.

Beyond the open gate were people Irene knew. Reyna, Cynthia, Riosa, Felix, and so on…

Those who had always been with her.

And.

“You’re finally back!”

At the fore was Princess Cecilia, her sharp voice ringing out.

“Bring it out!”

At the princess’s order, knights of the Visconti kingdom moved in perfect unison, lugging forth something the size of a person draped in cloth.

What is that…?

But Irene had no idea what was going on.

Why was she here?

And what had the princess brought?

And…

Irene turned around slowly.

Behind her stood a man she’d never met before, gazing at her with the saddest expression.

Then.

“Show yourself!”

Princess Cecilia screeched like a banshee, yanking away the cloth that had been covering the object.

• Author
• Recent Posts

mikan

Latest posts by mikan (see all)