Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 287
TL: Elphie / PR: Marm
“Ah.”
At the sight of that number, Irene let out a short sigh.
It was a dungeon she knew.
Like all advanced dungeons, this one had also claimed many pairs as victims.
The Eye of Exploration had recorded that most of the monsters inside were fire-attribute.
Because of that, the pairs participating in the dungeon subjugation had all prepared to fight fire-attribute monsters.
From armor to artifacts, everyone had been fully equipped, but then a problem arose.
Right before the reward chamber, a high-rank monster appeared.
And of all things, it wasnât fire-attribute like the ones they had been facing. It was water-attribute.
The pair closest to the exit had tried to leave the dungeon and call for help but failed, and many pairs lost their lives.
ââŚAnd on top of that, the final high-level monster gives birth right there. So to prepare for that, you have to attack that monster first instead of the others around itâŚâ
As Irene recalled and explained what she knew, she stopped mid-sentence. Cynthia was staring at her, stunned.
“Irene? What are you talking about right now?”
“HuhâŚ?”
At Cynthia’s words, Irene recalled what she had just said.
What did I just say?
“This dungeon was only reported this morning. The Eye of Exploration returned just a few hours ago. That means you shouldnât have known anything about it yet⌔
Cynthia held out the paper to Irene.
It contained a list of the monsters inside the dungeon, as recorded by the Eye of Exploration.
Just as Irene had described, they were all fire-attribute creatures. Nowhere on the list was there any mention of a high-level water-attribute monster.
Irene’s expression hardened as she looked at the paper.
Cynthia was right. This was the first time she had ever heard about this dungeon.
Then how did she know? And more importantly, how did she know that there was a monster that wasnât even listed here?
* * *
Irene wandered alone through the Fortress, her steps slow and heavy.
“You really need to rest a bit more.”
With a serious expression, Cynthia had forcibly sent Irene back.
Even so, she had also said that they would prepare for the possibility of a water-attribute monster nonetheless.
She had a gut feeling that Irene’s words werenât just nonsense.
“Haah⌔
Irene let out a sigh and tried to retrace her memories.
When she had told Cynthia about Advanced Dungeon No. 006, vivid images had filled her mind.
But now, she couldnât remember anything at all.
Ironically, the only thing that remained in her memory was the fact that she had once remembered something.
And there was something else she hadnât told Cynthia.
âThat dungeon was definitely cleared.â
She had seen its end in her memory.
The problem was that while she had seen its conclusion, she had no recollection of who had defeated the high-level monster or how it had happened.
It wasnât just a vague feeling.
It was as if the person who had defeated the high-level monster had been completely cut out.
Like reading a book where a certain name had been blacked out.
Irene felt a growing frustration.
She couldnât shake the feeling that she had forgotten something incredibly important.
With a sense of unease, she wandered aimlessly through the Fortress.
Eventually, she found herself going up to the Fortress ramparts. The guards patrolling the area recognized her and greeted her warmly as they passed.
If it had been anyone else, they would have been stopped and told that wandering up here freely was not allowed.
But with Irene, the guards relaxed their vigilance.
After exchanging polite greetings, she walked alone along the Fortress wall, taking in the familiar sight of the stronghold at a glance.
Below, she could see people strolling leisurely through the grounds.
No one seemed anxious or troubled.
The higher-ranked purifiers often met with Fortress personnel, preparing for dungeon expeditions.
Even the lower-ranked purifiers had their own assigned tasks, diligently working to fulfill them.
There were differences in ability, but no discrimination among people.
They had worked very hard to make this place what it was.
âButâŚâ
Irene shifted her gaze beyond the Fortress walls.
In the distance, beneath the mountain range, the entrances of newly formed dungeons were visible once again today.
Among them, purifier pairs who had completed their expeditions were emerging.
They must have received good rewards. That would explain the bright smiles on their faces as they conversed with the waiting staff.
Watching the scene, Irene reflected.
It was fortunate that this Fortress had become a safe haven for all.
But what she truly wanted wasâŚ
Swoooosh.
A cool breeze, carrying the crisp chill of the changing seasons, swept through, lifting Ireneâs hair.
She took a deep breath.
Perhaps it was thanks to her solitary walk, but even the memory of having cleared Dungeon 006 was starting to fade.
Soon enough, she would likely forget that she had ever remembered it in the first place.
And then, just like always, today would pass as another peaceful day.
âMaybe I should head back to my room.â
Since her disappearance and return, Michael had not participated in a single expedition.
Despite being more than capable of handling a dungeon on his own, he never entered one alone.
The more mischievous ones would tease him, asking if he was afraid to go without a partner.
But Irene knew the truth.
Michaelâs refusal to enter a dungeon alone had nothing to do with the fear of getting hurt.
No matter how strong he was, he adhered to the Fortressâs fundamental principle. They must always work in pairs.
âIt might be a hassle, but Iâd like you to come with me.â
Whenever Michael asked her like that, Irene felt a sense of pride.
Not once had it ever been a bother.
If anything, she always waited for him to say those words.
Because it was in those moments that she could truly feel that she was someone who could help him.
Even inside the dungeon, Michael would always hold her hand and watch over her.
Never once had he left her alone.
âThatâs why I like him.â
And just like that, the memories of the dungeon that had surfaced while talking to Cynthia faded completely from her mind.
Feeling much lighter, Irene descended from the Fortress wall.
She was just about to return to her quarters when a glimmer from her hand caught her eye.
âOh, this.â
She had been wearing the ring for some time. She wasnât sure when it had found its place on her finger.
Even though she wore it every day, she kept forgetting about it.
As if, just like her memories, it too was trying to disappear.
