Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 323
TL: Elphie / PR: Mikan
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“When the gods created you, I wonder if they may have focused a bit too much on certain parts.”Ā
This was what the High Priestess said as she was looking at Michael.
If it weren’t for the bitter smile on her face, he might have thought she was joking about his appearanceāsuch a handsome figure that problems, both big and small, seemed to arise because of it.
Of course, her comment about ācertain partsā did indeed include his looks. But what she truly meant by ācertain partsā was his extraordinary strength and swordsmanship that seemed more like something out of a divine story, something that no one could rival.
The problem, however, was that the High Priestess wasn’t merely praising Michael. The ācertain partsā she referred to implied that there were some areas where the gods may have neglected in him.
Sitting in his chair, Michael understood the point she was making and slightly lowered his head.
“Please, feel free to chastise me, High Priestess.”
Michael’s request made the High Priestess shake her head.
“Scold you? How could I, someone who will soon become the commander of the temple knights, scold you?”
“If itās difficult for you as the High Priestess, then as the person who has cared for me since I was young, I ask for your guidance and instruction.ā
The High Priestess seemed to think for a moment before speaking.
“Michael, you have no greed, but perhaps you lack too much of it.”
Michael responded as if he didn’t quite understand.
āIsn’t the abandonment of greed the first state of mind for those who wish to approach the divine? Then why…ā
“Yes, that is correct. The reason why it is the first teaching is because humans are born with greed. And most problems arise when that greed becomes excessive. That is why the temple first teaches to cast away greed.”
“So, then greed is something that is better off gone?”
“Sir, greed is not just the desire for wealth and treasures.”
Sensing the conversation was about to become more complicated, the High Priestess moved toward a vine-woven chair. It was a soft cushion specially made by the followers for her, as she was aging. She sat down on it, patting the cushion gently.
“Wanting to sit on something soft rather than something hard is also greed. Wanting to eat freshly baked, soft bread rather than old, hard bread is also greed. And humanity has advanced through that very greed. Greed is also the drive that allows us to fill the emptiness of our imperfect nature.”
“ā¦”
Michael remained silent, listening attentively to her words.
“Even though you are a holy man, it is impossible to completely erase greed. Even I… yes, I have the desire to be a better High Priestess. To handle things more efficiently, to help more people…”
Perhaps sensing that the mood was becoming more serious, she smiled lightly.
“When the priest in charge of serving food gives me a soup with a large potato, I feel a little happier. Such things are small, basic human desires that cannot be cast aside, no matter how old or how high our status becomes. But Sir, youā”
The Priestess paused, her face becoming serious again. She placed a hand on her forehead and sighed deeply.
“Such natural desires are not present in you.”
“But I continue to…”
“I know. Your talent as a knight has been flourishing with each passing day. I have always thought it was fortunate that the faintest desire you have is directed toward that. But Sir, what I am worried about is…”
The High Priestess patted Michaelās hand gently, like she was speaking to a son or perhaps even a grandson.
“The gods surely have granted you some form of desire as well. And the problem is that you donāt know what that desire is. People whose desires are clear have an easier time governing themselves. Since they know what they yearn for, they can either avoid it or, if they accept it, work toward it while keeping their balance.”
She looked at him with concern in her eyes, her voice softening with the weight of wisdom.
A deep worry clouded the High Priestess’s eyes as she looked at Michael.
“But you, Sir, still show no particular interest in anything. Perhaps it would be fine if you remained this way for the rest of your lifeā¦”
She muttered with a deep sigh.
“What I worry about isā¦ if one day, you come to desire something, will you be able to control that feeling? Because such a desire would be like a tidal wave, sudden and overwhelming.”
Michael remained silent, feeling the concern in her voice.
But deep inside, he thought her worry was unfounded.
That he might develop desire?
āThat seems impossible.ā
He had seen the struggles of the other paladins firsthand. Love for family, yearning for romance, greed for wealth āthese things had shaken them at times.
But not once had any of it ever stirred Michael.
āSo thenā¦ā
There would never be anything in this world that he truly wanted.
Just as it had always been, and just as it would always be.
Michael firmly believed that his heart would remain undisturbed and at peace.
