Holy Night: My Husband is Definitely a Paladin - Chapter 334
TL: Elphie / PR: Mikan
On days when that desire became overwhelming, Michaael’s movements were far more intense than usual.
During such moments, Irene often wondered if he were still the monster King and he had taken her then without any restraint… what would have happened?
“Anyway, even though it’s not as strong as before, I’m now a high-ranking Purifier. I can defend myself from most monsters. And besides, Chomp-chomp will be coming with us.”
[That’s right!]
Chomp-chomp chimed in eagerly, interrupting Irene.
The creature, who had once been the most powerful and intact being when they first met, had grown even stronger. Chomp-chomp’s miasma was now as high as it had ever been and far more potent than before.
[I donāt even know why I ended up like this. Maybe because Iāve been living a good life?]
Chomp-chomp’s words were almost too human-like for a monster, making it sound even more peculiar.
“But, Irene. Going to the Monster Realm isā¦”
“Michael, do you think I don’t know anything about the Monster Realm?”
Irene’s gaze, as if daring him to explain it to her now, left Michael without any further words.
“…Understood.”
“Did you hear that, Chomp-chomp? Let’s get ready!”
[Okay!]
As soon as Michael answered, Irene and Chomp-chomp quickly began preparing to head to the Monster Realm.
* * *
The next day, everyone had completed their preparations to leave for the Monster Realm.
“The food should be enough, and we’ve packed everything we might need while in the Monster Realmā¦”
Although they were about to embark on an uncertain journey to the Monster Realm, their bags weren’t overly heavy. This was thanks to a spatially connected bag they had acquired from a certain kingdom.
In a corner of the bag, the distinct tooth marks from when Chomp-chomp had bitten it after a rough rebellion during their first encounter were still clearly visible. Since that defeat, the bag had quietly fulfilled its role without revealing any personality, simply functioning as a regular bag.
“I wonder if we should pack thicker blankets.”
Seeing Michael, who hadn’t considered such things when planning to go alone, now seriously deliberating over what to bring, Irene couldn’t help but smile lightly.
– Let’s hurry! I want to find my body as soon as possible!
The Hand wrote words in the air, urging them to hurry. Chomp-chomp, looking reluctant, muttered:
[You said it’s a pretty dangerous place.]
– That’s why we need everyone!
[Ugh, now I really donāt want to go.]
– Hey! You!
As Chomp-chomp and the Hand began bickering again, Irene and Michael stepped in to calm them down.
āYou said you figured out how to get back there, so go ahead and connect.ā
– Very well, madam.
Still flinging dazzling seven-fingered vulgarities at Chomp-chomp, the Hand of Appraisal began opening the gate to the Monster Realm using the artifact Michael had handed it.
– It is ready. The other side leads to the Monster Realm of the Higher Plane. Let us cross.
So it wrote. Then, without warning, grabbed hold of Chomp-chompās tentacle, the same one it had been arguing with just moments earlier.
Michael extended his hand to Irene. She clasped it firmly, then turned to ask the Hand of Appraisal a question.
āBut whatās the biggest difference between the regular Monster Realm and the one in the Higher Plane?ā
– That would beā¦ for one, time flows all jumbled over thereā¦
āAnd?ā
– Andā¦ I suppose you could say the world itself has a will?
The world has a will? Then what exactly makes it dangerous?
The moment Irene had that thought, the black portal hanging in the air suddenly expanded, swelling until it swallowed all four of them whole.
And before Irene could even scream, she lost consciousness.
* * *
āHey.ā
A familiar voice called out from far away. At the same time, something was tapping her body, light but persistent.
āWake up.ā
As she heard that voice again, Irene felt a deep sense of confusion.
The blunt, irritation-laced tone was unmistakably Michaelās.
But there was no way he would address her like that. And even if he were angry, he wouldnāt use that tone on anyone else either.
Thenā¦ who on earth is he talking to? More importantly, was it really Michael?
As that thought passed through her mind, Irene struggled to open her eyes.
And just then,Ā a rough hand suddenly grabbed her chest.
āā¦!ā
Startled by the aggressive touch, Ireneās eyes flew open.
The moment she locked eyes with the person in front of herā¦
āAh, you’re awake?ā
ā¦Irene couldnāt believe what she was seeing.
It was Michael.
Michael, with blood-red eyes.
