I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

Though he didnt fully understand what the emperor was getting at, Viscount Dion knew that he had to say something.

If he wanted to survive, that is.

Of course, Your Majesty. I will only do as you command.

How long has it been since Lady Lania took over the Northern Lands?

She has been ruling the region ever since the late Duke became ill and was on his deathbed. The Northern Lands, unlike the other regions, is highly dependent on having a leader, since it is isolated from the rest of the empire.

And just what does that stepmother do?

The DuchessEhem.

Viscount Dion gave a cough at the mention of the duchess.

Though he was supposed to answer the emperors questions, it was hard to answer such a question without feeling awkward.

If she married someone her fathers age, she must be extremely ambitious, no?

Well, you seeshe doesnt come from a good background. But her social standing simply isnt high enough to control the proud high nobles of the region. It is not enough for the more conservative and orthodox families.

How low is her status for it to be like that?

Though I do not wish to speak badly of another, the Duchesss family barely meets the standards of a lower noble household. Her father, the baron, is a drunkard and has several wives. It is unclear who the Duchesss mother is and whether or not she has siblings.

And so thats why her condition is like that, I see.

T/N: hes probably talking about how he saw her crying. Lolshe was crying over your sister, you idiot. xD

What was that, sir?

Its fine.

Rashid held up a hand dismissively, as if he hadnt said anything important.

Shortly following, the viscount, who had been watching the arrogant emperors every movement, continued his explanation.

Anyhow, since the Duchesss standing isnt very good, it was difficult for her to gain power and position.

That probably isnt the whole story though?

Rashids red eyes glinted sharply.

Technically speaking, the Duchess should have the most legitimacy for the position. Just because this is the Northern Lands, those stupid things wouldnt determine the leader based on ones past and heritage.

Your Majesty.

So tell me. What are the other rumors of the Duchess to explain reasons for her disqualification.

The emperor had cleanly grasped the crux of the situation. Viscount Dion took out a handkerchief and wiped his sweat.

The information he was about to say fell into the jaw-dropping category.

Th-that the Duchess is in factof witch descent.

I know that. What else.

Theres also the rumor that shes mentally unstable. And eventhat the Duchess caused the late Dukes death

Thats all?

Even after hearing rumors that would leave anyone else shocked and surprised, the emperor was left completely unfazed.

Rashid covered his mouth in displeasure as the viscount stood dazed eyes, completely unsure of how to continue.

Nothing like, saythat she went insane after losing a child.

A child?

She was unable to forget her child that died right after childbirth and thus became like so, or a rumor of that kind.

Hahaha, thats impossible!

As the viscount roared with laughter, the hot-blooded Tenon looked at him with indignation.

How dare he in front of the honorable Emperor!

Rashid stopped Tenon as his younger brother began pulling out his sword.

So youre telling me, its not true?

He even looked as if he wasnt upset.

That woman has never had a child before?

Indeed. It is said that the late Duke passed on as soon as they were wed. Its also very unlikely that he and his wife were even able to greet each other properly.

Is that so?

Forget about a bad mood, he even looked like he was smiling with one end of his mouth curling upwards.

But even after wearing a happy expression he wasnt aware of, Rashid then furrowed his eyebrows.

Then why was she in such a state

He looked like he thought he wouldnt be able to answer the question no matter how long he thought about it.

The viscount who had been racking his brain to add anything to his words, added his opinion into the mix in a crude manner.

To be honest, most people are probably not even aware of the Duchesss existence. Since the late Duke passed away as soon as they were married, she rarely showed her face to the public. Its true that there are rumors revolving here and there, but unless Lady Lania opens up the discussion, there isnt anyone here who would dare to ask about the matter to the Dukes Household.

The ladys reputation must have improved while those suspicions remained.

Unable to answer with a negative, the viscount could only respond with a smile.

One book wasnt enough to contain the rumors on Duchess Catherine.

And yet she remained in the Evendell Household, yet to be ousted, and the de-facto heir, Lady Lania, remained silent on the matter instead of fanning the flames.

A wise and generous princess.

From that moment on, there had been a growing appreciation for her in the publics eyes.

Well, the ladys reputation is impeccable, really. Your Majesty must have also noticed this at the welcoming, but the lady had much poise and no qualms as the hostess.

Thats true.

With his eyes lowered, Rashid responded indifferently. The red glare that fell on his fingers seemed to be able to sharply pierce everything.

The keen eyes turned to the viscount, who began to speak loudly.

Uhhh, Your Majesty. Do you have any further questions to ask?

Who is your master?

Tha-that is of course the one who has received the blessing of the God, Your Honorable Excellency the Emperor.

He stuttered as he answered the question and instinctively kneeled.

Rashids eyes narrowed as if he were satisfied.

Its good that you havent forgotten.

Your Majesty.

Since I wont have to cut someones stomach as a reminder of who did and is doing the grunt work so that youre all able to live and eat.

Get out.

Rashid lifted his chin along with the friendly warning, and the viscount withdrew from the room, cold sweat dripping from him.

As if enjoying the moment of silence, Rashid smiled and crossed his legs.

If you dont instruct the dogs like this every once in a while, its easy for them to forget their owner, who keeps them on a loose leash.

But Your Majesty, I do not think the viscount was lying.

Sure, maybe for now.

Whether what he is said is true for now but not true later, one has to take responsibility for their words when telling Jihm.

He looked at Peyton as he began to approach him.

An emperors servant being stupid is no different from treason.

Was there perhaps something in what he said that bothered Your Majesty?

That woman is a witch who harms children?

I dont think so.

Murmuring as if to himself, Rashid shook his head and got up from his seat.

As he returned to his spacious desk and picked up a quill pen, Tenon approached him as well.

Well, if we think about what we saw at the town, she certainly didnt look like she was going to do anything to the children. In fact, to do that she was just too beautI mean, what I meant was- (Tenon)

Sure, shes not a witch who would get rid of children. (Rashid)

(Tenon)

Though she could still be a witch. (Rashid)

Rashid put down his pen, folded the letter hed written, and slid it into a black envelope. He then poured wax and stamped it with the emperors seal on top, pointing a finger at Peyton.

I could find out if I just asked her in person.

Your Majesty personally wants to ask her?

Peyton and Tenon looked up at Rashid in shock.

They became more confused as they thought about all the previous occurrences when the emperor questioned someones motives.

Whatever, just cut them down.

He never listened to their explanation properly.

In fact, the longer the excuse, the faster Rashid pulled out his sword.

They didnt know why the emperor wanted to solve his doubts personally like this.

Nevertheless, the emperors instincts had never been wrong before.

The late empress used to joke that even if Rashid had been born a beast, he would have been able to become king. She didnt make fun of him for nothing.

But Your Majesty, there is no need for you to waste your energy on this matter. Since there is also the issue with Haniel at hand, why dont I meet with the Duchess in Your Majestys stead.

No.

He seemed louder than necessary as he voiced his rejection.

Seeing Tenon flinch, Rashid belatedly swept a hand through his hair as if frustrated.

Maybe my doubts are unfounded. But if shes a witch that really preys on children, she might have something to do with Haniels matter.

But you just said that the Duchess doesnt seem like that sort of person.

Shut it.

Rashids powerful aura swept past the two brothers.

It told them that though they couldnt be exactly sure what the Duchesss matter was about, it didnt seem like a good idea to keep refuting Rashid any longer.

As you know, there are many noblemen in the North who are armed.

They have no choice. Its the continental bridge thats stuck in the middle of the kingdoms

As Peyton Hyung-nim said. Though you may have conquered the entire continent, from generation to generation of rulers in the kingdoms, there have been big and small disputes.

Then did you notice the large number of knights at the welcome banquet.

They say that all the well-to-do aristocrats of the North were gathered. How many of them do you remember?

The look on Peyton and Tenons faces changed at Rashids significant remarks. The battlefield was the only place where their brothers, the members of the imperial family, would meet the lower nobility of the North.

The empire held a vast amount of territory and it had been many months, even years, since they had seen them that they had forgotten the faces of the lower nobles.